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Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ reach one million sales in India
1:59 am | September 19, 2023

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

Realme launched the 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ in India in mid-June, and it looks like they have been very well received in the three months that have passed since. Today the brand has proudly announced that the Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ have together reached one million units sold in India so far. That's a pretty big deal and a very important milestone. The sales numbers prove that the Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ are viewed positively by Indian consumers, most likely owing to their price to features ratios. 1 Million and Counting! The wave of this curve is getting bigger and bigger.We're...

New iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max design makes replacing the rear glass panel much cheaper
11:01 pm | September 18, 2023

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

Apple recently did an about-face and started supporting Right To Repair laws. It has also done a lot to make its iPhones easier to repair – last year the iPhone 14 got a 7/10 repairability score, largely thanks to the new design that made the rear glass panel easier to replace. This design has now been adapted to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This has very real benefits for consumers – changing a cracked rear glass panel went from insanely expensive to just regular expensive. Seriously, this repair for an iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $550! For a 15 Pro Max it is a far more reasonable...

Fairphone 5 review
10:38 pm |

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OxygenOS 14 Beta rollout detailed
9:41 pm |

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

OnePlus announced its OxygenOS 14 Beta 1 for the OnePlus 11 last week and we now get a larger pool of devices that are also getting the beta software in the coming months. The OnePlus Pad alongside the Nord 3 5G and OnePlus 11R are scheduled to be the first devices to receive the beta next month while older phones like the OnePlus 9 series and Nord 2 and CE series are expected to get the update in November. Devices getting OxygenOS 14 Beta in October OnePlus Pad OnePlus Nord 3 5G OnePlus 11R OnePlus 10 Pro OnePlus 10T Devices getting OxygenOS 14 Beta in...

Xiaomi 13T series pricing leaks yet again, it’s at least €300 lower than the Xiaomi 13 series
8:27 pm |

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Xiaomi’s new 13T series will be officially unveiled next week (September 26), but the two new phones have already leaked several times. The latest piece of unofficial info concerns the pricing again – the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro will be cheaper than their Xiaomi 13 counterparts. The Xiaomi 13T in an 8GB/256GB configurations will go for €650/£550, according to Ishan Agarwal. The Xiaomi 13T Pro will start at €800/£650 for the base 12GB/256GB model and will go up to €1,000 for a 16GB/1TB phone. For comparison, at launch the Xiaomi 13 prices in Europe were €1,000 for an 8GB/256GB phone and...

OnePlus reveals upcoming Pad Go tablet
7:23 pm |

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

OnePlus today revealed the design of its upcoming OnePlus Pad Go tablet. Following seven months after the release of its first ever tablet, the OnePlus Pad, the Pad Go seems like a cheaper variant. As of now, we don't really have any concrete details other than what is visible in the image. The design and even the dimensions seem very similar to that of the OnePlus Pad, with curved corners and thin bezels on the front. The biggest difference is that the back now has a two-tone finish while still being largely made out of aluminum. The OnePlus Pad Go also shares the color with...

Nitro Deck review – an essential Nintendo Switch accessory
7:00 pm |

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

If you’re after an all-in-one Nintendo Switch accessory that offers a comfy and responsive gaming experience, then look no further than CRKD’s superb Nitro Deck. Essentially a portable dock for your console, the Nitro Deck offers several quality-of-life enhancements that make portable play even better.

The Nitro Deck swaps out your Joy-Con controllers for its own on-deck modules. These include all the buttons, sticks, and triggers you’d expect on a Nintendo Switch, as well as four programmable back buttons for custom secondary inputs. Best of all, the Nitro Deck makes use of Hall effect sticks - an upgrade over traditional analog that greatly reduces the risk of stick drift. If you’ve had bad luck when it comes to replacing older Joy-Cons, then you could save a lot of cash in the long run by purchasing the Nitro Deck.

Furthermore, a dedicated USB-C port on the dock, into which you’ll slide your Switch handheld, means that you’ll experience less input lag than you would through a wireless or Bluetooth connection. Additional input and output ports also allow you to charge up your console while playing with the Nitro Deck. In short, if you’re a portable-first Switch owner, we highly recommend the Nitro Deck as one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy.

Price and availability

The Nitro Deck will be available to buy from September 18, 2023, via CRKD’s official store page. It’s purchasable in the US and UK, with the individual unit coming in white, black, or gray colorways for $59.99 / £59.99.

Alternatively, you can opt for a limited edition version of the Nitro Deck which includes a carry case, 2.5m USB-C cable, and a pair of extra concave thumbsticks. This version will run you $89.99 / £89.99, and you can choose from three distinct color variants: Retro Mint, Classic Grey (emulating the look of the original Game Boy), or a Retro Purple that riffs on the Nintendo Gamecube’s aesthetic.

Design and features

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

The Nitro Deck and Nintendo Switch OLED tablet combined weigh just shy of 1.3lbs / 600g, which is about on par with the Asus ROG Ally, and less than the Steam Deck’s 1.47lbs / 669g. This means that, with the Nitro Deck, you’re getting a relatively lightweight portable experience. Though given the unit’s rather bulky 4.3” x 10.2” x 1.8” (110mm x 260mm x 46mm) size, you may want to consider purchasing the Limited Edition version that comes with a carry case, especially if you plan on taking it out of the house.

As for the Nitro Deck’s modules, they’re of mostly high quality. The dock itself is made of sturdy plastic, with a comfortable grip design that rests securely in your hands. Both analog sticks have a nice, firm weight to them, rocking easily under your thumbs with just the right amount of resistance. The shoulder buttons and those programmable back buttons are similarly satisfying, with a lovely tactile and clicky feel.

The triggers are a highlight, too, featuring a very soft and quiet press that’s perfect for portable play, especially if you’re in busier environments. The only real drawback here, in terms of design, is that the D-pad can feel a touch stiff. It’s still an improvement over the Joy-Cons’ button-based D-pad, but the Nitro Deck’s is a slight letdown given just how nice the rest of its modules feel.

Rounding out the design is a simple kickstand, useful if you want to use the deck in conjunction with one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. There’s also a handy switch at the bottom rear of the device, which helps to neatly take your Switch back out of the Nitro Deck to return it to its original dock for TV play.

Performance

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

The Nitro Deck provides a greatly enhanced portable play experience for Nintendo Switch. Improvements over Nintendo’s official hardware, such as Hall effect sticks similar to those found in the 8BitDo Ultimate, effectively eliminate the risk of analog stick drift. That means you can potentially shelve your finicky Joy-Con controllers for good.

The dock’s dedicated USB-C connector firmly clicks your Switch into place. Similar to mobile controllers like the Backbone One or Razer Kishi, being directly connected to the dock reduces input lag for more responsive play, relative to using a wireless or Bluetooth connection.

It’s also very easy to set up those programmable back buttons. Simply hold the Program button found on the rear of the device, in conjunction with one of those back buttons. Then, press the button on the front of the dock you wish to assign a secondary input for, and you’re set. I found this to be useful for some of the best Nintendo Switch games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; being able to assign the jump command to a rear button meant I could keep my fingers on the attack commands, thus more effectively maintaining an offensive playstyle.

Lastly, while there’s no dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack to be found on the Nitro Deck, it leaves the Switch’s port at the top accessible for if you own one of the best wired gaming headsets.

Should I buy the Nitro Deck?

Nitro Deck

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we reviewed the Nitro Deck

The Nitro Deck was tested with a Nintendo Switch OLED, playing a variety of games to best get a feel for its high level of comfort, Hall effect sticks, and programmable rear paddle buttons. I tested the Nitro Deck with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for a robust single-player experience, Splatoon 3 for multiplayer gaming on the go, as well as the recently released F-Zero 99 to really get a feel for its overall responsiveness. 

Want some enhanced audio to go along with the Nitro Deck? Have a look at our best Nintendo Switch headsets guide. And if you’re opting for the base Nitro Deck model, our best Nintendo Switch carry cases list can help you save money on top carry case options. 

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 now seeding to compatible phones and tablets
6:27 pm |

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

Following a whole summer of beta releases, the commercial versions of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are now available to download starting today on supported devices. The entry point for iOS 17 is now set at iPhone Xs and iPhone XR generation which came out in 2018. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 series SE are the big omissions this year as they end their support on iOS 16. Check out our detailed coverage of all the new additions in iOS 17 here. As for iPadOS 17, you’ll need a iPad (2018), iPad Air (2019), iPad mini (2019) or iPad Pro (2018) for the latest release. For more details on iPadOS 17,...

Allswell Mattress review: Hybrid comfort for smaller budgets
5:55 pm |

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

Allswell Mattress two-minute review

The Allswell Mattress is Walmart's budget-friendly bed-in-a-box, with a retail price of just $337 for a queen. It's a hybrid mattress of foam and springs, which is a rare find at this price point. But how does the Allswell stack up against the contenders in our best mattress guide?

After sleeping on a twin Allswell Mattress for one month – and testing it in key areas of performance according to TechRadar's mattress methodology – I can answer that question for you. In short: it's a fantastic bed for short-term or limited use, but you'll want to stretch your dollar if you need something that'll last you a long time...

The Allswell Mattress

(Image credit: Allswell)

The front and back sleepers of my testing panel got on with the Allswell's medium-firm feel and subtle contouring. It's ideal if you prefer sleeping 'on' your mattress rather than 'in' it. However, as a side sleeper with recurring back pain, I had a difficult time adjusting to its lack of pressure relief.

Meanwhile, if you're over 200lbs, you'll likely want a mattress with more robust support than the three-tiered Allswell can provide. For context: participants in my testing panel weighed between 125lbs and 200lbs, with the heaviest tester giving the Allswell the lowest firmness score out of everyone.

The Allswell excels in many key areas despite its low price. Motion isolation is top-notch, making it a great choice for couples who share a bed with a restless partner. Temperature regulation is also very good, thanks in part to its copper and graphite gel-infused foam and base layer of individually-wrapped coils.

The edge support of my twin Allswell was surprisingly firm, a feature often overlooked in solo sleeper beds. However, durability is a potential issue as many Allswell shoppers complain of sagging sides and middles within a short period of time. Given that I was testing this mattress fresh out of the box, it was important for me to take long-term customer feedback into account, as well.

Shipping is free right to your doorstep, and setup is dead simple. I managed it solo, although you'll want to ask for help if you have a larger size. Just beware of potential creases in the top cover, which is likely due to extended storage time before shipping. (Mine had been boxed up for 18 months before arrival.) At best, it makes the mattress look disheveled, but at worst it impacts the integrity of the materials.

A 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty are included. Optional services like mattress removal and expedited shipping are available for an extra fee – these aren't common amenities for budget mattresses, but it's nice to have them there if you need them.

While the Allswell didn't fully suit my sleep needs, my brother and sister-in-law – who both helped me test it out – loved it so much that they plan to buy one to replace their sagging foam mattress at home. Just know that as of this writing, stock is severely limited after recent holiday mattress sales. Keep an eye out for potential restocks, especially with Black Friday mattress deals on the horizon.

Allswell Mattress review: price

  • A budget mattress that costs $337 for a queen
  • Includes a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty
  • Stock is hard to come by in many sizes, including queen

The Allswell is the brand's entry-level mattress, with a queen retailing for $337. Prices for this cheap mattress are lower than we tracked at the beginning of 2023, with a queen previously going for $449. Considering how many mattress brands have been raising their prices, Allswell's approach is a breath of fresh air.

That said, mattress sales for this affordable hybrid mattress aren't terribly common. You can avail of an Allswell coupon between 15% and 25% off if you buy during a major holiday or sign up for text updates. (Should you go the latter route, you can opt out of text updates at any time.)  

Here's the current pricing for the Allswell Mattress:

  • Twin: $227
  • Twin XL: $227
  • Full: $287
  • Queen: $337
  • King: $397
  • Cal King: $397

Unfortunately, stock can be an issue. As of this writing, the Allswell Mattress is sold out in every size but twin XL and California king. As an alternative, you might want to check out the Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress (which comes in three comfort levels) or the Ikea Hasvåg Spring Mattress, which starts at $179.

Allswell includes a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty with purchase. Shipping is free, as are returns within the trial period. However, you can shell out an extra $80 for expedited shipping or pay $149 for removal of your existing mattress. These aren't the kind of perks you usually find with budget mattresses, so if you want to put your savings towards these shipping upgrades, go for it.

Allswell Mattress review: Specs

Allswell Mattress review: materials & design

  • A three-tier design with pocket coils and foam
  • Features gel-infused cooling foam and reinforced edges
  • However, my test model had deep creases in the surface

The Allswell has a 10-inch profile and a three-layer construction. At the base are individually-wrapped pocket coils for support and reduced motion transfer. They're reinforced along the sides to keep you secure if you sit on the edge of your bed or like to take up as much of your sleep surface as possible.

Above that is a layer of memory foam infused with charcoal and copper gel to dissipate heat and wick away moisture. Copper's antimicrobial properties are a bonus as you'll be less likely to deal with bacteria, mold, and other nasties – but you'll still want to invest in a mattress protector in case of stains and spills.

Allswell mattress uncovered

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Topping everything off is a half-inch of quilted comfort foam with polyester batting meant to give it a plush appearance. Unfortunately, my test model had creases in the surface from the time I unboxed it. Since my mattress had been boxed up for about 18 months, this wasn't all too surprising. These creases made the mattress appear uninviting but didn't impact the Allswell's comfort in any profound way.

Like most budget mattresses, Allswell uses fiberglass as a flame retardant. Fiberglass is generally safe to sleep on as long as it's not exposed but if you have allergies, sensitivities, or simply prefer not to sleep on this material, check out our list of the best mattresses without fiberglass. (Just be prepared to spend a bit more if you go this route.)

Meanwhile, the foams in the Allswell Mattress are CertiPUR-certified – in other words, they're free from toxic chemicals and have low levels of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for those unpleasant off-gassing smells.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Comfort

  • My testing panel rates it medium-firm to firm
  • Excellent support for back and front sleepers under 200lbs
  • Not great for side sleepers who need pressure relief

I slept on a twin Allswell Mattress for four weeks spanning July and August 2023. In addition to my experience, I also asked four adults to sleep on it for at least 15 minutes to spot any trends among a slightly larger sample size.

All of us thought that Allswell's self-assessment as a medium firm mattress – or 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale – was slightly off. Collectively, my group rated it an 8.5 out of 10. (Individually, a couple of us even rated it as high as a 9.) Allswell customers generally peg it at medium-firm (7 out of 10). Averaging all of these figures, the Allswell lands at a 7 out of 10 firmness rating, or medium-firm.

The back sleepers on my panel were the biggest fans of the Allswell. One tester (5-foot-7, 200lbs) said there was plenty of support in his lower back and his shoulders felt relaxed. Another tester (6-foot, 185lbs), said the Allswell did an excellent job of distributing his weight evenly across the sleep surface.

As for me, I'm a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/stomach sleeper with back issues. The Allswell felt great when I laid on my stomach as I had no dip in my midsection. Its firm yet buoyant surface also made it easy for me to shift positions so I recommend it for most combination sleepers.

However, I primarily sleep on my side, and the unyielding surface of the Allswell was not an ideal fit for me here. I even woke up with a stiff back several mornings so if you're a side sleeper looking for a good mattress for back pain, you might want to avoid the Allswell. (My fellow side-sleeping testers, who prefer a firmer mattress and have no reported back or joint issues, didn't share my experience.)

Allswell mattress pressure relief test

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The Allswell does offer some pressure relief, albeit subtle. To test this further, I placed a 50lb kettlebell in the center of the bed, which compressed the surface by about two inches. That may not be enough if you're seeking a mattress for side sleepers with ample contouring along your hips and shoulders.

Meanwhile, for sleepers who weigh 200lbs, the Allswell's 10-inch, three-layer construction might not offer the level of support you need. There are much sturdier options out there if you're seeking a mattress for heavy people.

Comfort score: 4 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Temperature regulation

  • Exceeded my expectations and slept cool most nights
  • Still may not be cool enough for chronically hot sleepers

I tested the Allswell mattress when evening temperatures were starting to drop; still, I ran my central air conditioning unit most nights to maintain a steady room temperature of 71 degrees F. I also outfitted the mattress with 100% cotton sheets and a mid-weight poly-blend comforter.

I'm someone who tends to sleep warm but refuses to give up my sheets. Save for a couple of days when I battled a slight fever, I didn't wake up overheated with the Allswell. My fellow testers found it comfortably cool for a lazy summer nap.

Allswell mattress closeup

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

My diligence in cultivating an optimal sleeping environment aside, the Allswell's design deserves some credit here, too. There's a layer of charcoal and copper gel-infused memory foam, along with a base layer of individually-wrapped pocket springs. These elements work together to promote airflow and prevent heat build-up. The lack of a sink-in feel also helped us avoid overheating.

For a budget mattress, the Allswell surpassed our expectations in temperature regulation but if you need specialized features to help you deal with night sweats or hot flashes, consider a dedicated cooling mattress instead.

Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Motion isolation

  • Fantastic motion isolation, per my drop tests 
  • Allswell customers agree that it's great for couples

Allswell mattress motion isolation test

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

I have a twin bed so to test the Allswell's motion isolation, I performed a drop test using a 10lb kettlebell and an empty wine glass. To mimic the effects of a partner changing positions or getting in or out of bed, I dropped the weight at varying distances away from the glass, from six inches above the surface.

The wine glass remained steady when I dropped the weight 12 and 25 inches away from it, and it only wobbled minimally when I moved the drop point to four inches away Notably, the kettlebell bounced just once or twice before settling into the quilted layer. The springs remained silent, as well.

Unless your partner fidgets a lot in their sleep or they enter or exit the bed with a lot of gusto, you're unlikely to be bothered by their movements. Allswell customers back up my test results, as many couples praise its superb motion isolation.

Bottom line: these are exceptional results – especially for a budget hybrid mattress. 

Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Edge support

  • Excellent edge support right out of the box
  • However, the edges are prone to sagging quickly

Allswell mattress kettlebell edge support test

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Allswell promotes reinforced edges as a key feature, but how does it fare in practice? I placed a 50lb kettlebell along the perimeter and it dropped about two inches – comparable to the sinkage at the center. This is promising, as the edges of your mattress shouldn't dip any lower than the center of your bed, where more pronounced sinkage is necessary for pressure relief.

Stable edges are as useful for solo sleeper mattresses as they are for larger beds. Whether you have mobility issues, tend to move a lot in your sleep, or like to sprawl out and use the entire surface, edge support is crucial. My fellow testers and I felt secure sitting along the edge of my twin Allswell Mattress, although a couple of us noticed the piping bulge beneath us. Meanwhile, I didn't fear falling overboard whenever I rolled towards the edge in my sleep.

However, I must stress that the Allswell has great edge support out of the box. Per Allswell customers who've owned their mattresses for much longer than I have, the edges can begin to sag quickly with regular use. Despite the excellent edge support on my test model, I've deducted several points here due to a lack of durability.

Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Setup

  • I set up my twin mattress solo – get help for larger sizes
  • Feels firm right away but can take up to 48 hours to fully expand
  • Higher chance of creasing and off-gassing the longer it's boxed

I unboxed my Allswell Mattress the same evening it arrived. At 62lbs for a twin, I managed to set it up solo. If you opt for a queen (100lbs) or king (124lbs), you'll want to ask for a hand. White-glove delivery isn't offered, but if you don't know how to dispose of a mattress, you can pay extra for a crew to haul away your existing one.

Setting up the Allswell is easy – just position the rolled-up mattress at the foot of the bed and remove the plastic. Allswell Home recommends placing its logo at the foot of the bed, which is possibly for aesthetic reasons. (It's a good thing I caught this detail before the mattress fully expanded.)

Image 1 of 4

Allswell mattress setup process

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
Image 2 of 4

Allswell mattress setup process

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
Image 3 of 4

Allswell mattress setup process

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
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Allswell mattress setup process

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Allswell says it takes up to 48 hours for the mattress to reach its full size and firmness. I had no problems sleeping on it just hours after setup as it felt sturdy enough to sleep on almost immediately. Off-gassing wasn't a major issue, although I did crack a window after half an hour and ran my air purifier to clear the smell.

My only gripe is the heavy creases on the top cover, which haven't faded much since I unboxed the mattress. According to the tag, my test model was made in January 2022, which was a year and a half prior to my receiving it. If your Allswell Mattress has been boxed for a while, expect some off-gassing and creasing. I recommend unboxing any mattress as soon as it arrives to help minimize these issues.

Setup score: 4 out of 5

Allswell Mattress review: Customer reviews

  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars at Allswell Home (September 2023)
  • Front and back sleepers like it most, as do budget shoppers
  • Several complaints over durability, firmness, cooling

How does the Allswell fare beyond my small testing group? As of September 2023, it has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 3,400 reviews on Allswell's website. Among those reviewers, 91% say they'd recommend the Allswell to a friend.

The Allswell is a hit among back and front sleepers, who praise its comfort and support. Many shoppers have even bought multiple mattresses due to its affordability, and couples also appreciate its excellent motion isolation.

However, most side sleepers find the mattress too firm, and some reviewers claim it's given them aches and pains. Durability concerns are also common, with users reporting visible sagging in the middle within a month.

Opinions are mixed on edge support and temperature regulation. While my new Allswell had sturdy edges, long-term owners have noticed dents along the sides. Meanwhile, some find the mattress too hot, while others (including myself) haven't had issues with overheating.

Should you buy the Allswell Mattress?

Lifestyle shot of the Allswell Mattress on a bed

(Image credit: Allswell)

If you can find it in stock, I recommend the Allswell Mattress if you're a back or front sleeper under 200lbs seeking medium-firm support. Couples will also like its excellent motion isolation, and its rock-bottom pricing makes it a great mattress for a college dorm or a guest room.

However, most side sleepers may struggle with the Allswell's limited pressure relief. If you don't want to spend a lot, consider the taller versions of the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential mattress or the mid-range Nectar mattress as side sleeper-approved beds that won't put a huge dent in your wallet. 

Meanwhile, sleepers over 200lbs might find the Allswell's basic construction lacking in support. The Helix Plus hybrid mattress is designed to handle up to 1,000lbs and quite affordable, especially when it's on sale.

Of course, you get what you pay for with a budget mattress like the Allswell. Although it performs excellently out of the box, it's prone to sagging with frequent use. But at less than $340 for a queen, the Allswell is a fine short-term fix until you can upgrade to your 'forever mattress.'

Allswell Mattress review: Also consider

Nectar Mattress
The Nectar is in a higher price bracket than the Allswell but it's still relatively affordable thanks to frequent Nectar mattress sales. A queen usually goes for $699 –  plus, with a 1-year trial and a lifetime warranty, it remains one of the best mattress values out there. This all-rounder is especially comfortable for side sleeping, although heavier back and stomach sleepers may need a more supportive bed.
Read more: Nectar Mattress reviewView Deal

DreamCloud Mattress 
Again, this is more expensive than the Allswell but for a luxury hybrid, the DreamCloud can't be beat – especially since a queen is regularly on sale for $799. You'll get a full year to trial it at home, with a lifetime warranty to back your purchase if you elect to keep it. The DreamCloud is one of the best mattresses for back pain, and it excels in just about every area of performance. It's on the firmer side, though, so smaller bodies may need time to break it in.
Read more: DreamCloud Mattress reviewView Deal

Siena memory foam mattress
The Siena is a budget mattress; a queen size sells for $399 after an evergreen discount. Although it's an all-foam bed, the Siena is similar to the Allswell since it's firm with minimal pressure relief. What really sets the Siena apart from the Allswell and other cheap mattresses is the generous 180-night trial that comes with it. That's effectively half a year to determine whether or not it's right for you. (A standard 10-year warranty also applies.)
Read more: Siena memory foam mattress review (Tom's Guide)View Deal

How I tested the Allswell Mattress

During a four-week period spanning July and August 2023, I slept on a twin Allswell mattress. I dressed it in 100% cotton sheets and a mid-weight polyester comforter. For consistent results, I ran my central air conditioning to maintain a steady room temperature of 71 degrees F. 

To supplement my experience, I asked four adult volunteers to sleep on the Allswell mattress for at least 15 minutes in their preferred positions and to sit on the edges as they got in and out of bed. Our panelists range in size from 5ft4in and 125lbs to 6ft and 190lbs. I also sifted through reviews from verified Allswell customers to paint a larger picture of how this mattress performs in the real world.

I also carried out a series of tests to measure the Allswell's edge support, pressure relief, and motion isolation. This afforded me a more objective look at this bed, beyond my personal preferences and potential biases. 

First reviewed: August 2023

Synced review – number crunching
5:43 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off
Review info:

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
Release date: September 8, 2023 

SYNCED stands apart as a uniquely lopsided proposition in the free-to-play space. On the one hand, NExT Studios has managed to craft a startlingly high-quality PvE shooter with an engaging upgrade loop and a novel roguelike mod system that will have you coming back time and time again. On the other, all of this co-op goodness has been inexplicably paired with a mundane battle royale that suffers from poorly balanced design and a muddled overall structure. 

The disappointing PvP component is almost entirely distinct, however, so doesn’t detract from the excellent co-op, but does make the overall package harder to wholeheartedly recommend. If you’re looking for a solid free alternative to the likes of Back 4 Blood or World War Z to enjoy with a thrifty group of friends, SYNCED’s co-op mode will certainly do the trick - just don’t expect to give up Fortnite as you rush to make it your go-to battle royale any time soon. 

Sync or swim 

SYNCED

(Image credit: Level Infinite)

The action is set in a distant future where the evil Shinar corporation (a name so close to Shinra that it makes me wonder if someone’s been copying Final Fantasy 7’s homework) has managed to bring about the collapse of civilization with its rogue nanomachine technology. 

You play as a Runner, one of the few survivors who is brave enough to venture into the Meridian - a perilous wasteland filled with swarms of deadly robots called Nanos. Your goal in excursions into Meridian is primarily to kill Nanos and scoop up lots of glowing blue Nerva (a valuable energy source that’s being used to power what’s left of human society) to bring back to your camp.

As you can probably tell, the plot is reliant on a frankly absurd number of proper nouns that are deployed with almost alarming frequency. It’s by no means the most easy to follow narrative on the planet, but the frequent cutscenes do introduce some much-needed variety to what would otherwise be a series of back-to-back online matches.

These matches are split into two distinct game modes: PvE Dead Sector Runs and PvP Nerva Runs. The two modes feel markedly different but do share some underlying core mechanics. Both allow you to absorb (or sync) defeated Prime Nanos - roaming minibosses that can then be unleashed to fight by your side. There are four types of Prime Nano to choose from, each smartly designed and offering their own unique approach to combat. 

The Guardian, for example, carries a huge defensive shield that can help protect your team against incoming fire while the Crusher lives up to its name by effortlessly plowing through hordes of enemies. Each Nano also grants you a unique movement ability, including a fantastic super-powered jump that feels pleasantly reminiscent of the strong traversal in series like Infamous

The roster of Prime Nanos pairs well with the selection of available Runners, who each boast their own special abilities including an invisibility cloak and radar vision. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but experimenting with new Runner and Nano combinations adds some pleasant variety.

 In two minds 

SYNCED

(Image credit: Level Infinite)

Of the modes on offer, I found that Dead Sector Runs were by far the most enjoyable. They are a series of PvE story missions centered around uncovering the sinister secrets concealed by Shinar in the build-up to the collapse. It feels like something straight out of any of the best horde shooters - dropping your team into an environment filled with waves of robots that need to be culled in order to progress. 

In addition to a smattering of Nerva, every slain foe drops Radia - a temporary currency that only lasts for the duration of your current run. Radia is spent on upgrading the power of your current weapons and unlocking one of two randomly selected mods. While the shooting is all mechanically solid, with fluid animations and a robust sense of feedback, mods are really where the combat comes into its own. 

Some are small, offering basic buffs to stats like health or attack strength, while others introduce whole new mechanics like the ability to spawn decoys or ricochet bullets between enemies. There is a seemingly endless number to choose from and, most importantly, they can all be upgraded and combined in interesting ways. This opens the door to a huge amount of strategy as you carefully try to craft the perfect combination. It can feel slightly too reliant on luck at times, but when it does all come together the results are incredible. In one particularly memorable run, I bought a series of weapon knockback upgrades leading to a hilarious situation where I could use a fast-firing SMG to send whole groups of enemies flying around the environment like some kind of deadly robot confetti.

All of these upgrades are vital for success against the mission’s final boss, a challenging gauntlet designed to put your combat skills to the test. They’re mostly just big bullet sponges with powerful attacks, but there are some novel gimmicks thrown in here and there to keep things fresh.

Best bit:

SYNCED

(Image credit: Level Infinite)

There are a smattering of more open-world Dead Sector Runs that allow you to explore huge environments freely while collecting upgrades. It’s a delightful change of pace. 

 Your haul of accumulated Nerva can then be spent on permanent upgrades back at base, including a selection of starting mods and more powerful weapons. Despite being mostly centered around increasing your overall power level, a numeric measure of the power of your starting mods, the whole loop feels extremely rewarding with plenty of significant unlocks to keep you going. 

I was also pleasantly surprised to find that Dead Sector Runs can be enjoyed solo or as a pair. The overall difficulty adjusts depending on the size of your team, a clever inclusion that also means you're not heavily punished if someone disconnects halfway through a match.

Unfortunately, the Nerva Runs are far less enjoyable. A strange take on the battle royale formula that brings in elements of extraction shooters and territory control modes, your main objective is to loot gear and gain Nerva by capturing marked points on the map. Hordes of Nanos are still present, as is the same Radia upgrade system, but it all seems a little out of place in a PvP context. Railing against AI enemies with random overpowered abilities is one thing, but it feels incredibly unfair to find yourself eviscerated by a rival player who just happened to roll better mods. 

Add in a pricey battle pass, multiple premium currencies, a gacha system, not to mention the ability to buy some Runners directly with cash (which could potentially put paid players at an advantage) and there’s little here to make SYNCED’s PvP component more appealing than its strong competition in the battle royale genre. 

Accessibility features

SYNED accessibility menu

(Image credit: Level Infinite)

The accessibility options in SYNCED are fairly basic. Subtitles are enabled by default (for both cutscenes and in-game radio transmissions). Controllers are supported on PC and you also have the option to switch a number of actions that are commonly associated with holding down keys (like crouching or aiming down sights) to a toggle. 

How we reviewed 

I played more than 20 hours of SYNCED on PC and managed to complete most of the co-op Dead Sector Runs either solo or as part of a team. I also spent several hours getting to grips with the PvP mode, Nerva Run, where I experimented with as many weapons and abilities as I could get my hands on. 

Our list of the best co-op games will offer you unmissable multiplayer experiences, as will our list of the best multiplayer games on PC, but if you're looking for something to suit a solo experience, then it's worth checking out the best single-player games

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