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Audi Electric Mountain Bike review: Premium-priced offroad excellence

2:00 pm | January 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Europe, UK | Comments: Off

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: One minute review

The clue is in the name, as the Audi Electric Mountain Bike powered by Fantic (to give it its full title) is just one of the Italian marque’s XEF Enduro bikes with a little Audi attitude applied to it.

Anyone expecting motors developed by the German automaker, or quattro all-wheel-drive technology, will be a little bit disappointed. However, if you like the idea of a dream spec downhill eBike that looks fantastic when attached to one of Audi’s electric vehicles, this is the only bike to have.

It offers the rider a potent Brose S-Mag 250W electric hub motor that offers several rider assist modes. This is all neatly wrapped inside a chunky aluminum frame, with SRAM GX and NX Eagle components and gearing.

Stopping power is taken care of by IN.CA.S disk brakes, which are massive to help bring the action safely to a halt. In addition to this, shock absorption is left to Swedish experts Ohlins, which provides both the front fork (complete with 180mm of travel) and the TTX 22M shock at the rear.

It’s a serious package for riders looking to tackle some serious terrain and although we found the entire set-up to be arguably too heavy, the 720Wh lithium-ion battery pack copes with the mass well and offers a solid all-electric range. As for the Audi branding, it looks a bit like an afterthought in a few places, even though it is influenced by the RS Q e-tron E2 Dakar Rally car. But it will undoubtedly go down well with fans of the brand.

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Specifications

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Price and availability

Only available in UK and Europe
RRP £8,499
Heavily discounted to £5,990

The Audi Electric Mountain Bike was released in the Spring of 2023 and went on sale via the company’s official online accessories store soon after. Originally, it cost £8,499 in the UK, which is the equivalent of around $10,500 or nearly AUS$16,000, although it didn’t officially go on sale in those territories.

That said, the bike was claimed to be a limited run, but it is already heavily discounted on the UK site, with large frame models available to buy for £5,990, which feels like a bit of a bargain to us considering the components on offer.

Value score: 3.5/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Design

Very well constructed, like other Fantic bikes
Heavy at 24 kgs
Excellent component choices

As previously mentioned, Fantic doesn’t really mess around when it comes to making hardy electrified mountain bikes, and its current range comprises everything from Trail to Mountain, Enduro to Downhill and even classic hardtail models.

In this instance, the Audi e-bike’s frame is fashioned from toughened aluminium, with some very obvious and robust welding in key, high-stress areas. The rearmost triangle is made from carbon fiber to help keep some of the weight down, but this is still a chunky machine. Neither Fantic nor Audi reveal the official weight, but we’d say it’s easily in excess of 24kg after hauling it from a rear-mounted bike rack a number of times.

Further robustness is added by Vittoria off-road tyres and ultra-wide handlebars, which in this case were provided by FSA, although official specification says it should be Renthal’s Fatbar offering. There’s also the ubiquitous dropper seat post for ditching the saddle quickly during punishing downhill descents.

Audi has removed all Fantic branding and has instead added its own grey, silver and red livery, which is apparently inspired by its current electric Dakar Rally car. There is red and black hatching on the battery pack, bold e-tron lettering, Audi Sport stickers on the cranks and the Four Ring logo on the front of the headstock. There is certainly no mistaking this is an Audi product.

That said, some of the stickering feels like a bit of an afterthought, with the red and black hatching on the rims reminding us of the cheap rim tape boy racers add to their sports bikes, while the “Future is an Attitude” logo on the chainstays makes little sense.

Design score: 4/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Performance

Superb off-road handling
Great power delivery
UK road legal, so only 15.5mph-speed assistance

As is the way with most e-bikes on sale today, the electric motor offered here only provides assistance at speeds of up to 15.5mph: anything more than that and the electric motor cuts its power.

That said, this isn’t a bike designed for speeding around town, instead the 90Nm of torque offered up by the system is more than enough to ease riders up the toughest uphill sections so they can spend more time doing the fun stuff… namely careering downhill and trying not to hit a tree.

Four assistance modes allow the rider to tailor the power delivery and these are easily accessed via a small colour screen computer mounted to the bars. This also gives a readout of remaining battery levels, current speed and distance travelled.

Power delivery is based on the amount of torque being pushed through the cranks and the rider’s cadence. In Eco and Tour modes, the electric system will offer minimal assistance in an effort to eke the most from the battery pack - which can be removed or charged on the bike. Sport and Boost seemed to unleash full power, with the latter enough to have the rear wheel spinning on loose surfaces.

The wide bars, slack headtube angle and long, low chassis are all classic hallmarks of a downhill/endurance bike and the Audi offering is perfectly at home being thrown down steep trails. It’s also easy to ride over distance, but we wouldn’t say this is right for touring… it’s too heavy and clearly designed for adrenaline junkies.

“The Audi electric mountain bike in cooperation with Fantic is another fantastic example of how we can expand our mobility offering to customers that extends beyond the award-winning models they drive,” Andrew Doyle, Director Audi UK said.

It’s a strange sentiment, considering this is most definitely not a commuter bike, while we feel Audi has probably alienated a bunch of potential customers by opting for one of Fantic’s more focused off-road machines.

But we’re not complaining, as it proved an extremely fun way to tear up a few local trails and send down a number of root-laden descents. It’s certainly capable and at the discounted price we previously mentioned, it’s a lot of bike for the money.

Performance score: 4/5

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Scorecard

Audi Electric Mountain Bike: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

The best electric mountain bike on our list - a lightweight and cheaper, but less powerful, alternative.

Read our full review

Pure Woodland review: charming, practical and hitting the right notes

1:00 pm | January 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers DAB Radios Gadgets Hi-Fi | Tags: DAB, Europe, FM, UK | Comments: Off

Pure Woodland: Two-minute review

The Pure Woodland Bluetooth speaker and DAB radio isn’t the cutting edge of modern technology but it knows how to be good at what it does. It has the right name, looking eco-friendly right down to its cardboard and paper only box (besides a couple of cable ties). In a fetching green, it’s just asking for you to hook it up to a tree on a hot summer’s day.

None of this would matter if it was awful to use but some thought has been put into it. Its carry handle is soft and easy to grip onto while its 14 hours of battery life is about right for a busy day out full of music and relaxation.

This isn’t just about music though as the Pure Woodland also has a reliable DAB and FM radio component. Pull up that antenna and you’re good to go with the DAB radio automatically tuning in and the FM radio only a few steps away. It works well giving you plenty of suitable options with the LCD screen highlighting what station is playing.

At £139.99 / €149.99, it’s not the most competitively priced radio/speaker combo but it’s reasonable. It’s going to last a while too with IP67 waterproofing and some reinforced bumpers to help it handle a few blows while you take it out and about with you.

Simple to use with its stylish yet easy to distinguish buttons, the Pure Woodland is that device that everyone will figure out making it an easy radio to provide the whole family with. Outdoors, it blends in well while on the living room bookshelf, it’s going to be just as capable with a long USB cable proving useful.

As its closest rival, the Robert Revival RD70 might be better looking but if you need something that can travel with you, the Pure Woodland is a tempting proposition among a busy world of the best DAB radios and best Bluetooth speakers.

Pure Woodland review: Price and release date

The Pure Woodland Bluetooth speaker with DAB radio — (Image credit: Future)

Released in July 2023
Costs £139.99 / €149.99
Only available in the UK and Europe

The Pure Woodland was released in the UK and Europe in July 2023. It costs £139.99 and €149.99 in respective markets, which places it squarely in the mid-range market.

It’s a little cheaper than some popular favorites like the non-portable but stylish Robert Revival RD70, although pricier than the Sony XDR-P1, which has proved a hit among those looking for something portable.

It’s bulkier than the latter too although the Pure Woodland would certainly look better in your living room than the dated stylings of the Sony XDR-P1. You also get a rechargeable battery here rather than needing to dig out AA batteries all the time.

Pure Woodland review: Features

The Pure Woodland Bluetooth speaker with DAB radio on the floor — (Image credit: Future)

IP67 waterproofing
Carry handle
DAB and FM radio as well as speaker

It’s perhaps weird to think immediately of the carry handle of the Pure Woodland but it feels like a genuine feature rather than a design component. So many portable speakers omit a useful way of carrying them and are rarely light enough to throw in a bag.

While at the time of this review, it’s the wrong time of year to be spending long days outside – the Pure Woodland feels like something you could take on a picnic with you alongside your bag of food. The handle is soft to hold too which is so important compared to it biting through your hand.

Besides the handle, the Pure Woodland is also pretty robust with IP67 waterproofing and a build that’s light to carry yet feels like it could handle a few knocks. Its 14 hour battery life also means you have a day’s worth of picnicking without needing a power source.

The Bluetooth 5.1 that's onboard is reliable and means no dropouts to speak of. You can also switch to DAB radio mode or a FM radio if you choose. The former is pretty much automatic while the latter requires some adjustments but odds are you’ll be focusing on DAB anyhow.

Don’t count on any extra physical connections like an aux-in socket but otherwise, the Pure Woodland has it covered.

Features score: 4 / 5

Pure Woodland review: Sound quality

The Pure Woodland Bluetooth speaker with DAB radio facing down — (Image credit: Future)

10W speaker
Crisp audio
Lacking a little oomph at times

I’m not really counting on the Pure Woodland to be an audiophile’s dream. Instead, it’s a balanced mix of offering everything the average person needs. Listening to a talk-focused station like LBC brings out how crisp voices sound while switching over to music demonstrates that this isn’t a bass-heavy party speaker but it still does the job well for adding ambience to your picnic, working day, or general chill out moment.

When my random playlist switched to Corner Shop’s Brimful of Asha (yes, really), I was pleasantly surprised at how enthusiastic it sounded. It broke through the background noise of my dehumidifier and my mechanical keyboard well. Elsewhere, more vocal heavy tracks like Harry Styles’s Sign of the Times feels tamer and not quite as powerful as one might like. Similarly, Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling doesn’t quite get you in the party mood.

However, it’s all likeable and pleasant enough. As cliched as it might sound, the Pure Woodland is a reliable all-rounder. Nothing sounds poor or over processed and the soundstage is reasonable for this speaker, at least indoors.

Sound quality: 4 / 5

Pure Woodland review: Design

Pleasantly tactile
Clear preset buttons
Reinforced bumpers

The Pure Woodland looks a little dated but on the other hand, it’s also really practical. It has the aforementioned carry handle which has been designed to be soft to hold onto yet sturdy. It’ll easily hook onto something too. It also has a string of tactile buttons laid out well so none of them are too close to each other. Unlike other devices, there are no long presses or double taps necessary so it’s simple enough for anyone to figure out.

Six presets are available in all with three DAB and three FM giving you some options. Pairing to Bluetooth takes mere moments. Next to the buttons is a thin LCD screen so you can see what station you’ve picked.

On the back, there’s nothing to speak of. A USB-C port for charging. For a change, a long USB cable is included so you’ve got a fair bit of stretch if you need to keep it plugged in. 14 hours of battery life means this won’t be too commonplace, fortunately. Reinforced bumpers at the top and bottom of the device adds to the robustness of the Pure Woodland.

Design score: 4 / 5

Pure Woodland review: Value

About average for what it offers
A little cheaper than more stylish options
Built to last

The Pure Woodland feels like something that will last a long time. It’s going to handle a muddy picnic in a British summer as well as it’ll handle living comfortably on your bookcase too.

It’s not as good looking as the Robert Revival RD70 but it’s portable which is vital for some people. On the other hand, it’s far better looking than the cheaper Sony XDR-P1 and will look nice in your home during the winter months. A jack of all trades? Maybe, but it works.

Should you buy the Pure Woodland?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Pure Woodland review: Also consider

How I tested the Pure Woodland

Tested for one week
Used around the home and briefly outside (winter!)
10 years of audio reviewing experience

I lived with the Pure Woodland by plonking it in the same room as I work while also moving it around the home including my living room. For a brief time, I took it outside but the weather has been awful and I feel less waterproof than the Pure Woodland.

Around the house, it was used while I worked as background noise as well as while I cooked and cleaned. It was all very domesticated and pleasant -- just like how most people are likely to use the Pure Woodland.

I listened to a wide variety of music. This included my faithful (and somewhat embarrassing) 1990s playlist along with more recent releases such as those of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. I also listened to the radio a lot -- mostly a mixture of LBC, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Radio 4.

Music was streamed through Apple Music and Spotify, while I used the DAB side of things predominantly for the radio with some FM testing too.

Over the past decade, I’ve reviewed dozens of speakers, headphones, and earbuds. Covering a wide range of price ranges, these go from super cheap ‘how could they make it for so little?’ level to much more expensive options.

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First reviewed in January 2024

Under Armour Flow Dynamic review: Built for cross-training comfort

8:37 pm | January 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Australia, UK | Comments: Off

UA Flow Dynamic: One minute review

If, like me, you love mixing up your workouts – from interval running to strength workouts, then you’ll need some of the best gym shoes to keep up with you. UA’s Flow Dynamic trainers are lightweight and comfortable enough for a quick HIIT session, thanks to super foam soles and IntelliKnit uppers, but they also have the stability needed for strength sessions.

The Flow Dynamic trainers boast an innovative design that sets them apart from other cross-training shoes; stylish and functional, they have a sock-like design, a lateral TPU wrap and engaging colors.

The use of synthetic overlays and a breathable mesh upper means you’ll also get durability and breathability from the trainer, an important factor for any intense cross-training routine. Other highlights include the internal shank, which gave me extra stability during jumps and lunges.

When it comes to running long distances, I found they didn’t have enough energy return, while when lifting heavy weights, the trainers 8mm heel-to-toe-drop let me down, as while they gave me flexibility when I was moving fast, the foam isn’t sturdy enough when handling bigger weights.

UA Flow Dynamic: Specifications

UA Flow Dynamic: Price and availability

Under Armour Flow Dynamic — (Image credit: Sarah Finley)

$130 in the US
£115 in the UK
AU$140 in Australia

The trainers are priced at $130 in the US, £115 in the UK and AU$140. This is around the standard market price for a premium workout shoe, although they don’t represent outstanding value other than perhaps the Australian price. Thrifty gym-goers can try older models such as the Under Armour Tribase Reign 4, which can now be picked up very cheaply and will certainly do the job well, unless you’re looking for extreme performance.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Design

Upper is lightweight and breathable
Cushioning outsole foam
Snug sock-like fit

I love the striking design of the trainers: my samples were white with accents of orange and blue, which wrap around the base of the foot, giving them some edge. The trainer also comes in other color designs including pink, black and white. I personally felt the sleek design and bold color options make these sneakers not only a top choice for the gym but also a nice addition to my wardrobe, and I regularly paired them with jeans and other casual outfits.

The uppers of the Flow Dynamic trainers are made with Under Armour's IntelliKnit, a stretchy, lightweight mesh material which supports my foot but allows them to breathe as I start to sweat. While the lateral TPU wrap up gives the shoe a snug, sock-like fit: they are easier to slip on than other trainers, while the padded heel support, with a collar, is also sturdy and doesn’t rub as I make my way through multiple workouts.

The 8mm heel-to-toe drop midsole is made from the brand's one-piece flow technology - giving them a cushioning, responsive and comfortable ride. The Flow Dynamic trainer also has the same rubberless sole as two of the brand's running shoes, Velociti and SlipSpeed, meaning they are super-light to wear but also supportive throughout the footbed.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Performance

Versatile in gym workouts
Stability for HIIT workouts
Lacks energy return for running

I’m a big gym-goer, regularly attending HIIT and strength classes, so I was keen to out these trainers to the test, which I did rigorously over a couple of months. The trainer's responsive Flow technology, a super foam, is firmer than other foams so took a while for me to ‘break in’, but once I had they provided a great bounce. This makes them perfect for activities that involve jumping or quick lateral movements like squat jumps or skaters. At the same time the outsole, thanks to its multidirectional patterns, gave them a good grip – I find myself slipping on some gym floors, especially when pushing heavy weights, but they performed well on various surfaces, from rubber tile floors to outdoor tracks.

The trainers also boast an internal shank, there to give you more support. I found I had supportive landings when I was performing more explosive movements such as skipping or box jumps. I also really appreciated the lightweight construction as it made me feel less weighed down during high-intensity workouts. The sock-like fit also helped to keep my feet stable, ensuring they had minimal movement as I made my way through different workouts. These shoes do come up big though, and I would advise going down half a size so make sure you have a snug fit.

Lacing up the shoes for a series of short runs I loved how light they were, but I found the super foam a little too stiff for a comfortable run. Unlike some of their running specific trainers, there wasn’t enough energy return, the process of using the compressing and decompressing foam on your feet to save you energy and propel you forwards during your run. The trainers weren’t the best choice for very heavy weightlifting either, as I prefer a flatter sole and more stability for exercises such as squats and deadlifts.

However, the shoe is built to withstand the wear and tear of intense cross-training and HIIT sessions full of plyometric movements – the shoes’ support and comfort, particularly in the midsole and heel areas, is a key reason why I keep slipping them on for gym sessions even after I’ve finished testing. I’m sure this is one of the main reasons why I’ve avoided injuries over the last couple of months: these shoes are seriously well-constructed.

Performance score: 4 / 5

UA Flow Dynamic: Scorecard

UA Flow Dynamic: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

UA Flow Dynamic: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Xcover7 and Tab Active5 prices revealed, phone already available in the UK

3:55 pm |

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

A couple of weeks ago Samsung announced two rugged devices – the Xcover7 phone and the Tab Active5 slate. However, pricing was not revealed at the time, so we had to wait until now to find out. By the looks of it, only the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is coming to the US. It will be available in the first quarter (January-March) with prices starting at $550. This is presumably for the LTE version, there should be a 5G model as well. In the UK, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover7 is already available through the Samsung Business page for £350. The tablet (5G variant) is marked as “coming soon” and...

Samsung Galaxy S24 pre-orders are now live in the UK, Galaxy A25 tags along

6:06 pm | January 21, 2024

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

This week’s unpacked event brought Samsung’s latest flagships – the Galaxy S24 trio. You can check out our hands-on review for an introduction to the new features and hardware upgrades. And if you’re curious what all those AI features are all about, watch these videos. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a rethink on how the long telephoto lens should work – instead of a fixed 10x lens, Samsung went for 5x magnification and a high resolution 50MP sensor that offers high quality zoom between 5x and 10x. And more, it enables 8K video recording and 4K @ 120fps from the tele camera. ...

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 review: Not quite an elite level racing shoe

3:11 pm | January 16, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: One minute review

Brooks wants the Hyperion Elite 3 to be the best running shoe for race day, the one shoe you lace up when you’re ready for peak performance.

Like the Elite 2, Brooks says this shoe is the perfect choice for those who run marathons and half marathons, and it sticks largely to the same formula as its predecessor. There have been some small tweaks, which Brooks hopes will make the Hyperion Elite 3 the shoe of choice if you’re stepping up to that start line.

It’s up against a host of carbon race shoes, such as the Nike Vaporfly 3, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky+ among others, which have graced most the feet of some of the fastest runners on the planet such as Eliud Kipchoge. It also faces competition from new brands of race shoe in the market, such as the Hoka Rocket X 2 and On Running Cloudboom Echo 3.

Competition appears to be pretty fierce, then, and the feeling is that maybe the Elite 3 isn’t quite the shoe of choice for chasing a PB.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Specifications

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Price and availability

$250 in the US
£200 in the UK
AU$399.95 in Australia

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 launched in the US in 2022, and in the UK in early 2023. You can pick up a pair for £200 / $250 / AU$399.95, which makes this shoe cheaper than the Nike Vaporfly 3, Asics Metaspeed Sky+, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Value score: 4/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Design

Quickknit upper
8mm heel-to-toe drop
Weighs 246g in UK size 8

The Elite 3’s design doesn’t see too much of a shift away from the Elite 2. The main change is a move to Brooks’ knitted style of upper, rather than the mesh kind used for the Elite 2. Brooks has also updated the design of the heel and the collar, to address some of the rubbing issues associated with the Elite 2.

An 8mm drop remains, but it’s picked up some weight over its predecessor. My UK size 8 weighed in at 246g, which makes it heavier than the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Asics Metaspeed Sky+.

Sticking with its DNA Flash midsole foam, which is an EVA-based setup that’s nitrogen-infused to deliver a lightweight and fast ride, Brooks partners this with a full-length carbon plate to promise some pop when you hit your top speeds. The rubber outsole looks identical to the one used on the Elite 2, with a similar pattern and exposed areas of foam.

Overall, I found the fit pretty decent. The ridged laces and slightly gusseted tongue offer a strong foot-ground connection, keeping you secure inside the shoe with no sliding around, and I didn’t experience any rubbing at the heel, either. The stretchy nature of the upper creates some welcome space up front in the toe box, so I’d say that opting for your regular size should work for most.

Design score: 3.5/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Performance

Feels more speedy daily trainer than race shoe
Same DNA Flash as Hyperion Elite 2
Outsole grip performed well on dry and wet roads

Brooks pitches the Hyperion Elite 3 as a racing shoe, and while I’ve yet to use them in that capacity, I’ve aimed to replicate that race pace in my runs with the shoes on my feet. What I’d say about that time is that the Elite 3 shoe doesn’t feel quite that Elite.

In fact, I’d say the Elite 3 would be more suitable for uptempo training sessions of the type you’d do before actually starting to race. Brooks’ DNA Flash delivers an EVA-type midsole as opposed to the more popular Pebax-based type used to such great effect by the likes of Nike, Hoka and On Running. As such, the Elite 3 feels more firm and, along with the carbon plate, really requires you to engage with that midsole to get the best out of it.

Run quicker in the Elite 3 and you’ll experience a more rockered feeling at the forefoot, a more stable feeling than most top-tier carbon racing shoes. If you’re hoping this is a shoe you can ease off in, this simply isn’t the case here. You’ll feel a firmness and stiffness at slower speeds; but that’s hardly surprising given it’s a shoe pitched at giving you that speedy feeling.

The Elite 3 definitely wouldn’t be my shoe of choice for going particularly long; other super shoes feel a bit more forgiving over distance by comparison. It screams tempo running and speed sessions, and will reward you in such use. However, it doesn’t deliver that “wow”, even against speedier training shoes that are available for a lot less.

Elsewhere, the outsole has generally been fine in terms of grip. I’ve run the pavements in the Elite 3 on both dry and wet days, and while it’s held up surprisingly well on the latter, I’m still of the opinion that the Elite 3 feels more at home in drier running conditions.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Scorecard

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Brooks Hyperion Elite 3: Also consider

CMF Watch Pro by Nothing review: A great value smartwatch, but not perfect

5:00 pm | January 14, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AI, Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

CMF Watch Pro: One minute review

The CMF Watch Pro is astonishingly cheap, retailing for just $69 / £69 / AU$142, but despite that it looks and feels premium throughout. Moving into this watch from my (comparatively expensive) Amazfit Balance, I was worried that the experience would be laden with frustrations and limitations, but on the contrary, I’ve really enjoyed testing it.

The design, while clearly taking inspiration from Apple, is lovely. It looks great on the wrist, the materials and finish are top-notch, and Nothing’s signature design language is present across a large library of aesthetically pleasing and functional watch faces. It’s a chunky watch, but extremely lightweight, and that makes it a pleasure to wear.

Of course, at such a low price, there are plenty of features missing that have become commonplace on more expensive smartwatches. There’s no onboard Wi-Fi, no payment system and the vast majority of features will require your smartphone to be connected in order to function, but I think the Watch Pro covers the basics well enough to satisfy most users.

The frustrations arise when you realise how much effort it takes to keep the watch connected to your phone. It just seems to disconnect itself all the time, and that means you won’t be getting notifications and many functions will be unavailable until you open the smartphone app and reconnect your phone.

Hopefully, this is something that will be improved as the software matures, and in fairness, there have been multiple updates pushed over the few weeks I’ve been wearing it. As it stands, it’s still a great-looking smartwatch at a bargain price, but there are definitely some refinements to be made.

CMF Watch Pro: Specifications

CMF Watch Pro: Price and availability

£69 in the UK
$69 in the US
AU$131 in Australia

The biggest draw of the CMF Watch Pro is its low asking price. While it may look a lot like an Apple Watch, its pricing puts it in closer competition with devices like the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, Fitbit Inspire 3 and the Amazfit Bip 5. All great watches in their own right, but none have quite the same premium allure as the CMF option.

It launched in September 2023 as a debut product for the CMF by Nothing brand, alongside some earbuds and a wall charger.

It’s available to purchase now from Nothing directly and via various authorised resellers in the UK. In the US, it can be found on Amazon and in Australia it’s available via AliExpress.

Value score: 5/5

CMF Watch Pro: Design and screen

1.96-inch AMOLED display
Dark Grey and Metallic Grey options
Replaceable 22mm silicon wrist strap

The CMF Watch Pro is quite a sizable watch, and while I think it looks great on my wrist, it’s worth noting that I am male and over 6 feet tall – it’s likely to look more out of place on petite wrists.

This watch is only a few millimeters smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra, so it’s quite chunky, but it wears it well. It’s also extremely lightweight, coming in under 50 grams including the silicon wrist strap, so you’ll barely feel it on your wrist – but you’ll see it.

I was sent the Dark Grey variant for testing and I think it’s the better-looking of the two finishes. The Metallic Grey option has a polished, almost mirror finish on its frame, a bit like the Google Pixel Watch 2, and while it does look nice I know I would be concerned about scratches and blemishes. The Dark Grey option is anodized with a more rugged-looking matte finish, and comes paired with either an ash gray or dark gray sports strap, the flashier orange strap is only supplied with the metallic version.

On the right-hand side, there’s a push button and a speaker, while all the other sides are blank and minimalistic. On the base, you’ll find an array of four optical sensors for fitness tracking and two pogo-pin pads that attach to the magnetic charging puck.

The screen is large, sharp and bright and it’s extremely responsive to touch input. There are large bezels on all sides, but for the most part, you’d never know. The UI has a black background throughout, and the majority of watch faces are dark, too. This means you rarely see these chunky bezels unless you’re really looking for them.

My biggest gripe with the screen isn’t the fault of the screen itself, it’s just that the watch doesn’t have an ambient light sensor. This means that on many occasions, the display is inappropriately bright or dim. Thankfully, it only takes a couple of taps to adjust the brightness, but it’s a hassle that you won’t experience with the more expensive watches on the market.

Design score: 4.5/5

CMF Watch Pro: Features

110 sport tracking modes
CMF Watch companion app for Android and iOS
Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction

As you might expect with a watch at this price point, the functionality is quite limited compared to a Wear OS device or an Apple Watch. There’s no app store, everything that you can use comes preinstalled and ready to go out of the box. That said, the most commonly used smartwatch features are present here, and there’s more than enough for most people's needs.

There’s also no Wi-Fi onboard, so for any feature that requires internet access, like weather info, you’ll need to be paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The CMF Watch app is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and it makes it as simple as can be to get up and running.

Most of the CMF Watch Pro’s features are accessed by tapping the button on the right-hand side. In the resulting menu, you’ll find everything from timers and alarms to music controls, phone calls and fitness tracking. When you open the Exercise app, you’ll find a comprehensive list of 110 different activities to choose between. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some of my more unusual hobbies, like inline skating and snowboarding, were represented here – so there’s a good chance that your sport of choice will be on the list.

Most of the tracking works similarly, measuring your heart rate, workout duration and location data (where applicable). It’s enough information for the casual user, but it might be a little lacking for true fitness buffs. You can’t use the watch to track your reps while strength training, for example.

The CMF Watch Pro can also check your stress level and blood oxygen levels, and it can monitor them 24/7 if you want it to, though that will cost you some battery life. Personally, I chose to keep the 24/7 heart rate monitoring active, which is the default, and activated the other sensors manually.

You can make and answer phone calls directly from the watch, so long as you are connected to your phone, and the function works quite well. My friends told me that my voice came through clean and clear, and the surprisingly loud built-in speaker meant that I could hear them well, too. The only frustration is that you have to manually add contacts to the watch, they won’t appear by default, so you’ll need to do a bit of set-up before you can call people on a whim.

One feature that I found quite appealing was the camera remote, which allows you to trigger a photo or start a timer using your watch. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to work with my Vivo X100 Pro, and the literature says it won't work with an iPhone, either. Still, I've seen it demonstrated with other Android devices, and if yours happens to work, it could be handy.

Features score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro: Performance

Up to 13 days of battery life
Heart rate, sleep, stress and SpO2 monitoring
Built-in multi-system GPS

The CMF Watch Pro is advertised as having up to 13 days of battery life on a charge, but of course, that all depends on how you use it. Personally, I used it with the always-on display active, 24/7 heart rate monitoring and notifications enabled for all of my most-used applications. With this configuration, you can expect to be charging it every five days or so.

When it's time to charge, you do so with the proprietary magnetic charging puck that comes included in the box. It's a bit of a flimsy connector and I think it could benefit from some stronger magnets or a ridge to lock into as it's very easy to accidentally disconnect it. That said, it gets the job done well enough, and it'll juice you back up to full battery in under 2 hours.

Nothing hasn't provided any information about the processor powering this watch, nor is there much information about its operating system, but what I can tell you is that it feels snappy and responsive in use and I haven't experienced any freeze-ups or stutters in my usage. In terms of fitness tracking, it’s hard to gauge exactly how accurate the measurements are, but my step count always came close to the figures I’m used to seeing on my other devices, and my average and maximum heart rates were very similar to the readings I got with my Amazfit Balance, too. The only oddity was that sometimes it would think I was asleep when I was relaxing and watching TV, so the sleep data might not be the most reliable out there.

Otherwise, the only real performance issue I experienced was the connection between the CMF Watch Pro and my phone. Unless I had recently used the CMF Watch app, the Bluetooth connection would just randomly drop, and that means no more notifications until you reopen the app, which seems to bump start the connection.

This happened every day without fail, and no matter how many permissions I gave the CMF Watch app, it didn’t seem to change. I tried pairing the watch with a couple of different phones, and the results were always the same, so it’s not an isolated problem, either. On the plus side, there has been at least one firmware update a week since I have been testing, so Nothing is actively working to make the experience better. Fingers crossed one of these updates brings with it better Bluetooth connection stability.

Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro: Scorecard

CMF Watch Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

CMF Watch Pro: Also consider

CMF Watch Pro: How I tested

Our reviewer wore the CMF Watch Pro as his primary smartwatch for over two weeks, and it accompanied him in travelling, commuting and during regular workouts. It was paired to a Vivo X100 Pro for the majority of the testing period, but was also tried with an Honor smartphone and a Google Pixel to compare.

The tracking results were compared to historical results from the Amazfit Balance and TicWatch Pro 5, as well as the built-in step counter on the smartphone and the Strava app for GPS accuracy.

Withings Body Scan review – a new high in performance (and price)

3:33 pm | January 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Scales | Tags: AU, Google Fit, UK, US | Comments: Off

Withings Body Scan: One-minute review

The Withings Body Scan sets a new benchmark for the capabilities of modern smart scales. It's both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, has a build quality and design that sets it apart from the pack, a clear and responsive display, and can provide more in-depth analysis of a user's body composition and physical well-being than its major competitors like Eufy, Wyze, Fitbit and Garmin.

When used with the Withings Health Mate app, the Withings Body Scan can not only provide you with an analysis of your body composition, the ratio of fat-to-muscle-to-bone that makes up your body but also outline where your measurements sit in comparison to healthy averages. Using this information, it can identify trends in changes to your measurements over time, letting you know if you're gaining or losing weight and how you compare to averages for your age and gender.

For those needing specialized data readings – for example, if you are pregnant or an athlete – the Withings Body Scan can adapt its measurement methods accordingly, to ensure readings are as accurate as possible whilst remaining safe and impressively efficient for the user. In pregnancy mode, it'll tell you the approximate size and weight of your baby depending on how far along you are.

The Withings Body Scan's key drawback for most people will be the price tag. Sitting at nearly £200 more than the next-cheapest Withings smart scale, there aren't that many reasons to spend that much more on a scale. However, if you are looking to take a deep dive into your body composition, take steps to improve your long-term health and habits, or are a keen fitness enthusiast looking to get the most out of your workouts, the value-for-money will show itself in the long run.

Withings Body Scan: Specifications

Withings Body Scan: Price and availability

$400 in the US
£350 in the UK
Only available via resellers in AU territories

The Withings Body Scan is on the considerably pricier side for a smart scale. However, the unique measurements and level of accuracy you receive for the price mean that if you're looking for an all-in-one health station, it's almost understandable.

The Withings Body Scan is currently available for $399.95 / £349.95, Users in Australia can't get it from Withings directly, so prices may vary there.

Value score: 3.5/5

Withings Body Scan: Design

Withings Body Scan smart scale on wooden surface — (Image credit: Rob Dunne)

Stylish and robust
Handles up to 200kgs of weight
Wall mount for handle included

As with all products that come from Withings, the Withings Body Scan is an undoubtedly stylish and robust device. You can get the Withings Body Scan in either a white or black color, both of which feature lighter banding across the scale which is used to send small electrical signals through your body to gather your body measurements.

The Withings Body Scan features a 3.2-inch color LCD display, measures 12.8 inches in both length and width, and only comes 1.1 inches off the floor thanks to its extremely thin base pads which run along either side. These also help give the Body Scan a very sturdy feel across the base when taking measurements. The device also uses a tempered glass panel on the front of the scale, and weighs around 4.8kg overall, giving the device a premium feel despite the plastic used across the underside of the scale.

Thanks to the tempered glass front, as well as the overall sturdiness of the build of the Withings Body Scan, the smart scale can handle weights up to 200kg / 440lbs / 31.5 stone, all while retaining the device's impressive 50g/0.1lb weight reading accuracy.

Some of the key design features of the Withings Body Scan revolve around the handle which acts as one of the key improvements over other Withings body scales. The handle, and its on-scale holder, are made of the same plastic used across the rest of the device, and use a well-braided cable to attach one to the other.

The handle and cable are light enough that you should experience no issues while holding them, whilst also not being so light that they feel cheap or underdeveloped. The electrodes on the handle are also usefully positioned to allow easy access for your thumbs on both sides.

Given the importance of the handle to the improved metrics the Withings Body Scan can provide, these steps have been well considered, even to such an extent that, with your smart scale, you also receive a wall mount for your handle, which means should you struggle leaning down to reach it from the scale itself, you can simply mount it to the wall and use it from there.

It should be noted, however, that should you choose to mount your handle to the wall, Withings asks that you set this up in the app to ensure the device still gives as accurate readings as possible. This is a simple enough process and takes a matter of seconds.

Design score: 4/5

Withings Body Scan: Features

Withings Health Mate stats — (Image credit: Future / Rob Dunne)

The features of the Withings Body Scan smart scale are where the device really comes into its own. To give you a sense of just how much the Body Scan does whilst you're on the scale, here's everything your smart scale is measuring while you're stood on that piece of glass, it measures:

Weight
BMI
Basal Metabolic Rate
Metabolic Age
Segmental body composition analysis including:
- Muscle Mass (across five zones)
- Fat Mass (across five zones)
- Bone Mass
- Visceral Fat Index
- Lean Mass
- Water Mass
Nerve health
ECG
Pulse Wave Velocity
Heart Rate
Vascular Age

And that's before everything else you can integrate into the app! If you integrate your Apple Health, Google Fit, or most other fitness apps, your Withings Health Mate app can become a hub for everything from your vascular age to your sleep quality, you can keep all your data in one place and utilise it to better your daily routines, workouts, sleep, eating and long term health.

When testing the Withings Body Scan, the only two of the many measurements above that we struggled with were Pulse Wave Velocity and Vascular Age. These measurements required a slightly more specific positioning on the scale which proved tricky to master, and the scale required five complete readings before it could start giving you data, which resulted in a greatly reduced amount of data compared to other areas.

Getting all of this data is one thing, understanding it is another, and this is an area where, once again, Withings has hit the nail on the head through the Health Mate app. Through the app, not only are you able to turn on recommended zones and see average data and how you compare to the average in each measurement, but you can also find guides explaining what each measurement means, so if, say, you don't understand what vascular age means, you can find a guide explaining everything you need to know about where it should be, and how it can be improved.

If you are working with a trainer or health professional, you're also in luck, as the app allows you to create a shareable report of your health that you can give to anyone who might benefit from it, a simple, but effective addition to the app.

Features score: 4.5/5

Withings Body Scan: Performance

Simple and efficient setup
Eight different profiles full of detail
Export data to/from Apple Health or Google Fit

Straight out of the box the simplicity and efficiency of Withings products is as present as ever. Setting up the device takes a matter of minutes through the Withings Health Mate app. If you are new to Withings and don't have an account, the setup of an account plus getting your Withings Body Scan ready takes a maximum of 15 minutes.

In that time, you'll also be able to import health data from services such as Apple Health or Google Fit, as well as receive a full tutorial on how to properly use your new smart scale and set some goals in the app.

There are a wide array of tutorials available on additional features within the app, some of which – the at-a-a-glance health improvement score and library of how-to workout/recipe/health management content – are unfortunately locked behind a Withings+ subscription. This costs $9.95 / £9.95 / around AU$18 per month, but none of it affects the usage of the scale in any way – still, it'd be nice to have after spending this much on a smart scale.

Once your Withings Body Scan is set up, utilizing it for not only your own, but your family's health is simple. The device can support up to eight profiles, which it can automatically detect. If however, a number of you are of similar weights, the device shows each profile as a list, which you scroll through by balancing on the foot of the direction you wish to scroll, so to go along the list, you simply need to put your weight on your right foot.

Withings Body Scan black on wooden surface — The Withings Body Scan also has a black variant (Image credit: Daniel hessel)

The process of attaining your measurements takes around a minute, most of which is taken up by one of the unique features of the Withings Body Scan, the 6-lead ECG (echocardiogram). The ECG takes 30 seconds to complete and is one of the key benefactors of the Body Scan's unique handle.

Each step of the measurement process is displayed for you on the 3.2-inch display, showing you the results of each test as they are collected, as well as some general daily info such as weather and air quality. You can customize the steps your Body Scan shows on the smart scale through the app, meaning if, understandably, you don't want to know the weather when you're weighing in, you can remove that from your slides.

The display (and device) are noticeably responsive, and the bright LCD makes it easy to see everything you need as and when it comes up. Once you are finished, your results will already be waiting for you in your Withings Health Mate app, meaning it's quick and simple to access the more in-depth data with no waiting around.

Overall, using the Withings Body Scan is extremely simple, everything you want to know can be seen on the smart scale itself during your weigh-in, and more detailed information can be found in the app once you are finished. The accuracy of measurements taken is extremely high, with weight having an accuracy of up to 50g/0.1lbs thanks to the four weight sensors spread across the scale, as well as featuring patented position detection technology and 'Position Control' technology. The Body Scan's segmental body composition capabilities are equally impressive thanks to the device's BIA (bio-electrical impedance analysis) multifrequency technology, which during testing was able to provide consistent results across five different bodily segments.

Performance Score: 4/5

Withings Body Scan: Scorecard

Withings Body Scan: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Withings Body Comp

As the next offer down from Withings, the Body Comp offers a great alternative for those looking to access the various benefits of the Withings Health Mate app whilst sacrificing some of the more accurate and more detailed measurementsView Deal

Garmin Index S2

An alternative suited to Garmin users. The Index S2 offers a number of Garmin-tailored features, for a reduced price, whilst sacrificing some of the accuracy and detailed measurements offered by the Withings Body ScanView Deal

Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas review: a digital frame on steroids

6:35 pm | January 4, 2024

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

Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas: Two-minute review

Digital photo frames are pretty popular – that's if our best digital photo frame guide is anything to go by. However, there's another breed of super-charged digital frame that taps into the NFT / online art community, and that's where the Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas comes in.

Actually, with regards to its size, function and price, the Vieunite Textura sits somewhere in the middle: it's way bigger than a digital photo frame such as the Aura Mason Luxe, but it's dwarfed by the larger versions of the Samsung The Frame TV.

Beyond displaying your own photos and videos, the Vieunite Textura also offers an entry point to puchasing online art or enjoying free digital art, and in that regard there isn't another product quite like it – I'll get further into that later.

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Vieunite Textura digital canvas on a wooden table by a window displaying a seascape photo — (Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite Textura digital canvas on a wooden table with seascape picture — (Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite Textura digital canvas on a wooden table by a window displaying a vivid portrait — (Image credit: Future)

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The Vieunite Textura is a 27-inch framed digital display that's equally at home placed freestanding on a sideboard – as you would a photo frame (see picture above) – or mounted on a wall as you would a piece of art. However, depending on your preference of placement, you could also consider the Textura too small for a wall and too big for a sideboard. It arrives in only one size, which is a shame.

What's undisputed is the quality of the Vieunite Textura's display and frame. It gives a natural look to vibrant paintings, photos and videos, with an anti-glare (and easily cleaned) surface that offers clear viewing from a variety of angles. Brushstrokes are vividly rendered, and colors faithfully reproduced.

The display quality is in another league to entry-level digital photo frames. Plus, of course, you get to enjoy images on a much larger scale; most digital photo frames are 10 inches to the 27 inches of the Vieunite Textura display.

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Closeup of the screen texture and glare of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — Taken from the side of the frame against bright window light where glare is impressively controlled (Image credit: Future)

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Closeup of the screen texture of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — (Image credit: Future)

The frame, too, is well crafted. Arriving with an internal mount and recess, it's available in Walnut, Pine, Birch or a Black finish. I had the Walnut version of the Textura, which was perfectly suited to my old-school front room.

In the box you'll find everything you need to precisely mount your frame to a wall. This includes a self-adhesive paper template for horizontal or vertical orientation that features markings that indicate where to drill, plus screws and a spirit level, too.

I chose not to mount the frame on the wall (it being a loan for review, after all), instead choosing to rest it on a sideboard in my front room. Nevertheless, if you're looking to affix it to a wall, installation appears to be pretty straight forward.

A swivel mount allows your choice of orientation – portrait or landscape – while the mount and frame are designed to trail the power cable out of the frame's underside. The frame needs constant power, and the cable is in white only, so may prove an eyesore if you have more vibrant colored walls. Of course, this also means you'll need a power socket nearby.

There's a basic speaker on the back of the frame for any videos with sound, although don't hold out too high an expectation for audio quality.

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Closeup of the frame corner of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas on a wooden table by a window — (Image credit: Future)

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Closeup of the outside frame corner of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — (Image credit: Future)

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Closeup of the recess for the wiring of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — (Image credit: Future)

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Closeup of the rear mount of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — (Image credit: Future)

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Closeup of the speakers of the Vieunite Textura digital canvas — (Image credit: Future)

Initial setup is fool-proof. Download the Vieunite app (see screenshots, below) and pair your smartphone or tablet with the frame using the QR code provided. That's it, and it's now that the fun begins.

On offer is a generous selection of free artwork that you can upload to your Textura frame. During my review period, I found that new artworks were being added everyday. You'll also find a paid-for section; Vieunite has an active online art community, buying and selling artworks through the app. Unlike NFTs, you don't own the art, but you gain access to it for display in your Textura frame.

Artwork costs only around £4 ($5 / AU$9) per piece, although if you don't like the idea of forking out extra then there's plenty of free stuff from which to choose. You can also join the community and sell your own art, via the "Becoming an Artist" section in the app. When I'm confident enough with my own photos, I might give that a go.

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Vieunite app screenshot of various online art available — (Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite app screenshot of the online art available — (Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite app screenshot of user profile and frame settings

(Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite app screenshot of various frame settings and adjustments — (Image credit: Future)

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Vieunite app screenshot of user photos loaded and the schedule feature — (Image credit: Future)

Of course, I was keen to load my own images for private viewing. From vibrant portraits to natural landscapes (see the sample images) I was keen to test how faithfully the Textura renders those digital files.

I'd describe the color and saturation as natural and faithful, whereas others might be over saturated, or – on the flip-side – dull. The Textura displays images how they should be displayed, looking natural in daylight to the point you'd think it was a print, yet vibrant in low light (see the comparisons, below).

Note that I did experience quirks with loading my own photos. First, you need to remember this is a 16:9 aspect ratio display; helpfully, the app gives you the option to crop. But when you crop through the app, the resolution of the image drops and there's a tiny white border on the top and bottom. A quick workaround is cropping your images to 16:9 before you import them, which resolves both issues.

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Vieunite Textura digital canvas on a wooden table by a window displaying a vivid portrait, at night — (Image credit: Future)

In addition, neither did I have much luck with the scheduling feature, which is supposed to offer the ability to curate a slideshow of your choice of artworks or photos and videos, as well as selecting on and off times – for example – to conserve power at night. I'll update this review if I work out the issue.

Those aside, I've been super impressed by the quality of the display, and even more so by what the Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas represents – access to an online art community for a seriously low prices. Sure, the frame itself is pretty pricey, especially given the low prices of today's TVs, but it represents something more for art lovers and those looking to share their art, too. The fact that you can upload your own images is the icing on the cake.

Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas: Price and release date

Available in the UK for £490
Worldwide shipping available

The Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas costs £490 on the Vieunite website (around $620 / AUS$915 ) and is available now. Unlike many other digital canvases, there’s subscription-free access to a decent choice of downloadable artworks, plus there’s pay-per download options, too, with prices starting at £3.99 (around $5 / AUS$9) per download. At the time of writing, you can bag a £50 discount by following Vieunite’s Instagram, which brings the price of the Textura down to £440. Shipping in the UK is free, and worldwide shipping is available, too, with the cost calculated at checkout. Right now, the website notes worldwide shipping is free for a "limited time only".

Vieunite Textura digital canvas: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Vieunite Textura Digital Canvas: How I tested

Several weeks as a permanent fixture at home
Displaying Vieunite community art, plus my own digital photos and videos

I had the Vieunite Textura in my home for several weeks, during which time the digital display was always active, day and night.

I’ve downloaded free artworks from the Vieunite gallery, plus I’ve uploaded my own digital photos and videos, and displayed them in both portrait and landscape orientation.

I’ve tried the various display functions available through the app, adjusting brightness levels and image duration settings.

First reviewed December 2023

Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock review: the best UK smart lock just got better

1:20 pm | December 28, 2023

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

One-minute review

The Ultion Nuki Plus is a premium, high-security device that easily sits among the best smart locks, packing some incredibly useful features and, crucially, fixing some of the woes we had with the more basic and slightly cheaper Ultion Nuki smart lock.

Like the previous model, the Ultion Nuki Plus is born of a collaboration between secure lockmaker Ultion and smart lock genius Nuki. By and large, the two products are pretty similar - but the benefits of the newer version far outweigh the admittedly significant price increase.

The less expensive version of this smart door lock does let you remotely check if your door is locked - as long as you also purchase a Nuki bridge. The bridge plugs into an available electrical socket and connects to the lock using Bluetooth. Aside from the irritation of having to spend more of your hard-earned cash, it can be troublesome if you don’t have an available socket within Bluetooth range of your front door (probably due to all the bridges required for other smart home devices). Looking at the older model, I found myself asking, “Why don’t they just add Wi-Fi to the lock?” Well, for the Ultion Nuki Plus, they did.

Setting up the Wi-Fi connection and geofence for the Ultion Nuki Plus is as easy as it should be, thanks to the excellent Nuki app. The geofence is a 100-metre detection ring around your door lock, and the lock is prepared when your phone is detected within the geofence area. It will only unlock fully once you are within the 10-metre Bluetooth range, and will also lock the door behind you when you leave the geofence.

The rechargeable battery pack is a welcome, sensible, and more sustainable addition that will pay for itself over time. It can be charged in situ (which is further evidence of good design), and I personally charge it from a power bank, but there’s no reason that it couldn’t be wired permanently, assuming you have a spare socket…

Ultion Nuki Plus fitted on a front door — (Image credit: Future)

Ultion Nuki Plus review: price and availability

List price: £379
Available on Amazon and Ultion website

The Ultion Nuki Plus is available for £379 in either black or white directly from Ultion, (not the Nuki website, as this product is UK-specific). Be aware that the Ultion Nuki Plus is not the same product as the Nuki Pro 3 available on Amazon.

This makes it £120 more than the basic Ultion Nuki smart lock, which, as mentioned, doesn’t include Wi-Fi connectivity or a rechargeable battery pack.

There are a number of packages and accessories also available from Ultion:

Value: 4.5/5

Ultion Nuki Plus review: specifications

Ultion Nuki Plus close-up — (Image credit: Future)

Ultion Nuki Plus review: design

Stylish, well-finished, and thoughtfully designed
Brushed steel dial for manual operation
Press button for semi-manual operation
In-situ rechargeable battery

With the Ultion Nuki Plus, the two-brand collaboration has dispensed with the “You can have any colour you want, so long as it’s white” mentality, adding black as an alternative option.

Otherwise, it’s much the same as the previous Ultion Nuki collaboration; it’s a good, sturdy, purposeful-looking door lock. The design features a square base (now hosting the rechargeable battery pack rather than 4x AA batteries), a plain box-like main body, and a round lock turn with a button in the middle of it. The new brushed aluminium dial and barrel are also an improvement in my view, adding a stylish edge.

The base of the lock is square, and a small switch beneath the unit opens its battery compartment. The top of the lock features a round lock turn, which has a button in the middle. A ring of light surrounding the button indicates the lock’s status: a full ring for a locked door and a missing segment for an unlocked door. Should any issues arise, the lock will flash red.

A lot of thought and design expertise has gone into the Ultion Nuki Plus. The box it comes in tells you something about the product you’ve just purchased; there are no brown papier mâché trays here. It looks like somebody cares.

Ultion Nuki Plus unboxing, showing the lock in its packaging with various instruction booklets — (Image credit: Future)

Given the limitations of current battery technology, Nuki has done well to try to blend this lock into the inside of your home. Yes, it’s bulky, but I feel that is in keeping with what it does; it is a lock, after all. Overall, the size of the unit is 300 x 60 x 60mm (not including lever handle).

Externally, it’s almost impossible to tell you’ve got a smart lock installed, however, the noise it makes when the door locks and unlocks is a bit agricultural, so it does advertise your security level to the person on the outside when you answer the door. I suppose this can be both a positive and a negative. Ideally, it would make the Star Trek “Ssschwika” door sound when the door unlocks, but hey, you can’t have everything.

Design: 5/5

Ultion Nuki Plus review: performance

Simple and well-designed app
Automatic locking works fantastically
Lock feels very secure and robust

It does not matter where you live once the front door is shut. But where you live does matter when it comes to securing your home.

I was unaware of just how woefully inadequate the lock and handle on my front door were until I had the Ultion Nuki Plus lock fitted. The Ultion Three-star Plus lock cylinder included in the package is most likely much more secure than your existing one.

If you’re not ready to trust the door to lock using geofencing, the door can be set to auto-lock in as little as 30 seconds. Just remember that the handle must be pulled up in all cases. It’s also worth pointing out that it’s still possible to unlock the door “old school” style with the keys provided. I still take a key with me; I just can’t get out of the habit.

Overall, I had little-to-no issues when testing the Ultion Nuki Plus, barring one very small bug where it became unresponsive after I forgot to lift the handle - I wasn't able to reproduce this, however.

It takes a few days to build confidence in the automatic locking but it is reassuring to see the notifications appear that the door has locked, particularly if you have your phone out for navigation in the car. Be warned, though; Apple Homekit requires you to confirm that you really want to lock your door, which is fine if you’re on foot, but less than ideal if you drive off in your car.

Ultion Nuki Plus in-app automation shown on iPhone printscreen — (Image credit: Future)

Apple, you are not only shooting yourself in the foot, you are emptying the whole magazine.

You can work around this if you already have a Homebridge device as part of your home automation suite by adding a virtual switch triggered by the geofence. Apple doesn’t regard the switch as a security device, so doesn’t run around in circles with its hair on fire whenever you try to use it. When you leave, it turns the switch on, and the switch turning on causes the door to lock. Simple (...not).

The previous non-Wi-Fi version was a bit hit or miss with automatic unlocking, tending to wait for you to fumble for your phone in your pocket and then unlocking just as you retrieve it, but I am happy to report that this version has worked flawlessly. Otherwise, in everything from its app to its features, the models perform almost identically.

A minor gripe is that the push button locking doesn’t work. It’s quite happy to unlock the door, but you need to rotate the dial to lock it. These things worked on the standard model so it should work on the Plus version.

Performance: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Ultion Nuki Plus?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Ultion Nuki review: Also consider

Ultion Nuki Plus not for you? Try out one of these alternatives...

How I tested the Ultion Nuki smart lock

I lived with the Ultion Nuki Plus as my main door lock for three months
I initially used the Ultion Nuki Plus exclusively through the iPhone app and Bluetooth.
I connected the Ultion Nuki Plus to my home Wi-Fi and added it to my Apple Homekit home automation.

I installed the Ultion Nuki Plus on my home’s front door and used it as my primary door lock for the entirety of my testing, connecting to the device via my iPhone. I used the app to control the lock, but also added it to my Apple HomeKit to test its automation.

I tested all of the lock features as advertised, and also stress-tested the device to see how meticulous you need to be in use. This involved testing how quickly and successfully the door lock triggered upon exiting the geofence, as well as real-world scenarios (e.g. “What happens when autolock is 30 seconds, I arrive home, leave the door open while I get my muddy shoes off on the door mat, etc.). I then tested how well the Ultion Nuki Plus recovered from these unexpected states and returned to normal service.

The device did fail to automatically lock once after I returned home. The indicator light was flashing, so I clearly neglected to lift the handle. However, the light continued to flash and the unit was unresponsive even after lifting the handle. Recalibrating the lock fixed it, and I have not been able to reproduce this issue.

All of the configuration options and features within the phone app were investigated and, where possible, added to my daily routine. The Ultion Nuki Plus was then added to Apple HomeKit to seek out configuration clashes between the Nuki app and home automation. Several automations were configured to assess if the Ultion Nuki Plus “played well” with other devices. The Ultion Nuki Plus was removed and added again to both my phone and home automation setup to test the consistency and reliability of the setup process.