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GameSir Kaleid review: one of the best PC controllers, now available for Xbox

6:42 pm | June 24, 2024

One-minute review

The GameSir Kaleid fixes one of the few problems I had with its predecessor, the GameSir T4 Kaleid (for the sake of simplicity, I’ll refer to it as the ‘T4’ from now on): it lacked compatibility with Xbox consoles, despite having the console’s ‘ABXY’ face button layout.

Now, GameSir has released a version of one of the best PC controllers that's compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC. However, the Kaleid does lose the Nintendo Switch compatibility enjoyed by the T4, so it isn’t the definitive option if you have to choose between the two based on your console of choice.

The GameSir Kaleid is identical to the T4 in almost every way. If you’re familiar with the T4 and its excellent micro switch buttons and Hall effect thumbsticks, you’re getting those same features here. The only notable differences are the darker translucent shell, a mildly improved D-pad, and a slightly higher price tag.

Price and availability

$49.99 / £59.99
Pricier than the T4 Kaleid ($41.99 / £41.99)
US and UK availability (not currently available in Australia)

The GameSir Kaleid launched on May 30, 2024, and can be bought either from GameSir’s website or the brand’s Amazon store page. It’s priced at $49.99 / £59.99, which is a good bit more than the T4 in the US ($41.99), and significantly more than in in the UK (£41.99). Overall, it’s similarly priced in comparison to the Xbox Wireless Controller ($59.99 / £54.99), though the GameSir wins out here in terms of overall features and customizability.

It’s worth noting that if this will be your first time purchasing a GameSir product, you can pick up the Kaleid from the brand’s official website with an 8% discount as a new customer. This brings the price of the Kaleid down to $46.99 / £56: a small saving, but noteworthy all the same.

Specs

Design and features

The new GameSir Kaleid is practically identical to the T4 in terms of features. That includes Hall-effect thumbsticks to practically eliminate the risk of drift, plus welcome ancillary features like remappable rear buttons, and a central multi-function button useful for adjusting trigger stop distance, the brightness of the controller’s RGB effects, overall RGB patterns, thumbstick dead zones and button layout profile creation.

Yes, that delightful RGB lighting remains in the new Kaleid. And despite the darker translucent shell, the lighting still manages to shine brightly. In fact, I think the subtler translucency helps the RGB effect stand out much more effectively here; it looks great encased in that darker shell.

Otherwise, this is, by and large, the same controller as the T4, albeit with Xbox console compatibility in place of Nintendo Switch. This nicely positions it as a top contender for one of the best Xbox controllers in its price range.

The new Kaleid retains that same Xbox Wireless Controller-adjacent build and button layout, and the central GameSir-branded Home button is replaced with the official Xbox logo. And yes, the Kaleid features the ‘Designed for Xbox’ seal of approval, meaning it’ll work with Xbox consoles out of the box with no fuss.

Performance

The T4 is one of my favorite PC controllers and my go-to controller for fighting games in particular, owing to its snappy micro switch buttons and drift-resistant Hall effect thumbsticks. Both of those are found here and feel just as excellent to play with.

One thing of note is that the new Kaleid’s D-pad is a step up from the T4's. Like the face buttons, it’s now micro switch-based, feeling much more tactile and responsive as a result. All other modules, meanwhile, including the shoulder buttons, triggers, sticks, and central Home and sharing buttons, feel practically identical. It also shares the T4’s lack of wireless functionality, unfortunately, so you’ll be relying on a wired USB-C connection (a cable is included in the box). This may be a dealbreaker if you typically prefer wireless play.

It’s also worth noting that you can further customize the Kaleid with the GameSir Nexus app, available on PC and now Xbox consoles as well. The dedicated controller software is genuinely excellent, allowing you to adjust thumbstick dead zones, RGB lighting patterns and brightness settings, trigger sensitivity, and map the functions of the extra rear buttons. Much of this can also be done via the controller’s multifunction button, by holding it down and referring to the button inputs found in the included manual. However, I preferred having a visual guide for my changes via the app, making it much easier to fine-tune my controller’s setup.

Should I buy the GameSir Kaleid?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If the GameSir Kaleid isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider the following two options, which we believe are strong alternative picks.

How I tested the GameSir Kaleid

Tested nearly every day for a week
Tested with Xbox and PC games
Compared with other recommended and affordable Xbox controllers

I tested the GameSir Kaleid over a week, starting on Xbox Series X with titles including Halo Infinite, Elden Ring, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 5. I downloaded the GameSir Nexus app on the console and created numerous custom profiles based on a variety of game genres for an enhanced experience with each. I also tested the controller in conjunction with similarly excellent Xbox gamepads, such as the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Victrix Gambit.

Moving over to PC, I tested the GameSir Kaleid with a range of Steam titles, including Elden Ring once again, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Tekken 8. My experience here was largely similar to that of the T4, given that they are, by and large, identical. As such, less testing was required here as it provided a similarly high-quality experience overall.

First reviewed June 2024

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 review: sublime, versatile, and about as close to the complete package as it gets

12:30 pm | June 20, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: Two-minute review

SteelSeries is aiming for “affordable luxury” with the Arctis Nova 5 headset and it feels like it's succeeded in delivering exactly that in this wireless gaming headset. Priced competitively, what you get for your money is excellent before you even get to the gaming headset's unique selling point: the Companion App.

We tested the 5X, which offers compatibility with every platform, including PlayStation – if you’re looking for a one-and-done solution in your next mid-to-high-end gaming headset, this will be the one, no matter what you play on. Throw in excellent battery life of up to 60 hours that will easily last you days’ worth of sessions, a robust build, comfy design, and that sweet SteelSeries audio quality straight out of the box, and the Nova 5 swings even harder.

While those are exceptional features and characteristics, it’s the addition of the Companion App that helps set the Nova 5 apart from its peers. Having dozens of expertly designed audio profiles for a vast range of games at your disposal is a game changer - especially as you can switch between them (and a couple of other settings) at the touch of a button.

In my nearly two weeks of testing the headset across multiple platforms, devices, games, and media, the Nova 5 has been a consistently excellent performer. It’s a super gaming headset package and an exceptional one at its price point. It’s one of the easiest recommendations I've ever made in all my years testing headsets: the Nova 5 could be all the wireless gaming headset you’ll ever need.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X gaming headset on a headset stand in front of a white brick background next to its box — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: Price and availability

List price: $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$139.95
Widely available
Mid-range wireless headset price point

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 headset is available now and costs $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$139.95. It comes in two options, the Nova 5 and the Nova 5X (the Xbox-focused variant that we tested). The 5X is arguably the better value for money as it's compatible across all platforms. The Nova 5’s free Companion App increases the bang for buck value, regardless of the version you choose.

The Nova 5’s price point puts it firmly in the mid-range of wireless offerings. It's a deliberate move from SteelSeries to offer that ‘affordable luxury’, bringing a premium headset and its trimmings into the mid-range zone. It’s the same price as Sony’s new PlayStation Pulse Elite headset and a little cheaper than Turtle Beach’s Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX headsets, but a big chunk more than some excellent sub-$100 wireless gaming headsets, such as the PS5 Pulse 3D wireless headset and Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Headset.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: Specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 gaming headset on wooden surface in front of a white brick background — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: Design and features

Excellent design and build quality
Multi-platform connectivity and compatibility
Up to 60 hours of battery life

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 looks and feels like a SteelSeries headset right from the off. It shares the new Arctis Nova design form that we’ve grown to love this generation from the likes of the Nova 7X and the Nova Pro Wireless. All in black, it looks slick and is easily something you’d wear on the commute as a pair of headphones. What’s more, you can customize the headset with Nova Booster Packs.

In terms of buttons and interface, it’s a pretty simple affair. On the left cup, there’s the retractable mic - which slots neatly into the shape of the headset when not pulled out - the mic mute button, and the volume wheel. There’s a little resistance to the wheel, which is most welcome to stop unwanted level changes from brushing against it - something that’s an improvement over the past generation Arctis series. On the right, there’s the USB-C port, the game-chat balance wheel, the power button, and the Quick Switch Button (to swap between Bluetooth and 2.4GH).

Elsewhere, there’s a wide-boy USB-C dongle with an adapter cable for USB-A ports. The dongle on the Xbox variant has a USB notch and an Xbox notch that you’ll need to switch between, with the latter the setting for everything but Microsoft’s consoles. And it really is everything: this can be your PC gaming headset, PS5 headset, Switch headset; the lot.

The earcups are finished with SteelSeries’ AirWeave soft material and are incredibly comfy and don't get too hot during long sessions. Teamed with the ski-band design once more, the whole headset rests very comfortably. You can also swap out the earcups for the brand’s other leatherette material if you wish, by purchasing them separately.

SteelSeries claims the Nova 5's battery life can be up to 60 hours, which is impressive and more than enough for even the most regular competitive use. While it doesn’t reach the dizzying heights of the 300 hours claimed by the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, for example, 60 hours equates to two and a half days. Plus there’s fast charge available too, which will get you six hours of juice from just 15 minutes of charging.

All these features are super and show that the Nova 5 can punch above its weight, however, it’s the headset’s Companion App that gives it something more unique. This free app for iOS or Android is effectively a small mixing deck-like means to alter audio profiles, change EQs, and carry out other light tinkering (sidetone, volume, etc) on the fly while using your headset.

The Nova 5 can connect to the app via Bluetooth while you’re gaming via 2.4 GHz, giving you access to more than 100 presets for individual games that have been designed by esports pros, game devs, and audio experts. This elevates the Nova 5 above its competition. PC users will still be able to use the brand’s Sonar software too, so there’s plenty of flexibility on offer with the Nova 5.

Someone using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Companion App on a black surface next to the headset — (Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: Performance

Superb gaming audio
Crystal clear mic
Super supporting audio profiles to use

The out-of-the-box SteelSeries audio from the Nova 5 is exceptional. It’s entirely possible that you could use it as is and be extremely happy. High notes never squeal, the mids are lovely and rounded, and the bass is strong and punchy without ever sounding muddy. From playing a chill game such as Botany Manor to coordinating stealthy assaults on strongholds in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint online with my pals, from chaotic enemy fights in Diablo 4 to every smash and roar of Kratos’ combat in God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla, SteelSeries’ Neodymium magnetic drivers never missed.

Playing around with the Companion App does genuinely make a difference, however. There are so many profiles to choose from and the differences can be quite distinct. Even if there isn’t the exact game you’re playing on there, it might well be coming soon – SteelSeries told me that it's always making new profiles as close as possible to new game launches – and you’ll likely find a similar one that will fit the bill. That said, I quickly found that some profiles don’t have quite the impact on the audio I expected. It’s not a huge deal, but it may mean the real number of effective profiles to use is much lower than the claimed 100-plus.

The option to tinker with the volume limiter and amount of sidetone, and browse music and movie EQs on the app is excellent too. You can keep separate EQs for gaming on the 2.4GHz connection and Bluetooth connection so you won’t get weird experiences when switching between them or using the headset for different uses close to each other.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 gaming headset on a man's head — (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

On a practical level, using and wearing the headset is a joy. The design is predictably comfortable for hours on end and the build quality is such that it feels like it could easily survive a drop – or several.

There’s very little to complain about. Perhaps the lack of active noise cancellation will irk some users, particularly if using the Nova 5 as a pair of commuting headphones, and, on the App side of things, it’d be great to see other headsets compatible with it too. But these are small gripes.

The Arctis Nova 5 has become my go-to Xbox headset, filling a little gap I personally had, but it could be my go-to anything headset. All in, the performance, design, and build, mean the Nova 5 (particularly the 5X, given its extra connectivity) offers something close to the full package. Add in the fact that it’s priced very aggressively and it out-punches a lot of competitors in the same bracket. Many players may find that this is the only gaming headset they’ll need for a good while.

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If you’d like to weigh up some options before deciding on the Nova 5, there are a couple of other headsets that offer some of the same functionalities and similar levels of performance and some that take it a step further.

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

Used almost every day for two weeks
Tested across PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile…
Compared against other headsets

I’ve spent weeks with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 and have been able to test across all the platforms available to me, as well as multiple games and media. I was able to directly compare it to other headsets I have, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Sony Inzone H9, and the Astro A30 Wireless.

I played a range of games to test the Nova 5 – and the Companion App’s presets – across a range of platforms. I played the strategy game Frostpunk on PC, and chill horticultural-sim Botany Manor along with Senua’s Saga Hellbade 2 on Xbox Series X. I also did a bunch of playtesting on the PS5, diving into Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, God of War Ragnarok (the Valhalla expansion, specifically), and Still Wakes the Deep.

I tested the mic on my work PC for meetings and voice calls, while also playing Ghost Recon Breakpoint on the PS5 (don't at me) with my friends to put it through its multiplayer paces.

Razer Viper V3 Pro review

The Razer Viper V3 Pro, as the name implies, is touted as a gaming mouse fit for professionals, with endorsements and development feedback from various esports stars. A follow-up to the Viper V2 Pro, the V3 is even lighter and has a new optical sensor for purportedly greater precision and control.

For a gaming peripheral, the Razer Viper V3 Pro's styling isn’t as brash as you might expect. It seems that Razer has toned down its adolescent designs for the most part, and the Viper V3 Pro continues in this newly established tradition. It's very minimal and sleek, with just a single instance of the Razer logo, positioned toward the back. It's barely visible on the black variant, as the outline is almost the same shade as the finish. On the white model, the logo remains black, but it’s still pleasantly restrained.

At just 54g (55g for the white variant), it’s very easy to maneuver, helped by the wide PTFE feet that make for frictionless gliding across multiple surfaces, including glass at least 4mm thick.

Close up of Razer Viper V3 Pro mouse buttons and scroll wheel — (Image credit: Future)

The low overall weight means acceleration is very fast – ideal for rapid swipes with low DPI settings – so it can hold its own against many of the best gaming mice when playing tactical shooters and the like. I did find the sharp cursor movement quite jarring at first, though.

To help with this issue, you can adjust the tracking cut-off height in the free Razer Synapse software, which offers to install itself as soon as you connect the Viper V3 Pro. Synapse is a historically wonky piece of software, but it does the job well here. Higher settings reduce the snappiness of cursor movements, and you can even toggle asymmetric cut-off values, letting you set different height values for lift-off and landing. The V3 has 26 height adjustment values, whereas the V2 only had three, courtesy of the second-generation Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor.

The Viper V3 Pro feels slender in the hand and the overall shape seems to accommodate various grip styles. It also comes with optional grip tape you can adhere to the sides and mouse buttons, should you prefer that extra level of tactility. However, the hump in the middle is quite pronounced, which made me curl my hand more than I’m accustomed to, and forced me away from a fuller grip in the palm, so those who prefer this may want to take note.

The mouse buttons feel snappy and only require a light press, yet they are well-dampened and lubed, with a satisfying click that provides good feedback for your actions. There are indentations on both buttons to keep your fingers in position, which I found improved comfort during long sessions.

Underneath of Razer Viper V3 Pro — (Image credit: Future)

A pair of side buttons and a scroll wheel are the only extra topside features, but they perform excellently. The buttons are easy to use in the heat of the moment, being large and responsive enough to be found and pressed easily with the thumb. The scroll wheel is tightly notched while still being smooth, making for quick and accurate selections every time. The lack of a fast-scrolling mode, however, was a minor gripe of mine away from gaming, as navigating web pages and documents can feel too slow at times.

Pressing down on the scroll wheel button is incisive and tactile, and like the main mouse buttons, it's pre-lubed for smoother actuation. It gave me the confidence to use it without fear of accidentally scrolling the wheel. There's no side tilt input function, but for most gamers, this would've been an unnecessary inclusion.

The Viper V3 Pro is capable of DPI resolutions all the way up to 35,000, an increase over the V2, which peaked at 30,000. Settings this high, though, will frankly be unusable in most cases. If you’re using an 8K monitor, it may prove useful, but these remain rare, especially in the competitive gaming world, where 1080p and 1440p resolutions still reign supreme. The lowest possible DPI setting is 100, and the adjustments are available in single increments using Synapse software – another improvement over the V2 – meaning any gamer will be able to dial in the perfect amount of precision. The X and Y axes can also be adjusted independently.

Right side of Razer Viper V3 Pro — (Image credit: Future)

The DPI/power switch is on the underside of the mouse, which some may find inconvenient. But if you're a pro-level player, you want your mouse to be as utilitarian as possible, without any unnecessary accouterments that might interfere with gameplay. I was also able to wrap my middle finger underneath if I needed to adjust it since it's positioned to the right-hand side, making for easier access.

The Viper V3 Pro can be connected wirelessly or with the included USB-C cable. However, due to the thickness of the cable, I found it caused a noticeable amount of drag, which is particularly bothersome given the extremely light weight of the mouse itself.

Using the Viper V3 Pro wirelessly is certainly a better experience. The included dongle (there’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity) can elevate the poll rate all the way up to 8,000Hz (which Razer dubs “HyperPolling”), whereas a wired connection maxes out at 1,000Hz. This isn't a case where the dongle is a tiny USB attachment; here, it's a full-length cable with a transmitter on one end that needs to be placed near the mouse. Thankfully, due to the length of the USB cable, the dongle can be positioned comfortably within a desktop setup for minimal interference. During my time in this mode, I had nothing but flawless connectivity, with no dropouts or noticeable lag whatsoever.

Razer claims that the Viper V3 Pro battery life can last up to 95 hours, and I have to say that during my tests, this figure seemed to hold true. After just over an hour of continuous gaming from a full charge, the Viper V3 Pro only dropped a single percentage. Charging is also fast, and I managed to go from 28% to 72% in around 50 minutes. It's worth noting that the higher poll rates will drain the battery faster, however.

Close up of Razer Viper V3 Pro HyperPolling Wireless Dongle — (Image credit: Future)

Despite the relative dearth of physical buttons on the Viper V3 Pro, the number of customization options via the Synapse software is mind-boggling. All buttons can be remapped to perform other functions besides their usual defaults – even the left click can be modified to have a secondary function when activating Hypershift mode. Multiple profiles can also be created to easily switch between your desired set of customizations.

Customizable functions range from simple Windows system-level actions – macOS isn’t supported – such as opening an app or putting your PC to sleep to creating a sniper button or cycling DPI resolutions (which rectifies the inaccessibility of the DPI button). You can also record keyboard shortcuts, activate individual keys, and write blocks of text with the press of a single button. The text option even features a full character list with virtually every possible symbol, including those in other languages, and emojis. It’s hard to imagine who would make use of all these functions with their mouse alone, but the fact that Synapse offers this much scope is impressive nonetheless.

There's also the ability to record your own macros and assign them to a mouse button of your choice. (Adding the Macros menu to your instance of Synapse may mean installing the add-on in the Modules menu). It lets you record any input from your mouse and keyboard (even non-Razer ones), adjust their delay times, and set up loops. You can also run commands, and even run macros within other macros.

All of this, in addition to the calibration and setup tools, make Synapse an extremely involved piece of peripheral software with an incredible amount of tweakability. It is the ideal companion for the Viper V3 Pro, which similarly aims for top-level performance – and for the most part, it hits the target.

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Price and availability

$159 / £159 / AU$279
Black and White options
Available now

The Razer Viper V3 Pro is priced at $159 / £159 / AU$279 and comes in two color schemes: black or white. Thanks to the symmetrical design, both right- and left-handers are catered for. It was released on April 23, 2024.

This is Razer’s lightest full-size gaming mouse. The next lightest full-size mouse in its esports line, the DeathAdder V3 Pro, is almost 10g heavier. There is, however, a smaller version – the Viper Mini Signature Edition – which tips the scales at a mere 1.72oz / 49g. This is priced much higher, though, at $279 / £279 / AU$449.

Other lightweight contenders include the ASUS TUF Gaming M4 Air, which comes in at 1.76oz / 50g and is much lower in price ($49 / £39 / AU$69), but it has no wireless option.

Razer Viper V3 Pro gaming mouse and grip tape — (Image credit: Future)

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Razer Viper V3 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want an ultra-lightweight, high-quality gaming mouse
At 1.9oz / 54g, this is one of the lightest full-size gaming mice on the market, so those who want rapid movements with no resistance should get along fine with the Viper V3 Pro. All the buttons have a high-quality feel as well, instilling confidence there’ll be no slip-ups.

You want to be among the esports pros
The Viper V3 Pro has plenty of ringing endorsements from esports stars, and some even provided development feedback to make this a gaming mouse worthy of tournament use. The lack of fuss is also highly prized in such circles.

You want in-depth customization
Razer’s free Synapse software still has a dodgy reputation, but after many, many updates, it's now about as involved as customization software gets, letting you create almost any shortcut and macro you could wish for, as well as the ability to tweak the Viper V3 Pro to your heart’s content.

Don't buy it if...

You want plenty of buttons
The Viper V3 Pro is fairly spartan, with a scroll wheel and side buttons being the only extras. A top-facing DPI button would help appease those who’ll use the mouse for both gaming and general PC use in equal measure.

You want something to fit your palm
Of course, everyone’s hand size and grip style are different, but I found the Viper V3 Pro didn’t fit well within the palm of my hand, so if this is a style you prefer, it might not be for you.

Razer Viper V3 Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Razer Viper V3 Pro

Tested for gaming and general use
Played competitive FPS and strategy games
Over a decade of PC gaming experience

I used the Viper V3 Pro for over a week in various scenarios, from gaming to productivity and general use.

I played FPS games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Black Mesa, as well as strategy games like XCOM 2, to cover each end of the gaming spectrum.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade and for the most part, I measured the Viper V3 Pro against my erstwhile companion, the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console review: razes the bar

2:00 pm | June 9, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: AUS, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console: one-minute review

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro’s latest incarnation is the wireless gaming headset that does it all, improving on its predecessor in the most important areas, and can now make a claim to be among the best wireless gaming headsets.

The battery life is stated at 70 hours, and while we’ve been testing it that figure has held true. Razer’s also clearly proud of the revamped ‘hyperclear super wideband’ mic, and rightly so - it offers great clarity and body out of the box, and using the Synapse software you can push it to even higher fidelity levels. The sound quality might not be audiophile-grade, but it’s nice and neutral, and the comfort and finish really convey that this is a step up from the cheaper BlackShark V2.

It also works as a PS5 headset, Xbox Series X headset, Nintendo Switch headset, is compatible with mobile devices, and except for the slight inconvenience of not being able to use it over a wired 3.5mm connection on them, its strengths shine through on those platforms too.

Since we started testing with it, we haven’t once felt the need to return to another headset.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console gaming headset on a wooden surface — (Image credit: Future/Phil Iwaniuk)

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console: Price and availability

List price: $199 / £199 / AU$349
Available in the UK, US, and AUS
UK pricing feels steep

Conversion rates don’t favor the British consumer here - the Blackshark V2 Pro for Console is a costlier acquisition on one side of the pond than the other since they’re both pitched at £199 / $199.

That makes this model more expensive than the previous version, and slightly pricier than Steelseries’ Arctis Nova 7x which retails for $179.99 / £174.99. It’s going up against competitors’ flagship headsets like Corsair’s Virtuoso range and Logitech’s G Pro X Wireless ($245 / £219). Happily, the build quality and features match up favorably against even these slightly pricier options.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console: Specs

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console: Design and features

Gorgeous stealthy aesthetic
Great comfort
Handy detachable mic

Razer’s esports ties with the likes of Optic, Mouz, and Edward Gaming really show through in the ruthlessly functional design of the BlackShark headset range. Gone is the battery-sapping RGB and the feature bloat, and what’s left is an MMA fighter of a headset. Not an ounce of fat to be seen across its all-black earcups and headband, although when you look closely there are nods to its premium pricing - gloss finish Razer logos on the earcups, a gloss Razer imprint at the top of the headband, and some immaculate stitching between the pleather headband upper and the cushioned fabric lower sections. We love how this headset looks, and while that’s a totally subjective take, the visual and tactical upgrade from the cheaper BlackShark V2 to this model is not. It looks and feels more premium.

The inner headband and earcups are finished in breathable lightweight fabric, and while that has implications on both isolation and sound reproduction which we’ll cover in the performance section below, it’s the right call for comfort. If you’re looking for a pair of cans to combat the sweaty summer sessions, the BlackShark’s materials and relatively light clamping force ensure cooler temps and a floating-style fit that’s reminiscent of Arctis headsets and their ski goggle headbands.

Another welcome upgrade to its cheaper stablemates is the detachable mic. We always value the flexibility of using a headset with or without a mic, as it means we can take it on the road and enjoy Bluetooth connectivity as a smartphone headset without looking too conspicuous.

We’ve put in some long shifts during our testing. Full race distances in F1 24; hours of Unreal Engine 5 reverie with Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2; hard-to-justify afternoons lost in Unreal Tournament ‘99; during all of them this headset felt airy but snugly attached, beautifully cushioned, and lightweight enough to simply forget we were wearing it.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console: Performance

Strikingly clear mic audio
Less isolation than previous models
Still stronger on PC compared to console

Into the nitty-gritty, then. This being a performance-focused product range that wears its esports creds proudly, you have to hold the BlackShark V2 Pro for Console to the highest standards. Whether it meets those standards depends on your use case.

As a PC gaming headset it benefits from Synapse’s easy profile tweaking and saving, and when also being used via USB-C - so we could keep playing while we charged - it’s hard to fault this headset. But since that’s kind of the point of a review, here’s one small gripe: the physical controls lack a chat mix dial as you’d find on a SteelSeries Arctis headset.

You can adjust chat mix easily via Razer’s Synapse app, but to us that almost defeats the point - you could just as easily tweak the mix by adjusting the relative volumes of your game and your friends via the game audio sliders and Discord’s output sliders. Having a physical dial means you don’t have to, and that’s the only thing we felt was missing here during our time with this headset.

Sound quality, however, is absolutely not lacking. The 50mm drivers aren’t tuned to produce a truly flat frequency response like an audiophile might prefer. But the frequency response curve is more neutral than you might expect from a gaming headset, and that gives it a great out-of-the-box body and clarity which you can dial in to meet your tastes with either the physical EQ profile switcher button on the righthand earcup’s rear, or via Synapse. Usually, we stuck with the ‘game’ EQ preset throughout, even when watching videos or listening to Spotify.

Minor point here, but shoutout to Razer’s best-in-class audio cues when you power on, change an EQ preset, or mute the mic. Rather than cryptic bleeps or 2000s-grade text-to-speech, you hear a crystal clear voice telling you the settings you’re adjusting, and that really elevates the experience of using Razer headsets.

Onto the mic: it really is audibly better than both the cheaper BlackShark V2 and the previous iteration of the BlackShark V2 Pro. You notice it most on sibilant consonant sounds - ‘S’ and ‘Z’, with the wideband mic capturing more of the high-end detail here to accompany what was already a beefy midrange in the mic’s previous version.

On the product page you can hear a sample from the mic that sounds basically broadcast quality - in our experience you need to draft in Synapse and apply one of the presets to hit those lofty heights, but when you’re speaking via default mic settings on PC or console it’s still very clear and with enough midrange to stand proud of the game audio mix.

The only black marks against the BlackShark, then, are that you can’t make use of Synapse’s functionality on consoles or play via a wired connection. How big a deal those are really depends on your use case - if you're looking for something premium to use first on PC and then with as a PS4 headset or Xbox One headset, for example, this might be easy to overlook.

We use this headset across all our devices, primarily on PC. In this scenario, we can certainly live with those minor console issues, but if you’re buying this exclusively to use with a console it’s more significant.

Should you buy the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro doesn’t get a bite from you, there’s plenty more fish in the sea.

How I tested the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console

100+ hours of testing
Used with competitive games, cinematic experiences, and Discord chat
Battery life and recharge time measured

We donned the BlackShark V2 Pros for many hours of F1 24, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and golden oldie Unreal Tournament 99, and it also accompanied us on our continuing, crippling, PUBG habit where team comms are crucial.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May/June 2024

Hands-on: the Zotac Zone is the newest challenger in the handheld PC gaming arena, but it needs some work

7:48 pm | June 4, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Another month, another rival to Valve's popular Steam Deck gaming handheld. Yes, now PC gaming brand Zotac has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, revealing its own handheld PC at Computex 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The Zotac Zone (yes, I know Zotac formats it as ZONE, but I don't want to feel like I'm yelling at you!) will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has used any of the mainstream handheld PCs currently on the market. The MSI Claw, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus's shiny new ROG Ally X all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, they're broadly similar devices, and the Zone is no exception.

The physical design is immediately reminiscent of the Steam Deck, since it features a pair of small square trackpads beneath the analog sticks, something notably absent from most of the Deck's existing rivals (the Legion Go has a single pad on the right-hand side). However, the controller layout and general feel of the device is a lot closer to the ROG Ally - and having used my own Ally extensively, I can say that this could be a real competitor.

Screen queen

The Zotac Zone handheld gaming PC on the Zotac stand at Computex 2024. — (Image credit: Future)

The star of the show here - and the thing I noticed first about the Zone - is the 7-inch AMOLED touch display. With a resolution of 1080p, 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive maximum brightness of 800 nits (more than most other PC handhelds), it's a stand-out feature that looks absolutely bloody gorgeous.

That's truly not hyperbole: I played Horizon Zero Dawn and Street Fighter 6 on this thing, and both games looked fantastic. Colors are vibrant and shadows are deep, with no visual artifacts and excellent sharpness. It's no exaggeration to say this is one of the best displays I've seen on a gaming handheld. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that this is a MIPI panel, which means it doesn't support Variable Refresh Rate in games.

Behind that glorious screen is an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, which delivered solid performance during my hands-on testing. The RDNA 3 integrated graphics perform admirably - and while I wasn't able to properly test framerates, playing on the Zone felt smooth and responsive at 1080p with graphics set to Low or Medium. The Ryzen APU is supported by 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD.

The 8840U is a bit different from the AMD Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips found in several other handhelds (including the Ally and Legion Go), but it has the same number of cores and the same operating frequency. It's just a slightly newer architecture: Hawk Point as opposed to the Z1's Phoenix Point. The main difference here is an improved XDNA processor for better performance with AI workloads, which may come in handy for AI-powered game features like AMD FSR.

Trigger happy

One unique feature I quite liked was the adjustable trigger system. On the back of the unit, both main triggers have a small switch that lets you swap the trigger sensitivity between two stages - basically switching between a normal full press to register input and a hair-trigger response.

It's a neat function that could come in handy for shooters, since the triggers have quite a lot of travel in regular mode, and it's good that the two switches can be toggled independently - I could see myself using the hair-trigger mode on the left trigger for quicker aim-down-sight reactions but sticking with the regular input for actually firing my weapon, so as to avoid misfires.

Another possible first for gaming handhelds is the inclusion of what looks like a small front-facing webcam to the left of the display. Zotac didn't have any information about this on the event floor, however, and early test units of the Lenovo Legion Go also featured a camera that never made it to the final release, so don't get your hopes up.

I didn't get an exact figure for the weight, but the Zone weighs about the same as the newly-announced ROG Ally X - which is to say, heavier than the more compact Steam Deck, but lighter than the chunky Legion Go. Despite this, it's still quite large, measuring 31cm across, so this might not be the best choice for gamers with smaller hands. There's a small kickstand at the back, which is useful if you want to hook it up to a larger screen via the Thunderbolt 4 port and play using a separate controller.

AMOLED you finish, but...

Unfortunately, no fancy trigger systems nor gorgeous AMOLED screens can hide the fact that some parts of the Zotac Zone feel a little... cheap. Zotac assured me that the unit I was testing was a relatively early beta model, so there's every chance my qualms will be addressed before the product makes it to a full release, but I'd be remiss not to mention the issues here.

Firstly, the D-pad felt very flimsy, and the analog sticks were a bit loose for my liking - some people might not be bothered by the latter, but I definitely prefer the more resistive feeling of the ROG Ally's twin sticks. The additional two rear finger bumpers are also lacking in satisfaction, with a feeble click to them. On the bright side, the triggers, main bumpers, and face buttons all feel solid.

It's also worth noting that just like every other Windows-based gaming handheld, the OS is poorly suited to this device format. Even with a touchscreen and trackpad, the small display and lack of a physical keyboard make navigating Windows 11 rather cumbersome. I can't really blame Zotac for that, though - it's a frustration of Microsoft's making, and I've already given them the solution...

The factor that may truly prove to be the Zone's downfall, though, is the price. While Zotac hasn't officially confirmed pricing, Spanish tech site Geeknetic has reported that the launch price is expected to be around $800 (about £625 / AU$1200). That's rather expensive considering the specs here; the ROG Ally X is expected to be around the same price, but packs more memory and storage, while the Steam Deck is significantly cheaper than both.

Still, I'm excited to see the Zone hit the market so I can properly test it out. Competition breeds innovation, as they say; more PC gaming handhelds can't be a bad thing. But the competition is really starting to heat up now, so Zotac will need to bring its A-game if it wants to capture a segment of this emerging market.

Antstream Arcade review: affordable arcade game streaming

2:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: PC, US | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Antstream Arcade is a cloud gaming service geared entirely towards retro titles. It offers an extensive library of more than 1,300 games from across a wide variety of genres and many of the best retro games consoles including arcade classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. Unlike many modern retro collections that you can find on the Nintendo Switch or cheap retro handhelds, a lot of these iconic titles are available in their rare original arcade versions, which is a huge selling point for serious retro enthusiasts.

The vast majority of the games that I tested performed very well over cloud streaming, presumably due to their simplicity, and are perfect for the kind of pick-up-and-play sessions that cloud gaming services encourage. Being able to instantly boot up Antstream Arcade for a cheeky game of Space Invaders or Metal Slug X on almost any device is super convenient and a brilliant way to kill time. I did find, however, that more complex titles like the PlayStation version of Worms suffered from substantially longer loading times and so lost some of the appeal.

While unlimited solo play is included with the premium subscription, you can spend and earn bonus gems in a range of optional challenges, online tournaments, and even a score-based player vs player duel mode. Trying to beat Pac-Man without eating any dots or having to survive five bosses from Gunbird 2 in as few lives as possible can be a refreshing diversion every now and again and is an interesting way to recontextualize these old games.

The main menu of Antstream Arcade. — (Image credit: Antstream)

Unfortunately, the cumbersome UI detracts from the overall experience. It's an overwhelming mix of game cover art, multiple tabs, and huge banners that is functional enough to get you into the most popular titles without much hassle but makes navigating through the wider catalog a pain. There’s also the fact that a lot of the library’s titles are, to put it bluntly, not really worth your time. The likes of The Official Father Christmas or Operation Fireball are great inclusions for the sake of presentation but aren’t likely to become anyone’s new favorites.

Still, there are enough big hitters to justify the price of admission, and, considering the fact that simply no other cloud gaming service offers the breadth and variety of old titles that you can find here, it’s easy to recommend Antstream Arcade to those interested in retro gaming.

Launching a challenge in Antstream Arcade. — (Image credit: Antstream)

Price and availability

Free tier to access challenge modes
Upgrade to premium for $3.99 / roughly £3 per month
Available on Xbox, PC, or mobile in the US and UK

A basic version of Antstream Arcade can be accessed free of charge. It allows you to try a rotating selection of timed challenges and earn gems. These gems are then spent unlocking and playing other challenges. You can collect a small daily allowance of gems, with most challenges costing around 50 to unlock and 30 to play.

Although I found this tier to be very limited on the whole, offering just enough free gems to experience one or two titles each day, it does offer a taste of the service and should be enough to work out whether it’s for you. Some storefronts, such as the Epic Games Store, allow you to purchase additional gems if you’re running low. This starts at $0.99 / £0.99 for a pack of 60 - though the cost of these will begin to add up quickly so I would not recommend it.

Instead, you should consider upgrading to the premium membership for unlimited access to all of the service’s games for solo play, plus extra free gems for unlocking challenges. Though the exact price varies somewhat depending on your choice of platform, premium membership costs $3.99 / roughly £3 per month or $39.99 / roughly £30 per year on PC.

Those playing on Xbox also have the additional option to purchase a lifetime membership for $79.99 / £79.99. Although a little expensive up front, this is comfortably the best value choice for committed players as it effectively pays for itself if you intend to maintain a subscription for more than two years.

Features and interface

Antstream Arcade uses a grid-like interface, with rows of games grouped into multiple categories. There are recommended games, a list of games with challenges, recently added games, an assortment of multiplayer games, and so on. These all sit below a giant banner, which highlights any major new titles or upcoming online events. Some rows are also dedicated entirely to trending games or specific challenges, with various color-coded icons to denote difficulty and the time remaining to complete them.

The cover art of most games displays a small colorful triangle labeled with its original platform, though those with challenges are adorned with a small pink rocket icon instead. It’s quite an overwhelming interface, with so much going on that it can be quite hard to navigate at first. The fact that many games have multiple icons, one denoting each available system, only exacerbates this issue and lends the entire UI a very jumbled look.

Searching for a game in Antstream Arcade. — (Image credit: Antstream)

Once you manage to find a game that you want to play, you can select it to open a small panel that displays some further information like the publisher and original launch date. From there, you can either jump straight into the game or quickly resume one of your four most recent sessions - which is especially convenient if you find yourself having to frequently swap between platforms or quickly exiting a game. You’re then shown a brief overview of the game’s controls before it begins.

While playing, you can access a basic menu that offers the ability to save, view the controls, change a handful of settings like the overall volume, or exit the session. It’s not particularly slick or exciting, but it is functional.

Elsewhere, you can collect a small handful of achievements (all largely based on completing challenges or playing a certain number of sessions) and level up your account - though doing this doesn't seem to accomplish much beyond giving you bragging rights. The option to see where other players fall in an online leaderboard is a neat addition, however, and acts as a neat way of translating arcade high scores to the modern age.

In addition to keyboard support while playing on PC, Antstream Arcade is compatible with a wide range of controllers such as the Xbox Wireless Controller and the GameSir Nova. You can also take advantage of dedicated touch controls while playing on mobile.

Playing a game with Antstream Arcade. — (Image credit: Antstream)

Game library

Antstream Arcade offers a pretty huge library featuring over 1,300 games. There are a lot of worthwhile arcade classics to play, but the bulk of the library is comprised of smaller titles that you likely won’t have heard of before. While I’m sure that there are some hidden gems to discover here, a lot of them seem like filler. Still, the volume of games on offer here is substantially more than most compilations (or even other cloud gaming services) which easily justifies the cost.

In terms of systems represented by the service, the vast majority of the games on offer are arcade or Commodore 64 titles. That said, there are plenty of Amiga games, lots of ZX Spectrum games, a handful of Sega Genesis / Mega Drive and Super Nintendo Entertainment System games, and a few Nintendo Entertainment System games. You can also find the odd titles from the original PlayStation, Game Boy, Amstrad, plus a few Atari systems. That’s an awful lot of variety and means that, no matter your choice of retro platform, there’s likely going to be at least a few titles that are of interest to you here.

Surprisingly, a few of the games are actually modern indie titles that were released for retro platforms which adds some pleasant variety to the overall package. The Castlevania-inspired action platformer Demons of Asteborg and the nightmarish space shooter Reshoot R are particular highlights in this regard.

Playing Gunbird 2 in Anstream Arcade. — (Image credit: Antstream)

Should I use Antstream Arcade?

Use it if…

Don’t use it if…

How I tested Antstream Arcade

I tested Antstream Arcade for a few hours each week over the course of a month. In addition to testing the service on PC, where I used a Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller and my keyboard, I tried it out on mobile using a Samsung S23 Plus and a Razer Kishi Ultra mobile controller. During my time with the service, I endeavored to test a wide variety of games across a number of different systems in order to gain a good understanding of everything on offer. In addition to using a complimentary premium membership, I created a separate account in order to fully try out the service's free offering.

Sony PSVR 2 PC adapter emerges in certification

11:31 pm | May 29, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Sony’s PSVR 2 headset launched back in February 2023 with a $549.99/€599.99 price tag and compatibility with only one device - Sony’s own PlayStation 5 console. Earlier this year, Sony announced its plans to add PC support for its VR headset and a new regulatory listing from South Korea finally shows the first bit of evidence for a PSVR2 PC adapter. PSVR 2 PC adapter certification listing The certification is from May 27 and shows the adapter bearing the CFI-ZVP1 model number. The official name for the adapter is PlayStation VR2 PC adapter and it is expected to launch soon. Sony has...

Azulle Access fanless mini PC stick review

9:09 am | May 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Azulle Access: 30-second review

Azulle makes specialist PCs with commercial use at the heart of the design. While this Mini PC sports Windows 11 Pro, the main focus here is on plug-and-play ease of use with a familiar operating system for video conferencing or digital signage. The majority of mini PCs are small and mighty, compact, and powerful enough to rival the abilities of many larger desktop PCs.

This device, on the other hand, features just what it needs to do the job and a design to fit. As such, unlike many of the best mini PC options, this is a more oversized Fire Stick than a PC, with an HDMI connector on one end and a LAN port on the other. These are joined by a USB 3.0 port, a Type-C port, a Kensington lock, a 3.5mm audio port, and an aerial.

The slimline case is solidly built and designed to absorb the heat from the fanless design. As such, the casing has a warning not to touch after prolonged use. This gives you the general idea that once this Mini PC is mounted, it's designed to stay in position without the need for maintenance. While the HDMI connector can be directly inserted into any HDMI port, the company has included a short link cable in the box so the machine can be mounted more discreetly.

When it comes to intended use, while this could be used in the home as a more advanced home entertainment system snugly hidden behind the TV, there are far more practical uses that this machine has been designed for. The first is video conferencing, which is a PC that can be connected to TVs or monitors, microphones, and cameras and hidden away, ready for use in a board or meeting room. Alternatively, it's the ideal size and specification for digital signage, designed to switch on at the start of the day and play video or stills to passersby.

What this machine is not is a mini PC to be used for everyday office tasks such as extensive document updates, placing orders, updating images and video, and definitely not for gaming.

As such, the price reflects this, with a focus on being perfectly tuned to a couple of very distinct uses rather than a mini PC, which can be used for a bit of everything.

Azulle Access: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From $250
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Azulle

The Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is available through the Azulle website for £248 for the N100 version reviewed here or £219 for the Gemini Lake 40 Series, with the price increasing depending on the accessories you select. Both versions come with Windows 11 Pro, Linux, or no operating system installed.

Value: 4 / 5

Azulle Access: Specs

Azulle Access: Design

The Azulle Access fanless mini PC stick's design is very sleek. The casing aesthetics serve as part of the cooling process that enables its fanless construction. Aside from being functional, this also gives the mini PC quite a futuristic look, further enhanced by the fold-out antenna.

Like most TV sticks, there's an HDMI socket on one end that plugs directly into a computer monitor or TV. However, as the device is larger and heavier than most TV sticks at 581g, it's a little too bulky to leave suspended horizontally out of the back of the monitor. If the HDMI port is tucked inside the body of the monitor, as is more common for commercial rather than consumer units, then the small PC will sit perfectly flush against the back of the monitor. If not, the company has had the foresight to include a short extension cable that can bridge the connection, enabling you to mount the mini PC in another way.

The design has been well thought through, so the mini PC can be attached to the back of the monitor. The company also sells a range of accessories that offer other discreet mounting options.

Connecting the mini PC is easy, with the USB 3.0 or Type-C ports offering plenty of connection options for mic and camera combos. Bluetooth 5.2 enables a wireless keyboard and mouse. If you want to connect a standard headset, it can be plugged directly into the standard 3.5mm audio port.

When the machine arrives, you can select to have it with Windows 11 Pro, Linux, or nothing pre-installed. In this review, we've chosen the standard Windows 11 Pro, which also comes with Zoom ready to go. Setup couldn't be more straightforward, and within minutes, you should be ready to start using the machine for video conferencing. If you want to use the machine for digital signage, setup is just as simple.

Simply store the files you need on the machine and run them as needed, or load them onto a MicroSD card and run them from there. It really couldn't be simpler.

Design: 4 / 5

Azulle Access: Hardware

The Access Pro, unlike many Mini PCs, is designed to be something other than versatile. It is built with specific tasks in mind and has the physical and computing power to match. This Mini PC is tailored for video conferencing and digital signage, omitting many of the bigger headline features such as a powerful CPU and graphics. Instead, this computer is designed with simplicity at its heart, from mounting through to use.

The design features a compact and lightweight device that is akin to a TV stick, although on a slightly larger scale. It weighs 58g and measures 114.3 x 50.8 x 20.32 mm, making it incredibly portable and easy to mount behind a monitor or TV. The space-saving design helps reduce clutter, and although there will still be a power lead dropping down from the PC, everything else should be packed neatly behind the monitor it's attached to, making it an ideal solution for any office, conference room, or public display area.

Another key advantage of the Access Pro Alder Lake is its fanless design, which enables it to run completely silently. This is beneficial in quiet public locations such as libraries and museums, where displays are needed without the low hum of PC fans.

For video conferencing, the Access Pro Alder Lake enables dual monitor capabilities, supported through its USB-C port to complement the main HDMI. This feature allows you to expand the video conferencing and work displays, if needed, across multiple screens, which can often be useful in meetings. The HDMI connection supports 4K resolution to ensure high-quality playback both in calls and for playing back presentations.

When it comes to digital signage applications, the Access Pro Alder Lake's ability to output 4K at 60FPS via HDMI ensures that advertisements and informational displays are sharp and playback is smooth. One feature that will appeal to signage is the connectivity options, including AX201 WiFi 6 dual-band and Gigabit Ethernet, which help provide fast network connections if the data on the machine needs to be updated. This is especially important if it's streaming content or if real-time updates are needed for digital signage.

Despite its plastic build, the Access Pro Alder Lake is robust and durable, making it suitable for long-term use in various environments. The design and the materials used could be more flimsy. Its small size and light weight also enable easy mounting options so that it can be discreetly installed behind screens or integrated into kiosks. The flat back of the device means that industrial Velcro could be used as an easy mounting option.

The Access Pro Alder Lake N100 is an exceptionally well-designed machine for specific tasks like video conferencing and digital signage. Its compact, silent, and easy-to-install design makes it a great choice. While the features are perfect for the intended use, the features and performance will be very limited outside of video conferencing and signage.

Features: 3 / 5

Azulle Access: Performance

While the Access Pro's benchmark scores may appear low, this compact machine excels in its intended use, making it ideal for video conferencing or digital signage.

The CrystalDiskMark scores, with a read speed of 139.63MB/s and a write speed of 255.04MB/s, indicate reliable storage performance essential for holding files that can be used for playback. These speeds are low compared to today's ultra-fast SSDs; however, they are more than sufficient for the quick retrieval and storage of files necessary for smooth video conferencing and digital signage. If the storage capacity is a little low, the MicroSD card slot will enable you to expand the storage capacity at minimal cost and with minimal technical skill.

In CPU performance tests, the GeekBench scores (Single: 1188, Multi: 931) and CineBench scores (Single: 623, Multi: 1291) show that the Alder Lake N100 processor, while not the most powerful, offers adequate performance for handling basic computing tasks. This level of performance ensures that video conferencing applications such as Zoom, which comes pre-installed, run without lag. Additionally, the GeekBench Compute score of 2307 suggests that the integrated Intel UHD graphics can manage the graphical requirements of 4K video playback as well as video conferencing.

The PCMark score of 1925 and the Windows Experience Index of 5.9 further underline the Access Pro Alder Lake's capability to handle light tasks. Video calls and presentations, word processing, and some Office applications will run smoothly, but don't expect too much.

Despite the absence of scores in more demanding graphics benchmarks like Fire Strike and Time Spy, the machine's real-world performance for its intended use is fine. The Access is able to support 4K output at 30FPS and 60FPS for digital signage and video, stills, and audio, all playback without issue. However, after 24 hours of non-stop playback, the Mini PC is physically hot to the touch, as the label warns.

This is to be expected, and with the fanless construction, you also get a machine that operates silently, something that is essential in many environments. Another point to note is that the Alder Lake N100 CPU has very low power requirements, so even when on for long durations, the power draw is very low. While the device does get hot, it's not overly so, just warmer than most. Critically, the performance doesn't seem to be affected, with playback continuing smoothly.

The Access Pro may have a lower benchmark score; however, with its design targeted toward video conferencing and digital signage, it provides the power and features it needs to do the job. It also enables a compact, silent, and energy-efficient design that delivers reliable performance, making it a more practical and focused solution compared to larger, noisier mini PCs.

Performance: 3 / 5

Azulle Access: Final verdict

The Azulle Access excels for its intended use and design: video conferencing and digital signage. If used for either, the design and features balance well, and at the price, everything is well-matched. This is a machine with a specific purpose, and Azulle specializes in making these focused machines that may not push the limits of performance but have design tweaks that make them better suited to certain situations and usage than more powerful and complex larger machines.

However, outside of its intended use, this machine will seem decidedly underpowered. While you can use the machine for day-to-day office tasks and its form factor allows it to be neatly tucked away out of sight, in reality, something with a little more power would be needed for regular office tasks. As long as the Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is utilized for its intended use, its compact design, silent operation, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for focused applications.

Should I buy the Azulle Access mini PC?

If you need a compact and silent computing solution specifically for video conferencing or digital signage, the Azulle Access Fanless Mini PC Stick is a solid choice. However, if you require a more versatile device for everyday computing tasks, you might want to consider other options.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

We tested the best business computers and the best business laptops - and these are our top picks

Mechen M3 review: A jack of all trades digital audio player but a master at none

11:00 am | May 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Portable Media Players | Tags: FM, PC | Comments: Off

Mechen M3: Three-minute review

The Mechen M3 appears to be feature-rich on the surface but when it comes down to it, it's not the most talented of music players. Because of this, it’s hard to avoid the feeling that Mechen’s engineers were so preoccupied with whether they could do certain things, that they didn’t stop to think if they should.

Mechen is a Chinese tech company that sells a small range of MP3 players. If you’ve seen one of them, it’s probably because you’ve found it listed on Amazon alongside a small army of similar low-cost Chinese MP3 players.

Most of the best cheap MP3 players focus on nailing one area: maybe they’ve got great file support for music tracks, or they have a lightweight and easily-portable design, or they have loads of space for music. Mechen’s angle is to go for breadth instead of depth: it’s not just an MP3 player but a portable video player, a mini eReader, a little recording device and more.

However, to return to that Jurassic Park quote from the opening, Mechen has seemingly stuffed in lots of these features without making sure that they’re worth including in the first place.

File format support for both video and e-book functionality is incredibly limited, missing out on most of the standard files you’ll probably have in your library – and then, if you spend ages poring over a file converter to transform your library into a compatible one, you’ll still be viewing these videos or pages on an absolutely tiny display.

Similarly the touch-screen is a neat feature in an MP3 player this cheap, but the interface doesn’t seem to have been designed with a touch-screen in mind. Navigation beyond the main menu is annoying and hard, and in my testing I often just gave up and started listening to whatever music was already in front of me.

That’s not to say that the Mechen M3 is rubbish. It can record your voice and also audio from a device connected via the 3.5mm jack, which could be really handy in certain situations. It also has a design that’s surprisingly premium-feeling for its price.

And at the end of the day, this is an incredibly cheap MP3 player that… well, plays MP3s. So if that’s all you need, it’s fit for purpose – it’s just a shame about all the failed attempts at making it more than that to compete with the best MP3 players.

Mechen M3 review: Price and release date

The Mechen M3 on a tree stump. — (Image credit: Future)

Costs $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$59.99
Available since January 2024

The Mechen M3 is positioned at the low end of the MP3 player price scale: you can pick it up for $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$59.99, and often for between 10%-25% less thanks to frequent sales on Amazon.

At that price, you’re probably finding this MP3 listed alongside countless similar affordable MP3 players, all with similar feature sets and specs.

It’s a relatively new MP3 player, having only been listed on Amazon from early January, so it’s a little more up-to-date than some rival devices which stay listed on the site for years.

Mechen M3 review: Features

The Mechen M3 being held in a hand. — (Image credit: Future)

64GB memory, expandable to 128GB
Offers video playback, eReader, FM radio, images and more...
...but only select file formats, which hampers functionality

There are an absolutely massive number of features offered by the Mechen MP3, including some that’ll have very particular uses for savvy users.

For starters, this ‘MP3 player’ lets you view a range of other file types beyond MP3s, and beyond audio ones in general. From the homepage you can see options for music, video, radio, photos and more.

Let’s start with the radio: if you’re using wired headphones, you can tune into FM radio and even record live radio onto the Mechen. Why wired headphones? Well it’s because they act as an antennae, so you won’t be able to use Bluetooth connectivity for the radio.

The Mechen offers the ability for you to watch videos you’ve uploaded… with the massive caveat that they have to be AVI or AMV file types. That means the most common file formats like MP4, MOV, FLV and WMV are all out the window. I found an AVI file to test, but for some reason it still wouldn’t play on the device.

This same issue affects the eReader functionality. Almost all the standards are out: no PDF, no EPUB, no CBR, no MOBI, obviously none of the Kindle file formats. Instead, all you can read is TXT files, like what Notepad creates – my lengthy eReader library features exactly none of this type of file.

Mechen has also put in a voice recorder into its M3, so you can leave yourself voice notes or record meetings, but it’s expanded that in a neat way. If you connect a music-playing device to the Mechen via a 3.5mm - 3.5mm audio cable, you can record from that other device straight onto the Mechen.

In theory that’s great, though as always there are some kinks. If you’re recording set audio, you need to manually make sure it’s synced up. Plugging the Mechen to your device overrides the audio-out so, if you’re trying to record a call, you won’t actually be able to hear what the other person is saying. Plus, there are plenty of legal questions that’ll depend on your region and app; for example, Spotify bans the recording of songs in this manner.

What’s left on the homepage? There are stopwatch, calendar, alarm and theme-toggling options which all do what you’d expect.

The Mechen has Bluetooth functionality, so you can connect it to speakers, headphones or earbuds if you’d rather use them than wired audio. Curiously Mechen’s website lists the device as supporting Bluetooth 5.0 but Amazon bumps that to Bluetooth 5.3.

By default there’s 64GB on-board storage on the Mechen, which is a decent amount for the price. Using a microSD card you can bump that up by 128GB storage, which allows for loads of music, video or text files.

In terms of battery life, Mechen generally states 500mAh without giving a figure on how much entertainment this actually is; that’s because it’ll depend on what kind of format you’re using. I managed to get through many hours of music streaming without the battery dropping much, but battery use will increase a lot if you’re mainly looking at videos or reading with the display always on.

Features score: 2.5/5

Mechen M3 review: Sound quality

Neutral sound though with some peaking
In-box headphones aren't great

The M3 plays a few different file formats including MP3, WAV, FMA and FLAC, all pretty standard options. There’s no on-board equalizer so you’re going to have to listen to what you get.

Your sound will mostly depend on which headphones you decide to use alongside the Mechen M3; as a word of advice I’d tell you to avoid using the in-box ones because they sound absolutely terrible. The M3 also has a built-in speaker but this sounds even worse – don’t use it!

Generally speaking, the Mechen M3’s sound is fairly neutral. It tends ever so slightly towards treble over bass, but not so much that it’ll annoy anyone with particular tastes.

I did notice some peaking across the board, and on headphones that really shouldn’t be exhibiting it, so I imagine audiophiles won’t be impressed by the audio capabilities of the M3.

Sound quality score: 3/5

Mechen M3 review: Design

Small body but heavy
Premium design with glass body
Five different color options

The Mechen M3 is quite small as MP3 players go – this isn’t a massive smartphone-replacement that’ll burn a hole in your pocket. It’s just 1 cm thick, 5 cm in width and 7cm tall, which makes it roughly one third the size of my smartphone.

I’ve felt lighter MP3 players though. It tips the scales to the tune of 87g, in part thanks to its glass and metal build which feels pretty premium for a low-cost device like this. While glass tech gadgets can be a little fragile, a silicon case included in the box will let the device survive a drop or two.

The earlier comparison to a smartphone stands for lots of the device’s design: it has a small screen on the front with a fairly thick bezel and chin, a volume rocker and power button on the right edge above the USB-C port, a microSD card slot on the left edge and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom. Squint, and this is basically a smartphone.

That display is 2.4-inches across diagonally, with a resolution of 240 x 320, and unlike many same-price rivals it’s a touch screen. It’s not especially bright, but it’s fit for purpose if you’re not using it in direct sunlight.

Mechen offers five color options for the M3: black (as you can see in the review pictures), light blue, pink, purple and red. There’s no difference in these devices beyond the color.

While the premium-looking design sets the Mechen 64GB apart from some similar-priced rivals, the lack of portability consideration like a gap for a strap or lanyard, or a holding clip, does make the device a little awkward to carry around. It’s small enough to totally disappear in your pocket after all!

Design score: 4/5

Mechen M3 review: Usability and setup

Plugs into PC with USB-C cable
Main menu is easy to navigate...
...but further menus aren't

The Mechen is pretty easy to set up, but when uploading your files, you’ll need to make sure you have your library in order.

That’s because when you plug the device into your PC, you need to upload different types of file into different areas: eBooks needed to be added to one folder, music to another, pictures to a third and videos to a fourth. You can’t just drag and drop your entire library into one area and expect it to work. It’s not an overly complex task, you just need to make sure your library isn’t one massive list of all the various file formats.

Initially, navigating the M3 is a breeze. Basically everything you need is housed in one of two menu screens, which you can swipe between like the most barebones smartphone in the world. Everything is clearly labelled and easy to find.

It’s when you get into long menus of tracks that things can be a little complicated. Arrows at the bottom let you move one option forward or backward, but if you’ve got hundreds of artists to sift through, that could take a while. Swiping up and down sometimes jumps through pages, but sometimes just didn’t do anything.

If I have another one small gripe, it’s that sometimes the options can be a little small; I’ve got pretty average-sized hands and I often mis-clicked and selected a different option than I intended to.

Usability & setup score: 3/5

Mechen M3 review: Value

Best considered solely as MP3 player
Design feels very premium

Whether you’re just looking for an MP3 player, or an all-in-one mini entertainment device, the Menchen MP3 offers you great value for money.

Despite being very cheap, the Mechen doesn’t feel like a tacky Amazon-filler; it has an impressive number of features for a device so affordable.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Mechen M3?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Mechen M3 review: Also consider

How I tested the Mechen M3

Three-week testing period
Pop, rock, classical and spoken word music tested
Used at home, in office and on walks

I tested the Mechen M3 alongside several other MP3 players, and it was the last I reviewed, so it enjoyed a three-week testing period.

For the majority of the testing time, I used the Mechen M3's in-box headphones and also the Sony WH-1000XM3s (via Bluetooth and wired). Most of the testing was done listening to music, with a range of genres tested, but I also tried listening to the radio, recording audio from my phone, watching videos and reading eBooks. Not all of these features worked due to file format issues.

As stated I tested the Mechen alongside some of its rival and I have a five-year history of testing various gadgets for TechRadar.

First reviewed May 2024
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Majority MP3 Player review: one of the best cheap music players to consider

3:00 pm | May 12, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Portable Media Players | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Majority MP3 Player: Two-minute review

The Majority MP3 Player shines for its simplicity in a world where MP3 players are trying hard to be your replacement smartphone, radio and Kindle all wrapped into one.

The Majority MP3 Player is not trying to be the best MP3 player ever invented; it’s trying to be a simple music device for people who don’t have degrees in sound engineering. Created by British audio company Majority, this is basically the cheapest MP3 player on the market that you should seriously consider buying, found on Amazon by searching 'MP3 player' and sorting 'price: low to high'. And it wears that budget badge with pride.

The Majority MP3 is absolutely tiny, and very lightweight too, so it’s not going to drag a hole in your pocket like many of its rivals. Its plastic shell may seem ‘cheap’ to some, but it'll take drops and knocks better than delicate premium options, and contributes to its lovely lightness.

My favorite feature is the sports clip on the back, which firmly clasps the MP3 player to your clothes, bag or anything else. This was so handy for keeping the player held still while keeping it within arms’ reach (ie, not in a pocket), and also means you can take the player for a run or workout and clip it to your clothes, to exercise hands-free.

Design aside, there’s more to like here too: the player is simple to use (well, once you’ve got your head around some user interface quirks) and has a battery life that outstrips lots of the competition.

As you can imagine from the price, the Majority MP3 doesn’t exactly have all the trappings of its pricier rivals. You’re not getting a touchscreen, so you’ll have to rely on a fairly rudimentary button system to get around, and don’t expect to fiddle with an on-device EQ, watch videos or read audiobooks, or download any more than 128GB of music (or 16GB, without an SD card).

However if you’re simply buying a nice lightweight little gadget that lets you outsource your music listening to a non-smartphone device, sometimes you don’t need bells and whistles; you just need simplicity. And simplicity is something the Majority MP3 delivers in spades.

The Majority MP3 Player in a man's hands. — (Image credit: Future)

Majority MP3 Player review: price and release date

Costs $35 / £30 (about AU$60)
Available since March 2023 (according to Amazon)

As stated in the introduction, the Majority MP3 is one of the cheapest MP3 players on the market at the time of writing. How cheap? Uh – that’s a good question.

At the time of writing, Majority has two separate listings for the device on Amazon UK: £29.95 and £34.95, and I can’t for the life of me tell what the difference between the two is. I’d hazard a guess that there isn’t one. The expert tech minds at TechRadar have come to the conclusion that you should buy the cheaper one.

What about outside the UK? It's available on Amazon US for $35, in mercifully just one entry. There's no Australian availability, but these prices would translate to around AU$60.

The Majority MP3 Player on a wooden bench. — (Image credit: Future)

Majority MP3 Player review: Features

16GB memory, expandable to 128GB
Limited list of extra tools
34-hour battery life, lower if using Bluetooth

You can fit up to 16GB of music onto the Majority MP3 player, which the company estimates will take 4,000 songs to fill. If you buy a compatible SD card you can expand that by 128GB which will fit countless hours of music in MP3 format. The only file format officially supported is MP3 – no AAC or WAV support is listed here.

Despite being a simple device, the Majority does have a few extra tools that may come in handy. You can record audio notes, change your background, use a stopwatch or check a calendar (though I couldn’t find a way to add anything to it) and create folders and playlists on the device.

Some features that many other MP3 players have are missing here. You can’t streaming over Wi-Fi, sync with audiobooks services, watch videos, or tune into the radio, so you'll have to rely on whatever MP3 files you manually download. There’s also no way to customize your listening experience, beyond picking your chosen headphones carefully.

There's a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, or you can ditch cables and set up a Bluetooth connection, which lets you stream the MP3 files through some of the best wireless earbuds or one of the best Bluetooth speakers – though it’ll harm your battery life of course.

That battery life is 34 hours by default if you’re using wired audio, which is a fair bit longer than some competitors (many of our favorite MP3 players last between 15 and 20 hours). Charging takes three hours, done with an in-box USB-C cable.

Features score: 2.5/5

Majority MP3 Player review: Sound quality

Quality depends on audio files and headphones
No extra features to improve quality

The Majority MP3 Player isn't one to buy if you're looking for a device that ekes all the sound quality it can out of your tunes.

Unlike some pricier rivals, the device doesn't come with an on-board equalizer and doesn't support higher-quality music file types, so this isn't a portable music player for audiophiles – MP3 only here. You could probably tell that from the price.

Music played on the device will depend a lot more on the files you upload and the headphones you use than the pedigree of the Majority, then.

For what it's worth, I tested with a range of music files and they sounded effectively as good on the Majority MP3 as on pricier audio players, my computer and my smartphone.

The bass and treble were bright and distinct, though the mid-range was a little lost compared to on some rival devices. The sound quality will best suit runners, but won't impress people who care about high-quality music.

Sound quality score: 2.5/5

Majority MP3 Player review: design

Tiny and light plastic body
Small touchscreen and buttons for controls
Plastic 'sports clip' holds

The Majority MP3 Player is a small plastic rectangle, with a teensie screen and control panel on the front.

The player is absolutely tiny; it’s the smallest of its ilk that I’ve tested by a fair amount. It measures 4.4 x 6.8 x 1.9cm / 1.7 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches (ignore Majority’s website or Amazon, which both offer the dimensions of the shipping box as that of the device itself!). To give you a sense of that size, you’d need to put three and a half in a row to cover up a dollar bill.

It weighs only 33g too, so it’s slight enough that you can pop it in a pocket or on your clothes and forget it’s there. This lightweight form is partly thanks to the small size but likely mainly thanks to the fact it’s plastic, a material that’s often associated with ‘cheap’ tech but is also very hardy. I dropped the MP3 player a fair few times and there’s not a scratch or mark upon it.

A distinctive design feature is the use of a ‘sports clip’ on the back of the body, which you can use to clip it onto anything you want. As per the name, I used it a lot when going for a run so I could go hands-free, and it stayed attached despite all the associated jostling and bouncing. When not running, I also liked to attach the player to my clothes instead of drop it in a pocket, which made for easy access when I wanted to change the tune or turn it off.

Around the edges of the device you’ve got a USB-C port for charging and plugging into a computer, a 3.5mm audio jack (headphones are included in the box but you can use your own), an SD card slot that supports up to 128GB expandable memory, a volume rocker and a ‘hold’ button which deactivates any of the other controls so you don’t accidentally press them. On the front of the Majority is the screen and five buttons: the main selection one, ‘M’ (for ‘music’), previous track, next track and back. These are all you’ll have when navigating the menus.

That screen is 4.8cm across with a resolution of 240 x 240, and it’s bright enough that you can see it in direct sunlight. With those specs, it’s fit for purpose but won’t wow you with its fidelity, so I’m not exactly heartbroken that you can’t watch videos on the device. When you’re listening to music, a clock sometimes appears to tell you the time, but I could never figure out the rhyme or reason for it showing up or the Majority simply defaulting to a black screen; it felt pretty random.

Design score: 4/5

The Majority MP3 Player clipped to a blue hoodie. — (Image credit: Future)

Majority MP3 Player review: usability and set-up

Plugs into PC using USB-C cable
Navigate with physical buttons
User interface can be a little confusing

Downloading music onto the Majority MP3 Player is incredibly easy. You don’t need to fuss over different folders or settings; plug the player into your computer, select ‘Transfer’ on the player, and simply drag any of your music you want into the player’s folder. No, you don’t need to put it in a certain place on the folder or upload it in a certain way; throw it all in there and it’ll sort itself out. Easy!

Finding the music on the device itself may be a little trickier. You can use the forward and backward buttons to scroll forward and backward in the list, and the central one to select an option.

Back, as you imagine, takes you back, but only one menu, so if you want to return to the player’s main menu then you’ll just have to smash the back button loads of times. And want to pause or switch tracks while you’re listening to music? You’ll have to navigate all the way back to the main menu, and then forward into the music options to find ‘Now Playing’, as there’s no simple way to jump to the music player.

I got used to the navigation after a while, but it did take a little learning. Another gripe I had is that the player takes a few seconds longer to turn on or off than I’d have liked (both are performed by pressing and holding the central button). That’s also true of turning on and off the controls hold option; you have to wait a few seconds for an animation to play out, so changing volume or skipping tracks isn’t as quick as you’d hope.

Usability & setup score: 3.5/5

Majority MP3 Player review: value

MP3 player right at the lowest of the low end of the market
Does what it promises, and only a little more
Faults are easily forgiven at this price

If you’re looking for value for your money, you can’t find a better device than the Majority MP3 Player, and that’s simply because it’s so cheap.

You can spend literally thousands on an MP3 player if you want top-end features and audio, but Majority has gone for the opposite side of the spectrum, and you know what? You still get the same core function of playing MP3 files.

Being unable to play hi-res music or watch videos really won't be an issue for anyone looking for something this cheap, and the storage is sufficient for its purpose. I really can't fault it for its value.

Value score: 5/5

Should you buy the Majority MP3 Player?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Majority MP3 Player review: Also consider

Majority MP3 Player review: how I tested

Two-week testing period
Pop, rock, classical and spoken word music tested
Used at home, in office, on walks and on runs

I tested the Majority MP3 Player using its provided headphones (though obviously you can upgrade to some of the best wired headphones for an improvement), and I paired it using Bluetooth to the Earfun Wave Pro and the OneOdio OpenRock S headphones to see how it measured up.

Musically, I loaded it up with a testing playlist of rock, pop and post-rock, and also used it to stream lots of running music and classical. As you can tell I used it on runs as well as when at home, in the office and on walks.

The testing period for the Majority MP3 Player was roughly two weeks, and I was able to compare it directly with two other similar devices: the Mechen 64GB and HIFI Walker.

First reviewed May 2024
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