The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is Lenovo's take on an all-around perfect portable workstation machine. The Gen 7, of course, replaces the Gen 6 and now boasts up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and an NVIDIA RTX 4070. However, it can also be built with integrated graphics and an Intel Core Ultra 5 with a light 16GB of RAM.
Much like Dell's Precision line-up, the ThinkPad P series is designed for professionals needing a computer that can handle computationally demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, coding, data analysis, and things of that nature. Like many of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops I've reviewed, while casual users can use it, this price point focuses on professional users who rely on their machines to be workhorses and get work done.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: Price and Availability
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 starts at the base level for under $2,000 with an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, and integrated graphics. This can be upgraded to a machine that costs over $5,000 when equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9, NVIDIA RTX 4070 Graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB SSD. What's great about this is that yes. At the same time, this is not an entry-level computer. Thanks to the customization options available for processor, memory, storage, and graphics, it can be kitted to fit just about any professional need. That said, check out our Lenovo coupon codes to see if you can save on the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: Unboxing and First Impressions
Out of the box, it's clear this is not designed to be a super-lightweight-ultra-portable-thinnest-device-ever kind of machine. It's beefy. But not in a way that resembles the laptops of a decade ago. As we've seen from many of the best mobile workstations, it's sleek where it can be but houses a lot under the hood -- or keyboard. Depending on the GPU configuration, the P1 Gen 7 has a 135W or 170W charger, the appropriate manuals, and any accessories purchased at Lenovo. The minimalist matte-black design exudes sleek professionalism. However, one thing to note is that it is prone to smudges.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: Design and Build Quality
Specs
CPU: Up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H GPU: Up to an NVIDIA RTX 4070 Display: Up to 4K OLED RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5X Storage: Up to 8TB SSD with built-in RAID options
Overall, the laptop is 17mm thick and 4.3lb. That's not huge in the world of laptops, though it is larger than some of the laptops I am working with. The P1 Gen 7 is made of a combination of Magnesium and Aluminum and has a durability rating of MIL-STD 810H. It can withstand your daily wear and tear and the burdens of being an everyday workhorse.
Completing the all-too-famous ThinkPad design, the TrackPoint is prominently in the center of the keyboard, and the overall design language matches what is frequently found with ThinkPad.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: In use
I have used this computer extensively in my workflow for the past few months. Overall, it is an impressive machine. It is remarkably powerful, easily handles multitasking and demanding performance programs, and has a sleek and attractive design. What more could you ask for in a computer? It even has a better port offering than the ever-popular Dell Powerhouses and better port offerings than MacBooks. I have only heard the fans kick on during heavily intensive or many heavy tasks stacked together. Outside of that, I have not heard the fan kick on for my day-to-day professional work even once.
Some more features that make this computer great would be the Wi-Fi 7 antennae, great port offering, a solid trackpad, a comfortable keyboard, and a decent battery.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
I've enjoyed using this computer for everything in my day to day. The keyboard is comfortable enough for long email sessions or writing articles (like this one). The trackpad is responsive enough that I don't need to bring a mouse in my backpack when I am away from my desk for the day. The ports are fantastic. I can leave my dongles at home since this laptop has everything I could need on a given notice built into the computer. Another thing that makes this computer great is that it is super portable. Yes, it's powerful and practical, but it's also surprisingly easy to carry around from place to place in my studio, office, coffee shop, bag, house, and so on. It's simple, and it doesn't get in the way. It's great for my professional workflow.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7: Final verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is an impressive example of what mobile workstations can be. Though premium priced, its versatility, build quality, and performance justify its cost for professionals seeking the best tools to do their work reliably.
The $99/£80/€79 Dreame Gleam hair dryer offers a decent blend of thoughtful design, user-friendliness, and performance – especially for such a relatively cheap dryer. It’s lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. Its slim design also makes it a good travel companion, as it fits neatly into bags without taking up too much space. All of this make it a strong contender amongst the best hair dryers on the market.
Aesthetically, the Gleam has a cylindrical design, curved edges, and a soft matte finish. The main temperature and mode controls are found on the back of the handle and while this placement isn’t great for making adjustments mid-style, it's intuitive enough once you get the hang of it. By contrast, the power and speed slider, conveniently and comfortably placed within reach of your thumb, is great for quick changes between the Low and High speed settings.
In addition to these speeds, the Gleam has four heat modes – Cool, 57C Constant, Hot, and a Hot/Cold Cycle. Its 65m/s airflow delivers fast, efficient drying, even on the lower heat settings and the built-in ion technology, which releases 200 million negative ions, breaks down water molecules quickly, helping to reduce frizz and leave hair smooth and shiny.
One of my favorite features is the Cool mode, which provides a true blast of cold air. It’s fantastic for setting styles, reducing frizz, and adding extra shine. My waves and curls held their shape noticeably longer after a quick blast of cool air. By comparison, while the 57C Constant mode is great for offering gentle heat for damaged hair, I found it to be my least favorite mode. It adds a substantial amount to the drying time without drastically improving the quality and finish of your hair.
(Image credit: Future)
The best results, in terms of speed vs finish was with the Hot/Cold Cycle on High speed. Using this mode, I was able to dry my long, thin hair in under five minutes, and the result was soft, glossy, and full of life. This shine and smooth finish was even better when paired with the magnetic concentrator nozzle. This nozzle is excellent for directing the airflow precisely where you need it, making it ideal for smoothing out sections of hair. It's quite narrow, which doesn't lend itself well to drying all of your hair with the nozzle, but if you're willing to put in the extra time, it's worth it. Sadly, the Gleam doesn’t include a diffuser and this is a shame for people with naturally curly hair.
In terms of noise, the Gleam operates quietly, with a sound level that’s comfortable for most situations. It’s easy to carry on a conversation while using it, even at higher speeds, making it less disruptive than other dryers I’ve tried. In my tests, the noise levels averaged 70dB and never exceeded 80dB, even on the High speed setting. This is quite a bit louder than Dreame's advertised 59dB, but is a minor gripe.
And speaking of gripes, the fan is positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft (1.8m) cord. This design makes the barrel more compact and prevents hair from getting caught in the fan blades but I constantly kept blocking it with my hand and this soon become tedious.
The $99 / £80 / €79 Gleam hairdryer is Dreame's entry-level model, coming in at around half the price of its €159 Dreame Pocket, and €139 / A$299 Dreame Glory.
It's available in the US and Europe from the Dreame website, as well as Amazon, in a pastel pink color. You can also buy it from Amazon UK in grey. Across all regions, the dryer ships with a concentrator nozzle although it doesn't have a dedicated diffuser. You can use the diffuser that ships with the Dreame Glory, as it connects in the same way, but who realistically is going to own both dryers in order to make this swap?
The price and power of the Gleam puts the dryer in the lower mid-range bracket, putting it on par with the likes of the $95 BaBylissPRO, and $90 Hot Tools Pro Artist Tourmaline dryer. The BaByliss Pro ships with a similar concentrator nozzle to the Gleam, yet the Hot Tools dryer is sold with two nozzles and a diffuser for a similar price.
The lack of color options and accessories make it difficult to recommend the Dreame Gleam when other, cheaper dryers offer more value and choice. That said, its power and features coupled with its focus on hair health help elevate its appeal and at least justify its price.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer specs
Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer review: design
Compact design
4 heat modes and 2 airflow speeds
Concentrator attachment
If it wasn't for the pink color and soft-matte finish, it would be easy to mistake the Dreame Gleam for the Dreame Glory. The dryer’s body is cylindrical, with the same rounded edges. The two dryers are almost identical in size, shape and weight. Even down to the position of the fan at the base of the handle, and the matching power/speed and temperature controls on the side.
(Image credit: Future)
On the rear of the Gleam dryer, where the fan is usually found, is a flat, smooth panel. Beneath this panel, on the handle, is a sliding power switch that lets you toggle between the two speed settings – Low and High. This switch is perfectly located in just the right spot so that your thumb can easily reach it without having to re-adjust your grip mid-style and this is a small but welcome feature. Below this switch is a circular button surrounded by an LED ring which lets you switch between the Gleam's four temperature modes:
Cold
57°C Constant
Hot
Hot/Cold Cycle
As you'd expect, the Cold mode blows cold air, and the Hot mode blows hot air. The Hot/Cold Cycle Mode cycles between hot and cold air as you style your hair and the 57C Constant mode offers a consistent temperature designed to prevent heat damage.
I first used the Hot/Cold cycle feature on the BaByliss Air Wand and more recently on the Dreame Pocket and Dreame Glory. I initially thought I wouldn't this mode that much because it increases the styling time slightly, however it is now my go-to because it makes a noticeable difference to the finish and feel of my hair.
To switch between these modes, you press the circular button found on the rear of the handle and its LED ring will change color, depending on the mode selected. Cold mode is represented by a blue LED ring; Hot mode has a red ring; Hot/Cold cycle's LED ring alternates between red and blue; and the ring on the 57C Constant mode is yellow. It's impossible to see these colors mid-style, due to the position of the button on the rear of the handle and this makes it difficult to select different modes without looking. The more you use the dryer, the more you get used to what the different modes sound and feel like but it's not massively intuitive.
(Image credit: Future)
At just 11.6oz / 330g, the Dreame Gleam is incredibly easy to lift and move around your head, and its dimensions – 3 × 3.2 inches (7.6 × 8.2 cm) for the barrel and a 10-inch (25.5 cm) handle – make it a compact and well balanced styler. The longer handle, which I initially thought might make the dryer top-heavy, is balanced and provides a confident grip while styling.
There is only one attachment for the Dreame Gleam – a smoothing concentrator nozzle that snaps onto the barrel using a satisfying magnetic mechanism. This mechanism is strong enough to keep the attachments in place during styling, but gives you the freedom to twist and turn the nozzle to different angles to reach different parts of your head and hair. The nozzle doesn't get too hot during styling either, which adds to this ease-of-use.
(Image credit: Future)
Being positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft / 1.8m cord, means its easy to block the fan with your hand. This is preferable to the fan being on the rear of the dryer and sucking your hair in, as is the case with some other dryers, but I don't love this positioning. The air outlet at the front of the Dreame Gleam is then wide enough to provide the powerful 70 m/s airflow.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer review: performance
1600-watt motor
High-speed motor operates at 110,000RPM
76dB average noise
From my first use of the Dreame Gleam, I noticed how quickly it dried my hair, even on the lower speed and temperature settings. It handled my long, fine hair in minutes without the usual frizz or tangles and I love that you don't have to rely on intense heat to do the job. Instead, its high-speed airflow and 200 million negative ions help to break down water droplets faster, leaving my hair smooth and shiny in a short period of time.
The quickest results came from using the Hot mode, in which my hair went from wet to dry in four and a half minutes on High speed. The Hot/Cold Cycle on high speed added an extra minute to this, but my hair was noticeably softer and had more movement. This combination of warm and cool air also seemed to lock in the sleek finish for much longer. The slowest results came from using the Constant 57C setting. It took more than six minutes to dry my hair on this mode and there wasn't a huge improvement in the feel or look of my hair either. This will be a great addition for very fragile or damaged hair, but may feel a bit redundant for anyone else.
(Image credit: Future)
The Cool mode is a standout feature, though. Unlike some dryers where the cool setting just feels like slightly less warm air, the Gleam delivers a genuine blast of cold air almost immediately. After curling my hair, I used the Cool mode to lock in the waves and not only did the curls hold their shape for hours longer, they were noticeably more shiny. This mode is also great for smoothing flyaways or finishing a blowout with a polished look.
The concentrator nozzle deserves a mention too. It’s great for targeting specific sections, like when I want to smooth the hair around my face. It's not the largest of nozzles so if you use it to style the whole of your head, you'll probably need to add another three or four minutes to the overall styling time. Adjusting or removing it is easy though. It's a shame that the Gleam doesn't offer a diffuser. It is possible to add the Glory's diffuser onto the barrel of the Gleam due to their identical size, but not everyone will have access to both stylers (and nor should they have to.)
(Image credit: Future)
Another thing I appreciated about the Gleam is how quiet it is. I could still chat with my family while drying my hair and even on High speed, the dryer never exceeded 80dB. This makes it marginally quieter than the Dreame Glory. It should be noted that Dreame claims the Gleam operates around 59dB but even on the slowest, lowest setting, my app registered an average of 70dB.
It's not a perfect dryer but for the price and the power, it's a worthwhile choice.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer?
Buy it if…
You want a powerful, affordable, lightweight dryer
The Dreame Gleam delivers high-speed airflow in a compact, 330g body.
You need quick drying with minimal damage
The Gleam's range of temperature controls protects hair while providing rapid, frizz-free drying.
You value sleek, modern design
The Gleam’s matte finish and magnetic attachments add style and convenience – especially at this relatively low price point.
Don’t buy it if….
You need a diffuser for curly hair
The Gleam only includes a concentrator nozzle, limiting options for people with natural curls.
You dislike rear fan placement
The fan at the base of the Dreame Gleam's handle can be accidentally covered during use.
You want a wider range of colors
The Dreame Gleam comes with limited color options which may not suit everyone's aesthetic.
How I tested the Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer
I used the Dreame Gleam as my daily hair dryer over the course of four weeks at home. I used it most mornings as a replacement for my go-to hair dryer – the Revlon One Step – to dry and style my long, thin hair.
To test the dryer, I experimented with the full range of speed and temperature combinations, and attachment. I paid close attention to the dryer’s features, how fast and effectively each of the modes worked, and how easy it was to use. I measured the decibel levels of the dryer on Low and High speeds throughout the testing period to achieve an average noise score.
NitroPack is a comprehensive site optimization plugin that has made a name for itself in web performance since 2012. It’s well-known for significantly improving website loading times, which enhances user experience and boosts search engine rankings. While it's especially popular among WordPress users, NitroPack also works with platforms like WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce, and OpenCart.
The tool offers a range of features, such as advanced caching, CSS and JavaScript optimization, and automatic image compression. These features work together to improve site performance and enhance Core Web Vitals scores with little manual effort. For digital marketers and e-commerce businesses, NitroPack is an attractive choice for staying competitive in website speed.
However, there are some drawbacks. Users have reported issues with customer support, and the pricing may be high for smaller businesses. Despite these challenges, NitroPack remains a strong option for those willing to invest in better web performance. In this review, we’ll look at NitroPack’s features, setup process, customer support, and pricing to provide a clear overview of what it offers.
NitroPack: Pricing
(Image credit: NitroPack)
NitroPack has a pricing structure that caters to a variety of users, with different tiers to suit different needs. It starts with a free trial for users to explore basic features and goes up to paid plans designed for businesses.
The Free Plan provides limited optimizations, making it ideal for small personal websites or those curious about the service. It includes basic caching and optimization but doesn't offer advanced features like CDN integration or priority support.
The Essential Plan, at $19/month, targets small businesses. It offers more advanced features such as image optimization and basic CDN, giving a noticeable performance boost for moderately trafficked sites.
For larger organizations, the Growth Plan is available at $69/month. It includes an expanded CDN, extra optimization tools, and premium support options, making it suitable for websites with significant traffic that need strong performance enhancements.
At the top of the line is the Enterprise Plan, which is customizable with pricing based on specific requirements. This plan includes all features, dedicated support, and enhanced security measures, making it perfect for high-traffic sites that demand maximum reliability and performance.
While NitroPack's pricing is on the higher side, the performance improvements it offers are substantial. For businesses focused on site speed and SEO, the investment can lead to better engagement and conversion rates, making it worthwhile.
NitroPack: Features
(Image credit: NitroPack)
NitroPack delivers a powerful set of features designed to boost site performance. With tools for caching and image optimization, everything works together to create a smooth user experience.
Caching
At the core of NitroPack's capabilities is its advanced caching system. By saving static versions of your web pages, it lessens server load and speeds up delivery to users. Features like cache warmup preload pages based on expected traffic, ensuring visitors always enjoy a fast-loading site. This technology is essential for keeping up performance, especially during busy times or promotions.
CSS Optimization
NitroPack is great at managing CSS, particularly with its critical CSS feature. This tool identifies the necessary CSS to quickly display the visible part of the webpage while deferring non-essential CSS for later. This improves loading times and user experience. The automated process removes the need for manual CSS adjustments, making life easier for website admins.
JavaScript Optimization
NitroPack also excels in JavaScript optimization. By deferring scripts and managing their execution, it prevents slowdowns that can affect loading times. NitroPack's unique resource loader ensures that JavaScript files load in the best order, improving both perceived and actual site speed.
Image Optimization
Images can significantly impact a webpage's loading time, which is why NitroPack's image optimization toolkit is so valuable. The platform automatically compresses and resizes images, converting them to modern formats like WebP for faster loading. Its adaptive sizing feature optimizes images based on the user's device, ensuring visuals remain sharp without slowing down the site.
CDN Integration
NitroPack comes with a strong Content Delivery Network (CDN) that has over 70 global endpoints, ensuring your content loads quickly no matter where your audience is. When combined with Gzip/Brotli compression, this integration greatly enhances site load times, making it a vital part of NitroPack's offering.
NitroPack: Setup
Setting up NitroPack is refreshingly straightforward, living up to its promise of being user-friendly. Even for first-time users, the process is seamless, with a guided setup that gets your site optimized in minutes.
Upon installation, NitroPack connects to your site through a simple plugin activation. The interface is clean and intuitive, with a dashboard that provides easy access to all features. Users are greeted with preset optimization modes, allowing both novices and experts to adjust settings according to their needs. The tool's default configuration is robust enough for immediate performance improvements, while more technically inclined users can fine-tune settings to align with specific goals.
For those new to site optimization, NitroPack offers a wealth of resources, including comprehensive guides and tutorials. These resources are invaluable, providing step-by-step instructions and tips on maximizing the platform's potential. Furthermore, the community forums are active, offering additional support and allowing users to share insights and solutions.
(Image credit: NitroPack)
While the initial setup is quick, users should allow some time for the optimization processes to run through the site, especially on larger sites. This thorough approach ensures that every page is optimized for peak performance. Overall, NitroPack's setup process is designed to eliminate complexity, empowering users to achieve rapid improvements without a steep learning curve.
NitroPack: Customer support
(Image credit: NitroPack)
NitroPack's customer support receives mixed reviews. The quality of help varies and seems to depend on the pricing tier chosen. Higher-tier plans usually provide more responsive and personalized support, which is crucial for businesses that rely on web performance.
Support options include email, live chat, and a detailed knowledge base. Email support is generally quick, but there are times when responses are delayed, which can be frustrating for users with urgent issues. Live chat offers faster resolutions when available, but it's mainly accessible to those on higher pricing plans.
The knowledge base is extensive, featuring articles, tutorials, and FAQs on a wide range of topics. It serves as a useful self-service resource for users to troubleshoot common problems and learn about NitroPack's features. However, for more complex issues, users may still need direct support.
Some users have pointed out limitations, especially with technical questions or during busy times. Overall, the support system at NitroPack could use improvement, particularly given the importance of dependable help for web performance tools.
NitroPack: Final verdict
NitroPack is a powerful tool for anyone looking to boost their website's speed and performance. Its wide range of features and user-friendly design make it appealing for digital marketers, e-commerce businesses, and WordPress site owners.
The platform effectively improves site speed, which benefits both SEO and user experience. However, potential users should keep in mind the costs involved and determine if it fits within their budget and performance goals.
For those who prefer a hands-off approach to website optimization, NitroPack provides an effective solution. While it might not be ideal for smaller sites with limited budgets, businesses that depend on strong web performance and have the means to invest will likely find NitroPack to be a valuable asset.
Platforms reviewed: PS5 Pro Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC Release date: 6 December, 2024
Marvel Rivals has successfully landed, following a launch that’d make any live service game jealous. Positioning itself among the crowded free-to-play market, Marvel Rivals is a shockingly complete package, with a whopping 33 Heroes to choose from at launch. Narrowly avoiding the danger of spreading itself too thin, developer NetEase Games has somehow managed to offer up a mostly-balanced, quality experience that’s much more than a simple Overwatch clone.
To get this out of the way, I don’t play Overwatch. I’d wager that over the years, I’ve probably put five hours total into it, and most of that was in Overwatch 2. For me, the second people start telling me roles I should fill, tactics that I must focus on in an online game, my eyes glaze over. With limited time to sink into a live service game every night, I frankly couldn’t care less about what meta I need to be running in order to emerge victorious against an opposing team. Before loading up Marvel Rivals then, I was already fairly sure that it wouldn’t grab me completely.
The first night of play did nothing to dispel this feeling, with Marvel Rivals’ particular visual style being extremely difficult to read at times. But during night two, something clicked, and it’s largely down to the game’s wide range of playable Heroes. Split into three classes: Vanguard, Specialist, and Duelist, each of the 33 Heroes is entirely distinct from one another.
Any frustrations I was having with a particular Hero could quickly be remedied by trying someone else. New characters and play styles didn’t always click, but after a while, I had at least five go-tos that were all an absolute blast to play as.
From page to play
(Image credit: NetEase Games)
Visually, Marvel Rivals looks extremely high-budget and meticulously stylish. Somewhere between an anime and a comic book come to life, the game’s design language does a great job at distinguishing between each Hero in the roster. Broadly, everything from Most Valuable Player animations to pre-match loading screens pop with a confident flair. In motion, things are less successful, though characters do look great once the action kicks off.
The problem, for me at least, is how busy the screen can get once you have 10 characters, each with their own abilities and color schemes clashing together all at once. You do get used to it, but for a while I genuinely struggled to know exactly who I was being attacked by. Kill markers aren’t quite as punchy as they need to be, and the way abilities are labeled on screen can be difficult to parse during the heat of battle.
Best bit
(Image credit: NetEase Games)
Playing as Iron Fist is fun, but does make you feel like a real scumbag. With his triple jump and wall run, it’s easy to sneak behind enemy lines and pick off unsuspecting opponents. Incoming damage? Not to worry, simply hit the parry and absorb it, before unleashing a flurry of fists and kicks that absolutely melt an enemy’s health bar.
Likely, this is just a natural consequence of having the game play out largely in third-person, and in trying to do every single character justice, while balancing how all of the disparate elements come together. On PS5 Pro, performance has been flawless, and the high degree of visual sharpness certainly does help keep things clearer and more readable, at least.
There aren’t too many maps in rotation at present in Marvel Rivals’ main modes, though each does have enough character of their own to stand out and make matches feel distinct from one another. Destructible objects are littered throughout maps, with towering stone columns crumbling after being hit by a stray Iron-Man rocket, and walkways falling away under the weight of an incoming Venom air-slam attack.
These objects do regenerate over the course of a match, but their placements make them interesting tactical propositions, with plenty of possibilities to remove cover from your enemy team.
Hero shooter
(Image credit: NetEase Games)
Marvel Rivals starts off on much more advantageous footing than other games of its ilk thanks to the familiarity of its roster. Even the most casual gamer out there has some knowledge of Heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine and Captain America, with some more out-there choices like Jeff the Land Shark being welcome surprises littered throughout the bunch.
It helps that, for the most part, each Hero plays exactly how you’d expect them to, though there are some neat subversions like Adam Warlock playing a healer focused on instant revivals of team members being the exception. Of the 33 Heroes I’ve now tried out, only a few have been complete non-starters, as I’ve been able to find the fun in the others almost instantly, even if their playstyles may not quite be my cup of tea.
Some Heroes specialize in managing character-specific gauges and effects, while others are much more straightforward, like The Punisher, whose move set revolves around a more standard third-person shooter design.
To spice things up, and I think, set its Heroes apart from being just clones of Overwatch characters, Marvel Rivals does feature a neat team-up system. Heroes like Rocket can ride on others like Groot, buffing shields and damage output. Other team ups are less direct, like how Adam Warlock will give Star-Lord and Mantis the option to revive themselves after dying via a rebirth mechanic.
So far, not all Heroes can team up with others, and not every Hero benefits from having others on the field. Venom is an example of this, though to compensate he does earn a massive max health boost thanks to an ongoing Seasonal Bonus. At their best, team-ups can sway the tide of battle. At their worst, they’re still fun passive effects to consider when picking a character.
So far, this has encouraged me to try out Heroes that I wouldn’t have done otherwise, and I’m interested to see how future Heroes will shake up Team Up abilities in the future. This isn’t to say that team-ups distract completely from the very obvious fact that characters like Black Widow are straight copies of Overwatch Heroes like Widowmaker, but it goes a long way to give Marvel Rivals a bit more of a USP.
Pick me
(Image credit: NetEase Games)
So why pick up Marvel Rivals, instead of a much more established series like Overwatch? Well, put simply, Marvel Rivals is newer, more engaging when in action, and takes itself much less seriously than its peers. Though some of the more niche corners of online gaming have already been crying out for balancing, nerfs to characters like Hela, and the addition of role queue, it’s hard to drown out what I believe to be the attitude of the main audience.
Many characters in Marvel Rivals could be considered overpowered, sometimes you join a team with no healers and get your butt handed to you, but ultimately, it simply doesn’t kill the fun. As the game continues to grow, I have no doubt that competitive modes will become more important, but for now, Marvel Rivals is a great thing to just pick up and play. Whether you choose a ‘broken’ character like Iron Fist, or someone less meta-focused like Wolverine, it’s possible to pull off some truly thrilling plays.
There’s an argument to be made that Marvel Rivals didn’t need to launch with so many Heroes, that 20 would have resulted in a better balanced product, but it’s difficult to say that the scrappy but exhilarating state of gameplay at the moment isn’t right where things should be. There are absolutely some issues with match balancing however, with some maps feeling unfairly weighted depending on which side your team starts at.
Similarly, some maps have choke points right from the first spawn point, leading to the feeling of throwing yourself into a meat grinder from the very moment a match begins. None of these issues are deal breakers, and this is Season 0 after all, so hopefully the first proper balancing patch will help smooth over some of the rougher edges present in the launch version.
Clearly, Marvel Rivals is striking the right chord with players, given the ever-growing player counts and social media dominance it is enjoying post-launch. For me, there’s plenty of room for Marvel Rivals to grow, hopefully with the addition of more modes, maps and Heroes, but for a free-to-play title launching during such a difficult time for live service games, it sure has come out of the gate swinging.
Should I play Marvel Rivals?
(Image credit: NetEase Games)
Play it if…
You want a new multiplayer game that’s easy to pick up With a huge suite of Heroes to choose from Marvel Rivals offers players a variety of different play-styles to choose from. Unfortunately, the in-game tutorials aren’t quite good enough, but a star rating value is assigned to each character, helping you decide on which ones are aimed towards beginners, and which ones might have more complex designs.
You love Marvel Even the most die-hard Marvel fans will be delighted to find deep-cut Heroes like Jeff the Land Shark included in Marvel Rivals. Both in and outside of matches, there’s a tonne of Easter Eggs from the comics, and an overarching seasonal story line to enjoy. My favorite part of this? Undoubtedly the brief character interactions that occur just before a match starts.
Don’t play it if…
You’re expecting a straight Overwatch clone Marvel Rivals borrows a lot from Overwatch, but it feels like a very different game in action. There’s a lot more variety in the roster of Heroes, with some characters like Iron Fist offering a truly unique way to play. The stakes are a lot lower here too, meaning you can jump in and play how you want to, without the fear of having to run specific roles while juggling team compositions.
Accessibility
Marvel Rivals has a fairly standard suite of accessibility options, though they are limited when compared to other online shooters.
There’s a color blind mode, as well as the option to assign custom colors to elements like allies, shield HP bars, and other parts of the in-game UI.
In terms of controls, there’s very few accessibility options, besides button mapping, and the ability to assign specific control schemes to selected Heroes.
How I reviewed Marvel Rivals
I played Marvel Rivals for 25 hours on the PS5 Pro.
During that time I spent at least three matches with every Hero, but focused on maining Captain America, Iron Fist, Mantis, Venom and Punisher. In terms of modes, there aren’t many, so I tried them all. I purchased Season 0’s Battle Pass, and have worked through it while completing Daily, Weekly and Seasonal challenges.
I played the game using a 4K LG TV. I used a standard DualSense Wireless Controller, with the Razer Blackshark V2 headphones connected via the controller port.
The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is a drawing tablet the brand describes as ‘the first 4K 16-inch OLED’ on the market. It’s a very comprehensive package, offering two styluses, a stylus case and a carry case, but this is expanded upon in the Pen Display 16 Bundle I was sent for review, which also included a USB-C hub, the Mobile Easel Stand and the Quick Keys shortcut accessory.
Thanks to its smaller 16-inch size and 4K resolution, it has an impressive 275ppi pixel density, while its High Color Gamut Coverage (covering 1.07 billion colors, 98% Adobe RGB, 98% P3-D65 and 99% sRGB) means it offers vibrant, true-to-life hues. The rest of its design is pleasingly minimal. It needs scant cables for a beginner’s setup – although you’ll need to use a lot more if you want max brightness and video output, while the discrete, wireless Quick Keys accessory handles shortcuts.
In terms of performance, it’s exceedingly responsive and can rival many of the best drawing tablets. There’s minimal parallax or jitter while using either of its pens and with 8,192 pressure levels, I found each stroke felt realistic and in line with how hard I was pressing. It was also easy to adapt things to my workflow – I was able to tweak pressure curves in the Xencelabs driver and assign my most used functions like undo, zoom and scroll to clicks of the pen buttons or the buttons and dial of the quick keys.
Given its price – $999 / £969 (around AU$1597) for the Essentials edition or $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080) for the Bundle edition featured here – it’s really hard to quibble with the quality or breadth of what the Pen Display 16 offers. If you’re a professional artist or have loads of money to burn, you might want to go with a behemoth like the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27. But for most people, this is the perfect combo of price and high-end results.
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: price and availability
Announced: May 8, 2024
Retails for $999 / £969
Bundle reviewed here retails for $1,299 / £1,199
First announced on May 8, 2024, the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 went on sale later that month and is available for purchase now. It currently retails for $999 / £969 (around AU$1597), which is a competitive price, especially considering the closest equivalent from Wacom, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16, retails for a much spendier $1,599.95 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,399.
However, it’s worth noting this isn’t the only option: the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Bundle we received for review here actually retails for $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080). While that’s a bit of a markup, I’d argue you get a huge amount of value in return for the extra spend: it comes with a USB hub and all the cabling to allow you to hook it up using HDMI, Display Port and mains power. It also provides power adaptors for international plug sockets, the Mobile Easel stand and the customizable Quick Keys accessory, which adds programmable buttons and a dial to your setup. In my book, that’s well worth spending the additional cash.
(Image credit: Future)
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: specs
(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: design
16-inch 4K display with high 275ppi pixel density
Simple to use and setup for beginners
Can get very cable heavy with more professional setups
Xencelabs describes the Pen Display 16’s screen as the ‘industry’s first’ 16-inch 4K OLED. Not only is it 10-bit and capable of delivering 1.07 billion colors, which means it should give vibrant color reproduction, but its contrast ratio of 100,000:1 should enable it to offer really inky blacks and decent highlights. While 16 inches isn’t the largest drawing tablet Xencelabs has produced – that accolade goes to the Xencelabs Pen Display 24 – it is worth bearing in mind the two devices’ identical resolution means you’re getting a much higher pixel density here: 275ppi vs 183ppi.
According to Xencelabs specs, the screen is also etched to provide a ‘traditional pen-and-paper-like drawing experience’. If I’m being completely honest, although I tried using both the standard and felt nibs supplied, I can’t say this offered quite as much bite as I was expecting. The nibs don’t slip as readily as they would across a glossy display but I wouldn’t describe it as being that much like drawing on paper, especially not compared to using some e-paper displays. On the flip side, the nibs don’t catch as they do on some other drawing tablets, so subtle is definitely better here.
While the Pen Display 16 is absolutely light enough to use freehand, the bundle we received for review also comes with Xencelabs Mobile Easel stand for those times you want to mount it on your desk. At first, I was a bit underwhelmed by its construction. It features two kickstands that allow you to set it at two different drawing angles but often when I did, it would collapse if I pressed too hard or moved my hand too rapidly. Turned out I was having a bit of a middle-aged moment though: I eventually realized that I needed to push harder to click the stand into position and, once you do, it’s solid as a rock. D’oh.
And whatever angle you’re using this drawing tablet at, it’s a pretty comfortable experience. Rather than putting aesthetics ahead of usability and giving the Pen Display 16 tiny, tablet-like bezels, Xencelabs has sensibly given it a nice, chunky 1.57 inch / 4cm border, which makes it easy to rest your wrists on while sketching. Aside from this though, there’s very little to distract from your artwork on the screen – the Pen Display 16 is gorgeously minimal, with the only other embellishments being its sole USB-C port, power button, and the optional pen clips you can affix to it.
This simplicity also extends to its cabling – at least up until a point. Aspiring artists will likely appreciate how simple it is to hook up to your hardware – at its most minimal, you can simply connect it to your laptop or desktop via USB-C, plug in the dongle for its Quick Keys accessory and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, if you want the highest brightness output and to be able to record or output your video directly to an external display, things quickly get more complicated: once you’ve added the required USB hub, power cable, and HDMI or Display Port cable, your desk will look like a spilled spaghetti cable-nara. But I’d argue that won’t be unfamiliar for anyone wanting a truly pro-level setup.
A real strength of the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Bundle we reviewed is that absolutely everything you’ll need is provided for you. Unlike some tech brands that have ruthlessly cut back on all the accessories they provide – **cough** Apple **cough** – this bundle means you don’t need to purchase a single additional product. Whether it’s the full gamut of USB cables, international power adapters, the dedicated stylus box for the two types of pen provided, spare nibs, dongles, and the Mobile Easel, you really have everything you’ll need here. It even comes with a carrying case that fits all of these accessories inside while being comfortable to carry. It’s a level of thoughtfulness that’s all too often overlooked when buying modern gadgets.
Design score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: performance
Gorgeous color reproduction
Very precise with no noticeable parallax or jitter
First of all, the screen looks gorgeous, with the 4K resolution and impressive pixel density meaning your drawings look impressively crisp. Additionally, the color reproduction makes artwork look lush and vibrant – moving an Illustrator file I was working on between the drawing tablet and my 2017 MacBook Pro’s native screen, I noticed how much more brilliant they were on the former, with the OLED display and that insane color gamut really giving the red and amber hues extra warmth.
When it comes to brightness, it can sometimes look a little on the dull side, particularly in a well-lit room. But given its OLED panel and matt effect screen, I wouldn’t say this was an enormous surprise – it’s just the price you pay for such gorgeous color reproduction and deep blacks and I found it scarcely noticeable when I was working in the evenings under marginally softer light. In some circumstances, you can improve the brightness from 170 nits to 300 nits to by hooking the tablet up to mains power and the included USB hub; however, I found this didn’t make much difference for my setup, as the MacBook Pro’s USB-C port clearly outputs enough juice on its own.
To test out the Xencelabs Pen Display 16’s drawing performance, I tried a few line tests using different brushes, before progressing to doing some detailed line drawings of my own. Generally speaking, I found it to be swift and precise: there was almost zero parallax using either stylus and I found it very easy to sketch accurately even when attempting fine detail. And when sketching at speeds, there was very little jitter or imprecision: motion was smooth and fluid. There was occasionally a little bit of lag where the tool fell behind the nib but this could well have been down more to my laptop’s age than the Pen Display 16’s performance.
As I’ve mentioned above, the Pen Display 16 hardly has any buttons on the device itself; instead, it deputizes its Quick Keys accessory to handle additional functionality on its behalf. This is a supremely flexible tool: it offers eight programmable buttons that you can assign using the Xencelabs driver to a variety of functions, everything from different types of mouse click and modifier keys like command or option, to display, navigation and even OS-level options. You can create 5 different profiles of presets, making it easy to switch between different setups at the press of a button. Its wheel also has four fully customizable settings: I set one to scroll and one to rotate, which made it really to control my canvas and get the angle right for specific strokes.
And this isn’t the only customizable thing. Using the Xencelabs drivers, you can tweak a wide range of settings for the pens – not only can you adjust pressure sensitivity but you can also adjust the pressure curves to ensure it responds exactly the way you’d draw naturally. You can also set the shortcut buttons on each stylus: being able to quickly access undo, right clicks, and a range of other features without taking my hands off the pen was a huge time saver.
Performance score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: stylus
Two pens, each with customizable buttons
Ergonomic, comfortable design
8K pressure sensitivity with programmable curves
The pens that come with the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 are both well-designed, comfortable to hold, and offer flexible functionality. First, the fact that there are two options meant I was able to switch things up based on the kind of work I was doing: the slimmer, two-button Thin Pen felt super comfortable and ergonomic for light sketching, while the sturdier 3-Button Pen was better suited for longer sessions where I’d benefit from extra shortcuts.
Both pens are well-designed and feel comfortable in the hand – their rubber grip makes it easy to keep precise control over them without having to apply loads of pressure. My one criticism is that it is quite easy to sometimes accidentally press the buttons when you’re holding the pens. However, as a result of the functionality I had them set to, I rarely found this to cause major problems and, eventually, I formed the muscle memory to grip the pens in an orientation that kept my fingers off the buttons.
The Pen Display 16’s pens handle pressure very well indeed. They’re capable of 8,192 pressure levels, which is plenty for professional artwork – while you’ll find some devices on the market that offer 16K, this is likely far more granular control than your hand will ever be able to reproduce. This was borne out during my testing: while sketching the barbs of a feather, I found the stylus responded accurately with each stroke, enabling me to reproduce realistic pencil strokes. And it was trivial to add realistic watercolor pigments over the top, as the blending brush responded very precisely to the force of my hand.
Stylus Score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)
Should I buy the Xencelabs Pen Display 16?
Buy it if…
You want a fantastic drawing experience The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is unerringly precise, ergonomic to use and offers plenty of customizability to allow you to tailor your drawing experience to your preferences. It also offers great visual fidelity, with its crisp 4K detail and vibrant colors showing off your artwork in fantastic detail.
You want an all-in-one package for not much money The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Bundle I reviewed offers an absurd number of accessories, while still coming in cheaper than some direct rivals. From cabling and the Quick Keys remote to the Mobile Easel and carry case, it packs everything you could possibly need into a single package.
Don’t buy it if…
You need a larger drawing area While 16 inches is a decent drawing space, you know what’s better? 24 inches. If you’re going to be doing particularly large artwork and designs, that extra screen estate will give you that little bit more room without having to zoom or scroll.
You’d prefer a standalone solution While this is a fantastic drawing solution, it is dependent on you having a laptop or desktop that’s up to snuff and means you’ll have to cart additional hardware around with you. If that’s not your bag, a traditional tablet or a standalone drawing tablet like the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad might suit you better.
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: also consider
Xencelabs Pen Display 24 The bigger sibling of the Pen Display 16, the Xencelabs Pen Display 24 is pricier but offers even more screen estate for you to sketch out larger designs and artwork. Otherwise, it offers all the same strengths and benefits as the model on review here – so it’s not surprising it currently sits as our pick for the best drawing tablet available. Read our full Xencelabs Pen Display 24 review.
iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) If you don’t want to have to drag an extra laptop around, this is the tablet for you. Heck, with its M4 chip, there’s a good chance it’s more powerful than your laptop. It’s also absurdly responsive, thanks to that 120Hz display, and the new Apple Pencil, with its hover, squeeze and barrel roll features, unlocks even more ways to control your stylus. Read our full iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) review.
(Image credit: Future)
Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review: how I tested
I used it for a week
Created a range of artwork using Photoshop and Illustrator
Performed line tests and utilized a range of brushes
During the week I spent testing the Xencelabs Pen Display 16, I performed a range of tests, from simple to complex. First off I carried out multiple line tests with different brushes to check for issues like parallax and jitter, as well as to test how the pens responded to pressure.
I then embarked on creating several artworks in both Photoshop and Illustrator to test out both the performance of the stylus and the screen in a variety of real-world situations. I created a simple line sketch with multiple watercolor effects over the top, created a multi-layered illustration using vector shapes and retouched a portrait in Photoshop.
In terms of experience, not only have I been testing gadgets for many years, but I’ve spent several decades using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator to create art, as well as sketching and painting in real media.
As a professional device I can see the appeal of the Vive Focus Vision. The simultaneously standalone and high-end PCVR headset offers a versatility its rivals don’t – which will be well suited to the diverse needs of a work environment. Plus its easy-to-clean material, intuitive controls, and eye-tracking for automatic lens adjustments will benefit a use case in which different people (of different VR experience levels) will be jumping in and out of the headset’s experiences – and who may not have their own dedicated machine.
However, I’m not reviewing this headset as a professional device.
Instead, I’m tasked with looking at whether it stands up as a consumer headset, and whether it does enough to justify its $999 / £999 price tag and convince people to buy it over the Meta Quest 3 (or Quest 3S, or a non-Meta alternative). TL;DR, I don’t think Vive makes a compelling enough case.
The two main options for VR headsets are PCVR headsets (those which connect to a PC and serve as effectively a wearable display, as the processing is done by a computer) or standalone headsets (which are all-in-one units with displays and their own processing power). Most standalone headsets can also be used for PCVR, but with typically less impressive displays they aren't as good for this purpose as proper PCVR headsets.
With its effective 5K display resolution and DisplayPort compatibly via the Wired Streaming Kit (which facilitates improved data transfer rates for higher image quality) the Vive Focus Vision attempts to market itself as a full-on hybrid of the two VR headset types. Unfortuantely, it also has several flaws that are impossible to ignore, and which mean it's neither an excellent standalone or PCVR headset, or even an excellent hybrid.
I’ll get into the problems in more detail in this review, but briefly, the headset isn’t the comfiest, boasts outdated specs which feels a little odd for a 2024 flagship, and (most importantly) doesn’t have a software catalogue that comes close to rivalling that of the Meta Quest. And fundamentally, what’s the point in paying more for a headset that (for consumers) does less than a cheaper alternative?
I was supremely excited to try the Vive Focus Vision because of the jack-of-all trades approach it promised, but unfortunately it has simply proven itself a master of none.
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Price and availability
Headset costs $999 / £999
Available since October 2024
Look out for deals which including the excellent Streaming Kit for free
The HTC Vive Focus Vision launched on 18 October 2024 and is available to buy now. You can pick up the Vive Focus Vision headset on its own for $999 / £999, with the Wired Streaming Kit coming in at an additional $149 / £159.
The headset comes with a battery, straps, controllers, 30W power adapter and charging cable and a lens-cleaning cloth as standard, while the Streaming Kit adds a DisplayPort-compatible cable and converter.
That Streaming Kit is a massive benefit for PCVR, so unless you need the headset immediately or don't mind paying extra, I’d recommend waiting for a deal which bundles the two together for no extra cost. We’ve seen this deal before, so it’s likely to return; stay patient and keep an eye out for it if you want to save a not-insignificant amount.
Value score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Specs
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Design
Rechargeable battery is a nice touch
Heavier than Quest 3
Not comfortable for long sessions
Out of the gate the Vive Focus Vision makes some excellent design choices. The adjustable plastic strap ensures the headset maintains a stable position on your head, its removable battery allows you to easily swap in a new one if you want to extend your play sessions without waiting for a recharge, and the padding is an easy-to-clean PU leather material which makes this device perfect for sharing with friends or family – or working out in VR.
Beyond this, the Vive Focus Vision boasts a decidedly standard design, rather than following the more interesting headset/glasses transforming setup of the Vive XR Elite. This in and of itself is nothing to complain about, but despite chasing a more typical build, the Vive Focus Vision makes a few disappointing mistakes.
(Image credit: Future)
At 785g the headset is heavier than the Quest 3 (515g), but lighter than PCVR headsets such as the Valve Index (810g) and Pimax Crystal Light (815g). That extra weight vs the Quest is noticeable, and while the issue could have been mitigated with a well-balanced weight distribution and sufficiently padded cushions, the Focus Vision ultimately doesn’t do a good enough job in these regards.
While it does well with the former by moving the battery to the back of the strap, so it serves as a counterbalance to the display unit sitting on your face, the padding isn’t sufficient. The pad on the back of the head strap feels paper-thin – providing effectively zero cushioning from the solid battery housed inside – and it simply isn’t comfy for extended periods of time (I’m talking 15 minutes or more).
The other issue is the fresnel lens choice. Fresnel lenses are bulkier than their increasingly popular pancake lens rivals, leading to a thicker front box on your face. What's more, fresnel lenses cause visual distortion at the fringes of the lens. This means you need to physically turn to see virtual objects at your periphery, rather than simply moving your eyes like you would in real life, which can be immersion-breaking.
(Image credit: Future)
I’m also not a fan of the controllers. While they’re fundamentally very similar to those on basically all other modern VR handsets (with regards to the button placements) they felt unnecessarily chunky and the long handle always felt kinda clunky next to the streamlined Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4S controllers.
Design score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Performance
Last gen chipset is disappointing
DisplayPort is a major upgrade...
...but comes at an added cost
For PCVR, the Vive Focus Vision’s DisplayPort compatibility via its Streaming kit was something I was excited to experience. This more direct connection with your PC’s graphics card allows for higher frame rates and resolutions, because you’re not as restricted as you might be via a typical HDMI- or USB-C-to-USB-C connection.
It was also very simple to set up by simply following the Vive Hub app’s instructions – so don’t be put off by the various connector cables in the box, it will all make perfect sense when you do it.
The end result is a PCVR experience that takes full-advantage of the roughly 5K combined resolution of the 2,448 x 2,448 pixel-per-eye displays. It's noticeably better overall than any other standalone headsets I’ve relied on previously, including the Meta Quest 3 – which not only lacks DisplayPort compatibility, but which only boasts two 2064 x 2208 pixel-per-eye displays. The only downside of this tool is it is an added expense at $149 / £159, which is a significant additional cost on an already pricey headset. Although as I say above, you can sometimes find it bundled with the headset for free.
It’s worth noting, too, that the PCVR experience will be determined by your PC’s specs. With aged hardware, the DisplayPort upgrade won’t seem as significant as it will for someone running an Nvidia RTX 40-series GPU.
Unfortunately I don't have as many positives to levy at the headset’s standalone performance. That’s because the Vive Focus Vision relies on the now years-old Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 1 chipset – the previous model of the chipset found in the Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Pico 4 Ultra, to name a few.
The wired streaming kit (Image credit: Future)
Seeing this in the specs sheet was a massive surprise, so much so that when I first wrote about the Focus Vision I unconsiously added a “Gen 2” at the end because I was so used to only seeing the most recent model in new headsets.
This is a major disappointment, as it means the standalone apps don’t look as visually impressive as they would on rival VR headsets – which is a shame, because while even the XR 2 Gen 2 wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of the Focus Vision’s screens, it would at least do a better job than its Gen 1 sibling.
While I understand the Vive Focus Vision does boast some other enhancements – more on that in a second – it's borderline inexcusable for a 2024 standalone headset with a price of $999 / £999 to not have the most recent XR2 chipset.
At least the Vive Focus Vision boasts a few neat extras, including eye-tracking – which facilitates automatic IPD adjustments, and eye-tracking support in compatible games – and full-color mixed reality.
On that topic, the mixed reality is in a word: fine. It’s neither noticeably worse nor better than what’s offered by a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, which is to say it’s definitely not life-like, but it's believable enough when you’re distracted by engaging with virtual objects.
Lastly, I’ll add here that the Vive Focus Vision is compatible with optional additional facial and external trackers for full-body rigging to bring a virtual avatar’s face and body to life. I haven’t tested this feature, but it is an option you’ll be able to take advantage of in apps like VRChat if you want to.
Performance score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Software
Full access to Vive and Steam VR software on PC
Standalone software library is disappointing
Clean operating system
For PCVR the Vive Focus Vision should be able to facilitate the vast majority of experiences given its feature set, with the deciding factor being your PC’s specs – though this is true of most PC-compatible VR headsets.
Where this VR headset shows its weaknesses is when it comes to standalone software. The titles it offers are fine – you’ll find a few delightful options across the full range of VR game and app genres – but it simply doesn’t compete with the biggest name in the space: Meta’s Horizon OS.
Toy Trains VR was fun, but it's not an exclusive (Image credit: Something Random)
The Vive system, unfortunately, doesn’t have meaningful rivals to titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and so many more other found in Meta's store. Many of these are either only available on Quest headsets, or are on a few other VR devices but skip Vive’s.
This is a problem for every non-Meta headset, admittedly, but it immediately relegates devices such as the Vive Focus Vision to at best second-place – because it’s impossible to recommend a headset when you know a different VR device can offer a wider range of better experiences.
In the Focus Vision's case, it's in an even worse place – because even if it did have some solid Meta alternatives, the weaker specs would make it an inferior option for people after standalone XR excellence. Some modern titles might even be completely incompatible.
At least the Vive headset’s operating system is generally clean and as intuitive to navigate as other VR headsets I’ve tried.
Software score: 3/5
Should you buy the HTC Vive Focus Vision?
Buy it if
You want a hybrid The Vive Focus Vision’s strength is as a headset for both PCVR or standalone VR experiences, rather than being a master of either.
You want to share the headset Eye-tracking makes it easy to adjust the IPD settings, and the easy-to-clean materials make wiping this headset down a breeze – so it’s perfect as a headset that’s shared between people.
Don’t buy it if
You’re not getting the Streaming Kit The DisplayPort connection compatibility afforded by the Wired Streaming Kit is easily the Vive Focus Vision’s best PCVR feature.
You want the best standalone headset With outdated specs and a lackluster library of software, this isn’t the headset to buy if you want a premium standalone VR experience.
How I tested the Vive Focus Vision
I tested the Vive Focus Vision for a couple of weeks, using it to play a handful of standalone and PCVR apps across various play sessions. I also made sure to boot it up alongside my Meta Quest 3 (which I use frequently), so I could easily swap between the headsets to compare their abilities.
For my PCVR gameplay, I used a PC equipped with an Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti 16GB.
I've been putting the Apple Braided Solo Loop through its paces to see how well it compared to the Sport Band that came with my Apple Watch. Everything was rosy at first (helped along by the gorgeous magenta color), and I was feeling set to give the Apple Braided Solo Loop a blinding review. But then I saw the price.
The Apple Braided Solo Loop has a list price of $99 / £99 / AU$149 on the official Apple website. I understand that large brands such as Apple sell a high enough volume of products to allow them access to higher-quality materials and more sustainable production processes, which warrants them charging a premium, but £99 for, in my case at least, a teeny-tiny Watch band feels somewhat far-fetched. My mind was made up further when I found that the 80% recycled stainless steel Apple Milanese Loop strap is the same price, despite using what I would imagine to be more expensive materials.
I liked the nifty tool on the Apple website that gave me step-by-step instructions to measure my wrist to ensure I ordered the correct Watch band size. I can confirm that the size of the Apple Braided Solo Loop I received was a good fit, sitting comfortably tight on my wrist. However, this tightness and lack of adjustability brought with it one slight issue, this being the squeezing caused a slight bulging of skin on either side, which isn’t the most attractive of looks.
As the name suggests, the Apple Braided Solo Loop consists of one continuous braided strap made from weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultra-thin silicone threads, which made this Watch strap stretchy enough to get over my hand without losing its structure once in place around my slimmer-than-average wrists. Despite my beef with the cost, I must applaud Apple for their sustainable practice here, with this strap stated to be carbon-neutral, with the 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and 80% recycled stainless steel manufactured using clean energy.
The Apple Braided Solo Loop is compatible with 40, 41, and 42mm Apple Watch models and there are ten watch band lengths to choose from. It’s water and sweat-resistant and so far has proven to be adequately breathable, unlike my previous silicone strap, which I would have to remove and dry off after every skincare routine as it would never dry on its own.
In a nutshell, I am a big fan of the Apple Braided Solo Loop, and I support Apple’s sustainable approach, but the cost has proven a major turn-off for me – especially considering this is a quarter of the price of an Apple Watch Series 10 with a silicone strap included. That being said, if you’re looking into this before purchasing an Apple Watch, there is a saving to be made if you select an Apple Braided Solo Loop as part of the initial Apple Watch purchase, which at the time of writing is around fifty percent, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.
If you’d like to see what other Apple Watch band options are out there, we’ve got a broad range of options over in our guide to the best Apple Watch bands.
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Apple Braided Solo Loop review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)
Should I buy the Apple Braided Solo Loop?
Buy it if…
You want a guaranteed fit With its stretchy nature and the help of the Apple sizing guide, getting a good fit is super easy.
You want something breathable If you're not a fan of water-trapping silicone Watch bands, then this woven polyester alternative should prove more suitable.
Don't buy it if…
You're on a budget The cost will be fine for some who expect to pay sky-high prices for Apple quality, but for most of us mere mortals, this cost is bonkers for an unessential purchase.
You want a smooth silhouette One issue with close-fitting, stretchable Watch bands such as the Apple Braided Solo Loop is that it reduces its size to fit, inevitably leaving a little overhang above and below the band. This may not be bothersome for some, but it's worth considering before you buy.
Apple Braided Solo Loop review: Also consider
Apple Solo Loop Again, this is a continuous band with no closure, made from liquid silicone rubber, so it's a simple case of pulling it on and off. The upside of the silicone material is that it's perfect for swimming, so if you're someone who likes to take a dip in the pool on the reg, this would be the best alternative.View Deal
The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat blends a terrific redesign with the smart features that we've all come to expect from the company's devices. Google arguably set the bar very high back in 2011, with a control set that mirrored an iPod, and the ability to learn your cooling or heating schedule from the get-go.
Between the facelift that makes it look more like a piece of art on your wall and the 'AI' power infused into its already well-regarded learning features, the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is a pretty easy recommendation for most folks. Even when accounting for the price increase of up to $280, the fourth-generation model is more than a bit smarter, and now includes a temperature sensor in the box as well.
I especially liked the smaller changes, including the ability to accept or decline suggested temperature changes to my schedule, but besides the design, the best functionality change is the adjustable and more helpful display. Displaying the active temperature and visual for the weather from afar, and showing highs and lows as I get close, the FarSight feature means the new Nest Learning Thermostat is useful even when I'm not using it to adjust temperatures.
Setup within the Google Home app was easy for me, but my colleagues weren't as lucky, and most of the experience with the app is pretty basic. It might be intentional, but something a bit more full-featured would have been nice. Even so, adding Matter will make the folks waiting to use a Nest natively in the Apple Home app pretty darn happy. Myself included.
As a whole, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat evolves into the modern age of the smart home in a successful fashion, which I think will make folks upgrading from a previous model quite happy (even though it's not plug-and-play). People new to Nest will find it to be feature-filled. That makes the decision of only releasing the fourth generation in the United States and Canada a bit more baffling.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: price and availability
The Nest Learning Thermostat Fourth-Generation is available in the United States and Canada. You get your pick of Polished Gold, Polished Silver, or Polished Obsidian for $279.99 in the United States, or $379.99 in Canada. A temperature sensor is included in the box, but you can buy a single additional unit for $29.99 or a three-pack for $99.99.
As of now, there is no timeframe for when the fourth generation might launch outside the United States or Canada.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: design
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks stunning.
It was a simple install, though it's not plug-and-play if you're upgrading from an existing Nest.
The larger, upgraded display steals the show and navigation is still impressively simple.
While the fourth generation model still inherently operates like the original Nest Learning Thermostat that dropped way back in 2011, it’s by far the biggest redesign the device has ever received. When mounted on the wall, it looks more like a piece of art hanging than a thermostat – especially in the ‘Polished Gold’ that I’ve been testing, which gives major rosy vibes when the light hits it right.
It’s the best-looking smart thermostat around, neither screaming 'technology' nor resembling a classic plastic thermostat. It’s sort of a cross between the two, with a design that allows the true smarts of the Nest Thermostat to shine through. More on that later.
Rather than a small, thick circular thermostat that gets placed on a bracket and then a mounting plate if you so desire, the Nest Thermostat fourth-generation has a slightly larger footprint on the wall itself. That’s not a bad thing, because this circular piece is attached via the bracket to your wall, acting as the stand for the thermostat's slim and elegant main hull.
It’s kind of like a supersize Google Pixel Watch 3, with the 3.9-inch circular, almost bezel-free dome giving the impression that it’s floating. You’ll turn this whole piece to the right or left to raise or lower the temperature. Google’s design team is still adamantly against touchscreens here, so you’ll click and turn it to complete most other tasks too (including some parts of the setup process), but you'll mainly use it to adjust heating and cooling modes.
The installation was really a breeze; in my apartment in New Jersey, where I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Nest Thermostat for several months, it took me no more than about 15 to 20 minutes to install. I wasn’t upgrading from a previous Nest, but considering the plate here is a different size, you will need to swap those out if you are. That's kind of a bummer, as it’s not a super simple swap for the faithful already invested in the ecosystem.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
Still, Google provides mostly everything in the box, including the main bracket and a helpful wiring guide. Essentially, you’ll install the main steel bracket and use the included screws to get that on the wall. Then you have the thermostat base, which you’ll guide the wires through. You also get the mounting plate, which I opted to use, but that's optional.
The idea is that if you're currently using the Nest app, it will push you to use the Google Home app instead, and if you’re new, you’ll need to start with Google Home. Even if you bought the Nest Learning Thermostat for its Matter capability so you can use it with Apple's Home app (which does work eventually), you need to start with Google Home. Luckily, the team brought the easy installation help to the Google app, which will perform some checks, including a test of heating and cooling modes.
Once it's set up in Google Home, you get to take advantage of the major benefit of the Nest Learning Thermostat, and that’s the Matter support. Oddly enough, there is no Thread connectivity here, which is a strange omission. If you select your Nest Learning Thermostat within the Google Home app and then navigate to Settings > Device information > Linked Matter apps & services, it will generate a code that you can scan or send to Apple’s Home app, for example. You can also select and review the Matter code on the Nest Learning Thermostat itself.
You’ll need to set it up with a Google account in the Google Home app first, but the nice thing about a Nest thermostat is that the app eventually fades away, and you can focus on controlling it from the device itself or let the smart scheduling take the wheel.
As far as the classic mechanic, it’s smooth as ever with just the right amount of resistance to maneuvering the dial I’ve had more than a few friends ask me what it is when spotting it on the wall in the front of my apartment – it’s simply an eye-catcher.
The 3.9-inch LCD screen almost appears like it’s hidden behind the finish – a cool effect – and the content can change based on where you are. For example, if it doesn’t detect you directly nearby, it will use larger graphics that can be seen from a distance. If you approach, the Soli sensor – read as radar – will detect you and adjust the content as you get nearer. It’s dubbed the ‘Farsight’ display, and you can adjust it to show high and low temperatures, air quality, and even weather. You’ll set these from the device itself, but the weather animations are really neat.
It’s also a point of difference with competing thermostats like those from Ecobee, which tosses a speaker and a microphone into select models. I think the Nest Thermostat packs features that make more sense. Seeing the weather quickly as you’re heading out the door or picking what coat to wear is neat.
The display feels inherently meshed with this new look – it won’t steer away the folks who have loved Nest from the beginning, and it really looks dynamite. There also isn’t a better control system than just turning to the left or right and pushing in. Apple had it first with the iPod, but considering multitouch, I think it’s the gold standard for thermostat control.
Design Score: 4.5/5
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: Performance
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
The Google Home app is pretty basic, and it has some connectivity issues.
Yes, the Nest finally works with Apple Home.
The AI-infused learning features impress and make cooling or heating a home easier.
I’ve been testing the Nest Thermostat Fourth-Generation for several months, which means I’ve used it for a few seasons, including summer, fall, and winter. That’s pretty important to see how the smart scheduling reasoning and, ultimately, the functionality of the Nest handle the swap from cooling to heating.
Much like any other gadget released in 2024, Google has tossed in some AI capabilities, mainly affecting how the Nest Thermostat adjusts the temperature. This makes the previous learning aspects of Nest – arguably, the main appeal – a bit smarter and quicker once you get in a rhythm, but also more actionable. For instance, with the new Smart Schedule feature, you can accept or decline the adjustments it suggests, whether that’s a degree or cooler at night or warmer in the morning.
Further, as it begins to notice the change from cooling or heating, it takes a few days to stop suggestions and focus on learning before updating and delivering a custom schedule that you can manage if you like.
These minute changes that the Nest Thermostat suggests could lower your energy bill (aka the cost of cooling or heating your home), but you may not see those impacts immediately. What you might be able to do here in the United States is to see if your utility provider offers any rebate for the cost, as the latest Nest isn’t the cheapest.
Beyond learning from your habits and adjustments – on the thermostat, via the app, or through a smart assistant – it will consider conditions around your home. For example, if it’s a warmer day in the winter, it might lower your heating temperature to save on energy and factor in that your home might stay warmer for longer on its own. It's the same thing for a cooler summer day, and it works quite well. Similarly, if your forecast predicts a frigid temperature turn, it might turn the heating on earlier to ensure you’re still at a comfortable temperature in your home.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
As with previous Nest thermostats, you can expect all of these to get better as you spend more time with the unit, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. I wouldn’t go into it expecting it to master your desired temperatures after just a few days, but you need to spend a week or two with it to see meaningful suggestions.
The thermostat also comes with a pebble-shaped sensor, which helps measure the temperature more accurately inside your home. The idea is to place this somewhere in your house away from the Nest Thermostat, which contains its own sensor, so it can get a proper read of the temperature and ensure the desired conditions are found throughout.
Including this in the box is pretty nice, and helps to make up for the price increase to $280. Unfortunately, although the Nest Thermostat works with Matter and therefore Apple Home the sensor doesn’t seem to move over. There were also several occasions when adjusting the temperature in the Apple Home app didn't work properly the first time, especially shortly after I first installed the unit. Thankfully that's now become far less frequent, and I’ve successfully controlled it from a range of Apple devices and through Siri. You can also integrate it through automation within Apple Home; the same goes for Google Home’s automation.
As far as the Google Home app goes, it’s pretty basic for controlling the Nest Learning Thermostat, but that might be intentional as the real appeal is these AI-infused learning features, which ultimately still impress. The fourth-generation Nest Thermostat shows an evolution in terms of features and revolution with design, but it’s still a compelling experience that lets you spend less time fiddling with a thermostat.
Performance Score: 4/5
Scorecard
Should I buy theNest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen?
Buy it if...
You want an easy-to-use, good-looking thermostat
There's never been a better-looking thermostat than the fourth-generation Nest, and luckily, it keeps the impressive controls that made it a winner back in 2011.
You want a Nest Thermostat that works with Apple Home
Thanks to Matter support, after setup in the Google Home app, you can easily generate a code and add the Nest to your Apple Home.
You want a thermostat that factors in environmental conditions and does the heavy lifting for you...
Like every Nest thermostat before it, the learning features are the stand out feature here and it now factors in your local weather to see if it needs to adjust the temperature.
Don't buy it if...
You're not in the United States or Canada
Sadly, the fourth-generation Nest is only available in the US and Canada, so you'll need to consider a different model.
You don't want to use the Google Home app
You'll need to have a Google account and use the Google Home app to setup and get the most out of the Nest Learning Thermostat.View Deal
With a much more affordable price tag, the Nest Thermostat E is an excellent model to consider if you can find it in stock as it utilizes the same easy controls that put Nest on the map.View Deal
The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is a super slick, modern drip coffee machine that gives filter brewing the smart treatment with automatic water temperature adjustment, dosage calculations, carefully timed blooming of coffee before brewing, and presets tailored for different roasts. There's even a cold brew mode, which produces deliciously smooth results without you having to wait overnight.
If that sounds like a little too much effort (or you live with someone who's less exacting about their brew), there's also an Auto Brew mode that lets you use the Aiden like an ordinary manual drip machine - just load in your preferred quantity of grounds, and it will run until the water tank is empty.
The timer is a smart addition, though you'll need to make sure you're prepared with your coffee mug as soon as it's finished because the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker doesn't have a hot plate and while the carafe is double-walled it loses heat quite rapidly. You can minimize this problem by pre-heating it before brewing, but that's not a viable option if you're using the timer.
The machine comes with two baskets - one for single brews (green) and one for batch brews (blue) (Image credit: Future)
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker has a mobile app (available for iOS and Android) with some handy extra features, like customizable brewing profiles that you can share with other people, and the option to update the machine's firmware. You can link the coffee machine to your phone using a QR code by selecting 'Connectivity' from the settings menu, but it's entirely optional.
The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker launched in July 2024 and is available direct from Fellow in the US, or from Amazon in the UK. It has a list price of $365 / £365 (about AU$580).
That's about the same price as the Moccamaster KBGV Select, which currently sits at number one in our guide to the best drip coffee makers, and costs $359 / £229 / AU$515. Both are premium machines, but with the KBGV Select you're paying for a super tough manual machine that should last a lifetime, while the Aiden's price tag comes from its smart brewing technology. Both justify their list prices - it's just a question of where your priorities lie.
Value score: 4.5/5
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: design
Stylish, modern aesthetic
Simple control dial
Single and batch brewing baskets
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is beautifully designed - a compact black cuboid with a small, bright display panel, a single control dial, and a matching matt black carafe. Every part of the machine feels robust and well-made, from the sturdy hinge on the frosted plastic water tank (with clearly marked measurements on the front) to the smooth movement of the control knob.
During brewing, the LCD display shows a countdown timer and the current stage of the brewing process (such as 'blooming' or 'pulsing'), which is particularly handy since the black carafe doesn't let you see how much coffee is inside.
The machine has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters (about 53oz), and brews in increments of 120ml (a standard tasse à café). A typical coffee mug holds around 280ml, so you'll need to set it to two cups for your usual morning brew.
The machine can recognize which basket is inserted (Image credit: Future)
It's supplied with two baskets - one for servings up to three cups, and one for bigger batch brews. It comes with filter papers designed for the larger basket; during testing, I found that my standard flat-bottomed 1x4 filter papers fitted the small one just fine. The machine can detect which basket you have inserted and will instruct you to set the 'shower' head to the appropriate color-coded setting so water is pulsed evenly over the grounds.
The carafe is well crafted, with a drip-free spout and sturdy handle, but as mentioned above, there's no hot plate in the machine's base to keep it warm when brewing has finished.
The Aiden is a piece of cake to keep clean; the baskets and carafe are easy to wash with warm, soapy water, and you can keep the body of the machine looking like new with a damp cloth. There's also a descaling mode to keep the water lines clear, which works with regular coffee machine descaling liquid. It's recommended that you do this every three months.
Fellow advises grinding your coffee coarser if you find mess in the brewing chamber once you're done, but this was never an issue for me. I used a Dualit burr grinder on a relatively coarse setting suggested for drip machines.
Design score: 4/5
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters (Image credit: Future)
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: performance
Automatic and guided brewing modes
Very quiet in operation
No hotplate, and carafe cools quickly
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker gives you a choice: an Instant Brew mode that works like a standard manual drip coffee maker, and a Guided Brew option that lets you tinker with settings, suggests an appropriate dosage, and brews only the amount of coffee you've specified.
Guided Brew defies the preconception that drip coffee is inferior to espresso, tailoring the temperature of the water, how long the coffee is allowed to bloom, and how long is spent sending pulses of water through it afterward depending on the dosage and whether you've selected light, medium, or dark roast. You'll even be asked to enter your elevation relative to sea level during setup. It's not something I'd typically consider, but water boils at temperatures below 100°C/212°F at elevations above sea level, which can result in under-extracted coffee if you don't adjust for it.
The carafe is beautifully designed, but tends to lose heat rapidly (Image credit: Future)
I particularly enjoyed the machine's cold brew setting. It's much quicker than brewing overnight in your fridge, taking 1.5-2 hours from start to finish depending on the quantity. The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker still uses hot water to bloom the coffee but then switches to cold for the remainder of the process, and the resulting coffee is incredibly smooth. Pop the carafe in the fridge for a while once it's done, and it's fantastic.
There's also a timer, which is something I always appreciate with a drip coffee machine. The lack of a hot plate means you'll need to be organized in the morning to grab your fresh brew before it cools, but it shouldn't disturb any light sleepers who want a lie-in. During my tests, it only reached a maximum of 59dB while pulsing water through the grounds. That's about the same as a dishwasher, and the sound only lasted a couple of seconds at a time. Cold brew mode doesn't pulse and is nearly silent.
The machine is controlled using a single dial - turn it to scroll through menus, and press to select an option (Image credit: Future)
For me, the drawback of the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is how quickly the hot coffee cools down. Not only is there no hot plate, the carafe seems to lose heat quickly despite its double-walled design and Fellow's claim that it "keeps your coffee warm for hours in any room of the house". In my tests, a four-cup serving cooled down significantly within half an hour in my kitchen.
That's not a problem if you're only brewing a cup or two, but the machine has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters, and it's a real shame if you brew a batch and it goes cold before you can get through it all. You could decant your coffee into an insulated bottle or carafe once it's done brewing to keep it nice and hot, but that's an extra step I'd rather avoid if possible.
The carafe and baskets are easy to clean with warm, soapy water (Image credit: Future)
Not everyone likes keeping their drip coffee on a hot plate, and leaving your drink on one for too long will definitely affect the taste, but for me, one of the joys of a drip machine is being able to brew a carafe and come back for a second cup. And if I've set a timer to brew my coffee in the morning, I don't want to find a cold carafe if I hit snooze on my alarm and spend a few extra minutes in bed.
It's a shame because the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is otherwise superb. It does its job exceptionally well, but you should be aware that it won't keep your beautifully brewed drink hot for long.
Performance score: 4/5
Should you buy the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker?
Buy it if
You want to optimize your drip coffee brewing
There aren't many drip machines as smart as the Aiden, and its highly configurable settings will appeal to filter aficionados who want to optimize flavor extraction from their beans.
You enjoy cold brew coffee
The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker produces the best cold brew I've tasted and does so in just two hours. It uses hot water to bloom the coffee before the cold infusion, and the result is super smooth.
Don't buy it if
You want to brew big batches
The lack of a hot plate means you'll need to enjoy your coffee as soon as possible, and although the carafe is double-walled, it doesn't retain heat very well. A separate insulated bottle or jug will be necessary if you want to keep it hot for longer.
You'll only use the Quick Brew mode
The digital Guided Brew mode is what makes the Aiden special. If it doesn't appeal, you're better off saving some cash and choosing a simpler drip coffee maker instead.
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: also consider
If the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker hasn't won you over, here are two other options to think about.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
Our top-rated drip coffee maker, the KBGV Select doesn't have the smarts of the Aiden but is extremely well-built and very well regarded among filter enthusiasts. It has a hot plate, too.
If you're looking for a simple drip coffee machine with a timer for your morning brew, Smeg has you covered - and in style, too. It doesn't have the largest carafe, but this little machine does its job very well, including keeping your coffee hot until you're ready for breakfast.
How I tested the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
I tested the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker using a variety of coffees from Clifton Coffee Roasters, comparing the results to those from a fully manual filter coffee machine and a V60 coffee dripper. The cold brew was compared to coffee steeped overnight in a fridge. Coffee was ground to the same coarseness using an electric burr grinder. The baskets and carafe were cleaned between uses, and I used filtered tap water for all beverages.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is an Xbox and PC controller that I want to love. It gets a ton right, from its solid build quality and impressive battery life to its drift-resistant thumbsticks and all-around great-feeling buttons, bumpers, and triggers. As a controller, it ticks all the right boxes on its way to being an easy recommendation.
I’m a big fan of that titular feature, too. The pad’s two ‘Pivot’ modules allow you to swap from that traditional two thumbstick layout to something well-suited to arcade and fighting games. As such, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is impressively versatile and well-suited to both competitive and easy-going retro play.
There are some design flaws, however, that stop the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot from being a slam dunk. For one, the act of ‘pivoting’ those modules is a pretty cumbersome three-stage process that requires you to unlock those modules, swivel them manually, and then lock them back into place.
Furthermore, I’m a little baffled by the inclusion of a Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra-like display. It’s certainly nice to have and its intuitiveness makes customizing your controller experience a breeze. But it has almost certainly made the Stealth Pivot cost more than it would’ve been without and somewhat muddles the design of the controller overall.
I like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot a lot. But I feel that its unique selling point could shine more at a lower price point without the on-board display and with some more refinement to the overall pivoting process.
(Image credit: Future)
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot: price and availability
$129.99 / £119.99 / AU$249.95
Available from Turtle Beach and other major retailers
A price in between the Recon and Stealth Ultra
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is available to buy now for $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$249.95. It can be bought from Turtle Beach directly or from retailers such as Best Buy in the US, Argos in the UK, and Amazon in all regions.
In the broader range of Turtle Beach controllers, the Stealth Pivot finds itself much pricier than the Turtle Beach Recon controller ($59.95 / £49.99 / AU$99.95) but also much cheaper than the premium Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra ($199.99 / £179.99 / around AU$329.95. Overall, the Stealth Pivot finds itself in roughly the same price bracket as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core ($129.99 / £114.99 / AU$189.95).
The Stealth Pivot appears to come in at a pretty decent mid-range price, then. However I feel it could have been a more tempting option were it to be closer to the $100 / £100 mark and if it exclusively focused on the Pivot feature - saving that built-in screen solely for the Stealth Ultra instead.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot: design and features
Overall excellent build quality
Pivot tech is the standout feature
Also features a built-in display, which doesn’t feel essential
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot largely impresses in the design department. It’s a largely plastic build here, but it’s all of a very high quality and feels nice in the hands - even if it’s a touch bulkier than most Xbox Wireless Controller-silhouetted gamepads.
While the rear of the grips isn’t textured here, the front features subtly textured pads that rest easy against the palms of your hands. Meanwhile, the bumpers, triggers, and rear remappable buttons have a more pronounced, bumpy texture that feels great overall. I’m also a huge fan of the smooth, circular d-pad which I found to be excellent for fighting games.
The Stealth Pivot suits the fighting game genre to a tee, actually. And that’s where we get into the pad’s standout feature: those bespoke Pivot modules. There’s one on each side of the controller, both kitted with two distinct layouts. By default, the controller’s pivots are set to the traditional two-thumbstick layout. The left module’s other side features a d-pad and two buttons, while the right bears a six-button layout.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s a neat feature that goes a long way to making the Stealth Pivot stand out from the crowd. It’s a shame, then, that the whole pivoting process can be quite awkward. For starters, you’ll need to unlock the pivots by toggling the unusually stiff switches on the rear of the pad. Then, you twist the thumbsticks clockwise to press them inwards, ensuring that they can be housed within the controller. Next comes the swivel itself before locking the Pivot modules again. It’s a pretty clumsy process overall and one I feel could use some refinement if the Stealth Pivot ever gets an improved follow-up.
Aside from some very effective trigger locks with distinct analog and digital settings, the remaining standout feature of the Stealth Pivot is its built-in display. It’s effective and unintrusive, activated by pressing a small ‘+’ button at the bottom of the controller. The Stealth Pivot’s inputs will then interact with the display’s options instead of your game until you hit that ‘+’ button again.
The display’s options are simple but have pretty much everything you’d want while gaming without overcomplicating things. You can switch between up to five button profiles (which you can create via the downloadable Control Center 2 app on Xbox and PC), monitor battery life, adjust headset volume should you have one plugged in via the 3.5mm port, and check for firmware updates.
It’s a nice addition, but one I feel isn’t much of a necessity, especially as it doesn’t really enhance the unique selling point of those Pivot modules. As mentioned, I wouldn’t have minded if the controller stuck to the Pivot modules as the one standout feature, which may have allowed it to come in at a slightly lower asking price while still maintaining what makes this controller special.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot: performance
Turtle Beach’s AntiDrift sticks are sharply responsive
Excellent feeling buttons, triggers, and bumpers
Excels at competitive shooters, fighting games, and retro titles
It’s much less of a mixed bag for the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot on the performance front. The Hall effect-like AntiDrift thumbsticks here are sublime, for starters. Not only are they seemingly long-lasting, but they’re also incredibly smooth and responsive, making them perfect for fast-paced competitive games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6and Marvel Rivals. The trigger stops work well here, too, with the option for quick-press digital triggers proving a boon in said shooters.
While I have issues with the implementation of those Pivot modules, they’re actually great in practice. If you’re a regular fighting game player, you’ve effectively got two controllers in one here, with the six-button setup on the right Pivot module being reminiscent of the Victrix Pro BFG’s dedicated fight pad module. I found this to be excellent for Street Fighter 6and Tekken 8where having quick access to those extra buttons allowed for much smoother play overall.
This more arcade-like button layout also means the Stealth Pivot is a great fit for retro gaming. I tested various old-school compilations with the controller, including Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, and UFO 50. The alternative controls presented by the Pivot modules allow for a very comfortable experience here for games that are largely better suited for d-pad controls and quick, responsive button presses.
In terms of battery life, I managed around 21-22 hours on a full charge here, which is in line with the quoted ‘20+ hours’ on Turtle Beach’s website. However, keep in mind that a wireless connection via the included 2.4GHz dongle only works on PC and mobile. For Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, you’ll unfortunately need to rely on a wired connection.
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot?
Buy it if...
You play a wide variety of games The Stealth Pivot really shines across a variety of specific genres, including shooters, fighting games, and retro titles. Thanks to the Pivot feature and button profile mapping, it’s easy to create a diverse range of setups for responsive and comfortable play.View Deal
You enjoy customizing controls to fit your style You can create up to five distinct button layout profiles via the Control Center 2 app on Xbox and PC, then quick-switch through all of them via the controller’s built-in screen.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You wanted something less bulky If you’ve got smaller hands, you might not get on with the Stealth Pivot’s relatively larger size compared to other third-party controllers. In this case, a sleeker controller like the GameSir Tarantula Pro or the Xbox Wireless Controller might be a better fit.View Deal
You want something more straightforward The Stealth Pivot is swimming in features, which likely also has pushed its price upwards. If you’ve no need for gimmicks like the built-in screen or Pivot modules, a simpler and cheaper model may be better suited to your needs.View Deal
Also consider...
If the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot isn’t quite doing it for you, check out these comparisons with two other controllers that might be to your liking instead, including a budget and more premium option.
GameSir Tarantula Pro One of my favorite gaming controllers of 2024, the GameSir Tarantula Pro is a marvelous controller with a symmetrical thumbstick layout. Its sublime drift-resistant sticks, excellent build quality, and quick-switch button feature make this one of the GameSir brand’s best controllers yet.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro My vote for the best controller of 2024, there’s very little the Wolverine V3 Pro gets wrong. It’s a massive improvement over the pad’s V2 line, boasting superb build quality, Hall effect sticks, and Razer mouse click-powered buttons, triggers, and bumpers. While battery life could be better for the price, this is otherwise a masterwork of a gamepad.
Played a wide variety of games including shooters, fighting games, and retro titles
Frequent use of the Pivot modules for certain games
While it appears I’ve scored the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot quite harshly, I had a lot of fun testing the controller and playing a range of games with it. I absolutely loved using the Pivot modules for titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, UFO 50, and Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection. I also got liberal use out of the standard thumbstick layout, loading up some Final Fantasy 14 Online, Marvel Rivals, and Path of Exile 2.
I largely played on PC, with some testing on the Xbox Series X Digital Edition paired with an LG CX OLED TV and Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset. Overall, I conclude that the Pivot modules give the controller a rather niche appeal due to their effective nature with certain game genres. However, for players who regularly play competitive shooters or fighting games, this could easily be a four-out-of-five or higher gamepad for you.
