Etsy _print on demand

31 Jan, 2023

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Etsy

Is a popular online marketplace that allows small businesses, artists, and independent sellers to sell their handmade, vintage, and unique products to a global customer base.

One of the most popular product categories on Etsy is print-on-demand (POD) mugs and t-shirts.
POD is a digital printing method that allows for individual items to be printed only as they are ordered, rather than in bulk.

This eliminates the need for sellers to hold large quantities of inventory, reducing overhead costs and minimizing the risk of unsold merchandise.
Etsy offers several POD printing options for mugs and t-shirts, including direct-to-garment printing and sublimation printing.

Direct-to-garment printing uses a specialized printer to apply designs directly onto fabric, while sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye into fabric, creating a long-lasting, vibrant design few exaples here : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1388815860/backpack-bright-colours-unisex-paint?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675167794521

or : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1388817396/backpack-floral-theme-roses-flower-cute?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675167832279

also : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1402926103/motivational-pillow-inspirational?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675167866426

For sellers, using a POD service allows them to focus on creating designs and promoting their products, rather than managing the printing and fulfillment process.

POD providers handle the printing, shipping, and customer service, freeing up time for sellers to focus on other aspects of their business.
POD mugs and t-shirts (- example : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1388815108/t-shirt-abstract-art-face-unisex-paint?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675168184035 ) are popular on Etsy because they offer customers unique, high-quality products without the need for large minimum orders. Sellers can offer a wide range of designs and styles, from humor and pop culture references to personalization and customization options.

Few examples here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1388804238/circle-of-trust-mug-with-color-inside?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675168034116

or : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1402852485/do-not-anger-the-gods-mug-coffee-mug-tea?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675168065417

also : https://www.etsy.com/uk/TechSignatureArth/listing/1402904429/valentines-day-mug-love-respect-funny?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1675168110741

Etsy’s POD mugs and t-shirts are also eco-friendly, as they eliminate waste by only printing what is sold. This helps to reduce environmental impact, making them a popular choice for customers who are conscious about their impact on the environment.
In conclusion, Etsy and POD mugs and t-shirts offer a great opportunity for small businesses, artists, and independent sellers to reach a global customer base with their unique designs. POD eliminates the need for large quantities of inventory and offers a hassle-free printing and fulfillment process, allowing sellers to focus on creating and promoting their products. With a wide range of styles and customization options, POD mugs and t-shirts are a popular choice for customers looking for unique, high-quality products.

Admin

OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro A Threat to Big Players ?!

24 Mar, 2021

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The OnePlus 9 is the latest flagship from a brand that, despite shifting its phone strategy to compete directly with other premium handsets, had until now kept coming up short in one category: cameras. 

To address this deficiency, OnePlus has partnered with legendary photography company Hasselblad in a three-year plan to improve the photo capabilities of its smartphones. The OnePlus 9 is the first attempt to right the ship, and the improvements are noticeable, with better color fidelity and improved low-light performance. The digital zoom has also been improved, while there are some fun new tricks like the macro-simulating close-range effect on the ultra-wide camera. 

As much as the cameras have changed, the rest of the phone hasn’t: the design is virtually the same, from the placement of the buttons to the display to the size, which is nearly identical to that of its immediate predecessor, the OnePlus 8T, and the OnePlus 8 before that. The display hasn’t changed, either, but there’s no complaining about the sharp 6.55-inch Full HD Plus resolution AMOLED display.

The OnePlus 9 packs the new Snapdragon 888 chipset, and while the 8GB / 128GB or 12GB / 256GB RAM and storage options are the same as for its predecessor, they're on a par with other flagship phones in its price range (most notably, the Samsung S21). What the OnePlus 9 does better is recharge its 4,500mAh battery extremely quickly – from empty to 100% in around half an hour with its Warp Charge 65T charger.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 9 provides great performance and battery life for its price, while shoring up its camera offering, and it all makes for a serious-value package. Sure, the phone inherits a lot from the OnePlus 8T, but with its greatest weakness addressed, the newest affordable flagship makes a strong case to be the best phone at its price tier.

OnePlus 9 price and release date

The OnePlus 9 launched on March 23, and will be available to buy on April 2. In the US, it will be sold by online vendors Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, and on OnePlus.com. Only T-Mobile will carry the phone, though it should work with Verizon and AT&T, although the OnePlus 9 won’t work on the latter’s 5G network  

The OnePlus 9 starts at $729 / £629 for the 8GB of RAM / 128GB of storage model, while bumping that up to 12GB RAM / 256GB storage raises the price to $829 / £729.

Those in the US can't buy the larger storage variant, while in the UK you'll have the option of both. We don't expect OnePlus to sell this smartphone in Australia as it doesn't often bring its phones to that market.

That price makes the OnePlus 9 slightly cheaper than, and competitive with, the Samsung S21, which starts at $799 / £769 / AU$1,249. But it also makes the phone very good value compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro; while it misses out on a couple of key features and flourishes (telephoto lens, 50W wireless charging), it's much more affordable than its pricier sibling, which starts at $969 / £829 . 

The OnePlus 9 comes in three colors: the light-purple Winter Mist with a gradient effect, the light-blue Arctic Sky with matte finish, and the glossy Astral Black.

Design

There’s no getting around it: the OnePlus 9 has a very similar design to its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T, aside from the obviously different camera block. 

It has the same glass-fronted 6.55-inch display and glass back as its predecessor, and the same lock button and signature OnePlus ring/vibrate/silent toggle on the right side and volume rocker button on the left, all of which are in easy reach when you're casually holding the phone. There's also the same USB-C port on the bottom with the speaker to the right, as well as a second speaker out of the earpiece.

There is one difference between the OnePlus 9 and its predecessor: its frame is plastic, not metal. Also, the OnePlus 9 is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance – if you get it from a carrier like T-Mobile, that is; otherwise it's conspicuously unrated, although identical in design, winkingly providing the same protection but without the costly certification.

Inheriting so much from its predecessor isn’t a bad thing: the OnePlus 9 looks much like other flagships in its more affordable tier, like the standard Samsung S21 – that is, the materials are high-quality, but it lacks some of the flourishes of the priciest phones. To wit, both phones have AMOLED displays, but they’re flat, without the 'waterfall' curved edges of their premium siblings.

The OnePlus 9 does have a glass back, unlike the S21’s plastic (or 'glasstic') back, but not all glass is equal: the former phone’s rear doesn’t have the same density and classy feel as the glass backs of other flagships. Tap the back of the OnePlus 9 and it sounds a bit hollow, like plastic backs. This isn’t a major drawback, just something to keep in mind: affordable flagships are made with affordable-flagship materials.

Display

As previously mentioned, the OnePlus 9 has a 6.55-inch AMOLED display, with a Full HD Plus-resolution (2400 x 1080) screen. It produces sharp, vibrant visuals, much like the display on its predecessor. 

The screen is only broken up by a punch-hole in the top-left corner for the front-facing camera. It has an in-screen fingerprint sensor, which we found only read our print reliably when our finger was upright in relation to the phone – don’t be surprised if you have to unlock the phone via face or passcode every so often.

The display has a 120Hz refresh rate, which in practice means a much smoother visual experience when you're browsing apps or scrolling your social feeds. Games that support up to 120fps should also benefit from this feature.

The OnePlus 9 does miss out on a pair of features that are exclusive to the OnePlus 9 Pro. One of these is low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO), a backplate to the display that enables the phone to dynamically set the refresh rate based on what you're doing, dialing it down for low-intensity activities like browsing photos to save battery (a feature first seen in Samsung phones).

The other, Hypertouch, reduces the latency of touch controls by 25-30ms, conceivably improving performance in competitive online games like PUBG; if you're playing on the OnePlus 9 you'll have to rely on your reactions rather than software.

Cameras

The OnePlus 9 has a triple rear camera setup, though you’ll probably only realize that you’re using two of them. The 48MP main camera and 50MP ultra-wide camera are what you’ll use most, while the 2MP monochrome sensor helps with low-light photography, and with black-and-white photos if you set the correct filter.

The big news in the cameras department is OnePlus’ three-year partnership with noted camera brand Hasselblad, with the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro cameras bearing the first fruits of this collaboration. It may be a year (or more) before Hasselblad lenses end up in the company’s phones, though, and its big contribution this time around is in the area of color calibration. As with most tweaks, this is mostly apparent in side-by-side tests, with images showing more vibrant and true-to-life colors.

While we found the color reproduction to be slightly less precise than in images taken on last year's iPhone 12 Pro – still the high-water mark for phone photography in 2021 – the OnePlus 9 unquestionably takes better photos than its predecessors. In side-by-side comparisons (below), the color range is not just more true-to-life, the camera captures more detail in surface textures and shadows. 

This improved color reproduction is evident in images taken with both rear cameras, the 48MP main and 50MP ultra-wide. The latter camera also packs an extra surprise: a specialty macro mode that captures up-close photos that are easily better than those shot on other phones with designated macro lenses, including the OnePlus 8T. It also comes with a freeforming lens, which OnePlus claims corrects barrel distortion – the warping at the sides of images from some ultra-wide cameras – down to 1%, and it appears to work, as we didn’t notice any distortion.

There's also another cute photo mode: tilt-shift, which allows you to keep the center strip of the scene of subject in focus and blur the rest. It's a neat trick, even if it doesn't have too many applications.

There’s also a 16MP front-facing camera that shoots admirable photos, with good color and sharp detail, although these have weirdly narrow dimensions. Portrait selfies are pretty spectacular though, especially given that there's only one camera pointing out of the display.

That’s not all from Hasselblad – the phone’s Pro Mode has been customized to resemble the screen on Hasselblad cameras (even up to the yellow shutter button), and a shutter sound has been added that simulates the sound of a 'proper' camera. There aren’t just cosmetic effects though: the Pro Mode has more controls, allowing you to manually adjust ISO, white balance, shutter speed, focus, and more, although tinkering with them one at a time takes a little bit of finagling. Better still, you can save images in the 12-bit raw format for optimum quality and editing flexibility.

The OnePlus 9’s main camera shoots video in 8K 30fps, providing 16x the pixel count of the standard 1080p. The ultra-wide camera can shoot time-lapse videos, and there’s a low-light video option called Nightscape Video 2.0. 

Camera samples

Performance

The OnePlus 9 packs the same top-tier specs as the OnePlus 9 Pro, and aside from an updated chipset, the same RAM and storage options. It’s fast, running games and loading apps without a hitch. 

The OnePlus 9 has a Snapdragon 888 and 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, which puts it on par with the Samsung Galaxy S21, at least on paper. 

In performance benchmarks, it certainly holds its own with a Geekbench 5 multi-core average score of 3654 - outperforming nearly every other Android phone on the market. 

Frustratingly, the OnePlus 9 doesn’t have expandable storage, meaning you’ll have to live with either 128GB or 256GB and rely on the cloud if you run out of room.

The OnePlus 9 runs Android 11, as well as OnePlus’ UI, presenting the usual combination of clean interface and helpful menu features. The OnePlus 9 is a 5G-capable hone, but it doesn’t support mmWave – only mid and sub-6 bands.

Battery

The OnePlus 9 has a 4,500mAh battery, which is substantial, and should get you through the day, though there are other flagship phones with larger batteries. 

The OnePlus 9’s real advantage lies in its charging speeds. You get the Warp Charge 65T charger in the box, which OnePlus CEO Pete Lau claims will charge the phone to 100% in just under half an hour, and also has 15W Qi wireless charging.

In our tests, we found much the same results for wired charging. These wildly fast recharging speeds are partially due to the battery's construction, as the 4,500mAh unit is actually split into two roughly 2,250mAh cells that are charged in parallel by the 65W wired charger. 

It’s a development that debuted in the OnePlus 8T, which recharged from zero to 100% in just under 40 minutes with its Warp Charge 65 charger – the OnePlus 9 shaves nearly 10 minutes off that time with improvements to the power brick, hence the ‘T’ in the Warp Charge 65T name. 

Buy it if…

You want top specs at the most affordable price
The OnePlus 9 packs the best Android specs you can get in its price range right now, and it's a great-value phone.

You want a great photography experience for the price
If you’re hunting for the best Android camera phone at this price, and one that doesn’t skimp on specs (sorry, Google Pixel 5), the OnePlus 9 is worth considering.

You want a phone that charges in super-quick time 
The OnePlus 9’s battery fully charges in under 30 minutes over a cable, and in 45 minutes using wireless charging. If you hate waiting for hours to charge your phone, you'll love the OnePlus 9.

Note:
1. While the IMX789 sensor is 1/1.35" in size with 16:11 aspect ratio, different sensor areas are used based on specific user scenarios – with the effective sensor area up to 1/1.43" when taking photographs.
2. Edge distortion tested internally within OnePlus test laboratory. Test date: March 2, 2021. Low edge distortion achieved using a wider asymmetrical design, with results as low as just 1% edge distortion.
3. The 6.7” display size measurement is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
4. Numbers are theoretical; actual performance may vary.
5. Industry leading visual experience is based on the convergence of multiple innovations, including LTPO display, leading color accuracy, display brightness technology, Color Tone technology, and other advanced technologies.
6. Maximum brightness tested internally.
7. IP68: Data is based on test results using TÜV SÜD based on IEC 60529 with test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It is not advised to use the product in seawater, at the beach, or the pool. Water and dust resistance may be reduced as device ages. Liquid and dust damage are not covered under warranty.
8. Typical capacity is 4,500 mAh. The battery design incorporates two cells (each rated at 2,250 mAh), allowing Warp Charge to simultaneously charge both cells at the same time for fast charging.
9. Peak charging wattage is 65W.
10. The data comes from the OnePlus test laboratory. Test date: March 6, 2021. Test Environment Standards: Environmental ambient temperature: 25°C ± 1°C. Operating temperature of the phone when charging starts: 25°C ± 1°C. Test process: Charging commences from 1% with official OnePlus Warp Charge 65 charger. The screen stays off during the entire charging process. 15 minutes of charging of OnePlus 9 Pro with Warp Charge 65 from 1% will charge to roughly 65% of battery which can be used for 5.5 hours under OnePlus DoU (Day of Use) model. Actual performance experienced by users may vary based on the specific charging environment conditions.
11. The Warp Charge 65 charger maintains the compatibility for Warp Charge 30T, Warp Charge 30, Dash Charge and also up to 45W PD charging. Actual performance may vary with different devices and software versions.
12. The data comes from the OnePlus test laboratory. Test date: March 6, 2021. Test Environment Standards: Environmental ambient temperature: 25°C ± 1°C. Operating temperature of the phone when charging starts: 25°C ± 1°C. Test process: Charging commences from 1% with official OnePlus Wireless Warp Charger. The screen stays off during the entire charging process. On average, 30 minutes of wireless charging of OnePlus 9 Pro with official OnePlus Wireless Warp Charger from 1% will charge to roughly 70% of battery which can be used for 5.5 hours under OnePlus DoU (Day of Use) model. Actual performance experienced by users may vary based on the specific charging environment conditions.
13. The data comes from the OnePlus test laboratory. Test date: March 6, 2021. Test Environment Standards: Environmental ambient temperature: 25°C ± 1°C. Operating temperature of the phone when charging starts: 25°C ± 1°C. Test process: Charging commences from 1% with official OnePlus Warp Charge 65 charger. The screen stays off during the entire charging process. The OnePlus 9 Pro with Warp Charge 65 charges from 1-100% in 29 minutes, compared to the OnePlus 8T charging from 1-100% in 39 minutes. This translates to approximately 25% quicker charging despite peak wattage remaining the same at 65W. Actual performance experienced by users may vary based on the specific charging environment conditions.

source: Techradar.com

           : Oneplus.com

           : Twitter.com

           : Samsung.com

Admin

OnePlus Watch only $159 starting price !!!!

24 Mar, 2021

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After countless years of waiting, OnePlus has officially unveiled its first smartwatch. The predictably named OnePlus Watch boasts a sleek round stainless steel body and a 1.39-inch OLED display with 326ppi resolution. The watch comes in a single 46mm size and features sapphire glass protection. The right side also features two buttons for tactile control.

For your workout needs OnePlus Watch offers tracking for over 110 sporting activities including swimming. There’s 5ATM + IP68 water and dust resistance for added reassurance. You also get the standard array of heart rate and blood oxygen saturation tracking as well as sleep and stress monitoring.

In terms of connectivity, OnePlus Watch offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. There’s 1GB RAM and 4GB storage (2GB of those available to the user) while the software front is covered by a proprietary RTOS with OnePlus’ Watch OS on top. You’ll be able to interact with notifications, take hands-free calls and control your music playback.

The advertised battery life on the OnePlus Watch is two weeks with normal use. Being a OnePlus device you also get Warp Charge which promises a week’s usage on a 20-minute top-up. Charing is done through a proprietary 2 Pogo pin charger.

The OnePlus Watch comes in silver and black colors and retails for $159/€159/INR 16,999. First sales begin on April 14. OnePlus also teased a Cobalt Limited Edition version which has a golden hue and is set to arrive later this year.

source :gsmarena.com

Admin

OnePlus 9 Pro Review

24 Mar, 2021

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Introduction

OnePlus continues to find its place in the smartphone industry with the OnePlus 9 duo. The 9 and 9 Pro establishes OnePlus with a new partnership in the camera space - every major Chinese OEM has one, after all. With the new smartphones bearing the "Hasselblad" name, does the OnePlus flagship finally have a camera experience free of compromises? OnePlus uses the tagline "Your best shot" so we are setting our expectations high for the cameras' performance.

OnePlus has entered into a three-year cooperation agreement with Hasselblad and the first phones to benefit from that are the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. For these phones, Hasselblad and OnePlus collaborated on calibrating the contrast and color processing with a view of tuning them to Hasselblad's distinct style.

OnePlus 9 • OnePlus 9 Pro

In this review, we'll focus on the larger of the two phones. The OnePlus 9 Pro's overall look does not deviate far from its predecessors, but it does dial back on a couple of design elements that help to improve the phone's ergonomics. The centered linear arrangement of cameras is no more, and the 9 Pro now has a more conventional camera placement in a rectangular setup.

OnePlus 9 Pro next to OnePlus 9

The display on the 9 Pro uses a new display technology that OnePlus promises should reduce the power consumption of the panel by up to 50 percent. The savings is credited to a new LTPO backplane in the AMOLED panel. This enables the new 'Smart 120Hz' feature that variably adjusts the refresh rate all the way down to 1Hz if it needs to.

Debuting with the OnePlus 8T last year, the 9 Pro now sports the same dual-cell battery system compatible with an included 65W charger, capable of fully replenishing the 9 Pro's battery in just about a half-hour but with improved charging software and lower internal battery resistance, they've been able to provide even faster initial charging from flat. OnePlus is also debuting a faster Warp Wireless charger with the 9 Pro that outputs 50W and we'll be giving that a test as well.

OnePlus 9 Pro specs:

• Body: aluminum frame and glass construction, 3D Gorilla Glass back and dual-curved display edges, Gorilla Glass 5 front and back.
• Display: 6.7" Fluid Display 2.0 (LTPO AMOLED), 10-bit color, 120Hz, HDR10+, MEMC, Automatic color temperature setting, 1,300 nits (peak), 1440x3216px resolution (20.1:9).
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 (5 nm): Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 680); Adreno 660.
• Memory: 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 + 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage (non-expandable).
• OS/Software: OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.
• Rear cameras: Wide (main): Sony IMX789 48 MP, 1/1.43", f/1.8, 23mm, 1.12 µm Multi Autofocus (PDAF+LAF+CAF), OIS + EIS; Ultra wide angle/macro: Sony IMX766 50MP, 1/1.56", f/2.4, 14mm, Freeform lens; Telephoto: 8MP, 3.3x zoom, 1.0µm pixels, f/2.4, 77mm equiv; Monochrome: 2MP.
• Front camera: Sony IMX471 16MP, f/2,4, 1.0 µm pixel size, fixed focus, EIS.
• Video capture: 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 30/60/120fps, Super Slow Motion 720p @ 480fps, 1080p @ 240fps, 4K time-lapse, DOL-HDR.
• Battery and charging: 4,500 mAh dual-cell battery, Warp Charge 65T, Warp Charge 50 Wireless, Reverse wireless charging @ 5W.
• Misc: In-display optical fingerprint scanner; front RGB sensor (for automatic tone adjustment), alert slider.

Apart from the screen size and resolution, the main difference between the 9 and 9 Pro's camera systems is the addition of a dedicated telephoto camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro. The main camera gets an updated IMX789 Sony sensor which still supports omnidirectional Phade Detection auto focus and dual native ISO, and the ultra-wide now gets a 50MP sensor and a new type of lens to reduce lens distortion.

Video recording has been beefed up to support 8K video at 30 frames, and 4K video at 120 fps. There's also a new Nightscape Video 2.0 which promises better low-light video so we're looking at all-around improvements to the camera system on the 9 Pro.

We're excited to see how much the image quality has improved on the camera trio (main, tele, wide) of the 9 Pro with this new Hasselblad partnership. We'll also be looking to see how much battery life will improve despite having the same 4,500 mAh capacity as its predecessor. The lower-power display and Snapdragon 888 with integrated Qualcomm X60 modem should help in this regard.

Tag along as we look over the ins and outs of OnePlus' new flagship device. If you're looking to upgrade from an older OnePlus device, we'll give you the scoop on whether the 9 Pro is improved in all the right places or if it's more like a scoop of ice cream you've already tasted before.

Unboxing

The media package that we received from OnePlus included both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, along with one protective case for each, and the Warp Charge 50 Wireless Charger. This time around, some may be happy to learn that the new Wireless charging dock does come with a removable connector and supports any 50W USB-C PD charger.

The OnePlus packaging has become a standard fare and the 9 Pro is no exception. Inside the now familiar red box is the phone at the top layer, followed by some paperwork, a silicone case in some markets, the 65W Warp Charge power adapter, and the usual red Type-C to Type-C USB 2.0 cable.

The silicone case this year has been switched to an opaque design. It's not clear yet why OnePlus chooses to omit this accessory in some markets and decides to leave it in elsewhere. There will be aftermarket cases, obviously, along with some first-party options from OnePlus.

Two things that we can always count on OnePlus smartphones to come with are a set of OnePlus stickers, and a letter from the company's founder Pete Lau that encourages customers to participate in the OnePlus community forums. A SIM tool is attached to this letter.

As usual, there are no audio accessories inside the package. Not even an audio adapter.

Design

The OnePlus 9 Pro continues the brand's tradition of having pleasant but unremarkable designs. While other manufacturers are being more bold and experimental, OnePlus seems content with a safe design that is inoffensive but also somewhat generic and forgettable.

The OnePlus 9 Pro inherits most of the OnePlus 8 Pro design aesthetics but makes some notable improvements. The phone is now both shorter and narrower and while the difference isn't much, it feels much more manageable and comfortable to use, even though the weight hasn't changed.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also loses the aggressively curved display of the OnePlus 8 Pro. While the display is still curved, it's a much more subtle curve that doesn't extend as further down the sides as the 8 Pro did. This has a few advantages, which we shall discuss in the display section.

Along the sides, we find the power and alert slider on the right and the volume buttons on the left. The volume buttons have been shifted down significantly compared to the 8 Pro. This makes it much easier to operate in portrait orientation and the volume buttons also don't rub against your pinky finger when held in landscape mode.

The bottom of the phone is identical, with the same two-slot speaker grille, USB port, and SIM tray design. The top of the phone loses the horizontal cleft and is a simple curve.

The back of the phone houses the most noticeable difference. The OnePlus 8 Pro had the more distinctive OnePlus camera array in a vertical pill shape in the center. The camera had a rather significant bump to it but it wasn't an issue since it was centered and so the phone still felt mostly stable. The OnePlus 9 Pro switches to a new camera array with the Hasselblad branding in the top left corner, similar to many other designs on the market today. The camera bump doesn't stick out as far on the new model but because it's in the corner the phone does rock back and forth on the desk.

The OnePlus 9 Pro comes in three colors and finishes. Our review unit came in Morning Mist, which has a glossy finish that gets progressively more reflective as you go down the back of the phone. Pine Green has a rather familiar shade of green with a matte finish. Stellar Black is the most interesting as its frosted matte finish has a similar texture to the sandstone back of older OnePlus phones. Morning Mist is the only finish that has a shiny frame, the other two have matte finishes.

Both the Pine Green and Stellar Black variants are said to be fingerprint resistant, which is great because the back of the Morning Mist looks like a crime scene after a few minutes of use.

While Morning Mist is the company's featured finish, it doesn't really have that 'wow' factor that OnePlus has achieved in previous years: the iridescent effect of the 7 Pro's Nebula Blue and the breathtaking deepness of the 8 Pro's Ultramarine Blue.

Even still, Morning Mist is an elegant finish, and It reminds us of Mercedes Benz's Diamond Silver paint job. We've also received comments that it's reminiscent of liquid metal / mercury.

Like the OnePlus 8 Pro, the OnePlus 9 Pro is dust and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. Aside from that, the phone feels well-built with a premium finish and a nice, dense feel in hand. It's still a glass phone, however, so you will need a case for drop protection. Also, it's worth noting that OnePlus is sticking with Gorilla Glass 5 for both the front and back of the phone, so you're not exactly getting the latest in shatter resistance.

The first thing we noticed when setting up the handset is the placement of the in-display fingerprint scanner - it's significantly lower. This doesn't drastically change the phone's ergonomics and usability. In a worst-case scenario, it may take a couple of days to get used to the new placement.

The overall size of the 9 Pro is slightly smaller than the 8 Pro at 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7mm. It's just 2 grams lighter than the 8 Pro at 197g. The display now measures 6.7-inches and the slight change in aspect ratio to 20.1:9 means that although the phone's width is identical to that of the 8 Pro, it also loses a small chunk of length that makes the phone slightly less unwieldy.

The camera setup on the back houses four cameras in a rectangular arrangement. The top camera is the ultrawide, followed by the main 48MP shooter. The lower-left camera is a 2MP monochrome sensor and the last one is the 3.3X telephoto camera. On this cluster you'll also find an AF laser, the video microphone and flash.

The ports, mics, speakers, and buttons are all laid out almost exactly as they are on the 8 Pro. The ridge that was carved into the top end of the phone is no more, but here is where you'll find a noise-canceling microphone.

There's a volume rocker on the left side, and at the bottom of the phone is the USB-C charging port. The SIM tray is here as well, and it will hold two nanoSIM cards. Remember, the 9 Pro (and 9) do not offer expandable storage. The downward speaker has the same dual-slotted port as well.

Overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro design improves upon its predecessor in many small ways. It's also built very well and feels sturdy and premium. Unfortunately, it's still a fairly large and heavy device but that seems to be the norm these days with flagship smartphones. Also, the design is a bit generic in our opinion compared to some of the competing smartphones and we wish OnePlus would come up with something more unique and eye-catching in the future.

The design is not strikingly different from its predecessors. If it were not for the new camera partnership, the OnePlus 9 Pro would otherwise seem like an incremental change.

Although OnePlus' intention with the reduced screen curvature was to eliminate accidental touches, we found in our use that the palm rejection still needs some tweaking.

Next up, we'll look at our lab test data to see how much the display has changed in one year. We will also dive into the battery tests results and take a quick look at the phone's loudspeakers.

Fluid Display 2.0 with Smart 120Hz

The OnePlus 9 Pro has a 6.7-inch, 3216 x 1440 resolution, 10-bit LTPO AMOLED display. The display has a variable refresh rate that maxes out at 120Hz. It is capable of HDR (high dynamic range) and OnePlus has included support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG standards.

In our regular testing method for brightness, we use a pattern size of 75% but the OEMs are free to decide how they test their claims. Using a much smaller 15% pattern size, we were able to measure 1,150 nits of max brightness. Although not quite the advertised 1,300, not far from it.

For the sake of GSMArena's comparisons and the pattern size we use across all our device reviews, the 9 Pro's display reached a maximum brightness of 871 nits with Adaptive brightness switched on. With this setting turned off, the panel caps at 523 nits and these scores reflect the display's excellent sunlight readability.

Display test	100% brightness
	Black,cd/m2	White,cd/m2	Contrast ratio
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Max Auto)	0	1023	∞
Xiaomi Mi 11 (Max Auto)	0	926	∞
OnePlus 8 Pro (Max Auto)	0	888	∞
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Max Auto)	0	883	∞
OnePlus 9 Pro (Max Auto)	0.038	871	22921:1
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max	0	822	∞
OnePlus 9 (Max Auto)	0	821	∞
OnePlus 8T (Max Auto) (Prassad)	0	815	∞
Huawei Mate 40 Pro (Max Auto)	0	807	∞
OnePlus 8 (Max Auto)	0	803	∞
Apple iPhone 12 Pro	0	802	∞
Oppo Find X3 Pro (Max Auto)	0	774	∞
Apple iPhone 12	0	639	∞
OnePlus 8 Pro	0	538	∞
OnePlus 9 Pro	0	525	∞
OnePlus 8T (Prassad)	0	518	∞
Xiaomi Mi 11	0	498	∞
OnePlus 8	0	496	∞
Oppo Find X3 Pro	0	493	∞
Huawei Mate 40 Pro	0	485	∞
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G	0	459	∞
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	0	458	∞
OnePlus 9	0	450	∞

OnePlus' default Vivid mode has pleasing colors and bright whites. This is the typical, punchy profile that most people will have on their device. If you're someone who would rather give your peepers a rest, or prefer something more accurate, OnePlus has you covered as well.

In the default Vivid mode, the display scored an average deltaE of 3.1 with a maximum of 5.8. sRGB is the most color-accurate mode, scoring an average deltaE of just 0.7 and a max deviation of 1.7. Remember, any score below 2 is visually indistinguishable to the eye.

There are more profiles to choose from. Natural is closely related to sRGB, but not as color accurate. Under the 'advanced setting'. The AMOLED Wide Gamutis the most color-saturated profile for those who really want colors to look over-the-top and exaggerated. sRGB and Display P3 emulate the colors from their respective spaces. The latter three 'Advanced' profiles can be adjusted with sliders for warm/cool and green/magenta.

Display settings

While the choice is entirely up to you, we think the Natural mode is the way to go as the device can automatically switch to P3 in applications that support it thanks to built-in color management in Android.

The variable refresh rate is an interesting topic. The display on the 9 Pro (not the vanilla) uses a new LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) backplane in the panel that can dynamically adjust the display's refresh rate and scales power. If you're watching a 24fps video, the display will refresh at 24Hz and can go as low as 1 Hz when viewing a still image on screen. Once you touch the screen and start swiping around, the rate kicks back up to 120Hz.

OnePlus advertises a maximum figure of 120Hz but the display also supports intermediate values like 90Hz, 60Hz, and supposedly even 1Hz, and can adjust based on the content. When set to the 120Hz mode, the device will be constantly adjusting the refresh rate, and there's no easy way for the user to just lock it to 120Hz.

Unfortunately, we were unable to verify OnePlus' claims of 1Hz refresh rate mode. With the tools we have at our disposal, we are unable to confirm or deny that the display is doing this. Our skepticism reflects later in this page, in the battery endurance section.

Perhaps more frustrating is OnePlus' continued lack of support for high refresh rate gaming. The company has whitelisted a very small number of games, such as Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, Pokemon Go, etc., and these are the only titles allowed to run at a maximum of 90Hz. This leaves a vast majority of games unsupported and there are also no titles that run above 90Hz. Moreover, OnePlus will also drop down the refresh rate of the display from 90Hz to 60Hz in supported games when the player stops interacting, which causes a jarring drop in fluidity because, unlike static UI screens, games tend to have moving elements on-screen animating at the display's refresh rate.

OnePlus has also added a feature they call Hyper Touch, which boosts the touch sampling rate to 360Hz. While the feature has to be manually enabled from the display settings, it currently only works in select games, including PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Brawl Stars. We played Call of Duty Mobile with the Hyper Touch mode enabled and didn't notice any improvement in the touch response. This shouldn't be surprising as increased sampling rate can only do so much and if your game is still running at 60Hz, you're not going to notice much of a difference.

There's also a new Ultra-high video resolution mode, which at the time of testing was only available for Instagram. This feature uses AI to add edge enhancement to videos within supported apps. Tested videos on Instagram had more pronounced detail but it does tend to look a bit artificial.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also has the Vibrant Color Effect Pro mode from the OnePlus 8 Pro, which is intended to make videos appear more saturated. However, the feature seems to do absolutely nothing on the OnePlus 9 Pro. On the OnePlus 8 Pro, enabling it would make all supported video apps appear strongly saturated. On the OnePlus 9 Pro, none of the apps we tried had any difference at all when the feature was enabled. We had first observed this on the OnePlus 8T and we are not quite sure what purpose this feature serves anymore.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also supports the Motion graphics smoothing feature found on previous models, which uses a motion compensation algorithm for frame interpolation. The purpose of this feature is to make low frame rate videos appear as if they are high frame rate. In our opinion, this feature does more harm than good, especially when used on cinematic content, which is intended to be viewed at a certain frame rate as that's part of its aesthetic. By increasing the frame rate, the video tends to appear unnaturally smooth, which ruins the creator's intent. Moreover, no motion compensation algorithm is perfect, so you'll still see plenty of motion artifacts, which further destroys the image quality. We strongly advise leaving this feature disabled.

The OnePlus 9 Pro display has great HDR performance. We tested some HDR10 content in the YouTube and Netflix apps and noted improved overall brightness over the OnePlus 8 Pro. The specular highlights can get much brighter on the newer model, which produces a more impactful HDR experience. The OnePlus 9 Pro display can also reproduce detail in the shadows better before clipping to black. Being a 10-bit display with full coverage of the Display-P3 color space also means you are seeing the full breadth of colors that HDR content can have.

The OnePlus 9 Pro display does have an issue that the 8 Pro display doesn't. While the 8 Pro display can get pitch black, the 9 Pro display can only get a dark shade of gray. This isn't noticeable in normal ambient lighting but is quite obvious when watching in a perfectly dark room and while watching content with a lot of dark scenes in it. This issue only pertains to HDR playback and not present in SDR mode.

Like we mentioned in the design section, we're glad to see that the curvature of the edges of the glass were dialed back this time around. OnePlus has opted for a less aggressively curved display this time around. Compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro, the OnePlus 9 Pro display has much less vignetting around the edges, although it's not completely gone. The new display also catches less glare around the edges than the older one.

The 9 Pro display has fewer issues with accidental touches but it's still present. This means there will still be times where you can trigger the touchscreen simply by holding the phone. This happens most commonly while using the camera when you're holding the phone by its edges. If Android manufacturers are going to insist on having curved displays, the least they could do is also implement better palm rejection.

Battery life 

The OnePlus 9 Pro uses dual 2,250mAh cells that equate to a total battery capacity of 4,500mAh. It's roughly the same capacity as the OnePlus 8 Pro that came before it. Despite the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform, LTPO display, and OnePlus claims of better battery life, the OnePlus 9 Pro's battery performance was only average this time around.

We saw a higher 3G talk time score that totaled 33:57h. The web test did get a bump up in endurance at 13:12h, but video playback took a large hit that resulted in just 13:34. This, accompanied by the Snapdragon 888's poor standby score resulted in a significant slip in overall endurance compared to its antecedent. In reference with the other 888-powered phones, the OnePlus 9 falls right behind the Xiaomi MI 11 (score 89h) and ahead of the Oppo Find X3 Pro (score 81h).

We were under the impression that we'd see better scores in the screen-on tests than what we saw with the OnePlus 8 Pro, we are wondering whether the LPTO panel is working as advertised. Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm or deny this, as the FPS counter that's built into the Android Developer tools is not yet compatible with the LPTO tech.

Our battery tests were automated thanks to SmartViser, using its viSerDevice app. The endurance rating above denotes how long a single battery charge will last you if you use the OnePlus 9 Pro for an hour each of telephony, web browsing, and video playback daily. We've established this usage pattern so that our battery results are comparable across devices in the most common day-to-day tasks. The battery testing procedure is described in detail in case you're interested in the nitty-gritty. You can check out our complete battery test table, where you can see how all of the smartphones we've tested will compare under your own typical use.

Charging

The 4,500 mAh battery on the 8T, 9, and 9 Pro all use identical dual-cell battery tech. This means that the adapter is simultaneously fast-charging two batteries that work as one. OnePlus debuted 65W charging with the OnePlus 8T, but the 9 Pro gets a bump up in charging speed with Warp Charge 65T. The 9 and 9 Pro received improvement that "reduces internal charging resistance", according to the company, so the battery can receive high wattage for a longer time before dialing its voltage back down.

30min charging test (from 0%)

Time to full charge (from 0%)

With Warp Charge 65T, the 9 Pro's battery was fully replenished in 31 minutes, 2 minutes short of OnePlus' promised 29 minutes. The OnePlus 8T can fully recharge in 39 minutes so the improvement is marginal, but still impressive.

Wireless charging sees a significant update with the 9 Pro. The company debuts a faster Warp Charge 50 Wireless Charger that delivers 50W of peak power to the phone. This comes as an update to the Warp Charge 30 Wireless Charger that launched with the 8 Pro. That charger didn't have a removable charging cable so it made it more difficult to replace the charging cable without buying a whole new charger. It also made cable management more difficult.

This time around, the Warp Charge 50 does not have a permanent wire on it. Instead, it requires that you use the Warp Charge 65T charger brick that comes included with the 9 Pro. Though it doesn't include an adapter, the wireless charger comes with its own USB-C to C cable.

The Warp Charge 50 Wireless dock promises a full charge in 43 minutes. In our 30 minute charge test, we achieved a 70% charge.

The Warp Charge 50 dock has dual charging coils. This is so you can drop the 9 Pro onto the Warp Charge 50 Wireless charger either upright or on its side. The charger has two coils: one on the lower part of the charger and one higher up. This way, you can recharge the 9 Pro or any Qi-compatible phone upright or on its side.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also supports reverse wireless charging, which can recharge other Qi-enabled devices at up to 5W.

Speaker test

The OnePlus 9 Pro has a stereo speaker setup with a dedicated loudspeaker on the bottom of the phone and the earpiece serving as the second channel. In portrait, the earpiece get the left channel, while in landscape the phone uses the accelerometer to switch the channels to match the orientation.

The OnePlus 9 Pro earned a 'Very Good' rating for loudness in our test, essentially the same result as the OnePlus 9, though with a marginal edge when it comes to the numbers.

Use the Playback controls to listen to the phone sample recordings (best use headphones). We measure the average loudness of the speakers in LUFS. A lower absolute value means a louder sound. A look at the frequency response chart will tell you how far off the ideal "0db" flat line is the reproduction of the bass, treble, and mid frequencies. You can add more phones to compare how they differ. The scores and ratings are not comparable with our older loudspeaker test. Learn more about how we test here.

OxygenOS

OnePlus' OxygenOS has come a long way. With version 11, the UI was tweaked with one-handed usage of a large display in mind. Many of the built-in apps and settings screens are designed with controls, tabs and buttons in the middle and lower portions of the screen to make them easier to reach one-handedly.

One new feature debuting with Oxygen OS on the 9 Pro takes place in the background. Turbo Boost 3.0 combines both RAM compression and Virtual RAM to let you keep up to 25% more apps open in the background. Virtual RAM reserves a small chunk of storage to temporarily be used as RAM when the main modules are at capacity.

We covered many of the changes made on OxygenOS 11 in our OnePlus 8T review. The 9 Pro arrives with this same version of the OS so we'll just brush over the basics.

During setup, you'll be asked to choose between the default "Roboto" font and "OnePlus Sans". The latter is a light font with a modern look, but some may prefer the former for its superior legibility. You can change this later in the "Customization" tab under Settings.

Font choices

The fingerprint scanner is significantly lower on the display, but that doesn't really interfere much with its usability. At most, it may take a couple of days to get used to its new location if you're coming from another OnePlus device.

Fingerprint setup

With Oxygen OS 10.5, OnePlus moved the "OnePlus Shelf" from the left of the home screens to a secondary shade that's pulled down. The Google Feed now lives on the leftmost home screen. The home screen grids can be adjusted in the home screen settings - the default grid is 5x5. Icons can be switched from the default round appearance to square ones as seen on Hydrogen OS, the Chinese counterpart to Oxygen OS. In more recent developments, OnePlus announced that new OnePlus devices in China will launch with a customized variant of Oppo's Color OS Android skin.

Home screen • Google Feed • Grid setting • Icons

The notification shade features six Quick Settings at the top, a brightness slider, and media controls if they are available. Below this top cluster is where notifications (both audible and silent) will populate. There are even more Quick Settings available to add and rearrange.

Notification shade • Quick Settings • More Quick Settings • Media Controls

The other pull-down drawer is the OnePlus Shelf. To access it, you swipe down on any area of the OxygenOS launcher's home screens. The notification shade is accessed by swiping down from the very top.

The Shelf can be customized with preloaded tools like a step counter, weather widget, and a parking widget. Additional third-party widgets can be added here as well. Think of this as a customizable place for your favorite shortcuts and widgets that won't take up space on any of the home screens.

OnePlus shelf

The settings for the Ambient Display are all in the "Customization" tab in the Settings app. Here you can change the accent color, system icons, wallpapers, font, and the Ambient Display clock.

Insight is the Ambient clock that also offers a glimpse as your phone's usage, showing you how often you unlock the screen throughout the day.

Customization: main screen • accent • tile shape • Ambient clock • Insight

OxygenOS 11 is great on the 9 Pro. It's not quite as bone-stock as it used to be, but it looks and flows well. OnePlus has managed to add plenty of function and features without bogging down the overall user-experience, all while keeping the interface clean. Settings aren't perfectly organized, but that's true of many Android skins these days.

There is still no dedicated one-handed mode in OxygenOS 11, though this is a feature that's evidently coming to the next major Android release.

Synthetic benchmarks

The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are the first few devices that arrive to market with Qualcomm's latest mobile chipset built on the 5nm fabrication process. The Snapdragon 888 Mobile Platform powers both devices with an embedded X60 5G modem.

The Snapdragon 888 is an eight-core processor made up to three clusters that outperforms the Snapdragon 865 by up to 25%. The top cluster is a single 2.84GHz Kryo 680 Prime using ARM's Cortex-X1 design. Then there's a triple-core cluster made up of three Kryo 680 Gold cores @ 2.42GHz based on Cortex-A78. Finally, there's a quad-core cluster of efficient and low-power Kryo 680 Silver cores clocked at 1.8GHz.

Powering graphics is the Adreno 660 GPU that promises a 35% increase of performance over the Adreno 650. It supports Open GL ES 3.2, Vulcan 1.1, and a new variable rate shading technology.

Both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro come with LPDDR5 RAM that the company claims can run at speeds of up to 6,400 Mbps. The phones are using UFS 3.1 storage (non-expandable).

Only the OnePlus 9 Pro supports Hyper Touch. This is a feature that taps into faster responsiveness when playing competitive games. The display typically synchronizes at 60Hz-120Hz but with Hyper Touch enabled, the speed is 360Hz. Only four mobile gaming titles currently support the feature:  PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends, and Brawl Stars.

Cool Play is another feature that's on both the 9 and 9 Pro. It introduces larger materials in the phones' thermal systems including thicker graphite sheets, larger copper foil, and a larger vapor chamber. The latter helps to divert heat generated from playing games into the frame where it can be dissipated from the phone's panes of glass. After a match of PUBG, the phone was significantly warm, but the heat was distributed all over the phone's body.

Let's get into the benchmarks!

In the first benchmark, the OnePlus 9 Pro kept up with the ROG Phone 5, though it fell just barely behind. It still scored negligibly ahead of the Exynos 2100-powered Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the 888-powered Xiaomi Mi 11, and the Oppo Find X3 Pro. The 9 Pro was slightly bested by the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, albeit only with that phone's "Performance mode" enabled.

Single-core scores are nearly uniform across all the recent flagships. Apple still leads the charts with its A14 Bionic chip in both single and multi-core tests.

GeekBench 5 (multi-core)

Higher is better

GeekBench 5 (single-core)

Higher is better

The 9 Pro's graphics performance is quite great. The ASUS ROG Phone 5 was able to squeeze a few more frames out but the difference is negligible. The ROG Phone 5 has active cooling work in its favor, though. GPU performance is right in line with the other Snapdragon 888 performers from Xiaomi and Oppo.

GFX Manhattan ES 3.1 (offscreen 1080p)

Higher is better

GFX Car Chase ES 3.1 (offscreen 1080p)

Higher is better

The onscreen tests scored in favor of those devices that have screens with Full HD+ resolution.

GFX Manhattan ES 3.1 (onscreen)

Higher is better

GFX Car Chase ES 3.1 (onscreen)

Higher is better

3DMark Wild Life Vulkan 1.1 (offscreen 1440p)

Higher is better

The 9 Pro performed well in the Antutu run, though it fell behind both the Asus ROG Phone 5 and the OnePlus 9. Still ahead of the Huawei Mate 40 Pro and the other devices powered by the same chipset.

AnTuTu 8

Higher is better

There's no room for complaints on the OnePlus 9 Pro's performance. It handled a long PUBG session beautifully, with all in-game graphic settings maxed out.

The phone did get significantly warm so we don't anticipate that the "Cool Play" feature will live up to its name in every situation. Cool Play, however, was certainly working as advertised because heat was being actively distributed throughout the phone's surfaces and didn't hang around one hot spot.

We ran the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress test and the OnePlus 9 Pro scored 55.6% stability with the display settings maxed out to QHD+ and with Smart 120Hz enabled. Frame rates steadily fell after the fourth or fifth loop run but didn't begin to really drop until the 9th loop. Frame rates bottomed out on the 19th loop.

Introduction

The OnePlus 9 Pro has a quad-camera system on the back, consisting of a wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and monochrome camera.

The main wide camera has a new Sony IMX789 sensor with a 48-megapixel resolution and 23mm equivalent f1.8 7P lens with OIS. It has dual native ISO, supports 12-bit RAW output, and Sony's DOL-HDR technique. The ultra-wide camera uses a new Sony IMX766 sensor with a 50-megapixel resolution and 14mm equivalent f2.2 7P freeform lens.

The telephoto camera has an 8-megapixel sensor with an f2.4 aperture with a 3.3x magnification factor over the main lens. Unlike previous models, the telephoto camera is not used for portrait mode images but just for zoomed images and videos. Finally, the monochrome camera has a 2-megapixel resolution and only exists to assist the main camera in producing monochrome images.

With the OnePlus 9 Pro, the company has partnered with Swedish-camera manufacturer Hasselblad for a three-year period. Hasselblad is said to have contributed to the color calibration on the OnePlus 9 series as well as the redesigned camera interface.

Camera app

Let's start with that interface first. The OnePlus 9 Pro comes with a new camera app, which features some notable changes and improvements over the app found on previous-generation models. The most striking change is the use of a new camera shutter button, with OnePlus opting for the distinctive orange color as seen on the shutter buttons on Hasselblad cameras. The shutter sound has also been changed to match Hasselblad cameras.

Camera app

To see the bulk of the changes in the camera app, we need to switch over to the Pro mode. Here, we find the updated UI for the adjustment dials for parameters such as ISO, white balance, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and focus. Instead of the rotating wheel in the previous app, the OnePlus 9 Pro has a straightforward horizontal bar that can be swiped up and down. This is much easier to adjust than the rotating wheel of before and the auto mode switch is always visible rather than being at some arbitrary point on the wheel that you have to spin to.

Unfortunately, that's pretty much the extent of the improvements in the camera UI. There are still some issues, which we would have liked OnePlus to have fixed by now. Manually adjusting the exposure in Auto mode is still a nightmare, with a tiny slider that's hard to adjust and an even tinier icon to lock it. The zoom control dial is still annoyingly finicky and getting an exact figure dialed in is a test of patience. This would have been a good time to replace with a vertical slider like for the settings in Pro mode, but that hasn't happened.

Camera app

The UI also doesn't rotate when held in landscape. Trying to quickly open the settings menu while in landscape mode is a laughably bad experience, as the screen stays resolutely in portrait mode, even if you have auto-rotate enabled, forcing you to turn the phone around. The settings icon is also quite small and difficult to press.

OnePlus has also added a new transition animation when switching between the three lenses instead of just switching the viewfinder instantly like on previous models. This is easily the jankiest transition we have seen on any smartphone and switching from ultra-wide to telephoto almost looks like stop-motion animation.

The camera app also has a bug in OxygenOS 11.2.1.1, where enabling 60fps or 120fps mode would cause the viewfinder to often be stuck in 30fps mode. The actual recorded video is in the correct frame rate but the viewfinder isn't.

Lastly, the Pro mode still doesn't allow you to access any other camera. This means you are strictly limited to the main wide camera on the back if you want full control or the ability to shoot in RAW. There's also no Pro mode available for video or an option to record in 24fps.

Daylight performance

Let's start with the daylight image quality of the main camera. The results here are good but also underwhelming when you consider the focus on the camera and the Hasselblad partnership with this year's models.

Starting with the detail, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers very little meaningful improvement over its predecessors. The level of detail is good but also typical of 12-megapixel sensors and lags behind the higher resolution sensors on some of the competing devices. Fine detail is still somewhat fuzzy at times and textures tend to get smeared on surfaces with low-frequency detail.

Daylight 12MP samples

The level of detail is also a bit lower than what we saw on the OnePlus 8 Pro. It's possible the culprit for that is the switch to a slightly wider focal length, which now fits more in the frame at the same resolution, thus making everything in the frame just a little bit fuzzier. OnePlus has dialed up the sharpening on the OnePlus 9 Pro to compensate for this but sharpening cannot add missing detail and only ends up adding haloing artifacts.

OnePlus 8 Pro • OnePlus 9 Pro • OnePlus 8 Pro • OnePlus 9 Pro

The full 48-megapixel resolution mode also doesn't help much in this regard. You don't actually get any additional detail and resizing the images back down to 12-megapixel reveals that they are nearly identical to the standard 12-megapixel images, minus some of the noise and aggressive sharpening.

Daylight 48MP samples

Speaking of noise, the default 12-megapixel images were often surprisingly noisy even when shooting in broad daylight at the lowest ISO. The noise won't be visible when looking at the images on your phone's screen but would become noticeable if you start editing the images or if crop into it. In comparison, the OnePlus 8 Pro images had surprisingly low noise, despite having similar or even greater detail. The higher sharpening on the OnePlus 9 Pro also doesn't do it any favors as the noise in the images also tends to get accentuated by it.

The color performance is also a mixed bag. We had high hopes in this area, especially since OnePlus promised more natural color reproduction, but the OnePlus 9 Pro images aren't exactly natural. Daylight images can often have deeply saturated skies and bold green foliage, which is much more vibrant than in the actual scene. The white balance has a tendency to be on the cooler side while shooting in sunny conditions. Reds will occasionally shift towards magenta, especially in indoor lighting. The contrast also tends to be jacked up significantly at times, often to the detriment of the image.

Compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 9 Pro occasionally performed worse. The OnePlus 8 Pro often had a more correct white balance and more balanced, less contrasty images.

Dynamic range is average. While the OnePlus 8 Pro had a tendency to overexpose, the OnePlus 9 Pro tends to underexpose, which can cause images to have less detail in the shadows. OnePlus' UltraShot HDR can still have that fake, aggressive tone-mapped HDR look to it at times, especially when shooting indoors, and the images from auto mode don't look as natural as those from Apple or Google smartphones.

The actual sensor on the OnePlus 9 Pro is leagues ahead of its predecessor. The IMX789 handily outperforms the IMX689 in dynamic range and low light performance. Trying to compare RAW images captured on both phones, the files on the OnePlus 9 Pro can be pushed much further in post and shadows remain clean even after +3 exposure thanks to the dual native ISO whereas the OnePlus 8 Pro images start falling apart when pushed similarly. The level of detail in the RAW files is also impressive.

It's clear then that the issue lies with OnePlus - and now Hasselblad's - tuning of the default JPEGs. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, you can get so much more value out of this camera by shooting in RAW and processing the images yourself as the actual hardware in here is absolutely top-notch. Even the JPEG files from the Pro mode are generally superior to Auto mode, as they have less sharpening, noise, and more natural contrast.

The new ultra-wide camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro is impressive, as far as ultra-wide cameras go. The color performance is similar to the main camera but despite the incredibly wide perspective, the level of detail from the 12.5-megapixel images is really quite good.

Daylight 12.5MP ultra-wide samples

But the main attraction here is the new freeform lens. On most other smartphones, the ultra-wide image needs to be corrected in software to remove the distortion around the edges. This is usually enabled through the camera settings and the reason this is optional is because enabling it crops the image, which reduces some of the wide perspective. This is how it's done on the OnePlus 8 Pro as well. On the OnePlus 9 Pro, there is no such option in the camera settings because the freeform lens corrects the perspective before the image even hits the sensor.

This results in images that are wider than on the previous generation model without any distortion. It's actually pretty cool and straight lines even around the edges of the frame continue to be straight without bending.

The 3.3x telephoto performs reasonably well in good lighting. It has a good amount of detail and the default reach without further digital zoom is often sufficient for most use cases. The color performance can occasionally be hit or miss, there is some fringing seen on some shots, and the focusing performance isn't as confident or fast as on the main camera. Also, the camera will just switch to the main lens if it feels like the subject you're trying to capture with the telephoto lens is too close, which isn't ideal as 3.3x digital zoom on the main lens doesn't look that great.

Daylight 8MP 3.3x telephoto samples

The macro camera duties on the OnePlus 9 Pro are smartly handled by the ultra-wide camera as with the previous two generation Pro models. Admittedly, the closest focusing distance of the ultra-wide lens isn't as low as some of the dedicated macro cameras on other models but that's fine as the sheer difference in image quality and level of detail that you get from this camera compared to those 2 and 5-megapixel macro cameras is staggering.

Macro samples

The camera has an option to switch into the macro mode if it detects you are too close to the subject. It usually kicks in when the subject gets within six inches of the camera. Occasionally, it's better to shoot in the macro mode even if you're not too close to the camera, as the large sensor and wide aperture on the main lens can cause images shot close to the lens to appear soft and blurry around the edges.

Before we move on to the night mode, we need to talk about the monochrome camera. Like the OnePlus 8T, the OnePlus 9 Pro has a 2-megapixel monochrome camera. As mentioned before, this camera doesn't capture any images by itself but rather 'assists' the main camera in taking monochrome images.

Monochrome sample

By now we are quite used to hearing a lot of silly excuses from manufacturers for having that magical fourth lens on the back of their phones to complete their marketing campaigns but this one currently takes the cake. The main camera doesn't need a second lens to assist it in capturing monochrome images. The camera can very easily do it in software, as it already does for the other two monochrome filters in the camera app. OnePlus's rationale for having this fourth sensor is laughable and the images shot have nothing special or even identifiably different about them. They just look black and white.

Low light performance

Lowlight is where the OnePlus 9 Pro camera comes into its own and starts firing on all cylinders. The two new cameras provide some of the best low-light performance on the market. And that's before you even turn on the night mode.

Low light main samples

Starting with the main camera, you get a good amount of detail and fairly impressive color performance when shooting in standard mode, despite the fairly high ISO values. The excellent new sensor allows the camera to get cleaner images even at higher ISO values. Unless the conditions are severely dark, you can get by in most situations by never having to enable the Nightscape mode.

Low light main Nightscape samples

Once enabled, Nightscape improves the image quality even further. The images have better exposure, dynamic range, and color. It also cleans up the noise fairly well. Focusing performance is also quite decent in Nightscape mode, except when the subject is too dark and further away than what the laser AF can reach. However, OnePlus Nightscape images can still look over processed and overexposed at times, occasionally making the scene look like it was shot at a totally different time of day. Sometimes, this isn't desirable so you may want to dial in the exposure manually.

Light light ultra-wide samples

Light light ultra-wide Nightscape samples

The ultra-wide camera also has impressive low light performance compared to what we have become used to seeing on these lenses. Enabling Nightscape improves them considerably and makes them even more impressive.

Once you're done with the real world samples, head over to our Photo compare tool to see how the OnePlus 9 Pro stacks up against the competition.

OnePlus 9 Pro against the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 11 in our Photo compare tool

Portraits

The OnePlus 9 Pro can shoot portrait images using only the primary lens. By default it applies a 2x digital zoom as it provides less distortion (necessary for human subjects) and also better subject isolation but you can also switch to the full field of view if you want to fit more into the frame at the cost of some stretching of your subject.

Portrait samples

The OnePlus 9 Pro does an okay job here. You don't get a choice in the strength of the blur effect so while it can look quite impressive at times, other times it has the effect of isolating your subject more aggressively than required, creating a cutout effect. The AI algorithm responsible for separating the subject from the background does a decent job but can get tripped by some hairstyles, glasses, and small gaps between elbows and body.

Selfies

The OnePlus 9 Pro has a 16-megapixel f2.4 fixed-focus camera. This is the same Sony IMX471 that has been the staple of OnePlus phones going back all the way to the OnePlus 7 Pro.

It's clear why OnePlus continues to rely on this sensor, as it provides a good level of detail, decent color performance, and adequate dynamic range for portrait images captured in daylight.

Selfie samples

Where it falls behind is in low-light performance as there's no Nightscape for the front camera. The camera also lacks autofocus and the video resolution is limited to just 1080p60. Also, while the field of view is adequate for one person, it will feel more restrictive compared to some of the wider cameras on the market, including OnePlus's own Nord that comes with a separate ultra-wide front camera and even 4K recording.

Selfie portrait samples

The front camera is capable of shooting in portrait mode. Once again, the lack of control over the background blur makes this hit or miss affair, especially when the subject separation goofs up. We hope OnePlus starts offering these basic features in its camera app as most of its competitors have been doing for several years now.

Video

The OnePlus 9 Pro is capable of recording video in 1080p, 2160p (4K), and 4320p (8K). The main wide camera can shoot 1080p video in 30 and 60fps, 4K video in 30, 60, and 120fps, and 8K video in 30fps. The ultra-wide camera can shoot 1080p video in 30 and 60fps, 4K video in 30 and 60fps, and 8K video in 30fps. The telephoto camera can only shoot 1080p video in 30fps. Any other time the telephoto option is made available, such as in 1080p 60fps or 4K 30 and 60fps modes, it is done digitally on the main lens.

Video in all resolutions and frame rates is shot by default in H.264 but you can optionally switch to H.265 to save some storage space without sacrificing image quality.

EIS is available in 30 and 60fps modes but not for the 120fps mode. As usual, the EIS has a massive crop in modes where it's available but there's no way to disable it.

Additionally, there are also two slow-motion modes: 1080p 240fps and 720p 480fps, which save slowed-down footage. The Super Stable mode uses the ultra-wide camera and then crops into a perspective similar to the main wide camera and then uses that to heavily stabilize the footage. The Nightscape mode enables night mode for video on the main camera. Lastly, the Portrait mode works similar to the feature available for images, isolating the subject from the background using an artificial blur. Super Stable, Nightscape, and Portrait mode all save videos in 1080p only.

The OnePlus 9 Pro does not support recording video in HDR. By HDR, we don't mean tone-mapped SDR video but proper 10-bit HDR PQ video in either HDR10 or any of the other standards. As mentioned previously, there is also no pro mode for video so there's no real control over the image other than adjusting the resolution and frame rate.

Starting with the 4320p 8K video from the main camera, the image quality is unimpressive. We are talking about a 33-megapixel image here and the level of detail doesn't come anywhere close to that figure. The bitrate of a measly 150Mbps (H.264) is to blame here as is the general structure of these Quad Bayer sensors. This isn't to say there isn't any meaningful improvement over the 4K version but it's not what one would expect from a quadrupling of resolution.

The 8K video shot from the ultra-wide camera is, simply put, not real 8K. The video is most likely upscaled from a lower resolution image, and has blurry details and what looks like horizontal interlacing artifacts all over the image. This actually makes the 8K video from the ultra-wide camera look worse than even the 4K version.

Moving over to 4K, both the 30fps and 60fps videos from the main and ultra-wide cameras show good detail, dynamic range, and overall image quality. The stabilization works well most of the time but can struggle a bit when you're trying to pan and it keeps trying to stabilize the movement.

Unfortunately, the stabilization comes at a significant crop to the final image, nearly 1.5x of the full width of the sensor. This effectively turns the main camera into a telephoto lens and makes subject framing difficult at close distances.

If you want to shoot without any electronic stabilization, then the 4K 120fps mode is for you. This mode offers the widest field of view on the main lens, wider than even photo mode as even that has some crop for stabilization. The downside of this is obvious; the 120fps mode is unusable without a tripod or gimbal and the high frame rate makes the footage especially twitchy even in the most stable hands.

Of course, the point of the 120fps mode is not to consume it in its native frame rate (which, by the way, you can't do on the phone even though it has a 120Hz display as OnePlus locks the frame rate to 60Hz in video mode) but rather to slow it down in post-production. You can slow it down 4x and get a nice 30fps clip or go a step further and do a 5x slow down for a more cinematic 24fps video. The jerkiness isn't as obvious at these lower frame rates when slowed down although you should still ideally shoot with a tripod or a gimbal.

The great thing about this mode is that OnePlus saves the full 120fps file instead of slowing it down for you. This gives the user the flexibility of dealing with the file however they want in post-production rather than be limited to whatever the phone is offering. Or if you want, you can just watch them in 120fps, provided you have a high refresh rate monitor or TV.

Regarding the samples posted above, we should note that the colors in these manually slowed down videos look different from the original clip. The reason for this is that OnePlus saves its videos in BT.601, which isn't supported by DaVinci Resolve that we used for slowing down these clips, so the color got altered in the transition to the more standard BT.709 color space.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also supports Nightscape and Portrait mode videos. The results from these modes are underwhelming and neither is particularly good or useful.

Here's a glimpse of how the OnePlus 9 Pro compares to rivals in our Video compare tool. Head over there for the complete picture.

OnePlus 9 Pro against the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Xiaomi Mi 11 in our Video compare tool

Camera conclusions

The OnePlus 9 Pro camera performance turned out to be a bit anticlimactic considering the expectations set by the Hasselblad branding. We expected a significant departure and improvement over previous OnePlus smartphones in terms of color science and overall image processing. Instead, we got mostly lateral changes compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro and in some cases, even a few regressions.

Granted, the OnePlus 8 Pro camera was already very good but we had hoped Hasselblad would have something more valuable to add than just sharpness and contrast but in many scenes, that's exactly what it feels like. In other cases, the images seem a bit worse than before, with more noise, crushed shadows, less detail in some areas, and oversharpening artifacts.

The new Camera app is also nothing to write home about. There are some notable UI changes but this is still largely the same OnePlus Camera app. There's so much OnePlus could have improved upon here but the orange button seems to have taken priority.

The front camera hasn't even changed in hardware. OnePlus is still shipping the same camera as it was on the OnePlus 7 Pro, which now lags far behind the competition.

All of this isn't to say, there aren't any improvements to be found on the OnePlus 9 Pro. The low light performance is excellent and one of the best we have seen. The new ultra-wide camera takes some great-looking images. The video recording quality is good and we particularly enjoyed playing around with the new 4K 120fps files.

It's worth asserting that the OnePlus 9 Pro has good camera performance overall. However, it's still behind the competition in this regard and no amount of marketing will change that.

The competition

With prices going up and the OnePlus 9 Pro starting at a lofty $969, there's no shortage of quality alternatives on the market.

We will start off with the toughest competitor of all, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. While the phone is technically priced at $1199, as per Samsung tradition it can frequently be available below that. At the time of writing, the price was down to just $900 with a special coupon, which is handily undercutting the OnePlus 9 Pro launch price.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the most accomplished smartphones we have tested. Whether it's build quality, display performance, camera performance, or battery life, the S21 Ultra has you covered on all fronts. The camera performance, in particular, is most impressive and we think that the S21 Ultra has one of the most versatile camera systems on the market.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Another great option is the recently launched Xiaomi Mi 11, which is Xiaomi's implementation of the 'everything but the kitchen sink' smartphone. While not available in all regions, the Mi 11 does undercut the OnePlus 9 Pro in pricing in regions where it is available. That's not to say it's compromised in any way, as the Mi 11 is packed to the gills with all the bells and whistles. Sure, MIUI may still be an acquired taste but in every other aspect it is a very strong contender in this segment.

Xiaomi Mi 11

Next is the Find X3 Pro from OnePlus' sister company, Oppo. The Find X3 Pro combines a stunning industrial design, top-notch feature set, and an excellent set of cameras, great display quality, and the same sort of blazing fast charging speeds that OnePlus is known for (it's essentially the same tech). At $1099, the Oppo Find X3 Pro comes at a premium but one that may be worth paying, especially if you're already considering spending over $900 on a phone.

Oppo Find X3 Pro

If you're more into gaming, you might want to consider the ASUS ROG Phone 5. While marketed as primarily a gaming phone, the ROG Phone 5 is an extremely accomplished phone even outside of gaming, with great build quality, a quality display, terrific loudspeakers, great battery life with fast charging, and relatively clean build of Android. And while the camera quality may not be quite on par with some of the other flagships, it's still very impressive and has come a long way from the original model. On top of all that, it's also the cheapest phone in this bunch.

Asus ROG Phone 5

Lastly, there's the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. There was a time when it wouldn't have made any sense to compare a OnePlus phone with an iPhone due to the large gulf in price tags, but those days are long gone now. As for the phone itself, it combines exceptional industrial design, class-leading display color performance with Dolby Vision support, an excellent set of cameras all-round, best in class performance, great battery life, easy to use software with unparalleled software and game library, legendary customer support and a high resale value to boot.

Few devices can match the complete package that the iPhone is and the 12 Pro Max is the best of its kind. Sure, the 60Hz display isn't quite modern and the lack of fast charging in the box (or any kind of charging) is disappointing after paying so much but these may be things worth sacrificing if you want one of the most well-rounded smartphones on the market and aren't tied to the Android platform.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Verdict

The OnePlus 9 Pro is pretty much what we have now come to expect from OnePlus, a likable, dependable smartphone with almost all the bells and whistles one could ask for but not one that's particularly exciting or game changing. It's as if the company is content with making smaller changes rather than doing something disruptive or potentially controversial.

You can see this in the year over year growth of the Pro line. Whether you look back one year to the OnePlus 8 Pro or even two years to the OnePlus 7 Pro, you aren't going to be seeing a remarkable difference. And that's the crux of the matter here as there is a palpable sense of staleness in the air surrounding the brand that we can't quite shake off.

But this staleness, this sense of contentment with slow progress, is at odds with the steady increase in the price year over year. OnePlus fans and critics over the years have lamented the company's slow but sure move upward on the pricing ladder, turning from the hero who rallied against the oligarchs to living long enough to becoming the villain.

But with a $969 starting price, the company is now truly into the upper echelon of the smartphone market. We are talking about a market of discerning buyers where there is no room for missteps, misgivings, and certainly no room for slacking or slowing down. Even brands like Samsung have to sweat it out every year to keep customer attention in check and companies like Google who couldn't keep up with the pressure had to fall back and reevaluate.

Is the OnePlus 9 Pro good enough to compete in this segment? Not quite. Sometimes, it's not enough to just dress for the job you want. You also have to be good at it.

Pros

• Great display performance
• Relatively clean software and great UI performance
• Powerful loudspeakers
• Good performance from the main wide and ultra-wide cameras
• Excellent 4K 120fps mode
• Fast charging

Cons

• Curved display still registers accidental touches
• Rear camera performance still behind the competition
• Outdated front camera
• No pro video features or true HDR recording
• Hasselblad partnership mostly a marketing gimmick
• Monochrome camera is useless
• Worse battery life performance than previous models
• Most games still locked to 60fps

source: gsmarena.com

Admin

Apple iPhone 12 Configuration Summary

15 Sep, 2020

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On the evening of September 8th, Apple officially announced that it will officially hold a new product launch event in the fall at 10 am, September 15th, US Pacific Time 

The latest iPhone is expected , Apple Watch, AirTags and other new hardware products will all appear on the conference site.

 

 

Affected by multiple factors such as the epidemic this year, compared to previous years, Apple's new product launch event this fall will be delayed by about one week. But for now, the delay is not too long.

 

The current market expects that Apple will release four new iPhones at this conference, including two lower-priced 5.4 -inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 models, and two 6.1-inch and 6.7 -inch screens. iPhone 12 Pro model.

 

It is worth noting that recent news about the iPhone 12 series have emerged one after another, and the configuration summary information has been overwhelming. 

 

According to known breaking news, the 5.4-inch version of the iPhone 12 will use a full screen with bangs, support Face ID face unlocking, equipped with Apple A14 processor, provide 4+64/128/256GB storage combination, and 12 million pixel selfie camera on the front , Rear dual 12 million pixel camera, built-in 2227 mAh battery. 

 

The 6.1-inch iPhone12 Max uses an OLED screen, provides a 4+64/128/256GB storage combination, and has a built-in 2775 mAh battery.

iPhone12 Pro uses a 6.1-inch Samsung AMOLED screen, provides 6+64/128/256GB storage combination, front 12 million pixel single camera, rear 12 million pixel wide angle + 12 million pixel ultra wide angle + 12 million pixel telephoto + LiDAR laser The radar scanner has a battery capacity of 2815 mAh; as the top flagship iPhone12 Pro Max will provide a 6+64/128/256GB storage combination with a built-in 3687 mAh battery.

According to comprehensive information, the iPhone 12 series will be equipped with a new standard A14 processor, support 5G, and LiDAR for all systems. In addition, the reference prices have been further exposed. The reference prices of iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max are respectively 699 U.S. dollars, 799 U.S. dollars, 1,049 U.S. dollars, and 1,149 U.S. dollars, which are cheaper than the iPhone 11 series, but The authenticity is in doubt.

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How to See Heart Rate Recovery on Apple Watch and iPhone

30 Mar, 2020

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If you own an Apple Watch and enjoy working out, we’ve got a very useful post. Today, I am going to share a post on how to see heart rate recovery on Apple Watch and iPhone. Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) shows you how healthy your heart is. It is used to analyse how your heart recovers from exercise. So, it plays an important role in determining your fitness level. It’s also measured in many fitness tests, so it’s useful to keep track of it with your smart devices like Apple Watch and iPhone. Let’s take a closer look!
* What is Heart Rate Recovery?
* What is Healthy Heart Rate Recovery?
* How to See Heart Rate Recovery on Apple Watch
* How to See Heart Rate Recovery on iPhone
What is Heart Rate Recovery?
During intense workouts like walking, running, cycling, and swimming, your heart rate goes up. This is because the heart starts to pump faster as, during these activities, the body cells need more oxygen quickly.
According to WebMD, “Heart rate recovery is a measurement of how much the heart rate falls during the first minute after peak exercise.” So suppose your standard heart rate is around 70 bpm. On a treadmill, it reaches around 130. Now Heart rate recovery is the rate (measurement) that is taken immediately after an exercise that tells how much (how quickly/at what rate) this increased heart rate falls back (decreases).
If a person’s heart is healthy, it will return quicker to the normal bpm rate. If someone’s heart is less healthy, then it will take longer to return to normal bpm after an intense workout.
What is Healthy Heart Rate Recovery?
A decrease of 15 to 25 beats per minute is normal heart rate recovery. Any number above this is good. But if the heart rate recovery is 12 or less beats per minute, then this is considered ‘abnormal,’ and for such individuals, there is a greater risk for heart diseases.
How to See Heart Rate Recovery on Apple Watch
Apple Watch measures your heart rate, and you can even turn on automatic notifications to know if your heart rate remains above or falls below the chosen beats per minute.
It is recommended that to measure the recovery heart rate accurately, you should stop your Apple Watch workout immediately after workout. Now that we are clear with the basics let us know how to see it on Apple Watch.
1. Open the Heart Rate app on your Apple Watch.
2. Scroll down and tap on Recovery. You will see this option if you have a workout recorded for the day.
3. Here you will see your recovery heart rate after 1 minute and also after 2 minutes.



Image Credit: 9to5mac.com
If the values are above 15, then you are okay. In case it isn’t, you should check it regularly for a few days, and if every day it is below that, you must talk to a doctor.
How to See Heart Rate Recovery on iPhone
To read heart rate recovery on iPhone for workouts, you will have to use the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
1. Open the Activity app on your iPhone.
2. Select the day from top.
3. Scroll down and tap on a recorded workout.
4. Swipe from right to left on the Heart Rate card. You will see the Heart Rate Recovery section with the appropriate data.


Image Credit: 9to5mac.com

That’s all my friends!
Signing off…
It is vital that you follow a healthy lifestyle and allocate a portion of the day for exercise. A healthy body ensures better work and family time. What do you think about the health features of Apple Watch?

source: igeeksblog.com

Admin

OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro Leak With Stunning Green Color, 5G Support

30 Mar, 2020

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 A lot of tech companies are pulling back in the wake of coronavirus, but it seems that OnePlus won’t be among them. New leaks suggest the company’s OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro smartphones are still launching soon, and we know what sort of specs and design to expect. We’ve got the most information about the OnePlus 8 Pro, which will come in this lovely seafoam green colour. It’ll also have all the latest hardware, as is OnePlus’ custom.
The render of the OnePlus 8 Pro is important for a few reasons. First, it confirms this great green colour, which is much more fun than all those boring black and grey slabs.
The OnePlus branding on the back of the phone is also in-line with the company’s week-old rebranding. That indicates the render is very new. We also get to see the device from every angle — OnePlus has adopted a hole-punch display for the front-facing camera, a change from last year’s motorised slider.
 The OLED panel also has even slimmer bezels than the last-gen phones.
The leak also included full specs for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro.
As expected, both phones will have a Snapdragon 865 with full 5G support for US carriers.
The Pro will have a 6.78-inch 1440p OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate just like the Galaxy S20. The non-Pro model will have a slightly smaller 6.55-inch 1080p OLED with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phones will also start at 8GB of RAM in the base models, and the Pro will get new LPDDR5 for faster speeds.
Both phones will come with 30W Warp Charge, but the Pro finally adds wireless charging. The spec sheet lists a 30W wireless charging option, which means a proprietary standard. The Pro also gains water-resistance (IP68) for the first time.
In OnePlus’ early years, you could only get its phones unlocked and at full price after getting “invited” to buy one. That was a way to keep production costs low, but now you can just order the phones when they launch. Several US carriers have also started selling its phones. We expect at least a few carriers will offer the OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro when the phones launch. As for pricing and date, that’s unclear. The company hasn’t announced anything, but it will surely be an online event.

source: extremetech.com

Admin

How Can I Tell If My Internet Is Being Throttled by My ISP?

30 Mar, 2020

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The easiest way to determine if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is throttling your internet connection is to run a speed test and then run the speed test again using a virtual private network (VPN). If your connection is significantly faster with the VPN, your ISP is likely throttling your service.
This trick works because ISPs sometimes throttle your speeds when they notice certain types of traffic (like torrenting or streaming), and a VPN encrypts your data so the ISP can’t see what kind of traffic is coming and going.
Of course, there are other reasons you could be experiencing slower speeds than you’re used to. And using a VPN isn’t helpful in every situation. Never fear! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about internet bandwidth throttling.
What is throttling?
Internet throttling is when your ISP intentionally limits your internet bandwidth or speed. Providers do this for a number of reasons, and it usually manifests as a sloth-like connection.
Why do ISPs throttle internet?
ISPs have a ton of excuses reasons for throttling your internet. But these are the top four culprits:
* Network congestion
* Data caps
* Paid prioritization
* Forbidden activity
Network congestion
During times of heavy internet use in a single area, ISPs sometimes throttle everyone’s internet in that area. This makes it so all customers can at least access part of the network instead of some houses on the street having perfect service and others not being able to connect at all. This is most likely to happen during peak use hours from about 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Data caps
If you notice sluggish internet speeds toward the end of the month, it might be because you hit your data cap. Some ISPs limit how much high-speed data you can use in a billing cycle, and going over that cap can result in some bandwidth throttling.
Everything you do online—from loading a web page to streaming your favorite show on Netflix—uses internet data and counts toward that data cap. ISPs usually offer a way to track how much data you’re using through an online portal so you can monitor your data use and make sure you don’t go overboard right at the beginning of the month.
Any ISP that has a data cap has to include that information in your service agreement. So, if you’re experiencing throttling, take a look at your contract or call customer service.
Here’s a list of Internet Service Providers with data caps:
* AT&T
* Buckeye Broadband
* Cable ONE
* CenturyLink
* Cox
* HughesNet
* Mediacom
* Viasat
* Xfinity
A few internet providers without data caps are Spectrum, Frontier, and RCN.
Paid prioritization
Sometimes ISPs throttle certain internet applications—like Netflix or Hulu—to discourage you from using them (and maybe to convince you to use their own proprietary streaming service). It’s fishy, we know. An ISP could also throttle internet service where specific websites are concerned if the ISP wants that site to pay for faster load times.
There are also instances where ISPs throttle certain types of data because it simply takes up a lot of bandwidth (even though you’re already paying for it) and puts pressure on the network. This could happen with large downloads or torrents.

All of this is good for the ISP’s pocket but terrible for consumers. And paid prioritization used to be illegal until net neutrality laws were repealed in 2018.
What is net neutrality?
Net neutrality is the idea that your ISP shouldn’t be able to control what you can and can’t access on the internet. With net neutrality, all lawful internet data and traffic is treated equally.

Legislation was passed in 2015 in the US to protect net neutrality. But those protections were repealed in 2018, leaving control of the internet up to corporations who greatly benefit from practices that hurt the free internet and everyone who uses the internet—things like paid prioritization, censorship, and throttling.
We support net neutrality because a free and open internet is imperative to free speech in America.
If you also support net neutrality, contact your Senator to support it and the Save the Internet Act.
Forbidden activities ISPs can throttle internet connections when the customer is participating in illegal online activities. That’s all we’re going to say about that.

source: highspeedinternet.com

Admin

How to Increase Your Internet Speed

30 Mar, 2020

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A lot of people are working from home these days — and many are discovering that their internet isn’t as fast as they need it to be. Likewise, those investing in games, more streaming entertainment, and other online activities may find that the speeds in their current situation aren’t up to desired levels. So, what’s the best way to improve your internet speeds in 2020? Let’s take a look at current best practices and take your internet connection to new heights!

Not sure how your internet speed is faring? You can take a minute and run an internet speed test to get more exact numbers. Remember, running the test several times throughout the day will give you better information about your average speeds.
Reset your router

Resetting your router has a lot of advantages for the average home network. It can help dispel hacking attempts, reset the router’s limited memory to help speed things up, and even apply important updates that your router may have been waiting on.
The key is to reboot your router properly. You don’t want to do a factory reset, which will erase all your settings and force you to start from scratch. Avoid the pinholes and on-router reset buttons; instead, simply unplug your router from all connected devices and then from its power source, fully shutting it down. Wait for about a minute for everything to fully turn off, then plug your router back into your power source, modem, and anything else you need. We also have a full guide on what to know about router resetting for more info.
Manage your Wi-Fi channels

Most routers these days are dual-band, which means they offer connections over both the 2.5Ghz frequency and the 5GHz frequency. Some routers are also tri-band, which just means there’s an additional 5GHz band to spread out connections even more.
These different channels exist so that you can apportion device connections across the spectrum and lower the demands for a single channel. This can help speed up your connections, especially if the 2.5GHz band is getting a little crowded.
As a general rule, the 5Ghz band is shorter range but a bit faster, more suitable for devices that are close to the router. The 2.5GHz band is longer range but a little slower, a better choice for devices in other rooms or mobile devices that move around a lot.

Some routers come with automatic allocation features that can assign devices to different channels based on connection needs and switch them to new channels as circumstances change. That’s great, but most routers still don’t have that service, which means you need to go into your router settings and make sure networks are set up for all the bands on your router, then connect each device individually to the channel that’s best for them. It’s a little work, but it really can make a difference for your speeds.
Manage the devices on your network

The average home router can handle around 250 connected devices in theory — in practice, as more devices pile up, bandwidth struggles to cover network needs and slowdowns happen. At the modern home or office where everyone has multiple mobile devices, and smart devices are common, routers can get overstretched and start creating speed problems.
If a lot of new devices have been connected to your Wi-Fi and you are noticing speed problems, you may want to start limiting connected devices.

For newer routers, open up your router app and look for the list of connected devices. For older routers, enter your IP address in the browser and search to find your administrator settings, where you should look for a section that says Manage Devices, Restrict Access, or something similar. While settings can vary, you should look for several important options here:
    •    Finding unnecessary devices: If devices don’t need to be on your network or it looks like someone is hijacking your Wi-Fi, you can kick these devices off. You can also look for an option to ban their MAC addresses, and make sure you change your Wi-Fi password when finished. It’s not a perfect solution, but it can help remove unknown devices quickly.
    •    Throttle bandwidth: Some routers allow you to choose specific connections to throttle, or slow down their speeds. This way, you can give less bandwidth to devices only needed for simple tasks, and more bandwidth to devices used for gaming and streaming, which cuts down on speed problems.
    •    Restrict usage: Routers may also have the ability to restrict hours of use for certain devices, which is a good way to make sure devices don’t hog too much bandwidth during key hours of the day. It’s also a reliable way to manage kids’ online connections for busy families.
    •    Voice commands: We’re seeing more and more devices with voice command compatibility, especially for Alexa. Saying, “Alexa, disconnect this device” or “Alexa, turn off Timmy’s Wi-Fi” can be useful commands. Alexa can also help you quickly move between router modes (chatting, gaming, standard, etc.) to prioritise certain activities.
Using Ethernet connections

Thus far, we are assuming that you have to use Wi-Fi connections around your home. However, if your computer (or other device) is close enough to the router, then you should consider using a wired Ethernet connection to the ports on your router. This is a very reliable way of increasing speeds, since a wired connection is free of many of the issues that can cause Wi-Fi slowdowns.
“Flush” your DNS

A DNS (domain name system) record keeps track of all the website addresses you visit to better improve future visits. However, DNS records rely on you and the website both staying on their respective servers. If servers change over time — which happens to many websites — the DNS will actually hurt your connection speed because it doesn’t recognise the new server. That’s why it can be a good idea to, as they say, flush your DNS from time to time.
This process doesn’t take long with the right steps. On Windows 10, simply search for Command prompt in the search box, and open the app. Make sure you are running as administrator! Then type the command line, “ipconfig/flushdns” and select enter. Windows will let you know the DNS has been cleared.
Switch to a faster browser

Does your slowdown primarily happen when you use your browser or open a lot of new tabs? Think about switching to a more minimalistic browser that only loads what is necessary. Browsers like Brave for Mac and Opera excel at this, especially if you are willing to tinker with settings. If you haven’t already tried it, Google Chrome is also known for being one of the fastest major browser options.
Add an extension to manage your cache

Your browser cache stores copies of website content to make it easier to reload sites. As internet users learn, when a cache gets too full it can slow down online performance (cookies, history, and similar saved data can also have an impact). Clearing your cache manually can be a pain, which is why it tends to build up over time. We suggest an easier path: Download a Clear Cache extension that will help you customise your clearing actions and immediately clear with a simple button on your browser taskbar.
Consider using a VPN

Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
If you search whether a VPN (virtual private network) can increase your internet speeds, you’ll probably find a lot of conflicting information. Here’s the deal: Some ISPs (internet service providers) will throttle bandwidth based on certain activities, such as hitting a soft data cap or streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. If you have evidence that your ISP is throttling bandwidth like this, a VPN can help by hiding your activity so the ISP doesn’t have the data it needs to make throttling decisions.
However, in many cases a VPN can actually slow your internet speeds down with its combination of encryption and server-hopping. Only try this as a solution if you are sure your ISP is being shady. Fortunately, many VPNs are free to download and enable for a trial period if you want to test it out.
If necessary, upgrade your Wi-Fi system or bandwidth

A lot of changes are hitting the router market now, including expanded MU-MIMO features for better individual connections, Wi-Fi 6 and compatible devices, and more. These new features are great for improving speed and performance. The catch is that, if your router is a couple of years old, you probably have to buy a new version to get these upgrades — and make sure your new mobile devices are also compatible.
This provides an opportunity to find a router solution that works better for your situation. For example, mesh routers with multiple router points set up around a house could provide better performance.
You can also simply choose to upgrade your internet package to get more bandwidth. Obviously this involves higher long-term costs, but it does make an immediate difference. You can check your provider to see if there are any current deals or discounts you can take advantage of.

Note: In current conditions, many internet providers are easing restrictions on data caps, improving speeds, and taking other measures to deal with new demand. You may already be getting what’s essentially a bandwidth upgrade with these changes. Check to see if your provider has added any extra capabilities, and what difference they have made.

source: digitaltrends.com

Admin

U.K. Internet Service Providers Lift Caps on Broadband Data

30 Mar, 2020

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As people around the world shift to remote work and look to the internet for personal communication and entertainment, unlimited access is more important than ever. Now, the U.K. government has reached an agreement with telecommunications companies to lift all data allowance caps on broadband plans to ensure people can continue to use the internet during the pandemic involving coronavirus, officially called COVID-19.

Major British broadband providers including BT/EE, Openreach, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, O2, Vodafone, Three, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, and KCOM have all agreed to lift their data caps. The providers have also agreed to consider further actions, such as working with customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to the coronavirus outbreak, offering new affordable packages for both mobile and landline-based internet for those who don’t yet have internet access at home, and providing alternative methods of communication for customers who experience problems with their internet access.

Similar policies have already been implemented in the U.S., where companies like AT&T have halted caps on broadband usage. American senators have also written an open letter urging more ISPs to follow suit and lift their bandwidth restrictions.
Regarding the lifting of data caps in Britain, Melanie Dawes, CEO of British telecom regulator Ofcom, said: “We recognise providers are dealing with unprecedented challenges at the moment. So we welcome them stepping up to protect vulnerable customers, at a time when keeping in touch with our friends and families has never been more important. We’ll continue to work with Government and industry to help make sure people stay connected.”
And Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden emphasised the importance of internet access at home to support social distancing measures while maintaining social connections: “It’s fantastic to see mobile and broadband providers pulling together to do their bit for the national effort by helping customers, particularly the most vulnerable, who may be struggling with bills at this difficult time. It is essential that people stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. This package helps people to stay connected whilst they stay home.”

Broadband caps will be lifted immediately, so if you’re in the U.K. and you have a contract with one of the mentioned providers then you should be able to use the internet without limitations for the foreseeable future.

source: digitaltrends.com

Admin

Government Uses Location Data to Track Coronavirus Outbreak

30 Mar, 2020

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The U.S. government is using cellphone location data to track the movements of people during the outbreak of coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Using data from the mobile advertising industry, government officials including those at the federal and state level, as well as those at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, have been tracking the public’s movements to better understand how coronavirus is spread. One person involved said that there was a plan to create a portal through which officials could easily track location data for up to 500 U.S. cities, which could be used to check whether people are complying with shelter-in-place orders and staying at home.
The data collected does not include any individually identifying information, such as the name of the person or their phone number. Still, there are privacy concerns about whether the government should have access to so much data revealing the exact movements of people within its borders. Some privacy advocates have argued that even if the data is anonymised, it could be used in combination with other data to identify individuals. And while using the data for the purpose of containing a deadly virus is something most people would support, there’s no way of knowing if government officials will continue to use this data for other purposes once the outbreak is more contained.
On the other hand, the data could be invaluable in slowing the spread of coronavirus by showing areas where large numbers of people are still congregating, such as parks or other public spaces. As an example, the data was used to show that large numbers of people in New York were congregating in Prospect Park in Brooklyn; information which was handed over to the local authorities.
Another approach to this issue is to get people to volunteer their location information to coronavirus researchers. This is the approach taken by the developers of Private Kit: Safe Paths, an open-source tracking app that records your location information to track where infected patients might have come into contact with others. The developers of this app emphasised the need for privacy considerations to be seriously considered when using location data in a white paper, Maintaining Personal Privacy in an Epidemic.

source: digitaltrends.com

Admin

How to use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch Series 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1;

30 Mar, 2020

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The Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch is a pretty cool and useful way to communicate with a friend or family member. For instance, it can come to your rescue when trying to find each other in a crowd, as long as you both have an Apple Watch with watchOS 5.4 or later. Sounds interesting? Before we learn how to use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch Series 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1; let’s first understand the feature.

What is Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch?

Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie app is built on the same basic idea as the actual hardware walkie-talkies. You might have seen such devices used by construction workers, train drivers, signalmen, etc.How it works is you hold a TALK button and speak. Your friend, on the other end, also holds this button on his Apple Watch and replies back.

But to make this work both you and your friend need to have FaceTime enabled on your iPhone. Now that you have a brief idea about what Walkie-Talkie is, let us see how to use it.

How to Add Friends to Walkie-Talkie App on Apple Watch

You need to add a friend before to talk using Walkie-Talkie. The person needs to have a compatible Apple Watch. To add friends from your contact list:

1. Open the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch.
2. Now, scroll through your contacts and choose a friend who has compatible Apple Watch.
3. An invitation is sent to the selected contact. Currently, it will appear grey and under ‘Friends You Invited.’
4. Once the person accepts your request, their contact card will turn yellow. From now onwards, you both can talk instantly using Walkie-Talkie.

How to Accept a Walkie-Talkie Invitation on Apple Watch

When your friend sends you a Walkie-Talkie invitation, tap Always Allow. In case you miss this notification, you can find it again in your Apple Watch’s Notification Centre and also in the Walkie-Talkie app.

How to Start and Talk Using Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch

1. Open the Walkie-Talkie app.
2. Tap on a friend’s name.
3. Touch and hold the TALK button. Now go ahead and speak.

You may see ‘connecting’ on the screen. Wait for it to connect. Once it gets connected, your friend will hear you, and then you both may converse on Walkie-Talkie.

To talk, you need to touch and hold the TALK button when you speak. Once you are done, leave the hold. Your friend, too, when he needs to speak something, he has to touch and hold the TALK button.

• Your friend will receive alerts when you talk if he is wearing the Apple Watch and has Walkie-Talkie turned ON.
• You can use Walkie-Talkie with cellular data (if supported) or Wi-Fi, even when your iPhone is not nearby.
• If you want to increase or decrease the volume, turn the Digital Crown of your Apple Watch.

How to Remove a Walkie-Talkie Friend on Apple Watch

You can remove a friend from the Apple Watch itself or use the paired iPhone. Here is how.

On your Apple Watch: Open the Walkie-Talkie app → Now swipe right to left on your friend’s name and tap on red delete button.

On your paired iPhone: Open the Watch app and tap Walkie-Talkie → Edit → red minus icon before the friend’s name → Remove.

How to Turn Walkie-Talkie Availability OFF or ON

If you do not want to be available for Walkie-Talkie as you need some uninterrupted time, you can turn it OFF. Here is how.

1. Open the Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch.
2. Go to the top of the friend list and tap on Walkie-Talkie toggle to turn it OFF (and back ON when needed).

Additionally: You can also use the watch Control Centre to turn it OFF or ON. For this open Control Centre on Apple watch and tap on the Walkie-Talkie button.

After you have followed the above steps, turned OFF your Walkie-Talkie availability, and now if someone tries to contact you, the watch will show you a notification asking if you would like to talk.

Walkie-Talkie App Not Showing up on Apple Watch?

If the Walkie-Talkie app is not showing up or working correctly on your Apple Watch, then follow the below fixes.

• Update Your Apple Watch: Walkie-Talkie is only available for watchOS 5.4 and later.
• Make sure FaceTime is set up, turned on, and working correctly on your iPhone.
• Restart your Apple Watch and your iPhone if the Walkie-Talkie issue continues.

Now, whenever you lose track of your friend or family member in a crowded mall or concert, you can use this handly litle app to find them. Of course, it’s in no way a replacement for calls, but hey, it can certainly be fun and useful now and then. What do you think?

source:igeeksblog.com

Admin

How to use Apple’s COVID-19 screening app and website for yourself or someone else

30 Mar, 2020

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- Mar. 27th 2020 1:41 pm PT

Apple has launched its COVID-19 screening app and website that were designed in partnership with the CDC, FEMA, and the White House. The software makes it easy for anyone to get free information and guidance on whether you or a loved one should seek professional medical advice, self-isolate, try to take a test, and more. Read on for how to use Apple’s COVID-19 screening app and website.

In typical Apple fashion, the app and website were designed for a really user-friendly experience for anyone to quickly and easily get help with questions and advice about coronavirus/COVID-19 as well as concrete next steps via the app or web screening for those who may be ill.

Like it does with its products and services, Apple’s free app and website also respect user privacy by not collecting answers from the screening, and they don’t identify users.

There’s also no sign-in needed to use the app and website.

How to use Apple’s COVID-19 screening app and website

1. Download Apple’s COVID-19 app here or head to the website (app only available in the US)
2. On the landing page you’ll see sections for more info on COVID-19, “What You Can Do”, and “COVID-19 testing”
3. If you need to figure out next steps for yourself or someone else who is ill, choose the blue Start Screening button
4. Pick if you are taking the screening for yourself or someone else
5. Follow the prompts and answer all the questions to the best of your ability
6. At the end of the screening, you’ll get a recommendation on the next steps to take

Here’s how the process looks on iPhone:

You can start by reading more about COVID-19, what you can do, or testing or if needed jump right into the screening process.

Apple made the app and website look almost identical, choose Start Screening on the landing page of to begin the process for yourself or someone else (you can use the screening as many times as you want).

When you complete the screening, you’ll see one of a few different results including “You Should Practice Social Distancing,” “You Should Self-Isolate,” and “Contact Your Healthcare Provider.”

Look for the Next Steps section below the result.

Once you’ve used the screening, you can view past results at any time by heading back to the app’s main screen. You can also start a new screening.

source:9to5mac.com

Admin

AirPods Pro review: you don't need to be an AirPods power-user to appreciate them

30 Mar, 2020

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With active noise cancellation and other new features, Apple's new AirPods Pro does its best to embody the "pro" monicker affixed to the well-known name.

AirPods Pro are easy to set up

There aren't many things left unsaid about AirPods Pro. If you've seen or read any of the other reviews out there they likely all touch on the same topics.

We don't need to rehash all of those sentiments by just giving you more of the same. Rather, we want to give you a look at our past week using AirPods Pro after being daily users of the original AirPods —pretty much since launch.

A quick look at the specs

Before we do that, it would be irresponsible to not at least touch on the specs AirPods Pro is equipped with.

The new generation Apple true wireless earbud has a new design that is shorter with a more bulbous end. A new force sensor in the stem replaces the tapping gesture for controlling the headphones. Multiple sizes of silicone tips help provide a better seal and fit to help with the new noise control features.

AirPods Pro in their box

Speaking of which, include active noise cancellation, Adaptive EQ, and transparency mode. These all rely not only on an external mic but an internal mic that can hear what your ear is hearing.

They now fit in a redesigned wireless charging case that is shorter and wider than the original.

More than what we asked for

Preceding the AirPods Pro announcement, there were only a couple things we needed to see on a new set of AirPods. We wanted a better fit for active lifestyles and better audio quality. AirPods would constantly fall out for us while we were hitting the treadmill or weight bench and the audio quality could best be described as "fine."

AirPods Pro are great headphones

Audio quality was quite a sticking point for us. We test piles of headphones with outstanding sound but always go back to AirPods because of their ease of use. It was disappointing to come back to such dismal audio.

Upgrading to pro

With those in mind, the absolute first thing we did after getting our hands on AirPods Pro was hit the gym, testing all of our common routines. To our surprise, we made it through an hour and a half without a single earbud coming free. Whether jumping around or lying supine, AirPods Pro didn't fall out.

AirPods Pro silicone tips come in small, medium, large

That isn't to say that the fit was perfect for us. We've historically terrible luck with in-ear headphones. They never stay put for us.

As a general rule, AirPods Pro did fit well for us, but we could use more sizes of the silicone ear tips. A smaller size or half sizes would go a long way towards making these fit perfect. Apple, like Klipsch, chose to use an oval-shaped tip which could be part of what makes it stay in so much better, even with not the perfect size.

Apple does offer up the fit test within Bluetooth settings and while neat, didn't provide any real benefit to us. We could tell what fit very easily just by trying on the different sizes, but maybe it is more beneficial to others with differently shaped ears.

The audio quality was great. With a good fit, it was punchy, a full sound, and a huge step up for AirPods. Not saying this is audiophile quality or what you'd get with a set of dedicated over-ear cans, but wow. We were very happy with the audio quality these put out.

The nosie control toggle within Control Center for AirPods Pro

The active noise cancelation was a bonus for us, but a week in and we don't use it as much as others may. It is nice to have and we used it in the gym for a more immersive workout, but day-to-day we relied on transparency mode. It sounded so much more natural and allowed us to hear people talking to us in the office, delivery drivers hitting up the door, or other runners while we were out with the dogs. It may be our favorite feature of the new AirPods Pro.

In this set of AirPods, Apple forwent the tapping gesture and replaced it with the force sensors in the stems. This requires you to squeeze the stems to control playback and switch modes. The good news is that it adds more gestures than tapping, but it is still awkward to use. If you are moving, trying to squeeze will inevitably knock the AirPods Pro loose. Second-gen or AirPods Pro —we'd still prefer to just use Siri or our Apple Watch.

While we are here, we also want to give a shoutout to iOS that recently added some great features for AirPods users. Not specifically for the AirPods Pro, but great either way.

With this update, users can now have messages announced via Siri. It will automatically reduce any audio that'splaying, read the message, then quickly give you a chance to respond. If you are busy and on the go, this is amazingly helpful and we found ourselves wearing AirPods around the office just so we could respond to messages without having to dig out our phone each time.



Additionally, Audio Sharing —a feature promised with iOS 13 —finally arrived in iOS 13.2. This allows users to share audio with multiple sets of headphones at once. Say you are watching a movie and your partner wants to watch as well with their headphones. They just bring their AirPods or Beats near your phone or tablet and it will kick off a modal that lets audio be sent to each simultaneously. Works with any audio, including movies, music, or games.

Not without issues

As far as issues we ran into, during long sessions we did have the battery die out on us, which is unsurprising. They're equipped with the same battery life as the AirPods 2 but take a small hit when ANC or transparency mode is turned on. It'd have been nice to see a longer life, but we will take the smaller size as the tradeoff.

We also aren't fans of the new case. Maybe it is nitpicking, but it is what has gone through our minds several times during the past week. It is squat and kind of awkward in our hand and isn't as easy to flip open as the original. The original case was fantastic and was even useful as a fidget device we could open and close repetitively. This case, while it looks similar and feels the same, just doesn't have the same affinity to us.

An AirPods Pro individual earbud

There were some improvements to the microphone, which now block out wind better than before, but the same issues as the last generation are present. Namely, they are very sensitive. It is great in picking up your voice, but if you try to do anything with your hands at the same time it gets amplified greatly. Pick up a cup, crinkle a chip bag, wash your hands, really anything that makes any noise sounds crazy on the other end. In a test call, I set down a cup on the counter and the recipient of the call said it sounded like I smacked a hammer against a pipe.

Minor quibbles notwithstanding, we're overwhelmingly happy with AirPods Pro.

Should you buy AirPods Pro?

If you are an active user, moving around, jumping on planes, or frequently working out, AirPods Pro are the way to go. Otherwise, it gets murky.

Most folks are going to fall into one of three camps. They are either existing AirPods owners who are debating an upgrade, they are new to AirPods and debating the AirPods second-gen with wireless charging case, or they are new users looking at the second-gen with the standard case.

If you are in the latter camp, it is kind of hard to justify the $100 price increase between the two. There are a lot of features for that differential, but if you just want AirPods in the most cost-efficient form, then it isn't AirPods Pro.

If you are looking at the second-gen set with the wireless charging case, springing for AirPods Pro is a no-brainer. It is a $50 difference and you get better fit, water resistance, ANC, transparency mode, and far better audio. We'd make that jump in a heartbeat.

Those in the last group are hardest to quantify, being that they already have a set of AirPods —possibly the second-generation set that launched only in March. For us, with audio quality and fit being most important, we were able to justify it. Especially after gifting our other set to a family member. Before AirPods Pro we were forced to use another set of headphones while at the gym. With AirPods Pro, we get to use them twice as much.

Pros

• Smaller design

• Much better audio quality

• Great ANC

• Transparency mode is outstanding

• Stay in much better

• Work with Audio Sharing

• Announce messages with Siri is particularly useful

• Water/sweat resistant

Cons

• Needs more granular ear tips

• Force sensors are awkward to use

• Charging case is awkward

• Higher price tag and no price decrease on second-gen

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

source: appleinsider.com

Admin

Cleer Audio Ally Plus Earbuds offer active noise cancellation in a sophisticated package

30 Mar, 2020

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Cleer Audio's Ally Plus is a pair of truly wireless earbuds that feature a slick design and active noise cancellation, making them an attractive alternative to Apple's AirPods Pro. We put the audio accessories through their paces.

It's hard not to be smitten by the appearance of the Cleer Audio's Enduro 100 wireless headphones, with impressive design and good solid construction, as well as the massive 100-hour battery life on a single charge. When given the chance to check out Cleer's new truly wireless earbuds, I was curious to see how well they'd perform.

Design & fit

I tend not to think about the overall aesthetics of earbuds, which may be because people can't see whatever earbuds they're wearing without looking hard in a mirror. However, I will say that as far as looks go, the Ally Plus are some of the nicest truly wireless earbuds I've come across. The metallic accents feel very mature, and the clean lines look great.

The case design is also nifty, as it's small, metal, and features a magnetic hinge with a clear window —there's no guessing whether or not both earbuds are inside. It looks nice enough to be left out on the desk but holds up to being tossed in my laptop bag as well.



One of the best things about the Ally Plus is the fact that they sit comfortably in my ears. I was concerned that they'd be too big and prone to falling out, but so far I haven't had a single issue with the fit.

Cleer also includes multiple silicone tips for the earbuds, so most users will be able to find a setup that works well for them.

If you're a regular gym-goer or an outdoor athlete, you'll be happy to learn the Ally Plus are IPX4 water-resistant. They can handle light rain and your sweatiest workouts with no problem.

Pairing & controls

Like most truly wireless earbuds, the first time you open the Ally Plus' case and remove the earbuds, it'll automatically enter pairing mode. It paired with a MacBook Pro quickly and without issue.

I did have to follow the manual to pair the earbuds to my iPhone later, but thankfully it's less convoluted than other earbuds I've tested.

The touch controls for the Ally Plus are simple and relatively standard. Swiping up and down will change the volume, a quick tap cycles through noise cancellation modes. You can also tap to answer calls or hold to reject them.

I was a little annoyed to find out there is no way to cycle through a playlist or skip songs while wearing the Ally Plus, which means they're not as hands-free as I prefer my wireless earbuds to be.

Sound control & battery life

When it comes to sound quality, the Cleer Ally Plus earbuds outperform the average mid-range wireless earbuds. As the earbud tip can be changed, you can create a sealed fit that helps to keep the bass adequately rumbly.

They feature 10mm neodymium drivers and updated beamforming technology, resulting in crisp highs, and even when turned up quite high, there's no distortion in any area. Overall, they're quite impressive.

Unlike a lot of other earbuds out there, these also feature active noise cancellation, rather than just passive. The Ally Plus did a decent job blocking out most environmental background noise, which would make these perfect for a long commute, air travel, or when working out.

The Ally Plus case charges via USB-C

The battery life of the Ally Plus is also an improvement over some other truly wireless earbuds as well. On a full charge, the Ally Plus earbuds gave a little over 11 hours of battery life before they had to return to the case. When fully charged, the case can provide you with 20 additional hours of playback —making the Ally Plus great for weekend trips or extended travel days.

The usual discomfort

For as comfortable as they are, the Ally Plus do cause me a fair bit of ear pain when I use the noise cancellation mode. Some people —like myself —have problems with active noise cancellation. I have a pair of on-ear Bose headphones that also give me ear pain if I wear them with noise cancellation mode activated, but it usually requires me to wear them for a couple of hours before I have to take them off.

The Ally Plus, however, gave me significant ear pain in as little as 45 minutes. This may not be the case for everyone, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it here.

Overall

I like the Ally Plus. I think they're a great pair of earbuds with a design that makes them geared a bit more toward a sophisticated audience. My only major complaint is the lack of audio control included with the touch controls, but for regular day-to-day use, I find myself reaching for them over and over again.

Where to buy

:

If you want a pair of your own Cleer Audio Ally Plus earbuds, head to Amazon or Cleer Audio's website, where you can purchase them for for $199.99.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Sophisticated design
• Active noise cancellation mode
• 10 Horus battery life

Cons

• Active noise cancellation mode may give some users ear pain
• No on-device music control

source: appleinsider.com

Admin

2020 iPad Pro is more about future software than the hardware gains today

30 Mar, 2020

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The new 2020 iPad Pro is slightly more powerful than ever, and that minor spec upgrade that it got this time around, it is now more about what can happen with software down the road than hardware improvements today.

11-inch 2020 iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard Folio

When Apple launched iPad back in 2010, it didn't quite know what iPad would be. It went through a number of exploratory phases like going all-in on periodicals with Newsstand before killing it off then coming back with Apple News+ years later, and adopting the Apple Pencil.

During the time of the first iPad, little did we know that iPad would eventually embrace the mouse or trackpad, and cameras would play a huge part of the iPad's feature set.

Yet here we are, in 2020, with the latest iPad Pro that does all of those things. Apple's iPad is no longer just a consumption device or a casual tablet for light work —it is a full-on content-creation, multitasking, mouse-wielding, portable device that can get the job done.

When we tell people that we use iPad as a tool to produce 4K videos or as our writing instrument of choice, people no longer show surprise or act as if its some insurmountable task. People everywhere have embraced iPad for a huge array of different purposes and the 2020 iPad Pro is absolutely the best one yet —even if the differences model-over-model aren't all that riveting.

Hardware changes on iPad, like iPhone before it, have become a bit more predictable and a bit less flashy. Apple has iterated on tried-and-true tactics to perfect the device while also focusing strongly on the software.

Apple started down this road in 2019 with the branching off of iPadOS from iOS to allow more iPad-specific features and we expect Apple to continue that trend.

Cursor support arrives on iPad

Announced alongside the new iPad Pro was iPadOS 13.4 that, much to everyone's surprise, brought full-fledged cursor support plus support for Bluetooth mice and trackpads to the tablet line. For productivity users, this update paired with iPadOS will play a large part in how successful the iPad Pro is as a pro tablet.

De-prioritizing hardware changes

11-inch iPad Pro

This time around, the physical changes to iPad Pro are minimal. It looks identical to the 2018 iPad Pro.

The new iPad Pros still have the same gorgeous Liquid Retina display, the same support for Apple Pencil, and the same TrueDepth camera system.

The new camera bump houses a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 10MP ultra-wide angle camera

Where it changed primarily was with the rear-facing cameras. It got a new 10MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a new LiDAR scanner. These are big changes, but if you don't ever use augmented reality or take photos with your iPad Pro they are largely a moot point.

The tablets now support Wi-Fi 6, though you need a Wi-Fi 6 router to take advantage of that feature. The base models now start at 128GB of storage rather than only 64GB.

Apple even slipped essentially the same processor as the previous generation in, just incrementing the letter and activating one additional GPU core. A new report says the A12Z is the exact same chip as the A12X, but the latter had one of the eight GPU cores deactivated. They enabled it with the A12Z and stuck a new marketing name atop.

That paints a fairly underwhelming picture if you own a 2018 iPad Pro and wanted a big worthwhile, headline-grabbing reason to upgrade. Fact is, almost everyone on the 2018 iPad Pro will have no need to make the jump, unless you want that LiDAR scanner.

Taking measurements with iPad Pro as a massive viewfinder

iPad Pro, as much as some don't want to admit it, is starting to be more like a computer. Most folks don't upgrade their Mac every year because a new model drops, yet a kitted-out iPad Pro can get into 13-inch MacBook Pro territory.

So while these changes aren't flashy for 2018 would-be upgraders, they are quality of life improvements for anyone else who was contemplating picking one up.

The iPad Pro was already such a powerful and polished device that its biggest gains were to be had through software, and possibly additional accessories. We're looking at you, Magic Keyboard, that has yet to ship.

Performance ceiling

There is something to be said for Apple making its own chipsets. They are industry-leading in power and battery utilization and have been for some time. It poses a bit of a query for Apple when developing a new chip. In the case of iPad Pro, most users weren't hitting the performance ceiling that the A12X Bionic imposed.

Multitasking App Switcher on iPad Pro

In reality, the biggest spec iPad Pro had to boost was graphics. And not because the previous-generation graphics were underpowered, but because you can always encode that video faster or export that massive RAW image quicker. This is what Apple gave us in the new A12Z Bionic processor, slightly better graphics.

To test, we ran the latest Geekbench 5.1 benchmarks. Our 2018 iPad Pro delivered around a 1116 single-core and a 4584 multi-core score. The new 2020 model garnered a similar 1117 single-core and a 4653 multi-core. These are effectively identical results if you take into account the variability of Geekbench testing.

An extra GPU core means better graphics scores. 2018 iPad Pro (left) compared to 2020 iPad Pro (right)

Geekbench Computer Metal graphics test on 2018 (left) and 2020 (right) iPad Pros

When we turned to the Geekbench Compute benchmark which tests the Metal graphics performance, the 2018 Pro earned a 9069 while the new 2020 pulled a 9616. This gain is explained by the increase in GPU cores within the A12Z Bionic.

For another test, we turned to iMovie. We created a four-minute and 39-second 4K video on the new and previous-generation iPad Pro and exported the video for sharing. The 2018 iPad Pro took 20.05 seconds to complete and the 2020 iPad Pro only took 5.12 seconds.

This is a practical real-world gain and demonstrates why even just one additional core can make a difference. Videos editors who are doing more than just a four-minute clip are going to be happy with those improved render times.

iPad Pro cameras

The iPad Pro doesn't have quite the same 12MP camera as the iPhone 11 does, but it isn't far off. The cameras aren't just used for taking pictures of your pets, there are a ton of commercial and professional applications as well. For these, a competent camera is necessary.

New camera module on 2020 iPad Pro

The ultra-wide lens helps out further. It is only 10MP, but otherwise takes decent shots. The ultra-wide, like it does on the iPhone 11 line, takes in up to twice as much horizontally. Perfect for close quarters or scenic views.

There is a part of us that wishes Apple would have taken advantage of this lens to enable 1X portrait mode on the iPad, or even standard 2X with the help of both lenses or even the LiDAR scanner. At the same time, we don't want to necessarily encourage everyone to prioritize taking pictures with a massive tablet.

LiDAR demo using a pre-release version of the Primer app

The LiDAR scanner sits next to the other dual shooters. LiDAR, an acronym for light detection and ranging, measures how long it takes for light to hit a surface and return which allows the system to create a 3D image of the scene in front of it.

The most obvious use of LiDAR is to enhance augmented reality capabilities, a vertical Apple has been exploring for quite some time. LiDAR assists with person occlusion and is able to create a real-time mesh around complicated scenes.

We saw this for ourselves when we spoke to the developers behind the Primer app. This app allows you to preview wallpaper, paint, or tile in your own home. After only a couple days with the updated ARKit 3.5 SDK they were able to get a working build. It is quite impressive, though it loses its luster if you don't have any practical application for AR in your own use.

Updated Measure app on iPad Pro

Without any user-facing application, other than the Measure app, most users may never even know the LiDAR scanner exists.

The new Measure app easily finds vertices

Speaking of the Measure app, Apple did take the chance to improve it on the new iPad Pro. In our tests, it is more accurate, faster, better at detecting surfaces, and can display a running list of measurements for you to copy out to notes, a message, or an email.

It snaps to edges, can project angles, and aws closer to the actual values when compared to a physical measuring tape measurement.

The Apple accessory lineup

Per usual, Apple has myriad accessories it hopes to add to your iPad Pro setup.

2020 iPad Pro in the blue Smart Cover

There is an updated version of the Smart Cover which comes in new colors but otherwise functions as it always has. Using magnets, it wakes and sleeps your iPad Pro when it opens and closes and can roll back to act as a stand for the iPad Pro in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Using the second-generation Apple Pencil with 2020 iPad Pro

Then we have the second-generation Apple Pencil. Nothing changed here either and our original review still stands. It remains a greatly useful device for drawing, note-taking, coloring, dealing with documents, or editing photos.

Our biggest hangup is with the Smart Keyboard Folio. It was mildly updated to highlight the Apple logo horizontally while typing, but otherwise appears to be the same. Unfortunately, there were issues with the design that debuted with the 2018 version. We aren't talking about all our gripes we highlighted in the original review, we are talking about reliability issues that have sprung up over time.

Typing on the Smart Keyboard Folio can be frustrating

We have had our Smart Keyboard Folio swapped out twice but it appears the issue is systematic and plagues all the units across the board. Because the keyboard of the folio is atop a thin piece of plastic, it has a tendency to warp as well as inadvertently "press" certain keys. It happened most frequently with the lower-left command key for us which cause all sorts of issues while trying to write.

To remedy, we have to briskly wipe our hand across the keyboard to unstick the key. Luckily the solution is that simple but it is annoying and an issue nonetheless.

iPad Pro Magic Keyboard

These issues appear resolved in Apple's Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. Launching in May, the Magic Keyboard has physical keys with a mechanical scissor-switch mechanism, a backlight, a fully articulated holder for the iPad Pro, and an additional USB-C port.

The USB-C port will be perfect because it doesn't require any additional hub to both power the iPad Pro, as well as to connect external storage or a monitor.

That leaves us in limbo until the Magic Keyboard launches, but we are very excited to test it out. Even better, it will work on the 2018 iPad Pros giving existing users an upgrade of sorts.

A true pro device has emerged

After years of incremental updates, the iPad Pro has finally started to come into itself. The hardware overhaul in 2018 was major but the software updates iPadOS 13 and iPadOS 13.4 have cemented the iPad Pro as a true workhorse.

iPad Pro

Truly, the 2020 iPad Pro doesn't feel much different at all than the 2018 model. We have relied on the Measure app a few times as we are doing some renovations, but otherwise, it has been business as usual.

It is mildly faster for content exports and any extra headroom for large photo edits is appreciated. USB-C is still a favorite for us, allowing us to rely on external SSD storage, connect an external display to edit video, and connect other peripherals such as microphones.

Apple may have slowed down the pace of iPad Pro hardware refreshes. It appears that Apple does seem to have some surprises left in store for the next model, but even with that rumored refresh, software is going to be the focus going forward more than any other factor.

Should you buy the 2020 iPad Pro?

11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros

As with any other "buy or not" debate, it all hinges on the work that you do, the tools you need, and what devices you are coming from.

If just looking at the device in a bubble on its own merits, the 2020 iPad Pro is a stellar device. Apple has made strides over the years, iterating on the small aspects to perfect the user experience of the device.

The 2020 iPad Pro is more powerful than ever, more full-featured than ever, and has a mass of potential waiting to be unleashed by iPadOS 14 and the updates that follow. You just probably don't need it if you jumped on the 2018 refresh.



Pros

• Still a great-looking tablet

• Better graphics, albeit not by much

• Wi-Fi 6 support

• Both the 2018 and 2020 will support Magic Keyboard

• iPadOS 13.4 is a great update for iPads across the board

• Revamped Measure app is much better

• LiDAR is a game changer, but only if you use AR

• Ultra-wide lens is great for those who need the camera

Cons

• Increimental update

• Smart Keyboard Folio still has problems

• LiDAR has no user-facing app and relies on developers to use

• No notable speed improvements

Rating: 4 out of 5

source: appleinsider.com

Admin

Brydge Pro+ keyboard & trackpad both helped & hindered by iPadOS

30 Mar, 2020

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The Brydge Pro+ is an all-aluminum keyboard and trackpad designed specifically for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pros. While the hardware is in the right place, the changes in iPadOS 13.4 have left us wanting a bit more for this otherwise excellent accessory.

Brydge Pro+ and the 12.9-inch 2020 iPad Pro

On both iPhone and iPad, Apple has a feature called AssistiveTouch. With this enabled, you could finally use a rudimentary cursor on your device using a wired mouse. It wasn't flashy and only had basic support. It was, after all, still an accessibility feature, but Brydge sprung into gear to take advantage of it.

We've looked at previous Brydge keyboards, such as the Brydge Pro for iPad Pro. It was a solid keyboard with an aluminum frame that cleverly connects to the iPad Pro when needed. Brydge Pro+ is an evolution of that, integrating a trackpad to take advantage of that new accessibility feature found on iPads.

The device crept closer to launch, before a curveball was thrown.

An iPadOS 13.4-shaped curveball

Brydge wasn't expecting this at all. Brydge announced the Pro+ months ago. We even went hands on ourselves at CES 2020 to test it out. Everything seemed set to go.

Then Apple dropped iPadOS 13.4 which had previously-unannounced support for a cursor as well as Bluetooth mice and trackpads.


Things changed then drastically for Brydge. With that simple update, Brydge Pro+ both lost features as well as gained new ones. On one hand, there are now native aspects and gestures that you can do throughout the OS with any connected mouse. But, Brydge lost its own gestures that it was hoping to debut with.

We've covered cursor support extensively so far and it is impressive how Apple added it to the touch-first interface in an intuitive way. Because of that, it makes Brydge Pro+ even more exciting of a prospect and anticipation for the new keyboard-mouse combo has skyrocketed.

A familiar design

First things first — the design of the Brydge Pro+ is very familiar. It looks like an iteration on the previous Brydge designs as well as a MacBook. It has the large mechanical keyboard sitting atop that new trackpad.

Brydge Pro+ closed

At launch, Brydge Pro+ will only be available in space grey. That seems to be the more popular color and it has done an excellent job at matching it to the color of the iPad Pro.

The hinge on the Brydge Pro+

The hinges have been adjusted and they are our favorite ones from Brydge yet. They are very minimalistic and you practically don't notice them when looking at the iPad from the front. Around back there is a bit more surface area.

To keep with the iPad Pro's design, the hinges are a bit more squared off. They have the rubberized inserts that now go just around the corners which adds a small amount of drop (or bump) protection. The hinges also have a small strip of rubber that, when opened, keeps the Brydge from hitting the surface below it.

Brydge Pro+ comes with a magnetic back panel

We've seen a lot of Brydge keyboards and this one looks and feels like the most polished one yet.

There is a faux leather back panel included in the box. Ours arrived with one designed for the 2018 iPad Pro though new orders will ship with one designed to fit the 2018 and 2020 models.

Charge Brydge Pro+ over USB-C

The whole thing is charged over USB-C, and a full charge should yield about three months of use. This is different than the Magic Keyboard, which connects over the Smart Connector and never needs to be charged, though it does leach some of the iPad Pro's power.

What is great about the USB-C port is that in an emergency, Brydge can be charged right from the iPad's own USB-C port.

The trackpad

With the trackpad, we have a lot to evaluate. How does it integrate into the system, does it support any form of multi-touch input, and how does the surface itself feel.

Brydge has once again done an excellent job when it comes to build quality. The trackpad is very large and spacious. It feels like the perfect width because when in a natural typing position, the trackpad comes just to where our palms are resting. Very nicely done.

Brydge Pro+ in space gray matches perfectly

The trackpad uses a common trackpad "diving board" design. What this means is that the top of the trackpad is fixed and the rest of the trackpad can be pressed down to "click."

However, we've become spoiled in recent years, seeing what Apple has done. Apple's Mac trackpads are a large surface that never actually moves. The Mac trackpad simulates a click by triggering a short vibration — or haptic feedback. This allows the entirety of the trackpad's surface to be "clickable."

Sometimes we expect to be able to press down on top of the Brydge trackpad and it doesn't move.

The new trackpad on the Brydge Pro+

The good news is that tapping is unaffected. The entire surface can be tapped and we find tapping to be faster anyway, so we don't count it as much of a detraction.

As we use the trackpad with the iPad, there is a bit of a delay. The way that the Brydge Pro+ connects causes there to be some lag as you track the mouse around the OS.

We don't necessarily blame Brydge for this as some fault belongs to iPadOS for how it is interfacing with these Bluetooth peripherals. There's similar lag experienced with some other Bluetooth mice as well.

Moving the mouse around the iPad's display isn't the biggest issue we have, as that lies with the scrolling. You can scroll using the trackpad by moving two fingers up and down — same as with Apple's own trackpad, but it is very jarring.



It sometimes feels like the iPad isn't responding, but it clearly is as if you try to move the display with your finger, it moves just fine.

Again, the problem is clearly with iPadOS here. Sometimes if you scroll on a screen, it just keeps going, showing nothing on the display as you've scrolled far past the page's contents.

Considering mouse and cursor support is so new, a lot of these issues are going to be ironed out, but that is just the playground Brydge chose to play in when they started developing the Brydge Pro+.

Brydge Pro+ trackpad in use

Another side effect of the iPadOS 13.4 update has been gestures. Brydge no longer now supports its own multi-touch gestures with three or four fingers. You can't swipe down with three fingers to open the app switcher and you can't slide left or right with multiple fingers to move between apps.

Instead, iPadOS has replaced many of those with its own native versions. To go back to the home screen, just swipe to the bottom of the display. To open the app switcher, repeat that same motion. To open notifications, move towards the top. To the right will open Slide Over apps. It all is very easy and doesn't require multi-finger input.

You can tap with one finger, secondary click by tapping with two fingers, and if you venture into the accessibility settings you can enable whatever you'd like for a three-finger tap. For ours, we open the app switcher but you can program this to open Control Center, go to the Home screen, run any Siri Shortcut that you've created, and much more.

The keyboard

Turning to the keyboard, there is a lot going on as well.

For the layout, it is a full, standard keyboard that also has a dedicated row of function keys along the top. In the lower-left corner where we traditionally see the localization globe icon, we have a Siri button. We like this as we are more often invoking Siri rather than switching languages.

The keyboard of the Brydge Pro+

Fret not those who do use localization frequently, it is just in the row of function keys. From left to right we have the Home button, the quick lock, keyboard backlight control, iPad brightness controls, the onscreen keyboard, localization, media controls, volume, Bluetooth, and power.

This is a solid set of function keys and ones we will use frequently. We still aren't sure why Apple hasn't added a row of function keys to the Smart Keyboard Folios.

Typing feels very natural on the Brydge Pro+. The keys are tactile, easy to feel, and have a good amount of key travel. When pressed, there is a solid moment where you can feel the key is pressed, but it also feels a little soft. This isn't a bad thing necessarily because typing on the keyboard is very quiet.

If you work in a crowded space and are self-conscious about how loud you're being as to type away, Brydge is going to be great. We are thinking classes or work meetings where you'd not like to disturb everyone else as you take notes.

The entire keyboard of the Brydge Pro+

Brydge Pro+ has an integrated backlight to the keyboard which has varying levels of brightness that can be adjusted through the single function key. It doesn't adjust automatically but is easy enough to control. It lights up the glyph in the center of each key but it also has a lot of light bleed.

A ring of light can be seen glowing from behind each key which can be distracting. We'd prefer if the light was more contained and only light up the character or symbol within the keycap.

We tested out the 12.9-inch version of the keyboard and the keys felt nicely spaced and we didn't need any time to adjust to it coming from our desktop Apple wireless Magic Keyboard. If using the 11-inch version, it will be slightly smaller and the keys a bit tighter, so prepare for a slight adjustment if you go that route.

Should you buy the Brydge Pro+?

Brydge has put forward a very good case on why you should pick up the Brydge Pro+. The hardware feels excellent. The keyboard is pleasant to type on. The hinge is minimal and very easy to adjust at any angle. And the latest iPadOS update integrates the trackpad much further into the user experience.

The Brydge Pro+ from the front

At the same time though, Apple is still ironing out the kinks and third-party hardware manufacturers have to work around Apple's limitations. The mouse has just a bit of drag as it moves around and scrolling can be quite awkward.

These drawbacks aren't huge, and the device is still useable. We created this entire review on a 2020 iPad Pro using the Brydge Pro+ and loved the ability to easily get to a trackpad when trying to precisely edit text. You notice the quirks and the minor glitches, but it wasn't enough to turn us off completely.

It is just disappointing that Brydge created such a steller looking and working product yet iPad doesn't want to all the way play nice.

We are certain this will improve, but for now, there will be minor tradeoffs while using the Brydge Pro+.

Pros

• Sleep, iPad-like design

• Space gray color matches perfectly

• Keyboard feels great to type on, if not maybe a little soft

• Function keys are very useful

• iPadOS 13.4 makes the cursor a first class citizen

• More affordable than Magic Keyboard

• Variable backlight

• 180-degree hinge

• Inlcuded back protection

Cons

• More effort to remove than Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard

• Backlight has a lot of bleed around keys

• Due to iPadOS, scrolling can be jumpy and awkward

• Also due to iPadOS, the cursor isn't as smooth as Apple's Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad

• Still a premium price

• Only space gray color available (at launch)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Where to buy

The Brydge Pro+ keyboard and trackpad will start shipping at the beginning of April and starts at $199 for the 11-inch version, while the 12.9-inch version goes up to $229.

source: appleinsider.com

Admin

Louis Vuitton Horizon earbuds are the luxury headphones you can't afford-or can you

30 Mar, 2020

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Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has partnered with premium audio company Master & Dynamic for the second time in creating the epic Horizon true wireless earbuds. While the high price tag keeps them out of reach for the masses, they are no doubt a stunning piece of tech.



The Louis Vuitton Horizont true wireless earbuds may look familiar. That's because they are a branded, customised, and improved version of the recent Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus earbuds. When it comes to all-important audio quality, the MW07 Plus is going to perform the same. The main features of the headphones remain the same as well.
Everything else —from the packaging, to the charging case, to the exterior appearance —has all changed. Let's see what the Louis Vuitton brand brings to set these excellent headphones apart.
Premium is all about the experience


As a luxury brand, Louis Vuitton is all about the user's experience. From opening the box, to handling the product, to actually using the headphones themselves.
When the headphones arrive, it is the gold-standard of an unboxing experience —literally. The box is wrapped in a gold linen paper and closes magnetically with the Louis Vuitton logo emblazoned on the top.


Once opened, the headphones inside their carrying case reside to the left and a small blue pull-ribbon is on the right. Pulling the ribbon reveals two canvas Louis Vuitton bags. One bag holds all the replacement silicone ear tips and the other a USB-C cable and USB adapter.


The cable is a nylon-wrapped cable with the "LV" wordmark printed on each of the metal overmolds. It has an integrated leather cable wrap to keep it organised when not in use. The cable is a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a metal USB-C to USB-A adapter is included for anyone who has legacy ports still around and requires that Type-A connector.

Before getting to the headphones, also in the box is a getting started manual, and a linen envelope with a Louis Vuitton-branded polishing cloth.
Louis Vuitton Horizon

Then we have the headphones themselves. These headphones are just stunning. The earbuds are nestled inside a glass and steel case. That case is a polished space black colour. The bottom is ceramic and has a Louis Vuitton logo and Mongram flower pattern on the underside. On top of the case is a clear sapphire glass window that highlights the headphones inside and has a ring of Monogram flowers around the edge.

It feels solid, looks gorgeous, and is a step up from the masses of plastic charging cases out there.


That case gets slipped into its own case, crafted from supple leather that is ever so soft on the inside as to not cause any abrasions to the stainless steel case. It has a contrasting leather pull for a zipper that seals it shut.


Each of the individual earbuds has a polished acetate body with "Vuitton" etched into the side with a stainless steel "LV" circle embedded.
Audio quality

As we mentioned, these are a modified version of the newest MW07 Plus true wireless headphones. That means they carry many of the same properties we highlighted in that standalone review.

The headphones have custom 10mm beryllium drivers, four embedded microphones, single-earpiece use with the left or right headphones, proximity sensors for auto-play and auto-pause, IPX5 water resistance, and Bluetooth 5 connectivity.
Here is an excerpt from our MW07 Plus review when it comes to audio quality.

"One of our favorite songs to test with is Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." It is such an eclectic song with guitar solos, heavy bass hits, high pitched operatic sections, and more. It does a great job pushing the headphones to the limits and shows their strengths.
A high point for the MW07 Plus is again right before the tempo increase during one of many guitar solos. The subsequent operatic section also was a pleasure to listen to. With so much going on, weaker headphones often bury the details in a busy song like this.
In some of my earlier testing songs, I started to feel a bit underwhelmed when it came to the bass output but that changes as I went into Joe Cocker's "Come Together." The bass was prominent, but still had the definition of expect out of higher-end headphones. Even some high-end headphones that tend to lean towards the bass-heavy side can often lose definition in the bass on this song as they just try to push more out."

How they differ from the MW07 Plus
Louis Vuitton upgraded several different components in bringing the cobranded model to market. First, it's designed their own acetate exteriors to highlight its brand and colors. It designed the additional leather carrying case to protect its custom steel battery case. And, most exciting, integrated wireless charging.
Master & Dynamic has its own steel carrying cases that look great, but it is hard to beat the ceramic, steel, and sapphire makeup of the Louis Vuitton model. That ceramic bottom is what enables the wireless charging as making the entire case steel would hamper the transmission of power.


Wireless charging has become the norm was other wireless earbuds including AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Galaxy Buds+. It is nice to see it come to the Horizon earbuds too.
The charing cable in the box is the same as what is included with the normal MW07 Plus headphones, though it does gain the Louis Vuitton branding and the leather cable management piece.
Otherwise, these are the same MW07 Plus headphones we've come to love. Great sound quality, excellent build, all propelled above and beyond with the premium Louis Vuitton touches.
Should you buy the Louis Vuitton Horizon earbuds?

We probably don't have to spell this out for you. On one hand, these are some of the absolute best wireless earbuds on the market. It takes the exceptional MW07 Plus, adds a better stainless steel and ceramic case, bakes in wireless charging, and has the additional leather case. On the other, they are clearly more of a luxury product and just because they are better doesn't all a sudden bring them within reach of your average consumer.

These headphones are a shining example of a luxury brand doing it right by not just slapping a logo on and instead, doing some serious upgrades to what was already one of our favourite sets of earbuds.
We can't —and won't —recommend you go out and pick up a set, but if you are in the market for a set of luxury headphones then we think you probably found the set you're looking for.

Pros
* Fantastic unboxing experience
*
* Incredible amount of detail in everything, including the accessories
*
* Sleek charging case with wireless charging
*
* Leather protective case
*
* Improvement over the amazing MW07 Plus

Cons
* The expected luxury price tag
*
* No real noise cancelling

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This rating is based on presentation and performance alone. We're just not sure that the cost to benefit equation is there overall.

Where to buy
The luxurious Louis Vuitton Horizon headphones come in four different colourways —the black displayed here, as well as red, white, yellow, and pink.
Each will set you back $1,120 dollars direct from Louis Vuitton's website.
Those that may see it as a bit out of their price range but still want their own Master & Dynamic version can pick up the MW07+ for $299.

source: appleinsider.com

Admin

'Siri, how do I know if I have the coronavirus?' Apple launches tools for COVID-19 pandemic. Matt Binder

30 Mar, 2020

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iPhone users can now ask Siri for help if they think they may have the coronavirus.

On Friday, Apple announced the launch of its new COVID-19 website and app. Both provide coronavirus resources as well as a screening tool to help people figure out what to do to minimise the spread of the virus. Both are now live, online and in the App Store, respectively.

“The COVID-19 app and website allow users to answer a series of questions around risk factors, recent exposure and symptoms for themselves or a loved one,” explains Apple in a statement. “In turn, they will receive CDC recommendations on next steps, including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, whether or not a test is recommended at this time, and when to contact a medical provider.”

Users can also know ask Siri, “How do I know if I have coronavirus?” Upon being asked, Apple’s virtual assistant will provide users with resources from the CDC as well as a curated collection of Telehealth apps from the App Store.

 
A screenshot from Apple's coronavirus resource app.
Image: Apple

According to Apple, the site and mobile app were created in partnership with the CDC, the Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA in order to “make it easy for people across the country to get trusted information and guidance at a time when the US is feeling the heavy burden of COVID-19.”
The basic information on Apple’s site and its app is very similar to the coronavirus resource created by Google that launched earlier this week. However, Apple also offers an interactive screening tool.
It asks users a series of questions concerning any coronavirus-related symptoms they or their loved ones may be experiencing, a simple health history, where they live or work, if they’ve been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, and more. Using the answers, Apple’s tool helps users determine whether they should self-isolate or seek medical help.
The company says all the user data provided in the screening tool is private and secure. Neither the website or the app require a signup or login.
Apple reminds users that these tools are meant to be a quick resource for individuals and are not meant to replace advice from healthcare professionals or state and local health officials.

source: mashable.com

Admin

5 essential Zoom hacks to improve your virtual hangouts

30 Mar, 2020

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