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OnePlus unveils OxygenOS 16 with more AI
6:31 pm | October 18, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

OnePlus today announced the next major release of its software, OxygenOS 16. Based on Android 16, this latest release focuses on AI features, improved fluidity, broader connectivity, and more customizability. OxygenOS 16 carries over many of the OnePlus AI features included with OxygenOS 15 with some improvements, as well as some brand new ones. Mind Space has been updated with Google Gemini integration, so you can now have Gemini search for content within Mind Space or use it to, say, create itineraries. Mind Space also gets voice note functionality, as well as the ability to create...

Meta is giving parents more control over their teen’s use of AI on Instagram
11:32 pm | October 17, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Meta's AI is practically everywhere on its platforms. It can be useful at times, and the company is encouraging users to interact with its AI chatbot more frequently. That includes teens and can sometimes backfire. For instance, a recent report suggests that minors are engaging in romantic conversations with the chatbot. Meta has seemingly found a solution to that. On Friday, Adam Mosseri, the chief AI officer, announced new parental controls for the AI chatbot. The new parental control features will roll out early next year and will provide grown-ups with various tools. For instance,...

Apple M5 is official and it’s entirely optimized for AI
7:18 pm | October 15, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Today Apple introduced the updated MacBook Pro and Vision Pro, both of which have the new M5 chip inside. This delivers "over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI" compared to its predecessor, the M4. It has a Neural Accelerator in each of its GPU cores. It's built using third-gen 3nm technology, and its CPU apparently features "the world's fastest performance core". The CPU itself has up to 10 cores, of which four are performance cores and six are efficiency cores. Together, they deliver up to 15% better multithreaded performance compared to the M4. The M5 also has an almost...

I tested the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder camera, and it’s a polished first effort with reliable AI bird detection skills
3:00 pm | October 9, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: one-minute review

The Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder features many of the characteristics that we have come to expect as standard in our Best Bird Feeder Cameras guide. The Beako arrives as a well-thought-out package that requires minimal assembly. Installation proved straightforward, taking just a few minutes to assemble and mount to a tree using the included strap. Wall and pole mounts were also included – I was ready to connect the camera to the Kiwibit app in under five minutes.

The standout feature is the 4K camera - the first bird feeder camera we have reviewed with the feature, and crucially, this resolution is available without requiring a premium subscription. The difference in image quality is noticeable when there's good light on your feathered visitors, with small details like feather patterns and eye markings coming through. However, there is a catch: the minimum focus distance of the lens seems to be at the very edge of the perch, so the birds aren't always in the focus plane to capture the detail that the 4K sensor is capable of. Also, the sensor is still relatively small, so decent lighting conditions are still needed to get the best images.

The design is thoughtful, with a seed hopper that's genuinely clever in execution. The removable hopper makes filling and cleaning simple, and the adjustable flow control prevents seeds from pouring out should the feeder be shaken by a larger bird or squirrel. The seed tray is also removable, making maintenance and cleaning straightforward; however, it could be slightly deeper to prevent seeds from spilling over when squirrels come to visit.

Screens from the Kiwibit app

(Image credit: Future)

Bird identification is impressively accurate, with around nine out of ten identifications being spot on in my experience – the Beako's makers claim it can to detect up to 10,000 species. The AI features come with the more expensive Chestnut Brown roof model or can be added for £3.99 per month.

The Kiwibit app feels familiar and easy to use, featuring responsive notifications, calendar views, and the ability to share images, videos, and access to the camera with friends and family. The Beako includes free 1-day cloud storage, with more extended storage requiring a Kiwibit Plus subscription or a microSD card.

Battery life is excellent, lasting around a week or so between charges during my tests. The battery can be easily inserted and removed from a hatch at the bottom of the camera unit, there's built-in USB-C charging, plus an included solar panel, which if positioned correctly, should mean that you don't need to charge at all. After several months of testing, the feeder still looks like new and has withstood the weather and squirrel attention well.

The alarm feature, designed to deter squirrels, proved completely ineffective in my testing - the squirrels quickly became accustomed to it and continued their behaviour regardless. This is common across all bird feeder cameras I've tested, and I have yet to find one that works even 50% of the time, so it's not a Beako-specific issue. The automatic use of the alarm feature is only available with the Plus subscription anyway.

Both the Forest Green and Chestnut Brown color schemes look natural outdoors, although bolder color options would be welcome for those wanting to make the feeder a more prominent feature.

Overall, the Kiwibit Beako stands out as one of the best smart bird feeders available, with 4K footage without subscription fees, thoughtful design touches, and solid build quality. However, despite the 4K resolution, the image quality isn't significantly different from that of HD models due to the camera's focus distance. At $169 for the non-AI version, it represents fantastic value for anyone seeking high-quality bird footage. The AI-enabled model or subscription adds features that bird enthusiasts will appreciate.

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: price and availability

  • Available now for $269 with AI recognition or $249 without AI – look out for discounts
  • Available at Amazon US and Kiwibit.com
  • Kiwibit Plus subscription (£3.99/month or £9.99/month for unlimited devices) unlocks extended features

The Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder is currently only available in the US from Kiwibit.com and Amazon US – I will update this review should it land in the UK and / or Australia. It comes at two price points: the Chestnut Brown roof version costs $269 and includes AI bird identification, while the Forest Green roof version costs $249 without AI by default, although the AI feature can be activated. At the time of writing, the Beako is on sale for $239 and $169 respectively at the Kiwibit website.

I tested the Forest Green model with AI added. The feeder comes with a wall mount bracket, a strap, and a pole mount in the box.

The optional Kiwibit Plus subscription (£3.99/month, or £9.99/month for multiple feeders) unlocks 60-day cloud storage, smart notifications identifying bird species, custom alert zones, up to 3-minute recording time, and the squirrel alarm. Without a subscription, you receive free 1-day cloud storage and can utilise a microSD card for local storage. To get the most out of the feeder, the £3.99 monthly subscription is worthwhile if you're serious about bird watching, but the standard version with an SD card is sufficient for casual use.

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: specs

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro specs

Sensor

Unknown

Photo

8MP - 130 degree FOV

Video

4K

Memory

Micro SD or online via subscription

Dimensions

222mm(W) x 280mm(H) x 181mm(D)

Weight

1,450g

Battery

5,200 mAh rechargeable lithium ion

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: design

  • Compact all-in-one design with dual seed hopper (1.5L capacity)
  • Removable battery and built-in USB-C charging
  • Green color blends well with natural surroundings, multiple mounting options included

Setting up the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder was straightforward. The instructions are clear, and the whole process - from unpacking to having the feeder mounted and paired with my phone - took less than ten minutes. The app setup follows a familiar pattern similar to that of other smart home devices, so if you've installed a video doorbell or security camera before, you'll feel right at home.

The feeder comes with multiple mounting options in the box - a strap for trees, a wall mount bracket, and a pole mount bracket that allows the feeder to sit on top of a post. This flexibility is welcome, as it means you can position the feeder wherever works best for your garden layout and Wi-Fi coverage. I used the wall mount bracket with the strap to secure it to a tree, which worked perfectly.

The green color is attractive and blends well with the garden surroundings, and the Chestnut Brown roof on the AI-enabled model also looks natural. Both color schemes work well outdoors, though some additional bolder color options would be welcome for those wanting to mount the feeder on a wall or make it a more feature piece.

The feeder itself is made from sturdy plastic and for my tests has weathered several months outdoors without any visible deterioration. The Beako was positioned about 15 metres from my Wi-Fi router with a clear line of sight through a window, and connectivity has been solid throughout.

The seed hopper is one of the Beako's best design features. The removable hopper makes filling and cleaning straightforward, and the adjustable flow control is a particularly neat touch, allowing you to control how quickly the seed dispenses into the tray. This has been genuinely useful for managing seed waste, especially when squirrels are raiding the feeder.

The seed tray is also removable, making cleaning simple without needing to take the feeder down or awkwardly clean it in situ. This is a thoughtful design detail that makes regular maintenance much easier. However, my only criticism is that the seed tray itself could be slightly deeper, as it would help contain seeds better when squirrels are moving around; it would prevent quite so much spillage over the edge.

The included perch is necessary for most garden birds, and those that have visited have appeared to be comfortable using it. However, I think both this and similar feeders would benefit from a slightly larger perch positioned a bit further from the tray, which would allow larger birds to be completely in focus when the camera captures them.

A photo of the contents of the Kiwibit Beako Bird feeder package

(Image credit: Future)

One of the cleverest design features is the removable battery. Rather than having to take down the entire camera unit for charging, there's a hatch at the bottom of the feeder that allows you to simply pop out the battery. This is far more convenient than systems that require the camera to be removed entirely.

Access to the charging port and SD card slot is well thought out, too, with a silicone cover to maintain the IP65 weather resistance. The solar panel connects easily and, with proper positioning, it provides enough trickle charge even on cloudy days, so you shouldn't need to remove the battery for charging at all.

If you've followed my previous bird feeder reviews, such as the Bird Buddy, you'll know I have ongoing squirrel issues. The Beako includes an alarm feature that can be set to activate automatically when squirrels are detected, but I found it completely ineffective as a deterrent. The squirrels quickly got used to the noise and realised it was just that - noise - with no actual consequences. Given how frequently they visited, I turned the alarm off as it would have started to annoy my neighbours or anyone enjoying their garden nearby, and it also obviously decreases battery life. This isn't solely a Beako issue, but is common to all feeders I've tested that include audible deterrents. The good news is that the housing itself has held up remarkably well despite being scratched and tested by persistent squirrels over several months.

Image 1 of 3

Close-up of the removable seed caddy from the Kiwibit Beako

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3

The Kiwibit Beako strapped to a tree

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3

Close up photo of seed tray of the Kiwibit Beako

(Image credit: Future)

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: performance

  • 4K video quality could be improved with a larger perch
  • 8MP photos are heavily cropped
  • Impressively accurate bird detection

The image quality from the 4K camera should in theory be better than that of the competition, most of which is limited to lower resolution 1080p. That extra detail is particularly noticeable in the background of the video, especially in good lighting conditions. However, it is limited by the minimum focus distance of the lens, which means that any bird closer than the furthest rung of the perch will be slightly out of focus.

There is also some chromatic aberration visible around high-contrast edges in bright sunshine. When birds are in focus and well-lit, the video is of good quality. However, depending on how you view your image, you may not notice much difference compared to an HD camera.

However, it is important to establish realistic expectations. The camera sensor is still relatively small, comparable to that of a smartphone camera, so good lighting remains necessary for optimal results. As light levels drop around dawn and dusk, shadow detail fades away and image quality deteriorates. However, this is common for cameras of this size and type rather than a specific failing of the Beako.

For those who want to make the most of 4K resolution, you can view images on larger screens thanks to the Micro SD card and the ability to connect to Alexa for viewing on a television.

Still images of the birds from the app are cropped to show just the bird in the picture, which means they are far short of the maximum 8MP quality. This is where a portrait-oriented camera comes into play, and why some of the best quality bird images has come from the BirdBuddy Smart Birdfeeder Pro.

The bird identification AI is impressively accurate. Based on my testing, I estimate that around nine out of ten identifications are correct, with the system recognizing up to 10,000 different bird species. There's a helpful link to Wikipedia summaries for each detected bird, and you can track visit frequencies with a calendar view. Images and videos can be shared directly, and you can share camera access via a link, allowing friends and family to watch the live feed remotely.

Notifications arrive promptly - usually fast enough that I could look out the window and still see the bird at the feeder. I did have to disable squirrel notifications as they became overwhelmingly frequent, but it's good that this level of control is available.

Battery life is good, thanks to the large 5200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and I found it lasted around a week or more between charges. However, as mentioned, if you find a good spot to mount the solar panel, you may never need to charge your battery, even in the winter months.

After several months of outdoor use, the Beako continues to perform perfectly, having withstood rain, and bright sunshine without any issues.

Video and photo samples

Image 1 of 4

Sample images from the Kiwibit Beako birdfeeder

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4

Sample images from the Kiwibit Beako birdfeeder

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 4

Sample images from the Kiwibit Beako birdfeeder

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 4

Sample images from the Kiwibit Beako birdfeeder

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder?

Buy it if...

You want an automated nuisance animal deterrent

Although our test squirrels quickly got used to the alarm of the Kiwibit Beako, you may have more luck depending on the creatures you are trying to deter. Having the alarm go off automatically could be a great feature if you are far from your neighbors..

You want an easy-to-maintain feeder

The removable battery with built-in USB-C charging, removable seed hopper with flow control, and removable seed tray make the Beako one of the most practical feeders to maintain. If you're looking for a feeder that's genuinely easy to refill, clean, and charge, this is an excellent choice.

You want flexibility

The two-model approach (with and without AI) allows you to start at $169 and add AI identification later if desired, or opt for the AI-enabled version directly. This flexibility makes it accessible whether you're a serious birder or just curious about garden visitors.

Don't buy it if...

You want a statement feeder

Both the Forest Green and Chestnut Brown color schemes are designed to blend naturally into outdoor settings. If you want a feeder that's a vibrant talking point or garden feature, there are more eye-catching options available.

You want the best photos

With the downloadable images being crops that focus tightly on the birds, the images from the Kiwibit Beako don't match the 8MP resolution.

You want to buy accessories

There are currently no optional extras for the Kiwibit Beako. Other feeders have water feeders or fruit holders to attract different types of a birds and animals

How I tested the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder

  • I hung the feeder in a tree for 4 months
  • It was connected to my home Wi-Fi
  • I monitored the visiting birds daily via the Kiwibit app

I tested the Kiwkibit Beako bird feeder by hanging it from a tree in my garden that birds (and squirrels) regularly visit. The feeder was strapped to the tree, and the camera was set up using an iPhone and the Kiwibit app.

I live in the UK and left the feeder up there for the warm from June and into stormy weather come October. I didn't test it in freezing conditions. During my time with the feeder, I monitored the birds visiting via the app in real-time and reviewed photos and videos that had been captured.

I have also looked at AI recognition and the various capabilities of the app.

  • First reviewed October 2025
Pineapple Builder website builder review 2025
5:37 pm | October 8, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Pineapple Builder is an AI-powered website creator that promises to generate professional business websites in minutes rather than hours. Founded by solopreneur Peter Kowalczyk, this platform targets small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who need an online presence but don't have the coding expertise.

TechRadar reviewers have spent hundreds of hours testing more than 80 website builders, from our best website builder pick Wix to niche solutions like Framer and Webflow.

Pineapple Builder stands apart for its AI-first approach, which carries on past the initial results. Once the AI is done building your site, you can rely on it again for design, content generation, and SEO. We don't think it's groundbreaking, but perhaps it's the modern equivalent of straightforward entry-level tools like Google Sites.

Pineapple Builder: 2-minute review

Pineapple Builder keeps it simple, delivering on its core promise of rapid website creation, generating functional business sites in under 5 minutes through its AI platform. It combines automated design with practical business features like SEO optimization, analytics, and mobile-responsive templates. You simply describe your business and its target audience, then watch as the platform creates a customized website complete with content and styling.

In many ways, Pineapple Builder feels like the AI-powered iteration of simple no-code builders like Google Sites and Weebly. While it doesn't match the template variety of established players like Wix or Squarespace, it can potentially carve out a niche as a fast website builder for busy professionals. Its pricing starts competitively at $15/month, with features like unlimited pages, custom domains, and widget integrations.

What is Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder is an AI-powered website creation platform designed for businesses, freelancers, and professionals who need to establish an online presence quickly. Think of it as having a personal web designer, copywriter, and developer all rolled into one AI assistant that works at lightning speed.

Instead of spending weeks learning the ropes of an advanced no-code platform like Bubble or Webflow, you can simply tell the platform about your business so it automatically generates a complete website tailored to your industry and goals.

Pineapple eliminates the traditional complexities of website building by using AI to handle all the technical aspects automatically. You don't need to understand coding, web hosting, or search engine optimization. What you get is a professional-looking website that includes everything from branded design elements to search-optimized content, even if some of the customization choices are pretty barebones.

Features

Pineapple Builder features

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder offers a suite of AI-powered features to simplify the website creation and management process. It creates customized business sites from simple descriptions, offering access to over 10 million template variations across 7 design styles. Beyond basic site creation, you also get built-in SEO optimization, AI-powered copywriting assistance, mobile-responsive designs, SSL certificates, and integrated hosting.

The AI SEO assistant automatically optimizes site structure, content, and metadata for search engines, while the drag-and-drop editor with AI assistance makes customization intuitive. Integration capabilities include popular tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and various payment processors, plus support for widgets, forms, and newsletter subscriptions.

Plus, the platform also includes multilingual support for 99+ languages and a built-in blogging system with AI-powered content generation. It will appeal to small business owners, startups, and freelancers, but has limited scalability for growing organizations or high-end professionals.

Pricing appears reasonable given the feature set, with plans starting at $15/month. You get unlimited pages, custom domain, and core business features. For users prioritizing speed and simplicity over extensive customization options, we think the feature-to-price ratio represents solid value overall.

Tools

Pineapple Builder templates

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder provides an integrated suite of AI-powered tools designed to handle every aspect of website creation and management from a single platform. These tools work together to eliminate the need for multiple separate services or technical expertise.

AI website generator

Pineapple's core AI website generation tool creates complete business websites from simple text descriptions, analyzing your input to select appropriate templates, colors, layouts, and content structure. It draws from over 10 million template variations to ensure each generated site feels unique and tailored to your industry and audience.

Copywriting assistant

The built-in AI copywriter generates website content, blog posts, and marketing copy that aligns with your business goals and brand voice. This tool helps users who struggle with writing by automatically creating SEO-optimized text that speaks directly to their target customers without any copywriting expertise.

SEO optimization suite

Pineapple Builder's AI SEO tools automatically optimize website structure, meta descriptions, headers, and content for search engine visibility. It handles technical SEO elements like site speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, and schema markup, ensuring your website meets modern search engine requirements without manual intervention.

Drag-and-drop editor

Their visual editor combines traditional drag-and-drop functionality with AI assistance, allowing users to customize layouts, add sections, and modify design elements intuitively. The AI provides real-time suggestions for improvements while maintaining design consistency and mobile compatibility across all changes.

Analytics and integration hub

Pineapple includes built-in analytics tools and seamless integrations with popular services like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, payment processors, and email marketing platforms. This eliminates the complexity of managing multiple third-party connections while providing insights into website performance and visitor behavior.

Blogging platform

AI-powered blogging helps users create and manage content marketing efforts through automated blog post generation, SEO optimization, and content scheduling. While more basic than dedicated CMS platforms, it provides sufficient functionality for small businesses looking to establish thought leadership and improve search rankings.

Ease of use

Pineapple Builder interface

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple’s AI-powered website generation tool requires only basic business information to create fully functional sites, eliminating the traditional learning curve associated with website building. But while it gets the basics right, Pineapple does show several limitations in advanced customization compared to more established competitors like Wix or Squarespace.

Those searching for deep design control or complex functionality may find it very restrictive. And the AI blogging features remain basic compared to dedicated CMS tools, while some marketing integrations are only available on higher-tier plans.

Pricing

Pineapple Builder

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder pricing)

Pineapple Builder offers a straightforward three-tier pricing structure designed to accommodate businesses at different stages of growth.

The platform starts with a free Starter plan that includes up to 3 pages and a Pineapple subdomain, making it perfect for testing the waters. The Basic plan costs $12 per month ($15 when billed monthly) for unlocking unlimited pages, custom domain support, badge removal, widgets, and code embeds—ideal for small businesses establishing their online presence.

The top-tier Grow plan at $24 per month adds blogging, advanced analytics, and enhanced membership features for up to 1,000 members.

This pricing structure represents solid value in the AI website builder market, particularly when considering the comprehensive feature set and AI automation capabilities included at each tier. While the Basic plan at $12/month is comparable to other business-focused builders, the inclusion of unlimited pages, AI copywriting tools, and SEO optimization makes it a compelling option despite the limited feature-set.

The free Starter plan offers genuine functionality rather than just a trial, allowing you to build and publish basic websites without any upfront investment. For businesses requiring features like blogging and detailed analytics, the Grow plan provides substantial value compared to paying for separate services for CMS functionality and SEO optimization.

Security

Pineapple Builder privacy policy

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder prioritizes website security through comprehensive protection measures built into every plan. All websites created on the platform automatically receive SSL certificates that ensure encrypted connections between users and websites, protecting sensitive data during transmission.

Also, the platform implements regular security updates and monitoring to safeguard against emerging threats, with automatic backup features that protect user content against data loss and allow restoration of previous site versions when needed.

Beyond basic security protocols, Pineapple Builder also maintains a secure hosting infrastructure and pushes out regular system updates that keep websites protected without user intervention.

Support

Pineapple Builder support hub

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder provides 24/7 customer support across all plans, including the free Starter tier, so users can access assistance whenever needed during their website building process. It includes multiple channels such as email, live chat, and a knowledge base designed to address both technical issues and general website building questions.

Support quality appears consistently high based on user feedback, with the team providing personalized guidance tailored to specific website needs and challenges rather than generic responses. The support extends beyond basic troubleshooting to include custom advice on design decisions, SEO optimization, and platform feature utilization, effectively serving as an extension of users' technical teams. Notably, even free plan users receive the same level of support access as paid subscribers, which is uncommon in the website builder space and demonstrates the company's commitment to user success regardless of plan tier.

However, users should note that while support is available 24/7, response times may vary depending on query complexity and current support volume. The platform's emphasis on AI automation means that many common issues are resolved automatically, but more complex customization requests may require escalation to technical specialists, potentially extending resolution timeframes.

Alternatives

Pineapple Builder competes with the best AI website builders rather than traditional drag-and-drop systems, positioning itself as an alternative to manual website creation for time-constrained entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Its main competitors include Squarespace as the overall market leader, Wix AI for AI-assisted building, Durable for comprehensive AI business solutions, and emerging players like Gamma, 10Web, and Butternut AI that focus on different aspects of automated website creation.

Pineapple Builder: Summary

Pineapple Builder delivers on its promise of rapid AI-powered website creation for business users, combining intelligent automation with practical features at competitive pricing. While it lacks the customization options of established competitors like Wix or Squarespace, its generous free plan with round-the-clock support is sure to be a draw for many users.

FAQs

How quickly can I build a website with Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder can generate a complete business website in under 5 minutes using its AI technology. You simply provide a business description and target audience information. The AI creates a customized website with appropriate design, content, and SEO optimization.

Do I need coding experience to use Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder is specifically designed for users without any coding background. It handles all technical aspects automatically, from hosting and SSL certificates to SEO optimization and mobile responsiveness.

Can I use my own custom domain with Pineapple Builder?

Yes, custom domains are supported on both the Basic ($12/month) and Grow ($24/month) plans, allowing you to use your own branded web address rather than a Pineapple subdomain. The free Starter plan includes only a Pineapple-branded subdomain (yoursite.pineapplebuilder.com), but upgrading to any paid plan enables custom domains.

What happens to my website if I cancel my subscription?

While the specific details of cancellation policies aren't explicitly covered on the website, you can contact Pineapple Builder's support team 24/7 for detailed information about data retention, export options, and grace periods before making any subscription changes.

How does Pineapple Builder compare to other AI website builders?

While platforms like Wix AI website builder offer broader customization options, Pineapple Builder specifically targets business users who need functional websites quickly rather than extensive design flexibility. It's also very competitively priced, with a generous free plan that offers quality support to reflect their commitment.

Who needs Prime Day when the 5-star OM System OM-5 II travel camera is already such a great buy?
3:01 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Cameras Computers Gadgets Mirrorless Cameras | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

OM System OM-5 II: two-minute review

OM System OM-5 II

The OM-5 II is an affordable enthusiast camera that can turn its hand to just about any genre of photography. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

What the OM System OM-5 II lacks in sensor and video specifications it makes up for with photographic features. If you want to go full-frame, or get a more powerful APS-C hybrid, then go for it; if you need these things, you need them. But if what you need is a small, affordable and supremely versatile camera that can follow you anywhere, then this is it.

What do you want to shoot? Landscapes? Nature? If you’re okay with 20MP, then the OM-5 II will do perfectly, thanks to its lightweight, hike-friendly size, weather sealing and rock-steady IBIS. Will you need to use any ND filters? The camera’s in-built Live ND can give you up to four stops longer exposures – perhaps not always enough, but it helps.

If you're into nature photography, and particularly macro work, you can use the in-built focus-stacking mode to keep your whole subject sharp, or focus bracketing if you want to merge the frames later in software.

OM System OM-5 II

Is the OM-5 II's high-res mode just a gimmick? I'm not convinced the 50MP handheld mode delivers a lot more detail, but I set this shot up to check the 80MP tripod mode... (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

Here's a zoomed-in comparison that shows the 80MP tripod mode (left) does offer significantly more detail than the regular 20MP version (right). (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

Fancy some night photography? Experts will insist you need the low noise of a full-frame sensor, but the OM-5 II does pretty well with a fast prime and its Starry Sky AF. While you’re at it, you can use the Live Bulb mode to see long exposures build on the screen in front of your eyes, or use the Live Composite mode to capture bonfires, fireworks or urban light trails, recording only ‘new light’ so that the image isn’t overexposed.

What about sports and wildlife? The OM-5 II is not a dedicated action camera, but it does pretty well, shooting at up to 10fps with AF and up to 30fps with focus locked on the first frame. It also has a Pro Capture mode, which offers a rolling buffer of 14 frames with the shutter button half pressed so you don’t miss the moment the action starts.

OM System OM-5 II

The OM-5 II has a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that's really not far behind the quality of APS-C and full-frame sensors, and features excellent image stabilization. It's a generation behind the stacked sensors in the OM-1 II and OM-3, though (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

There are limits. The OM-5 II does not have the newer stacked sensor that's in the OM-3 and OM-1 II, and it uses an older 121-point AF system rather than OM Systems’ new subject-tracking quad-pixel AF. But at this price something’s got to give, and the OM-5 II’s AF is still quick and effective, and fine for everyday use.

Video isn’t a strong point either. The OM-5 II peaks at 4K 30p, and while it can do the slightly wider C4K format, that’s only at 24p. You do get Flat, OM-Log400, OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 profiles, but since this camera shoots only 8-bit video there’s a limit to how far you’ll want to push any color grading later.

There’s one more thing to mention: the OM Art Filters. Fujifilm fans make a huge fuss over Fujifilm Film simulations, but that’s nothing. From gritty black-and-white (with borders, if you like!) to super-saturated pop-art to HDR-like dramatic tone effects to vintage, bleach bypass and instant camera looks, OM System Art Filters are a fantastic playground for creative photographers. Yes, you can shoot a raw file at the same time as a backup – heck, you can even bracket Art Filter effects to get multiple alternatives for each image.

OM System OM-5 II

Can the OM-5 II handle high ISOs? I would probably stop at ISO 6,400, but you can get good results beyond that, especially with today's AI denoising tools (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

Beware of Lightroom's default noise settings for raw files! If you shoot raw you might be dismayed by the noise at ISO 25,600 (right), but the OM-5 II's in-camera JPEGs (left) show how it should be done (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The OM-5 II does have limitations – of course it does. You’ll want to stay away from sky-high ISOs, its AF can’t match the latest AI subject-recognition tech in rival cameras, and its video features are basic.

And no, it’s not a huge advance on the old camera, the OM-5; but as I've said, it doesn't need to be. If you stand back and look at what this camera can do, at this price (unchanged from the Mark I version, by the way), it’s an absolute pocket rocket, even today. In my book, the OM-5 II is the best affordable travel camera going.

OM System OM-5 II: price

OM System OM-5 II

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)

You can buy the OM-5 II for around $1,199 / £1,099 body-only or $1,599 / £1,499 with the 12-45mm f/4 kit lens. Don’t underestimate this lens; it’s small, portable and offers excellent image quality well beyond the typical kit lens. OM System calls it a Pro lens, and it is. And, like the OM-5 II, the camera is weather sealed. You can get cheaper ‘starter’ cameras than this, but none which approach the OM-5 II’s feature set.

OM System OM-5 II: specs

Sensor

4/3-inch Live MOS sensor, 20.4MP

Lens mount

Micro Four Thirds

ISO range

200-6,400 (64-25,600 exp)

Autofocus

121-point phase/contrast AF

Burst shooting

6fps mechanical with C-AF, 10fps electronic with C-AF, up to 30fps electronic with S-AF, Pro Capture mode with S-AF

Video

C4K 24p, 4K UHD 30p, FHD up to 120p

EVF

2.36m-dot OLED

Rear screen

3-inch 1.037m-dot vari-angle touchscreen

Storage

1x SD UHS II

Battery

BLS-50, 310 shots

Size (body only)

125.3 x 49.7 x 85.2mm, 418g

OM System OM-5 II: design

OM System OM-5 II

This gives you an idea of just how compact the E-M5 II and 12-45mm lens combo actually is – remember, this lens is equivalent to a 24-90mm in full-frame terms (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
  • Reshaped grip for better handling
  • Excellent top-mounted twin control dials
  • Weather sealed (as are OM Pro lenses)

The OM-5 II is a small camera with remarkably good ergonomics. The grip has been reshaped so it handles larger lenses better (just as well, because the old add-on grip no longer fits), and the top-mounted control dials are easy to reach with your thumb and forefinger and have a precise, quality feel with just the right amount of weight.

This also applies to the main mode dial, which has a central locking button to prevent accidental adjustments. The buttons are a little less impressive, and seem a bit on the small side for anyone with big hands, but they work fine, and they’re clearly labelled and well spaced. There’s a new CP (computational photography) button on the top to make it easier to access the camera’s clever computational features, though you still have to turn a dial to select the one you want.

I’ll admit the button placement here did annoy me. The CP button and the video Record button are just too close together, and too hard to tell apart by touch. Hitting CP instead of Record was endlessly annoying during my video tests.

OM System OM-5 II

I think the OM-5 II is actually pretty good for casual video work, but the placement of the Record button is annoying, and it's too easy to press the CP button by mistake. Those twin control dials, however, are superb (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

I'm not a big fan of power switches away from the shutter release, but I do like the drive mode and display mode buttons on the top (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The ‘OK’ button on the back activates the camera’s ’Super Control Panel’ where you can make practically all of your day-to-day settings adjustments, and one of the key improvements in this camera over the old one is the redesigned menu system. That doesn’t sound like much of a thing, right? In fact, it transforms the experience of using this camera – if you’ve used the ‘old’ menus, you’ll know this was long overdue.

The EVF is not the highest-resolution, but it’s clear, contrasty and crisp, and it’s fine, especially at this price. The vari-angle rear screen is great too – and if you have the touch-shutter mode enabled, you can tap to focus and shoot in a single action and the response is practically instantanous.

For its size, this is an exceptionally well designed camera. Yes, if you’re new to it you will have to learn where things are, as with any camera. But once you’re past that phase you’ll find this camera fast and intuitive to operate, with fewer button presses and less lag than many of its rivals. What the OM-5 II lacks in state of the art specs, it makes up for as a pure shooting tool.

OM System OM-5 II: performance

  • Only 121 AF points, but fast
  • Excellent detail
  • ISO best kept to 6,400 or below

OM System OM-5 II

The 12-45mm f/4 kit lens is great for travel photography. This was taken at its 24mm equivalent widest setting (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

At the opposite end of the zoom range, the 90mm equivalent focal length gives you a much flatter perspective for tighter cropping and fewer distractions (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

The color rendition is great and there's plenty of detail from this 20MP sensor (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The OM-5 II is an extremely responsive camera. It starts up fast, it switches between the EVF and the rear screen in a fraction of a second as you move your eye to and from the viewfinder, and the autofocus is extremely fast too, especially using the tap shutter option on the rear screen. The only respect in which the AF system is starting to show its age is the relatively modest 121 AF points on offer, and the fact that the individual AF boxes/targets are fairly large, though you can swap to a more precise Single-S (small) option.

Detail rendition is excellent with OM Pro lenses like the 12-45mm f/4 pro and OM primes like the 17mm f/1.8, 25mm f/1.8 and (especially) the 45mm f/1.8. All optical corrections are carried out in-camera, applied automatically, and embedded in the raw files as ‘manufacturer’ correction profiles. Dynamic range is really good too, though you can’t drag up really deep shadows more than 2-3EV before they start to get a little noisy – this is where a larger-sensor camera will often do a little better (though not always).

OM System OM-5 II

The IBIS on this smaller sensor verges on the uncanny. I shot this handheld at 1/2 sec to blur the windblown grasses in the foreground. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

This was taken handheld with the Computational Photography 4-stop ND option to slow the shutter speed right down to 1/2 sec. I'm not quite convinced by the movement in the leaves and the grass, but it's great if you don't like carrying filters

OM System OM-5 II

The OM-5 II's raw files process very nicely, with similar highlight recover to larger sensor cameras, though you might not want to bring up the shadows quite as far (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

OM System OM-5 II

What I especially like about the OM system is the consistent quality of the Pro lenses. With the 12-45mm f/4 you don't have to worry about edge detail or longer focal lengths – it's great at every zoom setting and every lens aperture (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The maximum standard sensitivity on this camera is ISO 6,400, but it does offer an expanded ISO range up to 25,600 – personally I’d stick at ISO 6,400. At this setting the OM-5 II still produces very good results, though if you shoot raw files and use Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom you might see a little more noise than you bargained for. That’s Adobe’s raw engine, not the camera. Of course, these days you can get some terrific AI noise reduction tools – I’ve used them on OM camera raw files and the high-ISO image quality is transformed.

As for video, check out the sample below. The conditions were pretty wild, but the OM-5 II did a great job under the circumstances

If you do use the OM-5 II for video you’ll get decent results. It won’t track you as effectively as some other hybrid cameras as you move around the frame, but if you keep reasonably still you should be fine. The OM-5 II is not designed for video in the same way that many hybrid mirrorless cameras are, but if you typically use video straight from the camera without any fancy grading effects, it’s fine, especially for social media use.

Should you buy the OM System OM-5 II?

Buy it if…

You need a go-anywhere camera
The OM-5 II is a rugged, affordable travel camera that can tackle just about anything, from landscapes to travel to night photographyView Deal

You're fine with 20MP
Most full-frame alternatives are only 24MP anyway. 20MP is fine for even larger wall art, and for online/social use you'll be downsizing your images anyway.View Deal

You don't want a cotton-wool camera
You don't need to baby the OM-5 II. It will shrug off rain and sea spray, it won't care about dust, and it's inexpensive enough not to make you anxious about it.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

Your main interest is sports and wildlife
The OM-5 II's burst mode is nippy enough for casual shooting, but for any serious work you should look for a camera with subject-tracking AF and faster burst speeds.View Deal

You're a serious/pro filmmaker
The OM-5 II shoots decent 4K video with excellent stabilization, but you have to drop to full HD for faster frame rates, and its 8-bit video is not ideal for heavy color grading later.View Deal

You already have an OM-5!
The updates in the Mark II version are useful but probably not enough to make you swap. The OM-5 II is probably aimed more at new users rather than OM-5 upgraders.View Deal

How I tested the OM System OM-5 II

  • I tested the camera for two weeks
  • I used it with OM System's 12-45mm f/4 kit lens
  • I shot both stills and video in a variety of conditions

OM System OM-5 II

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)

I’ve owned several Olympus and OM System cameras in the past, so I’m very familiar with their strengths and weaknesses and exactly what they're capable of. I spent some time with the OM-5 Mark II, comparing its improved handling and menu system with the original OM-5 which I've also reviewed, and also with the E-M5 III before that.

I used the OM-5 II and its 12-45mm f/4 kit lens for a variety of projects including landscapes, street/travel shots, and video in wet and wild weather conditions. I wanted to compare the detail rendition with my full-frame cameras, the image quality at higher ISOs, and the effectiveness of the IBIS in order to explore the compromises and advantages of this smaller format.

I reviewed Adobe Premiere and saw the future of video editing on the iPhone
8:17 pm | October 4, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: | Comments: Off

To me, as a video editor, being able to shoot, edit, and share a short film all from a small handheld device has always been these slabs of glass’ revolutionary concept. I’ve been editing and experimenting with them since I downloaded iMovie for the iPod Touch.

Since then, I've tested out all the best video editing apps, with some focusing on simplicity, while others try to cram a desktop video editor into a phone. There’s truly something for everyone. Even Adobe was on the scene with Rush.

But there's a new Adobe app in town that, I think, might be a massive game-changer for creators on the go. Adobe Premiere, also known as ‘Premiere on iPhone’, likely to differentiate it from its desktop big brother, Premiere Pro.

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Pricing & plans

  • Most tools are free. What isn’t are the AI features and online storage, but if you already have a subscription with Adobe, it’s possible it could now include this new app, meaning you won’t have to fork out more of your precious money to take full advantage of Premiere.

Competing in the mobile market is hard, what with most apps being sold for so little… How can you expect to make a profit? That doesn’t seem to be too much of a concern for the mighty Adobe, as they’ve released Premiere on iPhone for free (henceforth just referred to as Premiere for simplicity). You can download it by clicking here.

Yes, there are in-app purchases in the form of monthly and annual subscriptions. These unlock some features on the app, including online storage, and likely a certain number of generative credits each month.

Do be aware however that these unlocked features can also be accessed simply by login into your Adobe ID, and if you already subscribe to one of their other plans, you might not even need to pay for an additional subscription.

For instance, I have access to the Creative Cloud All Apps package, and I’ve encountered no limitation in my use of Premiere. I realise this is quite nebulous: as of this writing I haven’t received a response from Adobe about what you get with a Premiere Mobile subscription, and which other subscriptions grant you the same access to this new app.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Interface

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • An excellent, well polished interface, which makes it easy to control, while getting out of your way when editing, letting you see only what you need to see, when you need it.

Although Adobe refers to this app as ‘Premiere on iPhone’, it’s a bit of a misnomer as it’s also designed to work perfectly on iPad. Sorry Android users, you’ll have to wait a little longer for yours; it’s coming, but it’s just not quite ready.

On iPhone, just like Rush was, you’ll be working exclusively in portrait orientation. The iPad is way more flexible, and the interface will work in either portrait or landscape.

When you first launch the app, you’ll be greeted with a handful of tutorials, and a series of 8 icons at the top of the screen. Any project you’ve worked on will appear beneath them, represented by large thumbnails.

These icons allow you to start a new project, either one from scratch, or by choosing some clips from your Photos library. You also have dedicated tools, like being able to extract audio from a file, adding captions, or even access AI tools such as generating an image, turning a photo into a video, or expand an image beyond its original borders.

Once you’re working on a project, the screen is divided into two parts. The top section is for a Preview of your film, and the lower part represents the Timeline. There’s a very handy slider to the left which lets you resize both sections, which is a very clever addition, especially when your project becomes very complex with multiple layers, and you need to see all of them to fine tune your edit.

At the bottom is a contextual toolbar: by default, this is where you get to add additional video clips, audio files and titles. Tap on a clip in the Timeline, however, to reveal adjustment tools instead; tap on an edit point to see a paltry number of transitions. It’s a simple concept: you only see the tools you need when you need them.

You’ll also find a handful of icons at the top of the screen, and perhaps the most interesting one offers you various aspect ratios for your project. By default, it’ll take on the format based on the first clip you add to it, but if this isn’t right for you, this button enables you to override that.

Overall, the interface is simple, uncluttered and clean, and allows you to control your project with ease.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Video editing

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • The interface is designed to make editing easy and fluid, and it works great, offering you surprising frame-accurate precision, whether you’re on an iPad or iPhone.

Editing is really nice and fluid. You can effortlessly zoom in and out of your project, select a clip, trim it, move it around, the works. I did mention when the app was announced, that it felt a lot more like Apple’s Final Cut Pro (FCP) than Adobe’s desktop Premiere Pro. The clips’ rounded look for one.

The fact clips reorder themselves when you drag one to another location, reminded me very much of Final Cut’s magnetic timeline. I’m obviously biased as I love the magnetic timeline, as it allows you to edit much quicker in my opinion, and here, it makes it so easy to work using only a finger or two. Also, just like FCP, the layers aren’t numbered; new ones appear as you need them. Good to see Adobe being comfortable with being inspired by its competitors, for the benefit of its users.

When it comes to altering clips, you have a handful of tools at your disposal. With them, you can change their speed, reverse them, alter their opacity, create a freeze frame, or perform some colour correction, among others. It’s all done through icons and sliders, and that interface resize tool I mentioned earlier to see more or less of the viewer and timeline, works great for this too, as you can see those parameters, your Timeline and the Viewer all at the same time, even on an (large) iPhone.

Some tools, such as Transitions and Adjust also have an ‘apply to all’ button which greatly speeds up your workflow if you wish to paste the same effects across the board. It’s impressive and very well done. Working with Premiere was slick and smooth, even on a 7 year old iPhone XS.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: AI

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • A good selection of AI tools which, along with the usual generative text prompts, are designed to enhance your project in useful and creative ways, especially the ‘generate sound effect’ one.

A sleek interface is already a big plus, and you get that for free, without having to log in to or create an Adobe ID. But if you don’t mind opening your wallet, or if you’ve already got an eligible subscription, then Adobe offers a string of very impressive tools, most based on some kind of AI.

Take ‘Enhance Speech’. It’s designed to improve the quality of spoken audio if you recorded something with a lot of background noise. It works extremely well, enriching the quality of the spoken audio immensely. You’re also offered a couple of sliders so you can choose how much of the background noise to keep.

You also have the ability to generate images and stickers, but perhaps the most impressive AI tool is ‘Generate Sound Effect’. On the surface, it looks like any other AI feature: you’ve got a text prompt where you input the description of what you hope to get, but what sets it apart is the optional extra: you can use your voice to ‘perform the sound’, and the AI will base the effect on your performance. It works surprisingly well, and could become quite addictive.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Exporting video

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • Two easy to use options, one offers simple changeable parameters when exporting your project to your Photos library, the other is a way to send your project to the beta version of Premiere Pro via the Cloud.

A sleek interface is already a big plus, and you get that for free, without having to log in to or create an Adobe ID. But if you don’t mind opening your wallet, or if you’ve already got an eligible subscription, then Adobe offers a string of very impressive tools, most based on some kind of AI.

Take ‘Enhance Speech’. It’s designed to improve the quality of spoken audio if you recorded something with a lot of background noise. It works extremely well, enriching the quality of the spoken audio immensely. You’re also offered a couple of sliders so you can choose how much of the background noise to keep.

You also have the ability to generate images and stickers, but perhaps the most impressive AI tool is ‘Generate Sound Effect’.

On the surface, it looks like any other AI feature: you’ve got a text prompt where you input the description of what you hope to get, but what sets it apart is the optional extra: you can use your voice to ‘perform the sound’, and the AI will base the effect on your performance. It works surprisingly well, and could become quite addictive.

Should I buy Adobe Premiere on iPhone?

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Buy it if...

You’re on the lookout for a very easy to use, and elegantly designed video editing app for your iPhone or iPad, with most tools being available for free.

Don't buy it if...

To be honest, there’s no real reason not to get this app, at least to try it out. Most of the features are free, and you don’t need to subscribe to it if you don't need to use those advanced AI-driven tools. Shame it’s not available for Android just yet.

For more essential creative tools, we've reviewed the best video editing software, best free video editing software, and the best video editing software for beginners.

I reviewed Adobe Premiere and saw the future of video editing on the iPhone
8:17 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: | Comments: Off

To me, as a video editor, being able to shoot, edit, and share a short film all from a small handheld device has always been these slabs of glass’ revolutionary concept. I’ve been editing and experimenting with them since I downloaded iMovie for the iPod Touch.

Since then, I've tested out all the best video editing apps, with some focusing on simplicity, while others try to cram a desktop video editor into a phone. There’s truly something for everyone. Even Adobe was on the scene with Rush.

But there's a new Adobe app in town that, I think, might be a massive game-changer for creators on the go. Adobe Premiere, also known as ‘Premiere on iPhone’, likely to differentiate it from its desktop big brother, Premiere Pro.

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Pricing & plans

  • Most tools are free. What isn’t are the AI features and online storage, but if you already have a subscription with Adobe, it’s possible it could now include this new app, meaning you won’t have to fork out more of your precious money to take full advantage of Premiere.

Competing in the mobile market is hard, what with most apps being sold for so little… How can you expect to make a profit? That doesn’t seem to be too much of a concern for the mighty Adobe, as they’ve released Premiere on iPhone for free (henceforth just referred to as Premiere for simplicity). You can download it by clicking here.

Yes, there are in-app purchases in the form of monthly and annual subscriptions. These unlock some features on the app, including online storage, and likely a certain number of generative credits each month.

Do be aware however that these unlocked features can also be accessed simply by login into your Adobe ID, and if you already subscribe to one of their other plans, you might not even need to pay for an additional subscription.

For instance, I have access to the Creative Cloud All Apps package, and I’ve encountered no limitation in my use of Premiere. I realise this is quite nebulous: as of this writing I haven’t received a response from Adobe about what you get with a Premiere Mobile subscription, and which other subscriptions grant you the same access to this new app.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Interface

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • An excellent, well polished interface, which makes it easy to control, while getting out of your way when editing, letting you see only what you need to see, when you need it.

Although Adobe refers to this app as ‘Premiere on iPhone’, it’s a bit of a misnomer as it’s also designed to work perfectly on iPad. Sorry Android users, you’ll have to wait a little longer for yours; it’s coming, but it’s just not quite ready.

On iPhone, just like Rush was, you’ll be working exclusively in portrait orientation. The iPad is way more flexible, and the interface will work in either portrait or landscape.

When you first launch the app, you’ll be greeted with a handful of tutorials, and a series of 8 icons at the top of the screen. Any project you’ve worked on will appear beneath them, represented by large thumbnails.

These icons allow you to start a new project, either one from scratch, or by choosing some clips from your Photos library. You also have dedicated tools, like being able to extract audio from a file, adding captions, or even access AI tools such as generating an image, turning a photo into a video, or expand an image beyond its original borders.

Once you’re working on a project, the screen is divided into two parts. The top section is for a Preview of your film, and the lower part represents the Timeline. There’s a very handy slider to the left which lets you resize both sections, which is a very clever addition, especially when your project becomes very complex with multiple layers, and you need to see all of them to fine tune your edit.

At the bottom is a contextual toolbar: by default, this is where you get to add additional video clips, audio files and titles. Tap on a clip in the Timeline, however, to reveal adjustment tools instead; tap on an edit point to see a paltry number of transitions. It’s a simple concept: you only see the tools you need when you need them.

You’ll also find a handful of icons at the top of the screen, and perhaps the most interesting one offers you various aspect ratios for your project. By default, it’ll take on the format based on the first clip you add to it, but if this isn’t right for you, this button enables you to override that.

Overall, the interface is simple, uncluttered and clean, and allows you to control your project with ease.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Video editing

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • The interface is designed to make editing easy and fluid, and it works great, offering you surprising frame-accurate precision, whether you’re on an iPad or iPhone.

Editing is really nice and fluid. You can effortlessly zoom in and out of your project, select a clip, trim it, move it around, the works. I did mention when the app was announced, that it felt a lot more like Apple’s Final Cut Pro (FCP) than Adobe’s desktop Premiere Pro. The clips’ rounded look for one.

The fact clips reorder themselves when you drag one to another location, reminded me very much of Final Cut’s magnetic timeline. I’m obviously biased as I love the magnetic timeline, as it allows you to edit much quicker in my opinion, and here, it makes it so easy to work using only a finger or two. Also, just like FCP, the layers aren’t numbered; new ones appear as you need them. Good to see Adobe being comfortable with being inspired by its competitors, for the benefit of its users.

When it comes to altering clips, you have a handful of tools at your disposal. With them, you can change their speed, reverse them, alter their opacity, create a freeze frame, or perform some colour correction, among others. It’s all done through icons and sliders, and that interface resize tool I mentioned earlier to see more or less of the viewer and timeline, works great for this too, as you can see those parameters, your Timeline and the Viewer all at the same time, even on an (large) iPhone.

Some tools, such as Transitions and Adjust also have an ‘apply to all’ button which greatly speeds up your workflow if you wish to paste the same effects across the board. It’s impressive and very well done. Working with Premiere was slick and smooth, even on a 7 year old iPhone XS.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: AI

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • A good selection of AI tools which, along with the usual generative text prompts, are designed to enhance your project in useful and creative ways, especially the ‘generate sound effect’ one.

A sleek interface is already a big plus, and you get that for free, without having to log in to or create an Adobe ID. But if you don’t mind opening your wallet, or if you’ve already got an eligible subscription, then Adobe offers a string of very impressive tools, most based on some kind of AI.

Take ‘Enhance Speech’. It’s designed to improve the quality of spoken audio if you recorded something with a lot of background noise. It works extremely well, enriching the quality of the spoken audio immensely. You’re also offered a couple of sliders so you can choose how much of the background noise to keep.

You also have the ability to generate images and stickers, but perhaps the most impressive AI tool is ‘Generate Sound Effect’. On the surface, it looks like any other AI feature: you’ve got a text prompt where you input the description of what you hope to get, but what sets it apart is the optional extra: you can use your voice to ‘perform the sound’, and the AI will base the effect on your performance. It works surprisingly well, and could become quite addictive.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere on iPhone: Exporting video

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)
  • Two easy to use options, one offers simple changeable parameters when exporting your project to your Photos library, the other is a way to send your project to the beta version of Premiere Pro via the Cloud.

A sleek interface is already a big plus, and you get that for free, without having to log in to or create an Adobe ID. But if you don’t mind opening your wallet, or if you’ve already got an eligible subscription, then Adobe offers a string of very impressive tools, most based on some kind of AI.

Take ‘Enhance Speech’. It’s designed to improve the quality of spoken audio if you recorded something with a lot of background noise. It works extremely well, enriching the quality of the spoken audio immensely. You’re also offered a couple of sliders so you can choose how much of the background noise to keep.

You also have the ability to generate images and stickers, but perhaps the most impressive AI tool is ‘Generate Sound Effect’.

On the surface, it looks like any other AI feature: you’ve got a text prompt where you input the description of what you hope to get, but what sets it apart is the optional extra: you can use your voice to ‘perform the sound’, and the AI will base the effect on your performance. It works surprisingly well, and could become quite addictive.

Should I buy Adobe Premiere on iPhone?

Adobe Premiere on iPhone during our review

(Image credit: Adobe // Future)

Buy it if...

You’re on the lookout for a very easy to use, and elegantly designed video editing app for your iPhone or iPad, with most tools being available for free.

Don't buy it if...

To be honest, there’s no real reason not to get this app, at least to try it out. Most of the features are free, and you don’t need to subscribe to it if you don't need to use those advanced AI-driven tools. Shame it’s not available for Android just yet.

For more essential creative tools, we've reviewed the best video editing software, best free video editing software, and the best video editing software for beginners.

I tested the TCL QM9K, and this pricey flagship mini-LED TV’s exceptional picture is worth the money
2:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: , | Comments: Off

TCL QM9K: Two-minute review

The TCL QM9K is the final TV series the company launched in 2025, and it was clearly saving the best for last. As the company’s flagship mini-LED TV series, it arrives packed with the highest level of performance, along with the latest and greatest features, with some of those exclusive to the QM9K.

A key exclusive feature of the TCL QM9K at launch is Google TV with Gemini. This adds the Gemini AI chatbot to what is otherwise the same Google TV smart interface found on many of the best TVs. Gemini enables you to conduct not just content searches, but research on essentially any topic, from dinner recipes to ancient Roman civilization, using the TV’s built-in far-field mic.

The contextual, conversational Gemini lets you ask follow-up questions without losing the thread, and for those concerned about privacy, queries get deleted after 10 minutes. Other Gemini capabilities include image generation, and the screensavers you create can pop up on the screen automatically when you enter the room, thanks to the TV’s built-in presence sensor (another QM9K exclusive).

On the picture-quality front, the QM9K features a mini-LED panel with up to 6,500 local dimming zones, and TCL’s Halo Control System works to minimize incidences of backlight blooming – something it does remarkably well. The result is an exceptionally bright picture with powerful contrast, deep, uniform blacks, and detailed shadows.

Other features that enhance the QM9K’s picture are an AIPQ Pro processor, a wide viewing angle feature, and an anti-reflective screen. Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats are both supported, and the TV features Filmmaker Mode and is IMAX Enhanced.

The QM9K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen speaker system provides potent Dolby Atmos sound with clear dialogue and an impressive level of bass for a TV. And if you want even better sound, the QM9K is one of the first TVs to support Dolby FlexConnect, which can output wireless Atmos sound to the company’s Z100 speakers and Z100-SW subwoofer, as well as automatically configure the system for optimal performance.

TCL’s Zero Bezel design for the QM9K reduces the screen’s bezel width to 3.2mm for a striking, “all-picture” look. An adjustable height pedestal stand provides solid support and can clear space for a soundbar, and the TV's edges taper in at the sides to give it a slim profile.

A respectable number of gaming features are provided on the QM9K, including two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming. A pop-up Game Bar menu lets you make quick adjustments, and a Game Accelerator 288 feature enables 288Hz gaming at 1080p resolution.

TCL QM9K review: Price and release date

TCL QM9K showing image of exotic trees

The QM9K's high brightness and refined local dimming help to bring out fine details in images (Image credit: Future)
  • Release date: September 2025
  • 65-inch: $2,999.99
  • 75-inch: $3,499.99
  • 85-inch: $3,999.99
  • 98-inch: $5,999.99

The TCL QM9K is available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. As TCL’s flagship TV, it is priced higher than other series in the company’s mini-LED TV lineup, with the 75-inch model I tested priced at $3,499 at launch. To put the QM9K’s price in perspective, the step-down TCL QM8K mini-LED launched in May at $3,199 for the 75-inch size, and is now selling for around $2,000.

Similar to the QM8K, prices for the QM9K are already starting to drop, with the 75-inch model having been reduced to $2,499. Other flagship mini-LEDs in a 75-inch size that the QM9K is competing with include the Samsung QN90F (currently selling for $2,099) and Hisense U8QG (currently selling for $1,899).

TCL QM9K review: Specs

Screen type:

QLED with mini-LED

Refresh rate:

144Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos

Smart TV:

Google TV

HDMI ports:

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 3.0

TCL QM9K review: Benchmark results

TCL QM9K review: Features

TCL QM9K rear panel ports

The QM9K has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, plus two HDMI 2.0 ports (Image credit: Future)
  • Wide viewing angle and anti-reflective screen
  • Audio by Bang & Olufsen
  • Google TV with Gemini

The TCL QM9K features a high-contrast display panel with a wide viewing angle and an anti-reflective screen. A Halo Control System with a 23-bit controller and dynamic light algorithm is used to minimize blooming from the TV’s mini-LED backlight, which provides up to 6,500 local dimming zones, and the company’s AIPQ Pro processor is used for upscaling and noise reduction.

High dynamic range support includes both the Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ formats. The QM9K is also IMAX Enhanced certified and features a Filmmaker Mode picture preset, a new addition to TCL TVs in 2025.

The QM9K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speaker system features Dolby Atmos support, and there's pass-through for DTS:X. Upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects are located on the TV’s top surface, and there are dual subwoofers on the back panel.

TCL’s Zero Border design for the QM9K provides a disappearingly thin bezel that allows for virtually the full screen area to be filled with the picture. A built-in sensor can be configured to turn the TV on when it detects your nearby presence, and it will then be switched to ambient mode, displaying artwork or photos. A built-in far-field mic lets you use voice commands to control the TV, and there’s also a built-in mic on the backlit remote control that lets you do the same.

The QM9K is the first Google TV with Gemini AI, which lets you carry out contextual, voice-based content search, among other things. Gemini can be used to control Google Assistant smart home devices, and the TV additionally works with Alexa and Apple HomeKit and jas AirPlay and Chromecast built-in support.

Gaming features include 4K 144Hz support on two of the TV’s four HDMI ports, FreeSync Pro, and Game Accelerator 288, which lets you game in 1080p resolution at a 288Hz refresh rate. There is also a Game Bar onscreen display that lets you make gaming-related adjustments without having to exit to a menu.

  • Features Score: 4.5/5

TCL QM9K review: Picture quality

TCL QM9K showing image of red flowers

The QM9K's high brightness and anti-glare screen make it a great option for bright room viewing (Image credit: Future)
  • Exceptional brightness and contrast
  • Rich color and excellent detail
  • Wide viewing angle

When I previously reviewed the TCL QM9K’s step-down sibling, the TCL QM8K, one of that TV’s high points was its exceptional brightness. In my testing, the QM9K proved to be even brighter than the QM8K, with a measured peak HDR brightness of 3,322 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 3,811 nits in Standard mode. Fullscreen HDR brightness was also impressive, with the QM9K hitting around 660 nits in both Filmmaker and Standard modes.

The QM9K’s HDR color gamut coverage was also very good, with the TV measuring 96.7% for UHDA-P3 and 79.7 for BT-2020. Color point accuracy was similarly good, with the Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3 being undetectable by the human eye) averaging out to 1.8, and to 2.8 for grayscale accuracy.

The QM9K’s high brightness, combined with its extended, accurate color and refined local dimming translated into an exceptional picture. Watching the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on 4K Blu-ray, a scene where Spider-Man battles the Green Goblin had powerful contrast, and it caused the scene’s psychedelic color palette to pop more than I’m used to seeing on most TVs. The film’s animated textures were also displayed with a high level of detail, giving it a near 3D-like effect.

The QM9K’s impressive detail carried over to Ripley, which I streamed in 4K with Dolby Vision from Netflix. Watched in the TV’s Dolby Vision Dark picture mode, textures in clothing and objects were clearly visible, and it gave the picture a strong sense of depth. The show’s black and white images looked completely uniform, and subtle gray tones were easily revealed.

Test patterns on the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray confirmed that the QM9K’s CrystGlow WHVA Panel worked as well in maintaining uniform color and contrast over a wide viewing angle as the TCL QM8K did when I tested it. The disc’s local dimming torture tests also confirmed the effectiveness of TCL’s Halo Control System at minimizing backlight blooming in high contrast images.

TCL QM9K showing image of desert rock formation and sunset

With its Ultra Wide Angle feature, the QM9K's picture looks uniformly good over a range of seating positions (Image credit: Future)

The only area where the QM9K stumbled a bit was in its motion handling. Watching a scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die, where Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, there was a fair amount of judder, although this could be eliminated by making adjustments to the Custom mode in the TV’s Motion menu without introducing too much “soap opera” effect.

There was also a very slight degree of vignetting at the edges of the screen, an effect likely related to its Zero Border design. This was mostly visible on test patterns, however, and I rarely spotted it on TV shows or movies.

The QM9K’s anti-reflection screen proved effective at reducing screen glare from overhead lights and maintaining picture contrast. I did see some reflections from lamps when placed in the path of the screen, but it was minimal and mostly an issue for dark images.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

TCL QM9K review: Sound quality

TCL QM9K rear panel subwoofer drivers

The QM9K's Audio by Bang & Olufsen speaker system features upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects and dual subwoofers on the TV's rear (shown) (Image credit: Future)
  • Audio by Bang & Olufsen with Beosonic interface
  • Dolby FlexConnect support
  • Potent sound with good directional effects

TCL doesn’t provide much in the way of audio specs for its TVs, but the QM9K does have an Audio by Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos speaker system with upfiring drivers and built-in subwoofers. There’s no DTS Virtual:X processing, but DTS:X pass-through is supported.

The QM9K is also compatible with Dolby FlexConnect, which lets you use the TV with the company’s Z100 wireless FlexConnect speakers and Z100-SW wireless subwoofer. FlexConnect automatically configures and calibrates the system from the TV, and it gives you the freedom to position the speakers anywhere you want in the room, not just in the standard home theater positions to the side of the screen, or behind you to the sides.

One notable feature related to the Audio by Bang & Olufsen on the QM9K is its Beosonic interface, which becomes available when you select the TV’s Custom sound preset.

The graphic interface features a cursor that allows you to move between Relaxed, Energetic, Bright, and Warm quadrants to adjust the sound to your liking. Using this, I was able to warm up the TV’s too-bright sound, though I ended up leaving the Movie preset in place for most of my testing.

Overall, I found the QM9K’s sound to be pretty potent, with clear dialogue and a good helping of bass. When I watched the chase scene through the town square in No Time to Die, the crashes and gunfire had good impact and directionality, and the sound of ringing church bells in the Dolby Atmos soundtrack had a notably strong height effect.

I imagine many viewers will be fine with using the QM9K’s built-in speakers, though I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars or taking advantage of its FlexConnect feature to get sound quality that equals the picture.

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

TCL QM9K review: Design

TCL QM9K pedestal stand on TV stand

The TV's pedestal stand can be installed flush or at an elevated height (shown) to accommodate a soundbar (Image credit: Future)
  • ZeroBorder design
  • Height-adjustable pedestal stand
  • Full-size, backlit remote control

TCL’s ZeroBorder design minimizes the QM9K’s bezel to a vanishingly small 3.2mm, giving it a true “all-picture” look. The panel itself has a two-inch depth, although its sides taper inward in a manner that gives the TV a slimmer look when viewed from the side.

A pedestal stand comes with the QM9K in screen sizes up to 85 inches, while the 98-inch version features support feet. The stand is made of metal covered with a faux brushed metal plastic, and it has two height positions, with the higher option clearing space for a soundbar.

Connections on the QM9K include four HDMI ports (one with eARC), two USB type-A, Ethernet, and an optical digital audio output. There is also an ATSC 3.0 tuner input for connecting an antenna.

TCL’s full-size remote control features a backlit keypad. The layout is uncluttered, and includes three direct access buttons for apps (Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube) plus an input select button, and a Free TV button that takes you to the TV’s free and ad-supported streaming channels portal.

  • Design score: 4/5

TCL QM9K review: Smart TV and menus

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TCL QM9K Google TV smart TV interface screens

The QM9K's Google TV smart interface with the Gemini AI icon, (Image credit: Future)
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TCL QM9K Google TV smart TV interface screens

Google TV's Live TV grid guide (Image credit: Future)
  • Google TV with Gemini AI
  • Live program grid with broadcast channels
  • Quick menu for basic adjustments

The QM9K is notable for being the first Google TV with Gemini AI chatbot support. This feature lets you essentially carry on a conversation with the TV using either the set’s built-in far-field mic or the remote control’s mic.

Using Gemini, you can ask a question like, “Show me a list of Samurai movies from the 1960s to the present.” The contextual nature of Gemini search lets you then ask follow-up questions to drill down deeper, such as “Show me the ones with an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score that are available on HBO Max or Netflix.”

Gemini has much more in its bag of tricks: You can ask about anything you want, from questions about astronomy or astrology to recipes to top attractions to see when visiting cities. It can create news briefs with video links and also generate images from prompts (“Fantasy twilight landscape with white deer”) to use as screensavers.

The QM9K features a built-in presence sensor, and it can be configured to activate your AI-generated screensavers, or even a rotating photo gallery drawn from a Google Photos account, automatically when you enter the room.

A Live TV portal in Google TV provides a grid guide of broadcasts pulled in by the QM9K’s ATSC 3.0 tuner, including NextGen channels, and these are displayed along with Google TV Freeplay and TCL free ad-supported TV channels. Google TV gives you multiple options to sort these, including by genre (Reality TV, News, etc.) or antenna-only.

Both AirPlay and Chromecast built-in are supported by the QM9K, which also works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

TCL QM9K quick menu overlay on image from No Time to Die

The QM9K's quick menu lets you easily adjust basic settings (Image credit: Future)

There are extensive settings in the QM9K’s menus to satisfy picture and sound tweakers. The Brightness section of the Picture menu provides multiple gamma settings and contrast adjustments. For sound, there are various audio presets, including a custom Audio by Bang & Olufsen Beosonic adjustment that lets you EQ the sound based on parameters like Bright, Relaxed, Energetic, and Warm.

Accessing these settings is done by pressing the gear icon on the remote control or by clicking the same icon in the Google TV home screen. Another option is to press the quick menu icon on the remote, which calls up a menu at the screen’s bottom with a range of picture and sound setup options.

  • Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5

TCL QM9K review: Gaming

TCL QM9K Game Bar menu

The QM9K's Game Bar menu (Image credit: Future)
  • Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
  • FreeSync Premium Pro and Game Accelerator 288
  • 12.9ms input lag is average

Gaming features on the QM9K include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming. There is also a Game Accelerator 288 feature that lets you game at 288Hz in 108p resolution and a Game Bar onscreen overlay for making quick adjustments to gaming-related settings.

The QM9K’s bright, contrast-rich picture makes all manner of games look great. Performance is also responsive, with the TCL measuring at 12.9ms when tested with a Leo Bodnar 4K input lag meter.

  • Gaming score: 4/5

TCL QM9K review: Value

TCL QM9K remote control held in hand

The QM9K's full-size, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)
  • Priced higher than top mini-LED competition
  • Less extensive gaming features than competition
  • Google TV with Gemini enhances value

The TCL QM9K is a fantastic TV, but its raw value is taken down a notch by the fact that there is plenty of great mini-LED TV competition in 2025.

At the time of writing, TCL had already lowered the price of the 75-inch QM9K by $1,000 to $2,499. Even so, other 75-inch flagship mini-LED TVs such as the Samsung QN90F are now selling for $2,099. The QM9K has higher peak HDR brightness than the Samsung, and it also beats competitors such as the Hisense U8QG on that test. But the Samsung has superior gaming features and performance, and its great overall picture quality was one of the main reasons why it earned a five out of five stars overall rating in our Samsung QN90F review.

TCL’s own step-down mini-LED TV, the TCL QM8K, also provides very impressive picture quality, and it features the ZeroBorder screen, ultra wide viewing angle, and anti-reflection screen features found in the QM9K.

I’d have said that Google TV with Gemini, which is currently exclusive to the QM9K, was its ace-in-the-hole when it comes to value, but that feature is also coming to the QM8K at some point in 2025, and it should also be available as an upgrade for the Hisense U8QG. The QM9K is the only TV of the three with a built-in presence sensor, so that is one exclusive feature the QM9K can claim.

  • Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the TCL QM9K?

TCL QM9K showing image of white deer in fantasy forest

A Gemini-generated fantasy image, used as a screensaver (Image credit: Future)
TCL QM9K

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Google TV with Gemini, Dolby FlexConnect and comprehensive HDR support

4.5/5

Picture quality

Exceptional brightness and refined local dimming combined with a ultra wide viewing angle feature and anti-reflective screen make this a great all-around TV

4.5/5

Sound quality

Very good built-in sound from Audio by Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos speaker system

4.5/5

Design

ZeroBorder screen minimizes bezel for all picture look. Adjustable height pedestal stand can clear space for a soundbar

4/5

Smart TV and menus

Google TV is enhanced by Gemini AI, plus the quick menu provides easy access to basic settings

4.5/5

Gaming

4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro supported, but only on two HDMI ports

4/5

Value

A bit pricier than most of the current flagship mini-LED TV competition. Step-down QM8K model is a better overall value

4/5

Buy it if...

You want to watch in a bright room
The QM9K’s high brightness and anti-reflective screen make it a good option for viewing in bright rooms. An ultra wide angle feature also makes it a good choice for viewing sports with groups.

You don’t want to use a soundbar
The QM9K’s built-in Audio by Bang & Olufsen speakers deliver clear dialogue, good bass, and immersive Atmos effects. Many viewers likely won’t feel the need to add a soundbar.

You want a TV with sophisticated AI
The QM9K’s Google TV interface features the Gemini AI chatbot, which takes content searching and other smart TV-related activities to the next level.

Don't buy it if…

You want to save some money
The QM9K’s step-down sibling, the QM8K, also delivers a bright picture with refined local dimming and has many of the same picture quality and sound features. TCL says the QM8K will also be getting Gemini in a future update.

You’re nervous about AI
Google says that any queries made to Google TV using the Gemini AI feature are erased after 10 minutes, but those with serious privacy concerns may want to tread lightly.

TCL QM9K: Also consider...

TCL QM9K

Samsung QN90F

TCL QM8K

Hisense U8QG

Price (65-inch)

$2,999

$2,499.99

$2,499.99

$2,199

Screen type

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

QLED w/ mini-LED

Refresh rate

144Hz

165Hz

144Hz

165Hz

HDR support

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

Smart TV

Google TV (with Gemini)

Tizen

Google TV

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

4x HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

3x HDMI 2.1

Samsung QN90F
Samsung’s flagship mini-LED TV is priced even lower than the QM9K following a series of discounts. This TV has superior gaming features and an even more effective anti-reflection screen, though it lacks TCL’s Google TV Gemini feature.

Here’s our Samsung QN90F review

TCL QM8K
The QM8K is the step-down model in TCL’s mini-LED TV lineup, but it also has a bright picture with effective local dimming, plus an ultra wide viewing angle feature and an anti-reflective screen. The QM8K is also slated to get Gemini added to its Google TV interface in a future update.

Here’s our TCL QM8K review

Hisense U8QG
The Hisense U8QG also has exceptional brightness and is slated to get the Gemini feature added to its Google TV interface in an update. Compared to the TCL QM9K, its picture quality isn’t as good at off-center seats, and its built-in speakers aren’t as good.

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

How I tested the TCL QM9K

TV brightness being measured by a TV 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 it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its 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 TCL QM9K, 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.

I tested Boya’s unique 4-in-1 wireless mic – it does the job of many, with effective AI noise reduction to boot
5:45 pm | October 3, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Camera Accessories Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Boya Magic: one-minute review

One of the downsides to shooting video and content creation is the sheer amount of kit you have to carry; even the most pared-back setups require a plethora of accessories. Beyond that, how many different microphones might you need to cover a range of situations? It's an issue that's effectively addressed by the Boya Magic, a 4-in-1 wireless mic that's designed to be a jack of all trades.

Lavalier (lapel), on-camera, handheld and desktop are all forms the Boya Magic mic can take. The mic is available in several kits, but if you opt for the most comprehensive and still competitively priced of the three you can connect the mics to smartphones, computers and cameras using USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm TRS, making it a significant upgrade over the Boya Mini and potentially one of the best wireless mics.

Since this is a multi-purpose mic, we could discuss its performance and characteristics at length, but we’ll delve into those later. Focusing on the lavalier mics, which are the transmitters in all configurations, and the backbone of the mic, these two tiny 7g units can be attached to clothing with clips or magnets, and produce impressive 24-bit sound quality. They’re incredibly easy-to-use with excellent noise cancellation to boot.

I have to admit that when I first received the Boya Magic, I was sceptical about its performance, but I've been impressed while testing the mic in all four configurations, attached to my smartphone, computer and my camera.

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

The Boya Magic lavalier mics are tiny (Image credit: James Abbott)

Boya Magic: price and release date

  • Available now
  • Three kits to choose from
  • Prices start at $93 / £89 / AU$159

The Boya Magic is available from the Boya website and Amazon. The USB-C kit costs $93 / £89 / AU$159, the USB-C & Lightning kit costs $140 / £119 / AU$209 and the USB-C, Lightning & 3.5mm TRS kit costs $151 / £129 / AU$229. All in all, it’s extremely good value for money, given the versatility of the mic.

One slightly frustrating aspect of the Boya Magic is that you have to purchase the Boya Mini Tripod separately, and this is required for tabletop and on-camera use of the mic. It’s not the end of the world, and it only costs $30 / £20 / AU$46 (currently reduced to $20 in the US), but it would be better if it were included in at least the kit option with the 3.5mm TRS.

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

The Boya Magic comes in a handy case (Image credit: James Abbott)

Boya Magic: specs

Dimensions

Magic TX 35 x 15.2 x 13mm, 3.5mm TRS RX 42.2 x 30 x 19.4mm, USB-C / Lightning RX 19.55 x 24 x 21mm, Charging Case 141.3 x 26.5 x 21mm

Weight

Magic TX 7g, 3.5mm TRS RX 16g, USB-C / Lightning RX 5g, Charging Case 62.5g

Transmission range

Up to 100m

Connectivity

USB-C, Lightning or 3.5mm TRS

Battery

Six hours / 30 hours total with the charging case

Audio

24-bit

Noise cancelling

Yes, one-click

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

Handheld mic with the foam cover attached (Image credit: James Abbott)

Boya Magic: Design

  • Innovative design
  • Highly versatile
  • Compact and lightweight

This 4-in-1 mic system is built around a compact charging case that triples up as the on-camera, handheld and desktop mic, with a foam and dead-cat wind cover in the kits. This measures just 141.3 x 26.5 x 21mm and weighs 62.5g. The lavalier mics are stored and charged inside, behind a clear plastic door. When used in these modes, it’s the lavalier mic at the top of the case, in the first slot, that records sound through holes in the glass door and at the top of the charging case.

The lavalier mics are the backbone of the system, and in my opinion, the most impressive; and for content creators who are using lavalier mics as handheld mics, this system provides a much more comfortable and professional-looking solution.

The two lavalier mics are incredibly compact and lightweight at just 35 x 15.2 x 13mm and 7g. There’s a clip on the rear for attaching the mics to clothing, as well as a magnet plate on each clip to increase the options for attaching the mics to your clothes in more imaginative ways, although I fear that these may be easy to lose over time. The kits come with a couple of clip-on dead-cat wind covers for the mics.

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Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 3

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 3 of 3

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The build quality of all of the components is great, and the small carry-bag accommodates everything safely and neatly. The overall design of the kit is innovative, while operation is incredibly simple, with just a single button on each mic and the charging case. This can be used to switch the mics on and off, and to switch the AI noise cancellation on and off.

The USB-C and Lightning receivers are small and lightweight, slot neatly into your phone’s port, and are powered by the phone. The 3.5mm TRS attaches to the camera hotshoe and offers six hours of battery life. It’s designed simply, with just a power button, a volume/gain button and a 3.5mm jack. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity as in some mics, beyond a Bluetooth connection to the receivers, so these receivers are essential.

Boya Magic: Performance

  • Incredibly easy to use
  • Excellent AI noise cancellation
  • 24-bit audio

Setting up the mic, from unpacking the kit to first use is incredibly easy. This is one of the more intuitive wireless mics I’ve used, and you can use the BOYA Central app to adjust settings including AI noise cancellation, the EQ, AI noise cancellation, and the limiter, and to apply camera gain presets and firmware updates.

The mics are omnidirectional, so they will pick up sound from all directions. This causes no issues when recording in quiet environments, but when there’s background noise you often need to use the AI noise cancellation, which is available with two strength settings depending on the level of background noise.

AI noise cancellation is powered by deep neural networks (DNNs) trained on over 700,000 real-world noise samples and 20,000 hours of deep learning. Boya claims it can separate voices from noise in milliseconds, with up to -40 dB suppression. In use, the AI noise cancellation is undoubtedly impressive, and it doesn’t distort voices or make them sound robotic.

Sound quality is fantastic, with audio recorded in 48 kHz/24-bit with an 80dB signal-to-noise ratio, a 144 dB dynamic range, and a frequency response from 20Hz to 20kH. You can set sound levels manually, but there’s also a handy built-in smart limiter to protect your audio from peaking. In addition, a second safety track is recorded at a lower (-12 dB) volume to ensure nothing is lost.

The transmission range is up to 100m without obstacles, and 10m with obstacles. During testing the connection was solid, and I never experienced any issues with any of the four mic configurations. Battery life is up to six hours per mic, with 30 hours in total available with the charging case. This is average, and is plenty of battery power for most situations.

Should I buy the Boya Magic?

Buy it if…

You use different types of mics

If you carry several different types of mics in your kit bag, you can whittle everything down to a single versatile package.

You need tiny lavalier mics

In lavalier mic mode, the lavalier mics are compact and lightweight at just 35 x 15.2 x 13mm and 7g.

You value simplicity

The Boya Magic is incredibly easy and intuitive to use, making it an attractive option for everyone from beginners through to seasoned experts.

Don’t buy it if…

You only need an on-camera mic

If you only need an on-camera mic, it would be more cost-effective to buy a traditional cabled on-camera microphone.

You’d prefer connectivity without receivers

Some wireless mics can be connected to devices via Bluetooth, which may be more convenient for those who don’t want to have to use receivers.

You’d like the best

The Boya Magic is fantastic across the board, but you can get better-quality wireless mics if you have a larger budget.

Boya Magic: also consider

Boya Mini

The Boya Mini wireless mics are, as the name suggests, tiny, but they do come with some limitations: they can only be used with USB-C and Lightning compatible devices, and offer only 16-bit audio. On the plus side, they're enticingly inexpensive and have decent battery life, and sound quality is better than you'd expect for 16-bit.

Read our Boya Magic review

DJI Mic Mini

These mics come with DJI ease of use and reliablity, not to mention 24-bit audio and and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you don't have to use a receiver for some devices, while a 3.5mm receiver allows for use with cameras.

Read our DJI Mic Mini review

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

(Image credit: James Abbott)

How I tested the Boya Magic

  • I tested it in all four configurations
  • I used it attached to multiple devices
  • I tested all its features

I tested the Boya Magic over several weeks in all four configurations: lavalier, on-camera, handheld, and desktop mic. I also attached the mic to my smartphone, computer and camera so that I could assess performance across the board in real-world situations.

I was sent the complete kit, which includes the USB-C, Lightning and 3.5mm TRS receivers. I recorded audio in different environments to see how well the mics perform with and without AI noise cancellation. I also used the Boya Central app to access settings and assess the overall ease of use.

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