The original Suzuki Vitara was launched in Australia in the late 1980s joining the very successful Suzuki Sierra (sold today as the Jimny). The Vitara was a more well equipped, sporty, and urban focussed version of the Sierra – which for over a decade was the cheap-and-cheerful go to for a small, reliable 4×4 for those that couldn’t afford or didn’t need something as robust as a Toyota LandCruiser or as utilitarian as the Subaru Brumby.
In the 1990s the Vitara buyer was very likely characterised by words like “active” and “sporty” and “adventurous”. It never tried to be anything it wasn’t and what it did well, it did very well.
Those of us that can remember the original Vitara or have seen them on the road, will be very glad to hear that the Suzuki Vitara of 2020 has grown up over the years and is now a very purposeful – and very capable – mid-sized SUV for those looking for a bit more of everything than you find in smaller SUVs or a small station wagon. Continue Reading
It seems like everyone has a drone these days.
Years ago, flying a drone was as complicated as flying a small aircraft. Controls were complicated, took a whole lot of getting used to, and acquiring your personal drone was nearly impossible. But now? Drone fever is raging harder than ever before. Drones have entered the general consumer market, with aspiring ‘vloggers’ flying their drones everywhere in an attempt to create content.
In 2016, DJI released the game-changing Mavic Pro, which was marketed as a portable drone that was easy to fly, even amateurs could do it. It was fairly simple to operate, which turned it into an instant favorite.
Recently, the company returned with a new Mavic drone: the Mavic 2 Pro. This new model is meant to be as powerful as the original Mavic model, but with improved aerial cameras that real filmmakers currently use. It’s the perfect camera for travel photographers — small enough to be folded, yet powerful enough to capture high-resolution 4k video. Continue Reading
Whether you prefer listening to music, podcasts, phone calls, YouTube, or anything else that can be accessed through our various personal devices, one thing is certain: quality headphones are a priority. Sure, you could buy some $20 flimsy headset at the mall and enjoy tinny audio that sounds like it’s passing through an empty sewer tunnel to get to you, but that can quickly lose its charm once you pass age 8 or so. For my real audio enthusiasts, true sound quality through top-of-the-line headphones is not simply enhancement, but essential. In this day and age, media can be enjoyed anywhere, but the phone and computer are two extremely popular mediums that practically require headphones. But what headphones really make the cut? After all, there’s thousands to choose from, all showcasing different perks and features that may seem overwhelming at first. Well, after being able to personally field test a pair of Sennheiser’s new PXC 550-II headphones, I can say that this pair is a real winner. Sennheiser has always been known for fantastic sound and noise cancellation with their wireless listening devices, and these headphones mark another success for the tech producer. Let’s inspect how all of 550-II’s features come together to create a pair of headphones that make listening to audio a full experience. Continue Reading
Here at SonnyDickson.com we review hundreds of products throughout the year. As we approach Christmas here are our picks of the bunch for 2019.
Audio
Apple AirPods Pro
The benchmark in wireless in-ear headphones sits firmly with Apple and the new AirPods Pro. Super light-weight and with incredible sound dynamics, these will be the gift that keeps on giving for any audiophile in your life.
Frozen (2013) was a cultural phenomenon, there’s no doubt about that. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone that hasn’t at least heard a great deal about it, especially anyone with kids. Frozen can be easily argued as one of the Walt Disney Company’s biggest films of all time, making $1.2 billion at the box office and selling over $107 billion worth of merchandise. Given these monstrously gigantic figures, it doesn’t take a financial strategist to understand why Disney would want to make Frozen into a full franchise. And that leads us to the present, when, 6 years after the original release of Frozen, we received the long-anticipated Frozen II. This sequel has been hyped up beyond belief from announcement to final trailer, so it definitely had a lot to live up to. So on November 22, children and adults alike flocked to the movie theater in droves to watch the movie for themselves and see how it lived up to its predecessor. So far, both critics and casual viewers seem split on opinions of this goliath of a film, but it’s also smashed multiple box office records. So with all of these factors at play, let’s really take a deep look at whether this movie’s unique venture into the unknown makes it a worthy successor of the title “Disney’s Biggest Animated Film Of All Time.” Continue Reading
For years, the novels of Philip Pullman have been dazzling readers young and old alike, and the series His Dark Materials was perhaps the most famed of all. Previously, it’s been adapted into both a theater production and a film which was met with mixed reviews. Pullman’s readers have been vying for a way to bring their beloved series and all of its magic to life in a new way, and with the release of HBO’s His Dark Materials television adaptation of 2019, it seems that they may get their way. A brand new fantasy epic saga that feels inspired by the likes of the later Harry Potter films and similar fantasy titles that hold equal intrigue for older children and adults has just awoken and holds definite promise. Our friends over at HBO were able to secure a preview containing the first four episodes for us to review before wide release, and it is so far a very engaging watch. I personally have never read the books that the series is based on and so cannot say much in the area of adaptational accuracy, but that does allow me to approach it with fresh eyes, able to give a less biased look at how the show stands on its own merit. But to be fair, if the rest of the season is this interesting, I may have to pick up the books after all. Continue Reading
Sound is one of five tenets of our sensory experience on this planet, so it makes sense to want to experience it luxuriously at times. This is understood especially when it comes to entertainment that you personally enjoy and wish to upgrade. Whether it be movies, music, sports, or other immersive media, we can find a new level of enjoyment when the presentation is enhanced, such as by improving the auditory experience. If you have any friends that are self-proclaimed audiophiles, it’s highly possible that you’ve heard talk of the newly released AMBEO Soundbar. You may ask, “What’s the deal with this apparently very special speaker? Can it really change my audio that drastically? How did I get so many friends that all share this extremely specific interest again?” Or if you are said audiophile, you may be interested in seeing whether or not this new device is worth the hefty price. Fret not, as whether you have no knowledge of audio tech or consider yourself a passionate fan of such things, together we can all examine what the AMBEO Soundbar does, how it compares to similar devices, and how it can affect your media consumption forever. As I was able to test out the speaker and use it in various different scenarios, I’ll be highlighting my personal experiences with the device and how it stacks up in the grand world of audio tech. Continue Reading
This review will contain mild spoilers for Joker.
The Joker is one of the most famous villains of all time, both in comic circles and entertainment as a whole. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of distinct portrayals of the character that have all left a significant mark on his general perception. From Heath Ledger’s sinister unpredictable crime lord in 2008 to Mark Hamill’s insane larger-than-life cartoon villain in 1992 to Jared Leto’s unfortunate misstep in 2016, the Joker has become one of the most interesting characters in comics and cinema, and those are just some of the most well-known versions. As society goes on, new takes on this famous character will no doubt continue to be created, some good, some bad. In the case of Joker, the first stand-alone movie centered completely on the killer clown and his backstory, this version by Joaquin Phoenix will no doubt be remembered as exceptionally great. Continue Reading
That iPhone is a is a thing of beauty, it would be a shame if something happened to it!
No, that isn’t a threat but a sad reality. Jamming your phone in your pocket with keys or having it spring out of your grip when the barista calls your name when your double mint chocolate soy latte is ready is no laughing matter. But have no fear we have you and your iPhone 11 covered.
Here are some of our favorite case options.
In a recent video, YouTube producer David Lee theorizes and speculates on how Apple is likely to market the upcoming iPad hardware, which is expected to feature the new triple camera system introduced in the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
Utilizing the iPad Pro physical prototype that we exclusively posted about earlier this month, Lee makes a variety of very interesting observations, but his main point is this: The new iPad Pro shouldn’t be about the camera system, it should be about the display.
Using an OLED display would help distinguish it as a pro model, and would also make it much better as a device for capturing and shooting both photos and video, by enabling deeper blacks and by providing much richer contrast. It would also add to the overall color accuracy on the display. Continue Reading
We’ve obtained a final design mockup of Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro hardware from a source that has repeatedly been reliable about previous iPad hardware, showing Apple’s new camera hardware as featured on the iPhone 11 Pro gracing their upcoming refreshed lineup of iPads.
The hardware is extremely similar to what is featured on the iPhone 11 Pro, and is expected to offer the same benefits to creative video professionals. The design is a nod to Apple’s intent to offer pro users of the iPad a device on which they can comfortably shoot and edit 4K quality video all from one device, offering the freedom to take their setups on the go without a bundle of extra hardware attached to a Mac. Continue Reading
Since the dawn of wearable technology, we have seen a variety of smart wearable devices but none of them have been extraordinary. Sure, we have seen things like the Bose Soundwear Companion Speaker, but that doesn’t qualify as a wearable as the consensus for a wearable device is something that you carry anywhere without getting a weird look from people around you.
With the Bose Frames, that’s set to change. These new wearables from Bose are bluetooth- enabled sunglasses with speakers and a mic integrated in them, allowing you to listen to music or take calls without taking your phone out of your pocket. This is definitely a step up from the Snapchat Spectacles we saw last year. Continue Reading
If the performance at the Emmy’s is anything to go off of, it appears that Succession has enraptured both audiences and critics across the world as of late. While only in its second season, Succession has rapidly gained attention since its June 2018 premiere. Fans of the HBO series can’t seem to get enough of this dramatic look into the lives of a scheming family running a monopolistic media empire. There is a certain morbid fascination with this family that sees each other as little more than a means to an end, with all parties understanding that power will trump familial loyalty every time in this corporate world. The old patriarch of this establishment is Logan Roy (Brian Cox), a formidable tyrant who plays mind games and spins webs of deceit and blackmail to get what he wants and keep his huge company afloat.
With season two, we pick up less than two days after the end of season one, seeing how one of Logan’s sons, Kendall (Jeremy Strong), is getting along after his attempted business betrayal against his father and major drug relapse. From the get-go, Kendall seems much more timid and submissive after being unable to seize his own power and only digging himself into a deeper hole, and his speech and mannerisms clearly reflect his new role. The writing and acting for this season is top notch, absolutely no one is slacking in these respects. Logan, still deciding where to take his shaken company and who of his children and immediate family to trust with corporate power, gives an amazing performance, both in subdued moments and over-the-top blowouts. Continue Reading
The ASUS F1 LED Projector is the projector you need for the ultimate, immersive entertainment experience. It’s the projector that’s perfect for gamers and movie buffs. You might be thinking, “But it’s a projector… aren’t those little contraptions for the office only?” Well, not anymore! This projector is an excellent pick because of its compact size, making it easy for you to set it up in your own backyard. The ASUS F1 LED Projector boasts full HD resolution, with a short throw lens, automatic focus adjustment, and 120 Hz refresh rate when set to a resolution of 720p. It’s the go-to, lightweight projector that can make your Netflix and Chill nights a lot more interesting, and your gaming sessions a lot more fun. Read on to see what we think about the ASUS F1 LED Projector:
The ASUS F1 is listed at $899, which is a bit on the pricier end of Full HD projectors. Sure, you can get other projectors for around $200, but for splurging a bit more with the ASUS F1, you can get brighter HD images for the luxury of having the ultimate home theatre experience. Continue Reading
DJI, the company behind some of the worlds best drones and gimbals are back with something new, the DJI Osmo Action, an all-in action cam for life’s most extreme thrill-seekers. With the Osmo Action, DJI is taking the GoPro Hero 7 Black, GoPro’s best offering, head-on with like for like features, specs, design and build quality. But what makes the Osmo Action unique compared to the Hero 7 Black is the inclusion of a secondary front-facing LCD display as well the regular backside display and a significantly lower price for an overall strong competitor to the Hero 7. Continue Reading
This review will contain spoilers.
August 2019 marked the return of (in)famous director Quentin Tarantino to direct a brand new movie in his signature style, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The genuine buzz and curiosity surrounding this movie from the get-go never seemed to truly ebb from the moment that the first trailer dropped. Whether in excitement or dread, everyone was anticipating going to see this movie, with its uniquely tangible 60’s setting and immensely popular cast that seemed to grab the attention of both the film buffs and the average moviegoers. And so, the crowds came in droves to see the film, and a little over two hours later, the world stepped out of the theater feeling extremely conflicted. Immediately and without hesitating to make their passionate opinions known, some jumped to claimed it was a fantastic cinematic masterpiece, others strongly refuted by calling it a dull failure, and still others felt unsure what to even make of the film, including myself initially. It was certainly a very different film, as Tarantino himself is known for, a film where the viewer’s personal perceptions of the more ambiguous events will have a large bearing on how they view the film as a whole. There’s also the notorious final 20-30 minutes that turn the film on its head and was met with even more polarized reactions from viewers. But before this can be discussed, it’s imperative to discuss the buildup and ultimate payoff that made Once Upon a Time in Hollywood a fairy tale worth looking at. Continue Reading
Portable, nano, or pico projectors have been a rising trend in consumer tech goods over the recent years, and they can be useful in all types of situations – sharing a business PowerPoint on the fly, watching a movie in a remote location where your normal streaming box or TV can’t follow, and so forth. However, the main thing that has kept me from jumping on board is that they tend to lack versatility for streaming your personal media or accessing your favorite streaming services.
Anker, makers of the Nebula line of projectors, have attempted to address this with a very modern portable projector roughly the size of a can of Coca-Cola – with support for all of your favorite streaming services included.
We’ll be taking a look at Anker’s original entry into the field of portable entertainment projectors – the Capsule.
Continue Reading
The Oculus Quest has arrived and it’s making its grand entrance. The Quest is a follow-up to the equally successful Oculus Go, but this time, Oculus has developed and improved based on real comments from users. If you didn’t like the Oculus Go because of its limited movement, you’ll be more than happy with the Oculus Quest. It’s wireless, easy to set up and use for first-time VR users.
Facebook’s first all-in-one gaming headset is reinventing what you know about virtual reality. With a Snapdragon processor built into its headset, the Oculus Quest gives you a gaming experience that’s close to the PC level. It comes with two Oculus Touch controllers and offers total room-scale VR without any base station.
The headset uses Oculus Insight, making use of four sensors at the front to track your movements in the real world. Play without worrying about tripping — the Oculus Quest wants you to play freely, which is why it was designed to be wireless. Now, you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted game time pretending to dodge bullets and jump over barricades.
Starting at $399, the Oculus Quest offers 64 GB of storage, complete with two Touch controllers, AA Batteries, power adapter, eyeglass spacer, and charging cable. There’s a 128GB version available at $499 – a pretty large leap in terms of the price difference, but if you’re a heavy user, it is worth the price since you can’t expand the storage.
Most Oculus Quest games are less than 3 GB in size, anyway, so if you don’t plan to be a professional gamer and just want a VR headset for Beat Saber sessions, we think going for the smaller option is fine. Continue Reading
These days, almost anyone can become a vlogger. YouTube has taken the internet by storm and the term vlogging isn’t a new concept anymore. Self-made vloggers like Casey Neistat and Logan Paul have created digital communities where they show off their everyday lives — the plus side? They get paid to do it. From long distance couples to families with a dozen kids, there are a million things one could vlog about. With that competition, more and more people are swapping their smartphones for DSLRs in the pursuit of quality content.
DJI has revolutionized the world of vlogging with the DJI Osmo. It has made vlogging a hundred times easier, without having to compensate for any of the DSLR’s most beloved features. It offers superb stabilization while fitting inside your pocket. The DJI Osmo is the tiny, portable vlogging companion that anyone who wants to make it big on YouTube should use. Now, you don’t have to feel embarrassed of having to vlog at a restaurant. No more unnecessary arm workouts because of your huge DSLR complete with an external microphone and other bulky camera gear. The DJI Osmo gives you full 4K video and convenience in such a tiny package.
Want to improve your content? Get a DJI Osmo Pocket. It’s the DJI Osmo product that we recommend for “typical” vloggers. It’s easy to use, pocket-friendly and affordable. Continue Reading
It has been five years since Naim launched the Naim Mu-so. Back then, wireless speakers were premium devices that cost thousands of dollars. Then Naim entered the scene and changed the game forever by letting the world see that you could get authentic hi-fi at a pretty affordable price with its Mu-so, Naim is showing everyone that it’s still in the game with their new, reimagined wireless speaker: the Mu-so 2nd Generation.
The Naim Mu-so 2 is the wireless speaker we didn’t know we needed. The first Naim Mu-so was already a top-of-the-line speaker which was hard to follow, but Naim has raised the bar again.
Right off the bat, the Mu-so 2 is one of the best multi-room speakers of the year. It’s an evolution of the original Naim speaker, adding multiple connectivity options, and showing off a sleeker body. Although the price racks up at $1599, the Mu-so 2 justifies the price with its multitude of upgrades. Continue Reading
No matter what you think of it, everyone can agree that Veronica Mars is a show that truly cannot be kept down. Following a fan-funded movie in 2014, Veronica Mars has found a revival in 2019 after jumping from the now-defunct UPN to The CW to its current home, Hulu. Marshmallows, as fans call themselves, have followed this show through thick and thin, and not without reason. When it first premiered in 2004, creator Rob Thomas captured audiences with a teen drama/mystery that didn’t rely on easy cliches and pandering character types to draw in watchers. Instead, it made itself stand out from the crowd of assembly-line young adult TV shows with its witty writing, relatable characters, and interesting stories surrounding the young private detective. But this fourth season is premiering in a different world than the one that the series left in 2007, and though it has a cult following, it also must remember that a whole new generation has grown into the target demographic range in these past 12 years. How do Rob Thomas and his beloved cast and crew deal with this? With much of the same style, grace, and intellect that fans have come to love, at least for the most part. Continue Reading
The 1990’s, also known as Disney’s Renaissance Era in regards to their animated features of the time, is a period of great nostalgia for the young adults of today. It began nearly 30 years ago, making it a prime time for bringing beloved pieces of that past to the present. Disney has buckled down on this, bringing a huge number of live action reboots and retellings with a prominent focus on movies from that period (as well as a few of their timeless early classics). From the Renaissance, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many more either have already been released or are currently in development. But today, we’ll be looking into the latest animation-to-reality release: The Lion King. The 1994 classic was heralded as one of the greatest films of all time, even beyond the genre of animation (whether or not “animation” in of itself should be considered its own genre or not is a question for another time). The star-studded voice cast that caught the attention of the world remains in the top 10 highest-grossing animated movies of all time. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why Disney would create a live action reboot of one of their most successful films. But how does this film fare both standing on its own and when compared to the original? Let’s see if this lion of a film can truly claim to be the king of the jungle.
Earlier this month, we got our hands on some unreleased design mock-ups based on leaked specs for Apple’s upcoming iPhone models and sent them to a few YouTubers and notable journalists.
One of the most notable of these YouTubers, Marques Brownlee, has published this video breaking down everything that these physical design prototypes tell us about the new designs!
Beats has finally released its latest earphones: the Powerbeats Pro, which combine the best of both AirPods and Powerbeats 3 into an excellent product for both everyday use and for working out. Compared to the Apple AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro look large, but there’s a good reason for that; those soft, rubber-like arms are designed to grip your ears securely without making the things too comfortable to wear, despite looking a lot less elegant than the AirPods, these headphones are insanely comfortable. It takes a while to get used to fitting them, but once in place you forget you’re even wearing them. Another thing we really like about the Powerbeats Pro is the fact that both of the earphones have their own set of physical controls. The Powerbeats Pro come in a rather bulky carry case which also acts as a charging dock – a Lightning cable is included in the box, but it matches the colour of your Powerbeats Pro. Powerbeats Pro aren’t totally waterproof, they are splash and sweat resistant, which will be good news for those who plan to use these as their go-to exercise audio. The design of the headphones actually avoids sweat dripping down onto the unit, which is another sign that a tremendous amount of thought has gone into the creation of this product. But, the most annoying thing about the Powerbeats Pro is the charging case. With a product like this, you’d expect a portable, lightweight case. In fact, you get the opposite. It’s unusually large and weighs a relatively hefty 109g without the earbuds and 130g with them inside. In comparison, the AirPod case weighs 38g and 46g respectively. On the plus side, the case holds around two full charges. It’s also worth noting that it charges via a Lightning port, instead of a much more universal USB connector, and that, unlike the latest AirPod case, the Beats case can’t be wirelessly charged. Continue Reading
After Infinity War and Endgame changed both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and our own world forever, it was hard to imagine what comes next. Where do you even go after undoing a catastrophic mass genocide and losing some of the biggest heroes in the game? “Well,” Marvel offers, “you go see how their legacy will carry on and evolve through the people that they left behind.” As usual, they knew just the path to take in the aftermath of one of the most popular movies ever released, and Spider-Man just so happened to be the perfect person to start with. As Tony Stark’s protégé left in mourning after his mentor’s passing, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is a great jumping off point to reintroduce fans into this new MCU. In Endgame, Peter was unceremoniously pulled back into the world and now has to come to terms with the years missing from his life where society went on without him and the others that turned to dust during Thanos’ snap. His movie also focuses in on a question that fans have been relentlessly asking: what’s going to happen now that the Avengers are either majorly changed or completely disbanded? The uncertainty of Peter and the world around him reflects how Marvel fans everywhere truly have no idea what will come next, but are eager to find out. And if this film is anything to judge by, we were right to be anticipating these new and different stories from a post-Thanos universe. Let’s take a look at how this film satiates our curiosities about post-snap Earth and answers our many questions after the death of the Mad Titan, no spoilers of course. Continue Reading
The Toy Story saga is a franchise that is often viewed as the gold standard for animated movies, and for good reason. Way back in 1995, Pixar brought us the first ever full-length computer-animated film with Toy Story, which was a critical hit and a technological marvel of its time. Pixar continued to hit it out of the park with Toy Story 2 and 3, making a trilogy of movies that were heralded as near-perfect masterpieces of animation. Even though the first two are now a little bit dated animation-wise by today’s standards, they are not ugly by any means and still completely hold up as films, which is an impressive accomplishment in of itself. Now, almost 10 years after Toy Story 3 gave us a memorable and satisfying conclusion, Pixar has released Toy Story 4, a brand new installment to break the label of trilogy. Although the film was released to a crowd of skeptical and anxious fans, Pixar dazzled us again and most filmgoers ended up leaving the theater with their fears melted away, feeling the same joy that the original movies brought to them years ago. Continue Reading
The summer of 1997 marked the start of a series that would quickly rise to popularity and stick around so effortlessly that it can still be casually referenced in conversation today without causing confusion, Men In Black. The original film starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the iconic duo in a government agency that deals with alien diplomatics and otherworldly threats on a daily basis. These characters worked as foils for each other so well that, despite how opinions changed on the overall series as it progressed, most would agree that Agents Jay and Kay remained entertaining together throughout. Men In Black II (2002) and Men In Black 3 (2012) never quite reached the same success as their predecessor, but were able to keep the name of the franchise alive and well so much that it can still claim to be a household name over 20 years later. A trilogy with that kind of staying power is bound to inspire a few extra sequels and spin-offs (there even used to be an animated Men In Black show for the Warner Brother’s kids program!). The latest hopeful reviver of the franchise is Men In Black: International, this time starring Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth in leading roles very similar to the ones occupied by Smith and Jones within the trilogy. But can this charismatic squad hold the sequel together, or is this film destined to become lost to time and space? Continue Reading
We managed to get our hands on an assortment of cases from a source that has been known to be highly accurate in the past, and sent them out to a few top tech outlets.
Our friends at 9to5Mac have put together a detailed video walking you through what these cases show us, but here are some key highlights. Continue Reading
As many fans know, the Disney Renaissance was a revolutionary time period for animation that took place from about 1989 to 1999. We have this period to thank for many beloved titles such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, and Aladdin. Nearly every movie released at that time was a smash hit and most became instant classics that any respectable kid would enjoy on VHS for hours on end. Now that it’s 2019, the generation that grew up with these films have grown up into a stressful yet nostalgia-fueled world and are yearning for a taste of their childhood. This was the setup for Disney to begin their campaign of live-action remake, the latest of which being Aladdin. Almost every Renaissance film and many others in the Disney catalogue are being recreated in live-action, so love it or hate it, this trend seems to be sticking around for awhile. With Dumbo behind us and The Lion King just around the corner, let’s take a closer look at Aladdin and see if it really is a diamond in the rough. Continue Reading
In the winter of 1961, a man by the name of Joseph Heller released his newest book, Catch-22, to immediate and overwhelming popularity with the general public. The satirical dark comedy was based on Heller’s own personal experiences as a bomber in World War II, and the anti-war messages throughout proved to be extremely appealing to young people during a time of increasing disillusionment with the Vietnam War. It was a book that critics still claim pulled off a staggering balancing act between the comedic and tragic elements, coming together to craft a story that left a profound impact for generations. Almost 60 years later, people everywhere are intrigued to learn that George Clooney and Grant Heslov have partnered together with various other talent to create a 6-episode mini-series that functions as an adaptation of the long-beloved Catch-22. It seemed an interesting prospect, no doubt, as Clooney and Heslov would be directing, acting, and producing, as well as bringing in a star-studded cast and crew to bring the story to life. Excitement built as the time drew closer and closer until we finally arrived at the anticipated release date on May 17, 2019. Ever since the release, everyone from diehard book fans to casual viewers have been wanting to know: is Hulu’s Catch-22 a series that warrants a watch? The answer: for the most part, yes, as long as you can be forgiving of its flaws. Continue Reading
Director Chad Stahelski’s ongoing saga of John Wick movies have become a household name in a matter of less than 5 years, and for good reason. As it stands now, John Wick as a body of work is an interesting and fresh take on the action genre from a variety of cinematic viewpoints. When the first film came out in 2014, it became an instant classic with the infamous “puppy murder that launched a thousand bullets” setup as well as impressive fight scenes throughout. Throughout all of the movies, John has shown himself to be a protagonist that is in some ways familiar to what we would consider a “cold-blooded action hero,” and yet also makes intriguing decisions and is presented in an unprecedented way. But more on that later as we work our way through John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum and what it has to offer moviegoers. Overall, Parabellum can be described as a satisfying continuation in this series which ties aspects of his characterization and thematic elements from throughout the films together, as well as building foundations for the next upcoming sequel. It does have its fair share of issues (mostly ones carried over from its predecessors), but if you enjoyed the past two films, get ready for more of what you loved, this time bigger and better. Continue Reading
With the 2019 iPhones just 4 months away, leaks have started pouring in from all directions. This one comes from our trusted sources in China. We have our hands on what is supposed to be the case renders which case manufacturers use as a reference to design cases for phones. And since majority of case makers hail from China, we have very good reasons to believe that this is the real deal.
This confirms the rumors that Apple will have 2 flagships this year, apart from whatever they have planned for the XR lineup. What we have our hands on might be perhaps called the “iPhone XI” and “iPhone XI Max”. Continue Reading
In a world of smartphones dominated by notches, Samsung was the only company to stick to its industrial design of curved sides and thick top and bottom bezels. While some would say that this looked “old-fashioned” , others would choose words like “practical” and “symmetric”. And now with its latest offering, the Galaxy S10/S10+, Samsung has gone back to the drawing board to create a design that reflects the smartphone of today.
I have spent one month with the Galaxy S10+ as my daily driver and here’s my review. Please note that whatever I say holds true for the regular S10 as well, save for the battery capacity and the display size.
Starting from the front, The S10+ has the new “Infinity-O display” which has a cutout for the front camera in the screen, allowing the bezels to be thinner than ever on any Samsung phone till date. The screen is curved on the sides allowing it to blend seamlessly with the side. The rear of the phone is all glass, housing a triple camera system(which I’ll get to in a bit), also curving on to the sides.
The power button is on the right, which is placed slightly higher than I am used to on other phones. The volume rocker is placed on the left, right on top of the Bixby Key- which can thankfully be remapped this time around. To the bottom of the phone we have a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-Type C port, and a speaker. The top of the phone houses the secondary noise cancelling microphone. Sadly, No IR blaster this time.
There has been a lot said about Apple’s development of the iPhone, and the history and inspiration behind the device – such as this notable 1983 concept of a “Telephone Mac.” One of the most notable examples of this is Apple’s lesser known desk phone known as the W.A.L.T. (Wizzy Active Lifestyle Telephone).
The W.A.L.T., which was announced at MacWorld 1993, was never released to the public, and only a very small handful of prototypes were ever constructed for the device. One of the few known samples of this was sold on eBay for $8,000 back in 2012. It was even prototyped in both “classic Mac” color and a somewhat more “business looking” dark gray color (white version pictured below).
While there are some key details known about the device, such as that it was designed in partnership with BellSouth and offered advanced features for its time, such as online banking access, a full touchscreen, fax and caller ID support, a built in address book, and even the ability to customize ringtones (it even featured Newton-like full handwriting support), a functioning version of the device has never, to my knowledge, been seen by “virgin eyes.” Continue Reading
For those of you the Northern Hemisphere, summer is right around the corner. With that, barbecue is on the way, maybe some pool or beach days, but most importantly: warm weather. One way to beat the heat, is the latest and greatest Dyson Pure Cool. If you are familiar with Dyson, you’ll recognize the Pure Cool immediately for it’s eye-catching design, plethora of easy to use tech features (including connected smart home tech), and stunning capability.
First of all, the Dyson Pure Cool follows in Dyson’s storied history of great design. While the engineered, industrial design with a nice balance between hard edges and rounded corners may not fit in an 1800’s museum, chances are it won’t look out of place in your living room or den. The Pure Cool comes in 3 colorways, White/Silver, Iron/Blue, and Black/Silver. The latter is a Dyson.com exclusive, and also my favorite. I love how the Pure Cool takes up relatively small floor space, yet has a presence that is undeniable and looks like it belongs in the MoMA. Continue Reading
So It was announced. We got excited. We were prepared to wait because we wanted, (needed) a magical place to charge our iPhones without cables.
And then… Disaster!
Apple cancelled it. All our hopes and dreams dashed against the craggy shores of cabled charging.
But there’s still hope, for once Apple didn’t invent their own format. They decided to use the Qi standard , and let’s face it, you still have too many cables and you still have a space set aside for that AirPower mat so what are you waiting for? Continue Reading
Master and Dynamic are a US-based audio manufacturer that pride themselves on their flawless industrial designs and well-realised tuning. Shortly following the success of their portable over-ear MH40, they promptly released the MW60, its wireless, closed-back counterpart. Alongside wireless connectivity, the MW60 brings a completely redesigned chassis that is more suitable for portable use, but also one that carries the same rigidity and flawless level of finish furthermore, though it uses the same drivers as the MH40, the MW60 sounds different due to a well-considered retune in addition to differing acoustics between their respective semi-open and closed-back designs. At $550 USD, the MW60 does represent a sizable price jump from the already premium MH40, though its exceptionally premium construction and lush sound will surely win buyers over. Master and Dynamic in the past have made some stunning headphones and the fit and finish of their end products is very hard to beat. Even by some of the biggest headphone companies would struggle to match this level of quality.
If you happen to like clean and minimalistic, you will definitely adore the made completely out of high-quality materials this headphone simply oozes luxury and elegance. No plastic to be found, as the MW60’s construction exists out of stainless steel and aluminium. The headband is wrapped in heavy grain leather, which also covers the outer parts of the earcups. On top of that, your ears will be spoiled by the soft lambskin leather earpads. Foldable hinges for easy and compact storage makes the MW60 a pleasure to travel with the MW60’s closed design and the comfortable leather earpads, which completely fit over your ears, gives the user a great seal. Meaning that this is a headphone you can fully enjoy, even when you’re in noisy environments.If you have a big head you can experience a high clamping force. But don’t let this be an issue. As with every headphone, the clamping will loosen up over time. You can always speed up this process by putting the headphones over a large shoebox when you’re not using them or by stretching the headband a little bit.During wear, the MW60 suffers from the same ergonomic niggles as the MH40, even though it’s actually a little lighter at 345g vs 360g. Chiefly, though nicely padded, its thin headband and heavy steel construction tend to form a hotspot after just a few hours of listening. And as with the MH40, I found the MW60 to have quite a narrow range of headband adjustment. I still found a strong seal and the sliders are smooth with unlimited adjustment points, though I just fit the maximum setting (I use a medium setting on most headphones). In return, the headphones fold for storage, becoming considerably more compact.e MW60’s design. Continue Reading
Bang & Olufsen is well known for mixing boutique design with high-end audio engineering. The Danish company’s more consumer friendly offshoot, B&O, tries to cash in on that reputation by enticing audiophiles to splash out on gadgets like its latest Beoplay H9i wireless headphones, Which launched early this year and are the successor to the company’s H9 headphones and they keep up the excellent sound quality of its predecessor, They produce a crisp and clear audio experience that caresses your eardrums rather than pounding them, even at high volumes. They produce a layered sound which will surely satisfy the most finicky of listeners. Their bass is good, but is overly thumpy, which bass fans may appreciate. The mid-range is also good, but their treble is overemphasized and fairly uneven.
Overall, vocals and lead instruments sound thin and a bit pushed back in the mix. Due to their exciting sound profile, these won’t be ideal for vocal-centric music and should be better-suited for bass-heavy genres. Also, low-bass is hyped by about 5dB, indicating that the bass of these headphones is deep and very thumpy, which should be pleasing to fans of bass-heavy genres. However, mid-bass, responsible for the body of bass guitars and kick drums, and high-bass, responsible for warmth, are under our target curve by 3 and 4dB respectively. The mid range performance of the H9i is good. The response throughout the range is decently-balanced, but there is a 10dB tilt favoring higher frequencies, which may make them sound a bit intense. The 4db underemphasis in low-mid will make vocals and lead instruments sound thin, and they may also be nudged to the back of the mix. These have a sub-par treble performance. The response throughout the range is fairly uneven. The dip centered around 6kHz will negatively affect the brightness and detail of some sibilants, but the very high and broad peak around 9-10 kHz will make those frequencies sound overly sharp and piercing, specially on already bright tracks. However, not everyone hears treble frequencies the same way, so your experience may differ. The H9i have a great frequency response consistency. These headphones seems to be using their ANC system to make the delivery of low-end frequencies more consistent. Continue Reading
You may know the feeling. The living room table or couch is full of remote controls of various devices, and you always happen to pick up the wrong one. For years, Logitech’s Harmony remote controls have been a solution to this problem and have deservedly dominated the market. With everything trending towards smart homes, however, completely new devices came into play that didn’t exist years ago. The Logitech Harmony Elite is said to have responded to the emergence of the new technology.Smart remotes are the next way to simplify your smart home life, but how do you know what the best smart remote control is for your needs? One solid option is the Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control. It connects upto 15 devices at once with a variety of customizable settings to match your individual needs, and doing so is a breeze.If you have your device names and model numbers, the set-up is a breeze, and once it connects to the Wi-Fi, the Harmony will even find some of the devices for you.Connecting to Bluetooth devices (such as gaming systems) require additional steps that can all be done through the remote. After communicating to the app on which device you’re using and syncing with the remote, the screen will lay out instructions for proper pairing.
Once you have all of your devices connected, you can customize it all to your individual needs. Even after the initial set-up, it’s easy to go back and make adjustments, either from the remote or from your smartphone. You can make custom favorite buttons on the touch screen so even odd or unusual equipment is accessible to you, no matter what your home set-up may be. If you’re worried that it may be too complicated to set-up, never fear—the app will guide you through the whole selection process, and give you command suggestions. After that, it’s as simple as touching the button you want, with no need to point at the device you want to control. But everything isn’t joyus here, The app is slow, confusing and not particularly pleasant to use. Of course, it can do its job, especially when it comes to configuring the remote. But in 2018, the fact that every setting requires seconds of waiting is very inconvenient. And no, it’s not synchronized with the Harmony remote control. This is something Logitech can fix with software updates. Continue Reading
Luna Display, the little hardware dongle that turns your iPad into a second display, is now available to consumers. Luna Display was developed by the makers of the Astropad, an iOS app that turns your iPad into a graphics tablet for the Mac, and started out as a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter from the outside, it seems hard to believe that this diminutive little device can deliver on its promise of shifting millions of pixels wirelessly.
To operate the Luna Display, you need to install the Luna Display software on your Mac and on your iPad, and both apps are free. Simply plug in the Luna Display and your Mac will automatically launch the Luna Display app and tell you to launch the iPad app. A note will come on screen to tell you that your displays will blink a few times. It’s good they warn you because it would be a bit disconcerting otherwise. After a few blinks, you’ll see your Mac’s desktop showing on your iPad. The Mac will display a window entitled Luna Display Settings. This settings screen lets you tell the apps whether your iPad is to the left or right of your Mac. That works fine if the iPad is simply sitting on a table next to your notebook.
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AirFly from Twelve South lets you use your AirPods or wireless headphones with any wired headphone jack. Say you are on an airplane with in-flight movies or TV—with AirPlay, you can listen wirelessly. If you happen to spend time on a treadmill or stationary bike at the gym, you can listen to TV with your AirPods.The new AirFly is a tiny Bluetooth device smaller than a box of matches and weighs just 15.6g. You can plug any audio source into its 3.5mm socket and once paired with your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones, you can listen wirelessly. Even though AirFly is small, it contains a rechargeable battery that provides power for about eight hours of listening. Pairing your AirPods is a snap and AirFly remembers them so the next time you use them, connecting is simplified. It comes with two 6 inch (15.5CM) cables. One is for charging from any USB charger and the other is a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable. These cables are short to eliminate cable clutter when in use. It take two hours to fully charge the AirFly, and when fully charged the AirFly lasts about eight hours, there is a single button on the front of the AirFly, used to turn the unit on and off and for pairing. There are two ports on the bottom: Micro-USB for charging, and a headphone jack. Continue Reading
Choosing how you protect your Apple iPhone XS has never been harder, with hundreds of iPhone cases to choose from, it can be very confusing deciding between them all.
Phone cases today can be made from single, double, triple and even 5 layer construction using materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonates (PC), one manufacturer in particular is even incorporating materials used for crash protection in motorcycle gear into their cases for superior drop protection.
When it comes to how well a phone case protects the phone, some manufacturers use a military grade drop test to prove how well their case works if the inevitable happens, it’s a test the US Department of Defense designed to ensure overall durability for the product to be combat worthy. For the test the manufacturer repeatedly drops a case with a phone in it from a height of 4ft onto 2-inch plywood over concrete. The case is dropped a total of 26 times, 6 times face down, 8 times on the corners, and 12 times on the edges. After every drop the phone case is inspected for any damage. Not every manufacturer uses this test and it can only used as a guide to how well a phone case protects your phone.
For some, choosing a new iPhone case can be as simple how it minimalistic it looks without detracting from the iPhones overall shape and how it feels in the hand, while for others it’s about protecting their investment, choosing the biggest and most protective case available and not worrying about how it looks or feels. Continue Reading
For those who eagerly watched the 2017 iPhone X release event last September 12, there is somewhat of an elephant in the room that Apple has so far refused to address: the AirPower wireless charging mat that it unveiled at the event with a promise of a 2018 release date.
Apple’s lack of any mention of the device since then has caused a great deal of curiosity and speculation among pundits and notable industry commentators, leaving many to wonder what happened, or whether the device will appear at all this year (or ever).
We have managed to obtain several pieces of exclusive information that shed some light on what challenges Apple is currently facing with the project. According to our sources, the broad feeling of many working the project at Apple is that the device may be doomed to failure, and may not be viable at all unless significant advancements can be made. Continue Reading
Since the past few weeks, rumours and speculations are rife about the upcoming iPhones. And, as we are little over a month away from the launch event, more and more details have started to leaked out about the upcoming iPhones.
Just like last year, thanks to Sonny, DetroitBORG has got his hands on the 3 models of the 2018 iPhones. This has been in line with the previous rumours saying that Apple will once again launch three new iPhones in 2018. However, these are completely different from what we got last year. The 3 models that are going to be launched are :
iPhone X (2018?) : This is going to resemble the current iPhone X with the 5.8 inch bezel-less display, albeit with new specifications, second generation of FaceID and a new colour option, Gold. The 2018 iPhone X might also come with an upgraded camera.
iPhone SE 2 (left) iPhone X (right) screen protectors. SE appears to share the design, however smaller notch. pic.twitter.com/PCJaPkgAOR
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) June 1, 2018
Back in 2016, Apple launched the iPhone SE, a phone meant to please the crowd disappointed by the increasing screen sizes of iPhones and not willing to let go off of their older iPhones. And since then, Apple has been hush about any potential successors to the SE.
Today, courtesy of Sonny, we might have a new piece of information on the iPhone SE 2. Sonny tweeted out an image earlier today that supposedly shows off the screen protector for the upcoming iPhone SE alongside the screen protector for the iPhone X
Talking about the similarities, the screen protector for the SE has a cutout for the infamous notch just like the iPhone X. And the aspect ratio of the screen looks somewhat similar to the X.
Back in 2014, Amazon shocked the world with the first Echo smart hub. Five years on, you can find its Alexa smart assistant powering smart hubs in homes around the world. But, despite its ubiquity, the Amazon Echo isn’t the best smart hub (or smart speaker, for that matter) on sale. Its easily-confused AI and middling sound quality mean that there are better options out there. The original Echo was a device that genuinely changed the tech market. Sure, we were all familiar with Siri on iPhones, but the idea of having a voice controlled speaker was new. Since 2014, Amazon has introduced more Echo variations than you can shake a stick at. All of Amazon’s Echo devices are powered by Alexa, the company’s smart assistant. It’ll play music, control your smart home devices, perform internet searches, check the weather, and let you buy products from Amazon, as well as plenty more bespoke skills. Continue Reading
If you know me, you know I love golf. When it comes to the best in the game, there is only one name that matters. Callaway. For the past couple of months there’s been a lot of chatter in the pro-golf scene about a driver that is supposed to be a “game changer.” The new driver is equipped with technology that is apparently revolutionary and golfers are excited to see the new tech. The mystery driver is none other than the Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic. I was ecstatic when Callaway reached out asking me to try it out, actually getting goosebumps when I received the message. There has been a great amount of hype surrounding the Callaway Great Big Bertha Epic line of drivers since rumors began some time ago. Much of this has to do with Callaway touting their breakthrough “Jailbreak Technology” as a huge jump in driver performance. There are two models in the line, the Standard Great Big Bertha Epic, and the Great Big Bertha Epic Subzero. Both Clubheads feature the coveted new Jailbreak Technology as well as Callaway’s premier Exo Cage Construction, which allows Callaway to incorporate more carbon fiber support into the design of the clubhead. This allows for weight to be redistributed to different areas of the clubhead in order to boost performance.
The standard Great Big Bertha Epic driver features a sliding track movable weight system which can be used to alter ball flight. The sliding track is similar in design to what was offered in Great Big Bertha from 2015 with a few slight differences. Namely, the weight in the track has been increased from 10 grams in the previous version, to 17 grams in the new version. The heavier weight will increase the effect it has on the ball flight, allowing for more correction for people who tend to miss left or right. The placement of the track has been changed as well. The 2015 version had the track positioned more in the heel compared to the new Epic, and it was great for golfers who missed to the right. The problem was that there really was not a setting that worked well for golfers whose miss was to the left. The placement of the track in the new Epic driver is more neutral, with equal heel and toe settings. This allows for similar heel settings to create the same draw biased ball flight from the previous model, while also providing an option for a toe setting that will create a fade biased ball flight. A heavier weight in the track, along with repositioning the track will help the new Epic Driver fit a wider range of golfers. This driver is available in clubheads that have 9, 10.5, and 13.5 degrees of loft. All utilize Callaway’s optifit hosel, which has different loft settings ranging from -1 to +2, along with a neutral and draw lie angle setting. Combined there are 8 different OptiFit settings to help further dial the player in.
It is 2018 and Apple has recycled the same design for its iPhones right from the beginning, at least on the front anyways. The iPhone desperately needs a refresh and if the latest rumours to be believed, we are going to get exactly that with the 2017 iPhone.
This leak comes from none other that Sonny, who has been a trusted source in terms of Apple leaks. In his latest video, Marques Brownlee (a.k.a MKBHD) goes hands on with what is supposed to be the iPhone 8 model. This prototype is what case manufacturers get to design the cases for upcoming phones. And it there are high chances that the upcoming iPhone might have the exact design and dimensions
Talking about the design, this model sports an edge to edge display with a cutout at the top for the front facing camera, the earpiece and sensors. This goes in line with what we have seen in the recent iPhone silhouette found in the Home Pod firmware. And that’s not all that is new with the design. The back of the phone is now made out of glass, accommodating the vertical dual camera setup with the flash in between the two lenses.
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It is believed to carry some form of Beats technology, and is expected to run an variant iOS
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) April 27, 2017
With the advent of smart speakers coupled with digital assistants, it’s only a matter of time that major tech companies get into this segment of smart home devices. We have already seen an implementation of it by Amazon. The Amazon Echo was released a couple of years ago and since then, there hasn’t been any new development in this segment.
This might change with Apple’s entry into the market, though. Sonny, the man famous for leaking details regarding unreleased Apple devices, has leaked several details regarding Apple’s upcoming smart speaker. According to him, The Cupertino based company is working on finalising the design of it’s upcoming speaker, internally know and “B238”. The speaker is rumoured to run a version of iOS and is going to be marketed as a Siri/AirPlay device. The device will also reportedly include Beats speaker technology along with Alexa-like functionalities.
To understand the iPhone today, and how it has shaped Apple and pushed the world forward, it’s important to have a sense of perspective. A critical part of that is understanding how it all started – where the iPhone of today got its roots. Back in the beginning, there were two iPhone projects, the P1 and P2. Tony Fadell had the clout of being “Godfather” of the iPod, but Scott Forsall had been working with Steve since NeXT. The iPhone P2 is what came to be known as the original selling model of the iPhone, paving the foundation of where we are today, 10 years in the future.
Now, where does this concept of multiple projects fit in Apple’s process? P series devices are the first step of any product. They are the earliest stage of real prototyping, they hardly ever get out of Apple, and are the hardest devices to find. They often make hundreds of small little iterations but rarely have finished materials on them. These iPhones, being P devices, have plastic screens, raw bezels, and unfinished home buttons, and do not usually function as complete finished projects. Think of them as Apple’s proofs of concept. Continue Reading
While it has always been known that Apple considered a variety of ideas when they were deciding to enter the mobile phone market (with ex employees discussing it behind closed doors, as seen in this Cult Of Mac article, not much was known about alternate versions of the iPhone until now.
Much like the first production iPhone, the prototype features many of the same features including an aluminium chassis, multi-touch compatible screen, 2G connectivity and WiFi radios. However, despite carrying a similar design, the phone itself is extremely different from the iPhone we know today.
Instead of the modern touch-driven interface we now call iOS, it featured an operating system dubbed “Acorn OS” (this was an internal code name, and it unclear if it would have kept that name if it had been released), which is derived from the acorn shown on boot. It presents an on-screen click wheel, which took up the bottom portion of the screen, and on the other half of the screen, a UI identical to the one found on the beloved iPod, with options such as “Dial”, “SMS”, “Music”, “Contacts” and “Recents”, however lacking a browser option. The interface is interacted with in the same way an iPod would be operated. Continue Reading