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AirPods Pro 3 vs. Hearing Aids: A Comparative Test

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I didn’t think too much when I asked my partner to repeat what they said. But I found myself doing it again and again. Eventually, my audiologist confirmed that I had moderate high-frequency hearing loss due to years spent near loud noises in a war zone. I needed hearing aids. The options she presented were around $7,000.


The price tag had a greater impact on me than the diagnosis itself. In the U.S., hearing aids generally lack insurance coverage, requiring out-of-pocket payment. I found a feasible alternative at Costco, where I bought the Jabra Enhance Pro 20s for $1,600. It took a month for me to adapt to the digital adjustments, but I finally restored my ability to hear normally.

Now, there’s another possibility: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249. They cater to 28.8 million Americans who require hearing aids but avoid them due to cost, stigma, or sheer obstinacy. The FDA gave the green light for its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2, as an over-the-counter hearing aid in September 2024, and the new version is reported to provide even more fidelity. A friend gifted me a pair for my birthday, offering the ideal chance to evaluate their performance in everyday situations.

Apple AirPods Pro 3




Photo: Provided by Amazon
$249 on Amazon

$249 at Walmart

Nearly 50 million Americans see that only 16% of adults between 20 and 69 with some hearing loss have ever used hearing aids. The consequences can be severe: adults with hearing loss are 58% more likely to be unemployed and earn 25% less when they are. Untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia, as highlighted by the 2020 Lancet Commission.

The average American tends to wait 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to seek assistance. Financial constraints are often the primary barrier to treatment, with traditional hearing aids running anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. Stigma also plays a role—no one relishes the idea of appearing older.

Assessing Hearing Loss




Photo: Club Photo/Getty Images

Before utilizing AirPods as a hearing aid, you can complete a 10-minute self-test to pinpoint the specific areas of hearing loss or upload the results of a professional audiogram from an audiologist. I had just undergone such an exam 18 months prior and compared the lab results to what Apple could offer.

My clinical examination indicated typical noise-induced damage: mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss, particularly at higher frequencies where consonants are detected. iPhone tests conducted in my quiet home office matched this pattern but with less intensity. My average loss registered at 33-34 dBHL (decibel hearing level), compared to 35-45 dBHL from my audiologist.


“AirPods won’t match the precision of calibrated devices in a testing booth, but they’re surprisingly effective,” noted Dr. David Zappala, president of the American Academy of Audiology. “The improvements from prior models and other devices are distinct…A standard audiogram can have a variation of plus or minus 5 dB, so a 10 dB difference falls within expected fluctuations.”

After a day of comparing my professional audiogram to the profile generated by Apple, certain distinctions emerged. The iPhone settings dulled some sibilance; the “s” sound lost sharpness, and hard consonants like “k” and “d” were slightly punchy. Still, conversational clarity remained intact. My partner noticed no differences in the sound of my voice, regardless of the device I was using.

Do AirPods Really Compete with Hearing Aids?




Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian

Sound quality: Jabras aim for “acoustic transparency,” enabling ambient sounds to blend seamlessly with enhanced audio, achieving a natural listening experience. They perform adequately in restaurant settings by distinguishing speech from background noise.

AirPods create what I refer to as “amplified reality.” The sound is bright and clear, yet retains a digital sheen that never completely subsides.

Battery life: No issues here. My Jabra lasts 24-30 hours on a single charge, while the AirPods last up to 10 hours. Although a quick 15-minute charge can extend usage by about 3 hours, it’s essential to consider your schedule regarding charging opportunities.

Occlusion effect: This effect results in a muffled sound when the ear canal is blocked, resonating within the skull and altering voice perception. Both devices seek to mitigate this issue, albeit in different ways.

Jabra design does not fully seal the ear, allowing external sounds to blend naturally with the amplified audio. On the other hand, AirPods close off the ear, requiring all incoming sounds, including one’s voice, to undergo digital processing, potentially making it sound overly loud.




Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian

Social recognition: Jabra is nearly invisible, with a small clear wire extending into my ear from a discreet component behind my ear. My partner mentions that people need to be looking carefully to even notice them.

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Conversely, AirPods are quite noticeable. Most people assume I’m listening to music, but there are instances when they hesitate to engage with me, thinking I could either be busy with music or on a call. Once I’ve clarified that I’m using them as a hearing aid, conversations flow as usual, often with surprise over AirPods’ capabilities.

Real-World Limitations

In noisy environments: At social gatherings and bars, Jabra effectively manages overlapping dialogues, while AirPods might unintentionally amplify the wrong audio or create confusion amid multiple conversations.

Music: It’s no surprise that AirPods outperform Jabras in music performance. AirPods leverage the same audiogram to enhance media streaming. Listening to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, each instrument stood out vividly; whereas Jabra rendered music resembling a small AM radio, which didn’t meet my expectations. But then again, that’s not their primary function.

Cost

My $1,600 Jabra package included three years of complimentary tune-ups, cleaning, and customer support. In contrast, AirPods ($249) lack any professional assistance. If you can’t adjust the amplification to match your specific hearing loss, you’re left with only Apple’s algorithms and some trial and error.


Who Should Buy What?




Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian

Consider AirPods Pro if:

  • You have mild to moderate hearing loss.

  • You need occasional situational support rather than all-day use.

  • You frequently use an iPhone or AirPods.

  • You want to test hearing aids before committing significant funds.

Stick with traditional hearing aids if:

  • You have moderate to severe hearing loss.

  • You need batteries that endure all day.

  • You can afford higher costs.

  • You want professional support.

If You’re Unsure, Give Them a Try

While AirPods Pro 3 aren’t flawless hearing aids, at $249, they serve as an excellent first choice for the 28 million Americans who haven’t sought treatment for hearing loss. They are accessible, budget-friendly, and help reduce stigma.

I primarily rely on my Jabra, a specialized device made for one purpose. However, I keep AirPods handy for music and calls, and occasionally, I prefer something that doesn’t sit deeply inside my ear canal. Sometimes, you can achieve 80% effectiveness for just 15% of the price.

If you think you could benefit, I encourage you to try them. You might catch a distant chat with your grandchild or a joke you missed at a dinner gathering.

“When I suggest them, I’m guiding people to opt for an easy first step,” Zappala states. “Try AirPods. There’s minimal risk in terms of money or time. Even if they fall short, you’ll still enjoy your music.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review: A Durable Foldable Smartphone with Enhanced Dust Resistance

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Google has introduced its third-generation foldable phone, now the first completely waterproof and dustproof model on the market. It’s touted as being more robust than any existing phone, featuring cutting-edge AI and a collection of adaptive cameras.


The Pixel 10 Pro Fold enhances last year’s highly praised 9 Pro Fold by eliminating the hinge mechanism along the spine. This improvement addresses the dust issue that has plagued previous foldable devices, thereby elevating its usability beyond that of typical flat phones.

However, similar to other foldable smartphones, the Pixel comes with a hefty price tag of £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/AU$2,699), significantly higher than the £1,199 Pixel 10 Pro XL and comparable to the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.




According to Google, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s innovative gearless hinge can endure over ten years of folding. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Beyond the enhanced durability, there are minimal design modifications compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outer display is marginally larger due to slimmer bezels, and both screens are a bit brighter. When closed, the Fold is perfectly shaped for mobile tasks, while its spacious internal screen elegantly accommodates two full-sized apps side-by-side.

Nonetheless, the Pixel feels quite hefty and somewhat bulky in contrast to Samsung’s unexpectedly slim and lightweight Z Fold 7. Weighing in at 258g, it’s comfortable to handle and fits in your pocket, yet remains notably thicker than standard phones and its modern competitors.




The inclusion of Qi2 charging compatibility enhances its versatility with various magnetic accessories, including the Superior Magnetic Accessories. Twelve South Curve Nano stand (left) and QDOS SnapStand Qi2 Charger (right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Google Tensor G5 chip utilized across the Pixel 10 lineup, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Its performance aligns with that of the Pixel 10 Pro, providing snappy responsiveness and managing tasks effortlessly. Nonetheless, for the top frame rates in high-end gaming, a device with Qualcomm’s premier Snapdragon chip has an advantage.

As with all foldable models, the Fold’s battery life shifts significantly based on which display you predominantly use. With approximately 5 hours of active screen time on a bright day, evenly split between the inner and outer displays while mostly on Wi-Fi, the Pixel achieved around 38-40 hours between charges. On heavily 5G days with extensive screen usage, it lasted about 28 hours, concluding the day with 25% battery remaining. While this isn’t unacceptable, it certainly lags behind its top competitors and larger screens such as the Pixel 10 Pro XL.




To achieve a full charge, it takes 90 minutes and reaches 50% in just 30 minutes with a 30W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately). It also supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Off-screen: 6.4 inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED (408ppi)

  • In the screen: 8 inch 120Hz OLED (373ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto, 2 x 10MP selfie cameras

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, UWB, Thread, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters)

  • Dimensions when folded: 155.2×76.3×10.8mm

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 155.2×150.4×5.2mm

  • Weight: 258g

Android 16, Magic Cue, Gemini




If you’re running two apps simultaneously on your screen, you can slide one out of the way for additional space. Tap it to restore the app to full screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Android 16 software found across the Pixel 10 Pro lineup, featuring a vibrant and colorful exterior while integrating advanced AI tools throughout the device.

Key features include the Gemini chatbot, which can observe and interpret user interactions, engage with different apps, and overall provide greater utility. Additionally, there’s an innovative real-time translation system for calls, replicating the caller’s voice directly.

A notable addition is Magic Cue, a discreet assistant that functions in the background, synthesizing information from various Google services and presenting it when pertinent. For example, if a friend texts asking for flight details, it can suggest corresponding information from your calendar for easy sharing. Likewise, when contacting a business, relevant order details from Gmail are displayed in your phone app.

Moreover, the Fold has been optimized to fully utilize the expansive internal display. A taskbar at the bottom facilitates quick app placement into split screen mode. Similar to the Honor Magic V5 and OnePlus Open, it allows for resizing apps across the screen’s borders, offering increased adaptability when multitasking with two apps.

The Fold also includes subscriptions for Google AI Pro at £19 a month for the first year, granting access to more robust Gemini AI models along with 2TB of cloud storage for photos, documents, and emails. The device is also eligible for software updates until October 2032.

Sustainability




The recycled aluminum framework offers a premium and sturdy feel. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is rated to endure over 1,000 full charging cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone can be repaired by Google, at third-party services, or through self-repair options with available manuals.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comprises 29% recycled materials by weight, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. The company provides insights on the lifecycle impacts of its products in its report and offers to recycle old devices for free.

Camera




The camera application offers multiple functionality modes, but shooting images is most efficient when the Pixel is closed, much like a traditional smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro Fold features a camera system comparable to last year’s 9 Pro Fold and the new Pixel 10. It includes a 48MP primary camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera that can outperform rivals in its class, along with two 10MP selfie cameras.

The primary camera captures excellent images across various conditions, though some blurriness and graininess may occur in low-light scenarios. Google’s Night Mode remains the industry’s best for darker environments. The ultra-wide-angle camera performs well, and the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens effectively closes distances to subjects, although detail may falter in less-than-ideal lighting. While the camera consistently delivers high-quality photos and videos, it doesn’t entirely meet the high standards expected from the Pixel 10 Pro line at this price point.

The Fold comes with unique features such as the ability to utilize the main camera for selfies, alongside various shooting modes that engage both displays while at a partially folded position. A captivating “Made You Look” option plays a lively animation on the outer screen that captures your child’s attention, allowing you to seize the perfect moment. Regrettably, this feature employs one of the selfie cameras instead of the primary one, prioritizing fun over quality.

Price

Pricing for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/2,699 AUD).

For reference, the Pixel 10 is priced at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at £1,199. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 retails for £1,799, while the Honor Magic V5 is available for £1,699.99.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents a subtle improvement over last year’s exceptional 9 Pro Fold, but its true influence may unfold in the future. As the first genuinely dustproof foldable device, it establishes a new durability standard, gradually aligning itself with conventional flat phones.

That said, the inner screen is inherently softer than regular tempered glass to accommodate folding, necessitating careful handling to avoid marks.

The addition of Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging support is a valuable enhancement for the Fold, as it is across other Pixel models. This phone offers impressive speed, reasonable battery life, efficient software, and leading-edge AI capabilities. The camera is competent for foldable devices, though it doesn’t quite match up to regular smartphones.

The Pixel does a commendable job of functioning as a standard phone when closed and a versatile tablet when expanded, though it is bulkier and heavier than the noticeably sleeker Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Pros: Combines the functionality of a phone and tablet, waterproof and dust resistant, supports Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging, fantastic tablet display, powerful performance, excellent camera with 5x zoom, rich AI features including Magic Cue, accompanied by a year of Google AI Pro service, and 7 years of software updates.

Cons: High price point, more fragile than standard devices, costly repairs, thicker and heavier, the camera doesn’t rival the regular Pixel 10 Pro, battery performance could improve, and lacks advanced features for power users in comparison to competitors.




In its closed form, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold approximates the size of an ordinary smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Messaging Without a Phone

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The newest upgrade to Garmin’s leading Fenix adventure watch introduces potentially life-saving capabilities: independent communication and emergency messaging through 4G or satellite.


The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already remarkable Fenix 8, incorporating new cellular technology as well as an advanced microLED display in a special edition of the watch. As Garmin’s flagship model, it’s designed to be your comprehensive tool for exploration and tracking.

This ambitious design comes at a high cost, starting from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, AU$2,300) for the 47mm OLED variant, and £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/AU$3,399) for the 51mm model with a microLED screen, nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You get remarkable value with top-tier exercise, activity, and adventure tracking capabilities. If you find yourself lost without your phone, an extensive offline map of the world will guide you back. It boasts a stunning, large, clear, and exceptionally bright touchscreen.


The Fenix 8 Pro is thicker and heavier than the regular Fenix 8 by 2.2 mm and 4 g, respectively, giving it a rather bulky presence on the wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fenix 8 Pro is offered exclusively in case sizes of 47mm or 51mm, lacking the smaller 43mm option available in other Garmin models, making it suitable for larger wrists. Nevertheless, the 47mm OLED version we examined supplies an additional day of battery life for smartwatch usage with the screen continuously on, lasting 8-9 days between charges.

Messaging, Calls, and Live Tracking Without Phone

Garmin utilizes its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription services, rather than depending on a watch plan linked to a smartphone provider like other smartwatches. However, unlike satellite-enabled devices from Apple and Google, emergency SOS messaging isn’t offered for free.

Plans begin at £7.99 per month or its equivalent, offering unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls, and services. LiveTrack enables location sharing, allowing friends and family to monitor your whereabouts while engaging in activities like running or cycling, and providing emergency satellite SOS messaging as well.


Establishing and activating an inReach subscription can be relatively time-consuming, but it’s a one-time process. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Satellite check-ins and text messages incur extra costs, escalating to an unlimited plan of £50 monthly for higher-tier options that provide various satellite allowances. The watch includes a 30-day free trial enabling you to test the service.

Once configured, simply step outside without your phone, and your watch will connect to LTE. While it can’t stream music, you can make calls, send texts, and stay in touch with loved ones.


Messages—including texts, reactions, audio messages, and transcriptions—will display on your watch as well as in the recipient’s Garmin Messenger app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

When you send a text, Garmin transmits an SMS from a random number, and the recipient can reply directly to your watch. Install the Garmin Messenger app to send and receive both text and voice messages as well as making voice calls. Recipients don’t need a Garmin account; a phone number is all that’s required to register for text messaging.

Messaging on the smartwatch functions adequately, but typing on the small onscreen keyboard can be slow. It also includes customizable quick replies for faster interactions. Voice messages and calls work fine, though the quality may not be ideal for lengthy conversations.

LiveTrack is an especially valuable feature. You can configure it to automatically send a link to select contacts when you start an activity, allowing them to track your real-time location on a map. This feature is fantastic for monitoring progress during races and primarily acts as a safety measure for someone you trust to know your whereabouts. The actual location may experience slight delays when transitioning in and out of a strong LTE signal, but it generally performs well.


To transmit a satellite message, your watch must be oriented correctly, with a clear view of the sky. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All these features are accessible on other Garmin watches as long as you have your phone, but in locations where LTE coverage is absent, the Fenix 8 Pro activates satellite communication for sending texts, location check-ins, and emergency SOS notifications.

The guide provides instructions on how to establish a line of sight to a satellite and to send and receive messages within approximately 10 to 30 seconds. While this function is remarkably user-friendly and can prove to be a critical lifesaver, it’s essential to understand that satellite coverage is confined to the continental U.S., most of Canada, and much of Europe, excluding certain regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north latitude.

Sustainability

Watches are typically optionally repairable as explained on the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly recharging. Currently, this model contains no recycled materials. Garmin provides a recycling program for new purchases.

Price

Pricing for the Fenix 8 Pro begins at £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). Optional Garmin inReach subscription plans are available starting at £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the existing Fenix 8, transforming it into an exceptional adventure watch by adding LTE capabilities for messaging, calling, and LiveTrack, alongside satellite messaging, check-ins, and emergency SOS features when a signal is unavailable.

The result is an even more powerful adventure tool for those seeking to go phone-free. If you’re looking to have someone monitor your safety while you’re out at night or in remote areas, Garmin provides this capability without the need for additional devices.

While it is liberating to venture outdoors without your phone, this convenience comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of the watch’s significant cost and the ongoing subscription fee for the inReach service. At least it is independent of phone providers, working with any smartphone brand or network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is an excellent choice for those who prefer not to carry the bulk of their phone while running, cycling, or hiking but still want to remain trackable and reachable. For others, it might feel excessive, especially given that the excellent Fenix 8 model is readily available.

Pros: Track everything with LTE and satellite messaging, an ultra-bright OLED display, best-in-class GPS, an integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, over 8 days of battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify access, 100m water resistance and 40m diving capability, with both button and touchscreen functionalities.

Cons: High price point, LTE and satellite features require a monthly subscription, limited banking support for Garmin Pay, sluggish voice functionalities, and smartwatch features are comparatively limited compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Mixtapes to Pro Junk Footy: Unveiling the Most Exciting Australian Indie Games at SXSW Sydney 2025

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The undeniable truth is that SXSW Sydney, now in its third year, continues to be a hub for technology, music, and film in Austin, Australia, surrounded by brands. On Saturday, families attending a complimentary children’s concert navigated through the vibrant yellow CommBank Tour Zone, while queues formed at the enormous L’Oréal tent. Yet, just a short distance away in the gaming hall of the International Convention Center, the brand’s presence was noticeably subdued.

As the global gaming sector grapples with an ongoing recession, major studios remain cautiously distant from Australia due to the high cost of living. Even amidst a conference buzzing with brand synergy, indie developers took the spotlight. Large development teams were scarce; the majority of projects showcased were from solo creators or small partnerships. Reflective of the broader Australian gaming landscape, these indie developers were impressively ambitious.




A still from Mixtape, the new game developed by Melbourne’s Beethoven and Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive. Photo: Beethoven and Dinosaurs/Annapurna Interactive

Australia’s two standout titles in the showcase, though still feeling somewhat subdued, gained significant attention. SXSW’s Game of the Year, Mixtape, from veteran developers Beethoven and Dinosaur (who brought us the delightful psychedelic adventure The Artful Escape in 2021) and the mid-sized American publisher Annapurna Interactive, tells a humorous ’90s coming-of-age story blending Edgar Wright-type comedy with the animation style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

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Set to release later this year, the game promises a nostalgic journey through the joy of youth. Imagine Devo downhill skating on a lazy afternoon with cassette tapes playing in the background. Think of headbanging to Silverchair on a road trip or sneaking booze into parties while evading cops with erratic shopping carts. My 20-minute demo left me beaming, with at least one standout joke causing a fit of laughter.

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In contrast, the concept behind Pro Jank Footy emerges. Co-creators David Ashby and Tyler Roach, known from the series Danger 5, have cautiously ventured into gaming with support from film distributor Umbrella. This game offers a whimsical, arcade-style take on AFL reminiscent of SNES-era sports titles. After each goal, the losing team selects one of three comical power-ups (like attacking seagulls, oversized players, or resetting the score to zero) before the game resumes. During a live demonstration at Tumbalone Park, hosted by Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly, who also features in the game, a small audience of families gathered, while a few brave souls took to the stage, risking embarrassment for the chance to win a scarf and seemed to enjoy themselves.

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Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly engaging with the audience during Pro Jank Footy’s live stage demo at SXSW Sydney. Photo: Samuel Graves/SXSW Sydney

Highlights emerged even from games featuring less ambitious concepts. One standout was the dynamic shooter Hyper Primate, where you embody a monkey, armed with various makeshift wooden guns, battling other animals in pursuit of a colossal floating banana. While the game has an intentionally rough aesthetic, the movement mechanics felt incredibly refined as you zoomed through jungle arenas.

Another impressive title was a solo project called Huedini, an exhilarating top-down game where you swiftly match colors to evade and consume enemies and obstacles. Even a brief gameplay session revealed that its seemingly simple mechanics could evolve into mind-bending complexity.

The Victorian Government’s strong backing for indie developers continues to yield benefits, with several projects funded by VicScreen, including Huedini. Other notable selections from this group included Way to the Woods, a stunning adventure game where you guide a deer and fawn endowed with light powers through a verdant city, and a captivating puzzle game, Letters to Arralla, where you decipher photo-based addresses in a serene island community populated entirely by root vegetables. South Australia also showcased a robust lineup, including Pro Junk Footy and a satisfying minimalist cube-rolling puzzle game, Toya, which felt like a serene reprieve amidst a bustling exhibition floor.

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A still from Way to the Woods by Melbourne developer Onepixel.dog. Photo: Onepixel.dog

Even international participations largely embraced the grassroots ethos of the showcase. While most games, except for Sony’s Ghost of Yourei, weren’t playable, the discussions garnered good attendance. Exceptional projects from small teams included A Week in the Life of a Non-Social Giraffe, a point-and-click puzzle game centered on social anxiety from the U.S., Abyss X Zero, a 3D action game akin to Zelda from Brazil, and Crescent County, a pastel-themed broom racing simulator from a UK developer.


A recurrent critique of SXSW Sydney has been its pricing, with the least expensive one-week access pass costing over $100. This year, however, the final day’s exhibition entry was free, resulting in a vibrant crowd of families and children. Highlights included party games like Cow Chess, a project by a Sydney-based duo that bore no resemblance to cows or chess and felt like a fusion of Terry Gilliam’s Worms and Super Smash Bros., and Chained Beasts, a co-op Roman gladiator game where all players are interconnected by chains.

In truth, the plethora of indie games presented made it impossible to experience them all in a single day. While SXSW Sydney might be marked by corporate branding efforts, the indie spirit undeniably thrives, particularly in the realm of video games.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Review: New Design, Same Focus on Zoom

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The iPhone 17 Pro marks Apple’s most significant redesign in years, replacing the traditional titanium sides and all-glass back with a sleek aluminum unibody. It features a bold full-width camera bump on the back, offering a vibrant array of colors.


This alone makes the iPhone 17 Pro appealing for those eyeing an upgrade to the latest model. However, the price tag has increased to £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999), making it the first of Apple’s smaller Pro phones to breach the £1,000 threshold.

From the front, it resembles a modern iPhone, with a dynamic island that houses a selfie camera situated at the top of its impressively bright and smooth display. This is undoubtedly one of the best screens on any phone, though it’s similar to the upgraded display of the regular iPhone 17 this year.




Higher peak brightness and a new anti-glare coating help reduce reflections in bright light, enhancing outdoor usability. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The aluminum sides feature subtle rounding at the edges, providing a comfortable grip and minimizing slippage. Weighing over 200 grams, the phone leans towards the heavier side for a compact device.

A glass panel, slightly larger than a credit card, is embedded in the aluminum body to accommodate MagSafe or Qi2.2 chargers and accessories. The substantial metal “plateau” at the top houses a camera that surpasses the pixel camera bar in size. While aluminum won’t shatter upon impact like glass, it is prone to scratches, particularly around the edges of the plateau.




iOS 26’s home and lock screens exhibit a glass-like rounded appearance for text and icons. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Powered by iOS 26, the iPhone 17 Pro showcases Apple’s innovative “Liquid Glass” interface design, which generally performs well, although it introduces some transparency effects for buttons and other elements.

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.3in Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)

  • Processor: Apple A19 Pro

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: iOS 26

  • Camera: 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 4x zoom, and 18MP front

  • Connectivity: 5G, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 150 x 71.9 x 8.75mm

  • Weight: 204g

Faster, Cooler A19 Pro Chip




The iPhone fully charges via USB-C in 76 minutes, or reaches 70% in 30 minutes with a 40W adapter (not included), and can be charged using a QI2 25W charger in 96 minutes. Belkin Ultracharge 2-in-1. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with the new Apple A19 Pro chip, the 17 Pro is the first iPhone to feature a steam chamber cooling system. This technology, commonly seen in high-performance Android devices, dissipates heat from the chip throughout the phone, maintaining prolonged peak performance.

Extended gaming sessions lead to improved frame rates and reduced heat buildup, ensuring that the phone remains cooler than its predecessors.

The phone’s battery life is impressive, lasting around 42 hours on a blend of 5G and WiFi, with approximately 6 hours of active screen usage—around 2 hours longer than last year’s model. During heavy usage or gaming, the 17 Pro can still finish the day with roughly 25% battery remaining. Regular users may find they need to charge their phones every couple of days.

Sustainability




The camera plateau prevents the iPhone 17 Pro from wobbling on flat surfaces, unlike its predecessors. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is designed to endure over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Should you need a replacement, it costs £109, while a screen repair is priced at £349. Experts rated the phone a seven out of ten regarding repairability.

The device contains over 30% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple is transparent about the environmental impact of its products in its reports. Additionally, the company promotes trade-in and free recycling programs, encompassing non-Apple products.

Camera




The streamlined camera app automates most features, with many functions tucked behind a sliding button. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The rear boasts three 48MP cameras alongside an 18MP selfie camera, enhancing the front-facer with new capabilities.

The main and ultra-wide cameras are largely unchanged from last year, delivering impressive photos across various lighting scenarios, making them especially good for detailed street photography. The main camera provides twice as much crop zoom, yielding excellent detail and color in well-lit settings, though dim lighting may introduce some grain.

A key addition this year is the upgraded telephoto camera, featuring a 4x zoom at 48MP and 5x at 12MP. Much like the main camera, it allows for 8x crop zoom. It performs well in bright conditions, with some detail degradation at higher zoom levels, while remaining functional in indoor lighting as well.




The zoom capability stretches to a maximum of 40x magnification, with noticeable quality loss beyond 15-20x. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Each of the three cameras comes equipped with numerous features, including top-tier video capabilities, and the option to record simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras, creating a picture-in-picture effect. Apple’s automatic portrait mode excels by working with both objects and subjects.

Notably, the selfie camera has received its first significant upgrade in years, featuring an 18MP sensor that incorporates Apple’s Center Stage technology, previously seen in iPads and Macs. It allows for automatic panning and zooming to keep you framed during video calls, and you can widen the shot for landscape selfies while in portrait mode. This clever design addresses the challenge of fitting multiple people into a shot without reorienting the phone.

Price

The iPhone 17 Pro starts at £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999) for the model with 256GB of storage.

For context, the iPhone 16E is priced at £599, the iPhone 17 costs £799, the iPhone Air costs £999, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is listed at £1,199, the Google Pixel 10 Pro retails for £999, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is £1,099, and the FairPhone 6 is available for £499.

Verdict

The 17 Pro represents the most distinct iPhone evolution in years, and despite its functional variations from recent models, it is instantly recognizable.

Its new aluminum unibody design feels premium, although it may be more susceptible to scratches than glass. With top-notch performance and display, the battery life is commendable for such a compact device. Overall, it’s an excellent iPhone and a high-quality smartphone.

However, this year it faces competition from the Spotlight Super Susane iPhone Air and the enhanced standard iPhone 17.

The camera stands out as a significant differentiating factor, with the 17 Pro featuring superior camera capabilities, including a newly enhanced telephoto lens. This makes it one of the best camera phones available.

Consequently, for iPhone enthusiasts keen on excellent telephoto capabilities, the 17 Pro is the ideal choice—albeit at a premium price.

Pros: Enhanced 4x/8x telephoto, upgraded selfie camera, impressive display, USB-C, solid battery life, excellent performance, long-term software support, Face ID, and a compact design make it a remarkable camera.

Cons: Premium pricing, heavier than previous models, absence of cutting-edge AI features compared to rivals, and similar screen and size available in more affordable models.

Source: www.theguardian.com

AirPods Pro 3 Review: Enhanced Battery, Superior Noise Cancellation, and Improved Sound Quality | Apple

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Apple’s highly acclaimed AirPods Pro Bluetooth earphones have returned in their third generation, featuring an improved fit, extended battery life, built-in heart rate sensors, and enhanced noise cancellation, all while maintaining a look similar to their predecessors.


Although three years have elapsed since the previous version, these earphones remain exclusively white. The differences between them and earlier generations are subtle and require close inspection.

Priced at £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429), the AirPods Pro 3 is £30 less expensive in the UK than its predecessor at launch and features compatibility with AirPods 4.

The earphones have undergone slight shape refinements to enhance comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions exceeding three hours. The package includes five sizes of tips, but if you prefer non-silicone earphones, these won’t offer much difference.




The stems maintain their previous length, but the earphones’ shape has been optimized to better align the tips with the ear canal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Most functions are standard for modern earphones. Squeeze the stems for playback controls, swipe for volume adjustment, or remove them to pause music. They support features introduced with older Apple earphones, like the Shutter Remote Camera app and live translation using the translation app on your iPhone. The latter currently supports only English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish but works surprisingly well for casual conversations.

A notable drawback is that others still need to read translated speeches from their iPhones. This feature proves most useful for announcements and audio guides, especially for singular language translations in transportation hubs and museums.

One of the standout hardware features is heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the earbuds, similar to Apple’s PowerBeats Pro 2 fitness band. This can be utilized with over 50 workout tracking options via the Fitness app or select third-party apps on your iPhone. Its readings align closely with those from a Garmin Forerunner 970 or an Apple Watch during activities like walking and running. Additionally, the earphones boast an IP57 water resistance rating, making them more resilient to rain and sweat than previous models.

Battery life has improved, extending to at least 8 hours of playback, along with competitive noise cancellation on every charge, making them suitable for most listening durations.




The compact flip-top case provides two full charges for a combined playback time of 24 hours (6 hours shorter than the previous generation), with just 5 minutes of charging offering an hour of listening time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, UWB

  • Battery life: 8 hours of ANC playback (24 hours in case)

  • Water resistance: IP57 (buds and case)

  • Earphone dimensions: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0mm

  • Earphone weight: 5.6g each

  • Charging case dimensions: 47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8mm

  • Charging case weight: 44g

  • Case charging: USB-C, QI Wireless/Magsafe, Apple Watch

Richer Sound and Exceptional Noise Cancellation




The silicone tips are designed to slightly expand for a better seal, enhancing both music quality and noise cancellation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The audio experience with the third-generation AirPods Pro is impressive, offering louder playback with an expansive soundscape. They maintain powerful, well-regulated bass while enhancing the spaciousness of larger tracks. The sound is detailed and balanced, catering to various genres, with ample power when needed. However, like other Apple headphones, they can occasionally feel a tad clinical, lacking warmth and rawness in some tracks, which may lessen the impact of deep bass notes. Nevertheless, few earphones can outshine these in terms of price and size.

Apple’s implementation of spatial audio for movies is unrivaled, and while its efficacy in spatial music remains mixed, it provides an immersive experience with compatible devices and services.




The AirPods Pro offers the ideal blend of earphones and compact carrier, easily portable in your pocket. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Enhanced noise cancellation is arguably the most significant upgrade. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. In direct comparisons, the AirPods Pro 3 effectively mitigates street noise, including traffic sounds and engine roars. It stands up impressively against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6, renowned for their over-ear design.

They also excel in dampening disruptive high frequencies, such as keyboard clicks and conversations, making them well-suited for commuting and office environments.

Apple’s leading transparency mode is equally outstanding, allowing for natural sound experiences, as if the earbuds aren’t being worn at all. Sudden loud noises can be managed, making them handy in busy streets and while using hearing aids.

Call quality is superb, with my voice sounding clear and natural, whether in quiet settings or bustling environments, with only minimal ambient sounds noticeable during calls.

Sustainability




The charging case supports USB-C, Magsafe, QI, or Apple Watch charging, and includes new features like Limit Charging to prolong battery life. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple does not specify the expected battery lifespan. Typically, similar devices retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. The earphones are not repairable, but Apple provides battery servicing for £49 per earphone or case, with replacement for lost or damaged items starting from £79. Repair specialist iFixit graded these earphones a 0 out of 10 for serviceability.

Both the AirPods and their cases include 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailing the environmental impact of its earphones in their reports.

Price

The price for the AirPods Pro 3 is £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429).

For context, AirPods 4 starts at £119, while Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £250. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 retails for £199, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219, Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for £219, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at £300.

Verdict

AirPods Pro 3 takes an already impressive second-generation model and enhances virtually every aspect.

A longer battery life and a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions are welcome improvements. Additionally, proper water resistance and integrated heart rate monitoring cater well to fitness enthusiasts, particularly for activities like powerlifting where wearing a watch may not be practical. The live translation feature performs better than anticipated, despite its conversational limitations.

The standout element is the remarkably effective noise cancellation, comparable to top-tier over-ear headphones, while being much easier to transport.

Audiophiles may notice a slightly clinical sound profile, and full functionality requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Android phones, PCs, and gaming consoles may not offer the same features. However, the significant drawback remains its difficult repairability, a common issue for true wireless earbuds, diminishing its rating.

Pros: Highly effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency, water resistance, integrated HR monitoring, seamless controls, advanced features when paired with Apple devices like spatial audio, remarkable comfort, and a premium case with excellent call quality.

Cons: Challenging to repair, premium price, lacks high-resolution audio support, minimal functionality with Android/Windows, similar appearance to its predecessor, and only available in white.




The AirPods Pro 3 is among the finest earphones available, especially for iPhone users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Pixel 10 Pro XL Review: Google’s Superphone Boosted with AI and Magnetic Features | Pixels

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google’s Pixel SuperPhone returns, featuring enhanced battery life, rapid charging, magnetic accessories, and cutting-edge AI tools, aiming to challenge the dominance of Apple and Samsung in the mobile market.


The Pixel 10 Pro XL is Google’s largest smartphone, and it ranks among the biggest available in Europe and the US. Priced at £1,199 (€1,299/$1,199/$1,999), it sits at the pinnacle of the Pixel 10 Pro range, just below the forthcoming folding Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and competes head-on with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Similar in size to the previous generation, the 10 Pro XL boasts a slight increase in weight of 11g. It’s a sizable and hefty device that usually requires two hands for operation and benefits from accessories like grips or handles.


The device features a magnetic ring that allows for various Qi2 or MagSafe accessories, including grips, car mounts, wallets, stands, batteries, and more. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

It sports a large, bright OLED display that offers a superb viewing experience for TV shows and movies. The rear integrates QI2.2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support, positioning it as one of the few smartphones able to charge at up to 25W with the latest wireless chargers.

The 10 Pro XL carries the same Google Tensor G5 chip found in the entire Pixel 10 series, providing smooth and responsive performance. While it handles gaming adequately, those seeking top-tier graphics and frame rates may prefer competitors using Qualcomm’s premium Snapdragon processors, such as the S25 Ultra.

With the largest battery among the Pixels, the 10 Pro XL offers impressive longevity. It matches its predecessor, providing roughly 52 hours of use through a combination of Wi-Fi and 5G. Users can expect it to last through even the most demanding days, typically requiring charging every other day.


Charging is quick, taking under 90 minutes via cable and about 2 hours via a QI2 25W wireless charger. See the Ugreen Magflow 2-in-1 (left) or Belkin Ultracharge Pro (right) for options. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.8in 120Hz QHD+ OLED (486ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 50MP + 48MP UW + 48MP 5X TELE; 42MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm

  • Weight: 232g

Android 16 with AI


Magic Cue is among the most advanced AI features, working silently in the background to provide useful, timely information. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro XL operates on Android 16 software, enriched with AI capabilities similar to the 10 Pro, delivering one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated user experiences available. Google will offer updates until 2032.

Gemini Chatbot is integrated system-wide, complemented by a standalone app that visually displays screen content. The standout new feature, Magic Cue, operates in the background, proactively showcasing data from calendars, emails, chats, and other Google apps as needed. Whether providing location details when a friend texts about dinner or displaying an order confirmation when a recognized business calls, it seamlessly integrates with various Google and select third-party apps, although it currently does not support popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Moreover, the 10 Pro XL includes a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro, granting access to Google’s more powerful Gemini models and 2TB of cloud storage for photos, files, and emails (valued at £19 per month).

Camera


With the 10 Pro XL, you’re likely to capture stunning photos in various conditions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The camera system on the larger Pixels mirrors that of the 10 Pro, meaning the choice lies in the size rather than the camera quality. Its 50MP main sensor, complemented by a 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, provides some of the finest photo capabilities available. With a point-and-shoot approach on the Pro XL, you’re virtually guaranteed excellent results, irrespective of the conditions.

Additionally, several AI tools enhance the photography experience, including: Novel Camera Coach; Please Add Me that blends two photos to introduce the photographer into a group shot; and Best Take, which now operates automatically. By simply pressing the shutter button or combining multiple shots, you’re more likely to achieve group photos where everyone is looking at the camera.

Moreover, activating the Pro Res Zoom feature when exceeding a 30x zoom utilizes GenAI to restore details and clarity in images lost due to digital zoom. While results can vary, and the feature deactivates when it detects people, it often enhances blurry 100x zoom photos. It’s essential to note that this process interprets and reconstructs the image using AI, clearly indicated by the camera app. C2PA Content Credentials.

Overall, the Pixel camera system ranks among the best on the market, regardless of AI tool usage.

Sustainability


The fingerprint scanner at the bottom of the display is quick and accurate, enabling seamless unlocking. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Battery longevity is rated to exceed 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Repairs can be conducted through Google, authorized third-party providers, or via self-repair using available parts and manuals.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL includes 29% recycled materials by weight, such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tungsten, and tin. The company is committed to minimizing its environmental impact, as indicated in their Environmental Report, and offers free recycling of old devices through their platform.

Price

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is priced at £1,199 (€1,299/$1,199/$1,999) and is available in four color options.

For context, the Pixel 10 is priced at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 9a at £399. The Galaxy S25 Ultra retails for £1,249, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at £1,199.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro XL epitomizes a superphone with significant size, price, and functionality. If you appreciate the features of Google’s 6.3-inch smartphone but desire larger dimensions, this model is the ideal choice.

The camera stands out as one of the best, the display is stunning, and the software, which integrates Google’s most advanced AI features, is superb. The introduction of QI2.2 support accelerates wireless charging while providing access to a range of magnetic accessories, such as grips that facilitate handling larger devices.

While the pixels exhibit responsiveness, they don’t represent a groundbreaking upgrade from last year’s 9 Pro XL. Particularly regarding raw gaming performance, they fall short compared to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Pros: 7 years of software updates, 5x optical zoom and 10x AI zoom, excellent display, magic cues, stellar camera with impressive local AI capabilities, QI2.2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support, exceptional battery life, great ergonomics, swift fingerprint and face recognition, and a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro.

Cons: High price point, large and heavy, reliance on face ID, insufficient raw performance, inconsistent battery performance, lack of physical SIM slot in US models, and not a significant enhancement over its predecessor.


Please note, the Pixel 10 Pro XL lacks a physical SIM slot in US versions, relying solely on eSIMs. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: A Standout Small Phone in the Pixel Lineup

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The Pixel 10 Pro stands out as Google’s premier smartphone, compact yet powerful, enhancing the capabilities of the already impressive Pixel 10 and raising the bar in the camera category.

This model competes closely with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, delivering the finest Google hardware without the bulk of a large display. It’s also the most affordable among the trio of Pixel 10 phones, starting at £999 (€1,099/$999/$1,699), with the larger XL and tablet variants hybridizing 10 folds.

The 10 Pro bears a familiar resemblance to its predecessor, featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display that matches the Pixel 10 in size but is notably brighter, smoother, and sharper. As one of the top displays in the mobile realm, its refined aluminum edges and matte glass back exude a premium feel, though the color options are somewhat conservative compared to its less expensive counterparts.

With Qi2 support, magnetic chargers and accessories, such as the sleek Anker 5K Maggo, can effortlessly attach to the device’s back. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro is among the first devices to incorporate Qi2 wireless charging, allowing compatibility with a variety of magnetic accessories, including those designed for Apple’s MagSafe.

Under the hood lies Google’s latest Tensor G5 chip, offering approximately 35% improved speed over last year’s iteration, though it does not quite match the performance of Qualcomm’s top Android chips found in competing devices. The 10 Pro delivers a smooth user experience and performs well for gaming, although those seeking top-tier graphics may want to explore other options.

Boasting solid battery life, the Pixel enables a mix of 5G and WiFi usage lasting up to two days, with around 7 hours of active screen time. Most users will find they need to charge it every other day, but I managed to get through a heavy usage day in London, ending with approximately 25% battery remaining by midnight.

The Pixel 10 Pro fully charges in about 90 minutes with a compatible power adapter of 30W or more (not included), achieving 52% charge in just over 30 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.3in 120Hz QHD+ OLED (495ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 128, 256, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 50MP + 48MP UW + 48MP 5X TELE; 42MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, nano + eSIM (US: eSIM only), WiFi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm

  • Weight: 207g

Android 16 with AI Integration

Google’s version of Android is vibrant, user-friendly, and customizable within reasonable limits. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Running on Android 16, your phone will receive security and software updates until August 2032, keeping your device current over its lifespan. The software mirrors that of the regular Pixel 10, featuring a bold and colorful aesthetic.

Google has infused AI into various aspects of the phone’s operation, with many features powered by the recent Gemini Nano models. This ensures privacy since processing can occur directly on-device without needing to transmit data.

With Gemini Chat Bot, you can engage with apps, view visuals on-screen, capture content through the camera, or have live interactions through audio.

Magic Cue enhances numerous Google and third-party apps by offering quick access to contextual information derived from data stored on your phone. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

A standout feature is Magic Cue, which operates in the background by merging data from your Google account with your mobile data to provide assistance or quick recommendations in various Google applications. For instance, when you call a business, Magic Cue displays your card directly in the phone app, and order confirmations are readily accessible with a single tap when needed.

Magic Cue operates locally using around 10 days of data, helping to streamline operations without requiring extensive logs of your activities. It’s exclusive to Google and select third-party apps like eBay, limiting its functionality for users not utilizing compatible applications, such as WhatsApp.

The 10 Pro also includes a one-year subscription to Google AI Pro, which typically costs £19 per month, granting access to more advanced Gemini Pro models for image and video generation, along with 2TB of cloud storage across Google Drive, Photos, and Gmail.

Camera

The Camera app is user-friendly and versatile, offering various modes to enhance your photography experience, including manual controls. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro features an exceptional camera setup with a 42MP front-facing camera, a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, delivering up to 10x optical zoom quality. Notably, it debuts direct AI image processing in its camera, which raises intriguing questions about the nature of photography itself.

The primary camera is one of the industry’s finest, capturing a remarkable array of detailed images across varying lighting conditions. The ultrawide camera excels in landscapes and group shots, producing excellent macro photography results for engaging close-ups. The 5x telephoto lens is a highlight, providing exceptional performance even at 10x magnification, especially in good lighting.

Google’s smartphone excels in challenging lighting scenarios, handling bright or high-contrast scenes adeptly. In darker settings, Night Sight provides more accurate color representations compared to its competitors. Additionally, this year sees enhancements to the pixel portrait mode.

Zooming past 30x employs locally generated AI models to restore lost details during digital zooming, allowing users to choose between preprocessed and post-processed images. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

Zoom capabilities extend from 30x to 100x, utilizing a local generative AI model to recover lost details and sharpness during digital zooming. It generally performs well, although not flawlessly. AI-generated images may sometimes display inconsistencies in perspective or details. However, capturing predictable subjects like buildings, vehicles, and trees leads to solid results, making the 100x zoom surprisingly user-friendly.

When capturing people, the camera avoids using the Genai model, which might be the most suitable option. Yet, like all generative AI systems, it can occasionally struggle to produce coherent outputs, mirroring what often appears as alien-like scripts.

The camera application has integrated C2PA Content Credentials, documenting not only how images were taken but also whether generative AI was involved in their creation. Best Take functionality captures multiple images with a single press of the shutter button.

The 10 Pro also features AI camera coaching capabilities seen in the standard 10, providing users with guidance on scene composition and optimal shooting angles.

The camera comes loaded with entertaining photography and videography modes, solidifying the 10 Pro’s status as a leading contender in the market.

Sustainability

The front and back of the Pixel feature scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is designed to last through at least 1,000 full charge cycles, maintaining a minimum of 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by Google, third-party shops, or through DIY methods. A repair manual and accessible parts are available.

The Pixel 10 Pro comprises 30% recycled materials by weight, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tungsten, and tin. The company is transparent about the environmental impact of its phones and offers a program to recycle old devices free of charge.

Price

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is priced at £999 (€1,099/$999/$1,699), offering four color options.

In comparison, the Pixel 10 starts at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is available at £1,199, while the Pixel 9a can be found at £399. The Samsung Galaxy S25 retails for £799, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at £1,249, and the iPhone 16 Pro costs £999.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro does not radically reinvent the smartphone with its enhancements but builds upon the successes of the Pixel 10, itself a strong contender this year. Yet it still elevates market-leading camera capabilities alongside advanced AI integration.

It offers reliable performance, solid battery life, and an attractive design, though avid gamers may prefer options with superior graphics. Google’s version of Android remains among the best, offering years of support for longevity.

Several new features in Gemini provide enhanced convenience with fewer gimmicks. Magic Cue is a valuable tool that saves time without being intrusive, though it could benefit from broader app integration.

The incorporation of generative AI into the camera app refines the zoom experience, albeit it does blur the distinction of traditional photography. Debates about authenticity in photography will undoubtedly arise as usefulness and novelty intersect.

The Pixel 10 Pro is among the finest compact smartphones available, showcasing just how sophisticated Google’s AI tools have become, surpassing both Apple and its other competitors.

Pros: Seven years of software updates, 5x optical zoom, 10x AI zoom, Magic Queue, impressive local AI features, Qi2 wireless charging with magnetic accessory support, solid battery life, excellent display, ergonomic size, quick fingerprint and face recognition, and a year of Google AI Pro subscription.

Cons: Relatively high price, does not match facial recognition safety, lacks best-in-class raw performance, and the absence of a physical SIM card slot in the US, with no major improvements over the standard Pixel 10.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 Review: A Totally Rad Skateboarding Time Capsule | Games

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It’s almost amusing how effortlessly this remake of skateboarding games taps into my millennial nostalgia. The moment Ace shows up in the skater montage on the title screen, I’m transported back to the early 2000s, reliving memories of playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games in the messy bedrooms of teenage boys. Over two decades later, I can practically smell the lingering scent of Lynx Body Spray.

In 2020, the initial titles from Tony Hawk received a refined release driven by the resurgence of Y2K nostalgia. These games are combined into one package featuring refined controls and a refreshed aesthetic that preserves the original’s gritty vibe, a sentiment echoed in the releases of 3 and 4. Levels, skaters, and parks from the 2001 THPS3 and 2002 THPS4 are all included, alongside new faces from the sport, such as Riley Hawk.




“You can connect unconventional and dangerous combos.” Photo: Activision

I vividly recall these locations—factories, university campuses, snowy Canadian skate parks, and time capsules nestled in central London. Curiously, the zoo level features empty animal exhibits (why?), but otherwise, these tightly packed urban obstacle courses are quite familiar. (Sadly, the Skaterpunk soundtrack is not what it used to be—there are numerous omissions and disappointments, although some new tracks do help to soften the blow.) Between grabs, spins, flips, and manuals, you can string together wild and daring combos across the maps, discovering hidden semi-pipes amongst power lines and walls.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/J3nZ1FKLwHU?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 – Official Launch Trailer| Xbox Games Showcase 2025" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="




Check out the trailer for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

I have to admit, it’s not easy. My initial hours in these games were quite the experience. I struggled with the controller, falling over repeatedly as I tried to hit the minimum score during the two-minute runs. Have I always been this bad at these games? Regardless of my past muscle memory, I’m slowly piecing together my virtual skating abilities. There are now more complex movements and lateral tricks, making it feel like a more arcade-like experience compared to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, serving as a solid entry point for new players.

Like any real sport, it requires patience and practice: once the combos started flowing after several hours, it felt like a true release. I still don’t believe there’s a better skating game than the classic Tony Hawk.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will be available on July 11th, priced at £39.99.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Soundtrack Transformed My Musical Taste: A Band’s Reflection

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WIn the late ’90s and early 2000s, countless parents purchased Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater for their kids, unaware of the profound influence it would have on their musical tastes. From Bad Religion to Papa Roach and Millencolin, these games became the ultimate compilation albums, mirroring the failed spins and grinds their players experienced.

While FIFA games are known for their licensed soundtracks, they often feel detached. In contrast, the Pro Skater soundtrack felt like a raw, handmade mixtape, soaked in sweat and nostalgia from countless sessions at the local skatepark.

“Most bands were picked because they came from the skate scene. Even the hip-hop from the original punk era, which dominated the skate culture in the ’80s and ’90s, led to a realization: ‘I never thought I’d be a tastemaker, but my loyalty to the culture shaped that role,'” remarked one artist.

“Tony was deeply involved in punk rock,” shares Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake before their performance at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival. “Ultimately, he had to approve the bands for the soundtrack, which reassured me,” added Roger Lima from the same band: “Skating and music culture are so intertwined; it makes sense for there to be a truly authentic soundtrack.”

The influence of these games on participating bands has been unparalleled. “I recall playing previous iterations of THPS and dreaming about a chance to be featured,” shares AFI bassist Hunter Burgan. “Yet, we didn’t fully grasp the immense impact it would have long after we’d been on the soundtrack. I can’t tell you how many people have approached me over the last two decades saying THPS3 introduced them to AFI.”




“Tony had to approve the band on his soundtrack, so I felt better about it” … Less Than Jake. Photo: Piers Allardyce/Rex/Shutterstock

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater made me realize that all my closest friends were metalheads,” Demakes reflects. “I spoke with John Feldman of Goldfinger, and even though Superman wasn’t a worldwide hit, it became a breakthrough for them through the game.”

When the first Tony Hawk Pro Skater launched in 1999, those grey PlayStation discs served as vehicles for punk rock, introducing the genre to countless unsuspecting youth. Now, 25 years later, new artists are featured alongside the bands that originally shaped the game’s sound.

“These games have drastically shifted my musical preferences!” expresses Sammy Ciaramitaro, vocalist for hardcore band Drain. “They brought punk and a wealth of other incredible music to my childhood room.” Drain is one of the newer artists included in the soundtrack of the remake. “Our inclusion signifies the evolution of hardcore,” he adds. “We feel privileged to join forces with Turnstile and hope young players discover our music while gaming.”

Other bands like Ataris, which weren’t on Tony’s radar back then, dreamed of being featured in future installations. “We’ve matured alongside the Pro Skater franchise,” says bassist Mike Davenport. “During our rise in the late ’90s, we felt honored when our track ‘All Souls Day’ made it to the 2020 Pro Skater 1+2 remake.”

Davenport recalls moments from their tour: “On our tour bus, we were playing Pro Skater when our driver yelled, ‘Look outside!’ Suddenly, the TV flew towards us, and we instinctively swatted it away. Unfortunately, the TV and PlayStation perished, but we were spared.”




Davey Havok performed at AFI in 2007. Photo: Reuters/Aramie

After joining the franchise in 2002, Jake feels a sense of pride returning to the Pro Skater series decades later for the remake. “We’ve been around for 33 years, and it’s great to be invited to video games.”

“As long as there are gamers, there will be opportunities to connect them with music,” remarks Burgan.

This legacy of the Pro Skater soundtrack continues to resonate. There’s even a cover band dedicated to performing it live. “When they followed us on social media, I was shocked. I never thought he would actually perform on stage with us,” says one band member.

In a viral Instagram moment, Tony Hawk surprised the audience at the 900 in East London, joining Agent Orange and Goldfinger for a frenzied performance. “We’ll always be grateful for him showing up, especially since he appreciates bands covering songs from his game,” says Shaw.




“I can’t sing every song” … Tony Hawk at the 900 in London in 2022. Photo: Doug Young

“Five bands from the video game series have only performed covers,” Hawk stated. “My surprise appearance was a thrill. I’m proud of the soundtrack, but I can’t sing every song or recall the lyrics!”

Since the original Pro Skater, its soundtrack has continuously benefitted the featured bands. “I met Tony at a music festival recently,” shares Burgan from AFI. “His passion for music makes being part of THPS even more special.”

While the Pro Skater franchise solidified its legacy, Jake reflects on how easily it could have gone the other way.

“Imagine creating a product that missed the mark,” he chuckles. “But in Tony’s case, he had a fantastic game that kids embraced wholeheartedly.”

“Pro skater games might not have made an immediate impact,” Lima acknowledges. “But every aspect was effortlessly cool, monumental for us… we’ve lost count of how many times fans mentioned it. Check the comments on YouTube and you’ll see. Many haven’t heard of us until now.”

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is available now.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Nothing Phone 3A Pro – A Stylish Midrange Smartphone with Impressive Zoom Camera

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Nothing, based in London, has introduced a top-tier phone that stands out from cheaper mid-range models with its more affordable price and high-quality camera zoom.

The battle for mobile phone cameras has always been competitive, with each brand striving for better quality, longer reach, and multiple lenses. While many advancements have trickled down to cheaper models, optical zoom cameras have remained above the £600 mark.

Priced at £449 (459 Euro/$459/$849), Nothing’s offering is quite compelling.

The phone is based on the excellent 2A model, featuring striking “Glyph” LED strips that light up in intricate patterns for various notifications and functions.

The three “Glyph” light strips around the camera bumps are a visually appealing feature, especially when the phone is face-down. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The design of the phone is accentuated by the large camera cluster at the back, which protrudes significantly. The 3A Pro boasts glass on the front and back, with high-quality plastic sides.

Featuring a large and vibrant OLED screen, the phone also includes a fast optical fingerprint scanner located at the bottom of the screen.

specification

  • screen: 6.77in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (387PPI)

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3

  • Ram: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB

  • operating system: Nothing OS3.1 (Android 15)

  • camera: 50MP Main, 50MP 3X Tele, 8MP Ultra Addie, 50MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, ESIM, WiFi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and GNSS

  • water resistance: IP64 (spray resistant)

  • size: 163.5 x 77.5 x 8.4mm

  • Weight: 211g

The battery can fully charge in 80 minutes and reach 50% in 25 minutes using a 50W USB-C power adapter (sold separately). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 3A Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chip, offering a balance of performance without feeling sluggish. The battery life is impressive, lasting around 3 days with general use.

Running on Nothing OS version 3.1, the 3A Pro provides a unique user experience with customization options and AI tools like Gemini. The AI-powered screen capture and note-taking features show promise but may need further refinement.

The 3A Pro’s camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, 50MP 3X telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens, delivering solid performance and real optical zoom capabilities.

Sustainability

The dedicated button on the side of the phone provides quick access to screen capture and note-taking features. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Nothing promises the 3A Pro’s battery will maintain at least 90% capacity after 1,200 full charge cycles, showcasing its sustainability focus. The materials used in the phone’s construction include recycled aluminum, copper, plastic, steel, tin, and other elements.

price

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is priced at £449 (459 Euro/$459/$849).

Compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 8A and Samsung Galaxy A56, Nothing’s offering stands out with its unique design, camera capabilities, and long-term software support.

verdict

The Nothing Phone 3A Pro is a solid contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a combination of impressive features, sleek design, and long-term support.

Strong Points: A great camera with 3x optical zoom, interesting design, 6 years of support, excellent screen, solid performance, long battery life, excellent fingerprint scanner, and excellent software with splash resistance.

Cons: AI requires work and cannot customize additional buttons. Only three years of Android version updates have a huge camera cluster protruding from the back.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Beats PowerBeats Pro 2: Apple’s Top Headphones for Fitness and Performance

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Five years later, Apple is back with a complete revamp of its earphones, which rebranded the Beats Headphones brand for athletes and sports enthusiasts as the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Designed to be attached to the ear and placed without wires, the original PowerBeats Pro is the perfect earphone for workouts and was worn by sports superstars such as Lebron James and Anthony Joshua.

In 2025, Apple refined the fit, slimmed the bulk, added noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring to the original Powerbeats Pro, priced at $250, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the industry.

The overall design of the earphones remains the same, with a flexible silicone wire that hooks behind the user’s ears and connects to earphones with arms sitting in the ears. It is lighter and more secure than its predecessor, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions during commute and active exercise without any discomfort.

Each earphone includes a multi-functional “B” button for playback and noise cancellation control, as well as a volume locker for easy adjustments during workouts. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The earphones provide approximately 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation (10 hours without it) and come with a flip-top case that can charge the earphones three times. The case, which is 30% smaller than before, is still quite spacious and fits easily in a bag, but may be a bit bulky for pockets.

The PowerBeats Pro 2 features the same H2 chip and connectivity as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, offering seamless connections with various Apple devices, spatial audio for movies and music, audio sharing, SIRI support, lossless audio, and more when used with the Apple Vision Pro.

Additionally, the earphones support advanced Android features, making the Beats app more versatile than other Apple earphones, allowing for one-touch pairing, customization, updates, and other functionalities.

Great Sound Quality and Effective Noise Cancellation

Adjust noise cancellation and other settings using iPhone Bluetooth settings or the Android Beats app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The H2 chip equips the Powerbeats with many top features of AirPods, including active noise cancellation that is nearly as effective as Apple’s top buds, providing significant reduction of external sounds. The earphones handle wind noise well and boast the best-in-class transparency mode.

The new Powerbeats offer excellent sound quality, with great separation of tones, well-controlled bass, and detailed high notes. They perform well across various music genres, from pop and hip hop to classical and jazz. They may not match the AirPods Pro in sound adjustment capabilities, but they excel in most workout scenarios.

Additionally, they support Apple’s personalized spatial audio system for immersive sound experiences and offer exceptional call quality.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, HR sensor

  • Battery life: 8 hours ANC playback (36 hours with case)

  • Water resistance: IPX4 earphones (sweat resistant)

  • Earphone dimensions: 45 x 41 x 24mm

  • Earphone weight: 8.7g each

  • Charging case dimensions: 75 x 66 x 34mm

  • Charging case weight: 69g

  • Case charging: USB-C, QI wireless

Ear Heart Rate Monitoring

The optical heart rate sensor is located just inside the ear next to the silicon tip. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature an optical heart rate sensor that enables pulse monitoring through the ears, similar to Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport Earbuds. The sensor, located on the earphones’ inner side touching the tragus, achieves accurate pulse readings when both earphones are worn.

Data from the heart rate sensor is stored in the health app on iPhones or connected training apps for Android users, providing accurate and useful fitness tracking.

Sustainability

The PowerBeats Pro 2 case is sturdy and charges via USB-C and QI, but lacks water resistance and may be bulky for some users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple has not disclosed the expected battery lifespan, but it is estimated to endure over 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity. Additionally, the earphones incorporate recycled plastic in some internal components and offer individual replacements for lost or damaged parts.

While the earphones are not repairable, Apple supports trade-in and recycling programs for its products, including non-Apple devices, promoting responsible disposal and reducing environmental impact.

Price

The PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £249.95 ($249.99).

When compared to other models, the Beats Fit Pro is priced at £219.99, Beats Studio Buds+ at £179.99, Beats Solo Buds at £79.99, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 at £229, and Sennheiser Momentum Sport at £199.

Verdict

The PowerBeats Pro 2 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-notch features and performance for premium training earphones.

With secure and lightweight fit, effective noise cancellation, and heart rate monitoring, these earphones cater to a wide range of workout needs. They excel in sound quality, call quality, and offer platform compatibility with iPhone and Android devices.

While the price point may be high, the PowerBeats Pro 2 stand out as versatile and high-performance earbuds suitable for various activities, especially for iPhone users seeking a secure and reliable fit.

The main drawback is the non-replaceable batteries, which may impact the long-term sustainability and lifespan of the earphones.

Strong Points: Excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation and transparency mode, long battery life, secure and comfortable fit, user-friendly controls, spatial sound experience, excellent call quality, cross-platform compatibility with iPhone and Android.

Cons: High price point, bulky case, limited iPhone app support for heart rate monitoring features, lack of multipoint connection, non-replaceable batteries.

The music pauses when you remove the PowerBeats Pro 2, thanks to the sensor located on the earphones’ bottom. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Pro Players Share 7 Tips to Level Up in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 | Call of Duty

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LJust guessing, did you recently purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, wander into the multiplayer mode, and find yourself being brutally beaten by hundreds of teenagers with suggestive usernames? Don’t worry. That’s completely normal. Call of Duty has always been an arcade twitchfest of the online shooting scene, but Black Ops 6 has a whole new feel thanks to its omni-movement system that lets you dive, roll, and sprint in all directions. And all weapons have been completely redesigned. As Olivia Rodrigo said, it’s cruel.

So I asked two talented professional players, Ethan “Fifakill” Pink and Liam “Jukeyz” James, for some tips. Instead of laughing and pointing at me, they agreed.

use the correct gun

If you’re new to CoD, stick with assault rifles or submachine guns [SMGs] – These are suitable for Black Ops 6’s small maps and intense engagement speed. “My favorite assault rifle” [AR] Probably Model L, but very good experts agreed not to use it, so we moved to AMES,” Jukeyz says. “The SMG is either the Jackal, which is fun to use, or the KSV, which is more difficult but way too powerful.”

Fifakill, on the other hand, recommends Kompakt 92. However, if you are a mid-range player, I think the Model L Assault Rifle is a very good option. It takes time to unlock, but it’s worth the effort – Super TTK [time to kill] and very low recoil.


Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Photo: Activision

Become a gunsmith

The Gunsmith is where you can make modifications to your weapons, which are essential to gaining an advantage in combat. “For the majority of players, it’s best to start by reducing recoil,” Fifakill says. “Focus on attachments that reduce load” horizontal Recoil – If your gun bounces up and down, it’s pretty easy to fix. But left and right makes it more difficult when you’re trying to track enemy players.”
Jukeyz prioritizes aim-down aiming speed (how quickly you can move the gun into the aiming position), but also suggests installing a vertical foregrip to counter recoil. “I also recommend Gunfighter Wildcard,” Fifakir added. “With eight attachments per gun, you get it all: better movement, bigger magazines, less recoil.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Is the PlayStation 5 Pro upgrade worth the £700 price tag from Sony? | Games

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The PlayStation 5 Pro was announced in September, and people immediately reacted in disbelief at the £699/$699 price tag without a disc drive. Accounting for inflation, it’s the second most expensive console ever released, surpassed only by the PlayStation 3, which quickly dropped in price once it turned out no one wanted it. do a side job can afford one. This is an addition, not a replacement, to the original PS5 model. All games released so far will work on the Pro, and all future PS5 games will work on both models.

For your money, you get an upgraded GPU (graphics processing unit) that’s 45% more powerful overall than the original PS5. AI upscaling makes images more detailed. Advanced ray tracing improves lighting. Simply put, all PS5 games should look better and be faster.

My partner and I bought an extra disk drive last week to top up the 2TB of storage (additional cost is £100, but it’s currently out of stock). Context: I primarily play games on a Steam deck or Nintendo Switch, and I only see the difference between 30FPS and 60FPS. I appreciate gorgeous games – I was impressed with God of War and Ratchet and Clank on PS5 – but graphical performance isn’t that important to me. My partner, on the other hand, is a lifelong early adopter and PC gamer. very invested in his technology. This is our verdict.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6HaRMiTfvks?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="PlayStation 5 Pro Console – Reveal Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The idea behind this console upgrade is to eliminate any compromises. The original PS5’s graphics options let you choose fidelity and performance: how good everything looks and how fast everything moves. Fidelity provides better lighting and detail for each scene, but at a lower frame rate. Choosing Performance will give you a higher frame rate and feel smoother while playing, but it will turn off some of the flashy lighting effects and detail. PS5 Pro removes the compromises and allows you to get more detail at higher frame rates.

Whether you can actually see this difference depends a lot on your TV. For example, if you don’t have a 4K TV, this console makes no sense at all. The difference may not be as big as you might expect, as most high-end TVs now have a number of built-in effects and features that smooth out frame rates and improve the look and performance of what you’re playing. yeah. Personally, as someone who hasn’t invested in any high-end technology, I can see and feel small but noticeable differences when comparing the same games on PS5 and Pro on a 4K TV. My partner finds the contrast more obvious because his eye for these things is better trained.

This lack of compromise is what tech-minded gamers expected from this generation of consoles in the first place, so it’s nice to finally see it. Indeed, I think the ideal customer for the PS5 Pro is someone who held off on purchasing a PS5 because they felt it was a poor upgrade from their PS4. Most people aren’t likely to play PS5 exclusive games like Spider-Man 2 or Horizon Forbidden West again just because they look a little better on the upgraded console. However, even if you’ve never played these games in the first place, you can now enjoy them at their best.




Sony’s attractive hardware design continues with PlayStation 5 Pro Photo provided by: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Speaking of gaming at its best, the console has a feature called PS5 Pro Game Boost that also boosts all 8,500+ backwards-compatible PlayStation 4 games. Some of PS4’s best games have already been remastered specifically for PS5, such as The Last of Us Parts I and II and Horizon Zero Dawn, but many games have yet to be remastered., has benefited greatly from this upgrade. The difference here is obvious to everyone.

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Sony typically releases these upgraded consoles right after the midpoint of the PlayStation’s lifespan, so you can assume that you’ll get three to four years of use out of the PS5 Pro before the PlayStation 6 arrives. As for whether it’s worth the money? If you already have a really good TV, like to use the latest technology, and haven’t played all the PS5 games worth playing yet, like my partner, You will be satisfied. It’s more of a convenience than a necessity. If you, like me, are hesitant about paying this much for a gaming console, rest assured you’re not missing out on much.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of the new Apple MacBook Pro M4: Improved speed, performance, and affordability.

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Apple’s 2024 upgraded MacBook Pro ended the year on a high, with a significant power boost from the M4 chip, twice the memory than standard, longer battery life, and a lower price.

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Prices for the long-running laptop range start from £1,599 (€1,899/$1,599/AU$2,499), which is around £100 cheaper than last year’s M3 model. While it’s still an expensive, premium laptop, it does come with at least 16GB of RAM instead of the 8GB on previous models, which is worth paying extra for an upgrade.

The appearance has not changed from its predecessor. The body is still a solid, premium-looking aluminum shell that looks great in either gray or black. Although it’s not ultra-thin, its 14.2-inch size means it won’t feel cramped in your bag, making it perfect for working on the go.

This laptop has a premium look, feel, and feel for the price, and is available in black or gray aluminum. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The screen is still the star of the show. Super bright and crisp mini LED display with 120Hz refresh rate to keep things running smoothly. It’s noticeably brighter than many rivals for general tasks, and truly shines with HDR content. Apple is currently selling a special nano-textured display option for an additional £150, which significantly reduces glare when working in bright light or outdoors, if needed.

The on-screen webcam saw a very welcome upgrade to a 12MP Stage Center camera, similar to the one used on most iPads from 2021 onwards. It automatically pans and scans to stay in the frame. This is a killer feature for anyone who lives their life online. Work video calls. There’s a novel.”desk view” option uses an ultra-wide lens to view the space in front of your laptop and allows you to demonstrate it remotely. Although the built-in camera doesn’t provide a very clear view, it’s easier to use your iPhone as a secondary camera with various accessories.

The camera doesn’t yet support Apple’s Face ID system for iPhones and iPads. That’s a shame, even though the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the power button works well.

Specifications

  • Screen: 14.2 inch Mini LED (3024×1964; 254 ppi) ProMotion (120Hz)
  • Processor: Apple M4, Pro, or Max
  • Ram: 16, 24, 32, or up to 128GB
  • Storage: 512GB, 1, 2, 4, or 8TB SSD
  • Operating System: macOS 15.1 Sequoia
  • Camera: 12MP center stage
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 3x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, HDMI 2.1, SD card, headphones
  • Size: 221.2×312.6×15.5mm
  • Weight: 1.55kg

All 14-inch MacBook Pro models have three USB-C ports that allow you to connect to two external monitors at the same time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The big upgrade under the hood is the addition of Apple’s latest M4 series chip, first seen in the iPad Pro M4 earlier this year. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with a 10-core version of the M4 chip and 16 GB of RAM (double the previous model), which is a welcome upgrade.

The M4 chip is up to 25% faster across the board than the traditional M3 chip, and up to 1.8x faster than the original M1 chip, making it extremely fast indeed. It feels very fast in everyday use, launching apps and processing data noticeably faster than a MacBook Pro with a 2021 or newer M1 Pro chip.

This laptop has best-in-class battery life, lasting around 21 hours of light browsing and regular usage with many tabs open in Chrome, a word processor, and various small utilities, note-taking and messaging apps can manage approximately 18 hours of work. light photo editing affinity photo. It also has a long battery life on standby, draining only about 1% overnight when closed.

For many use cases, the M4 chip is sufficient. However, if you’re looking to render 3D objects, crunch numbers, or write code, the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are available, which add more high-performance processing and graphics cores. thunderbolt 5 Connectivity.

The base model M4 laptop has an additional Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 port compared to the previous model, allowing you to drive two external monitors and a laptop display simultaneously.

Sustainability

The Space Black color looks just as great as the high-end version of its predecessor and is now available on all MacBook Pro M4 models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

MacBook Pro is made with 35% recycled materials, including aluminum, copper, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, and tin. In its report, Apple provides a detailed analysis of the impact computers have on the environment.

The laptop is generally repairable, and Apple makes its repair manual available. The battery life is as follows: Over 1,000 full charge cycles and can Apple will replace it for £245. The company offers trade-in and free recycling programs, including for non-Apple products.

macOS Sequoia and the First Apple Intelligence

MacOS 15.1 now enables iPhone Mirroring, Siri input, AI Cleanup for Photos, and several other Apple Intelligence features. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

MacBook Pro runs the latest version of macOS Sequoia 15.1, which comes with a variety of new Messages and other features that are compatible with iOS 18.1. It features a very useful new window tiling system that snaps windows to the side or full screen when you drag them to the edge of your display, similar to the feature in Windows 11.

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It has iPhone mirroring allows you to wirelessly view a virtual representation of your iPhone on your Mac and control it with your mouse and keyboard, including using apps. A selection of notifications from your phone will appear in your Mac’s Notification Center. This is useful for certain services that only have a phone app.

But the new features that are getting the most attention are the first few features of Apple Intelligence. These include the same AI writing tools you’d find on your iPhone or iPad that can proofread, rewrite, and summarize text. Since they are built directly into the operating system, they are easier and faster to use than third-party options, but I have only found them useful a few times.

You can now type and talk with the new Siri. This works very well on Mac. Double-tapping the command button brings up a text box, which is more socially acceptable in an office or coffee shop than asking a question aloud. However, Siri’s capabilities are still far behind rivals such as Google’s Gemini.

Other small AI tools are scattered around various apps. The Photos app now has natural language search and a new AI cleanup tool to remove unwanted objects. Mail and Messages apps have AI smart replies and conversation summaries that stack and summarize notifications from all your apps for quick analysis.

I don’t think any of these tools are killer features for your Mac, but some of them can be useful in a pinch, and when they’re not, they usually don’t get in the way.

Price

Prices for the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 start at £1,599 (€1,899/$1,599/AU$2,499). The M4 Pro model is priced from £1,999 (€2,399/$1,999/AU$3,299), while the M4 Max starts at £3,199 (€3,799/$3,199/AU$4,999).

For comparison, the MacBook Air M3 starts at £1,099, the iPad Pro M4 costs £999, the comparable Dell XPS 14 costs around £1,400, the Razer Blade 14 costs £2,150, and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio 2 is priced at £1,090. £2,069.

Verdict

The MacBook Pro M4 shows that small improvements across the board can slowly add up to bigger results. It may not look all that different from last year’s M3 model, but it has significant speed and battery life upgrades that make a big difference in day-to-day operation when compared to a machine that’s just three years old.

14-inch laptops are still the best in terms of screen size and portability, thanks to Apple’s best-in-class keyboard, trackpad, and great display.

Finally having a good Center Stage camera on the MacBook Pro is a very welcome upgrade, even without Face ID. An additional USB-C port, double the boot memory, and the faster M4 chip also make this boot model even more appealing.

It’s still an expensive laptop, but it’s on par as a premium workstation that can be used at full speed away from a power socket and has a very long battery life, unless you specifically need Windows 11. There is no.

Strong Points: The M4 chip is faster, has more power options, a minimum of 16 GB RAM, very long battery life, a great miniLED ProMotion screen, a great center stage camera, plenty of ports and SD card slots, great speakers, It has Touch ID, a great keyboard and trackpad.

Cons: No Face ID, no USB-A, RAM or SSD cannot be upgraded after purchase, is expensive, and not a big upgrade on the M3 model.

Touch ID on the power button is a great feature, but it’s Apple’s best-in-class keyboard and trackpad that make working with your MacBook Pro a joy. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sony reveals new PlayStation 5 Pro console priced at £700

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Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro console after months of speculation. This updated version of the current generation console boasts improved tech specs, a 2TB solid-state drive, and a price of £699/$699. The release date is set for November 7th, with pre-orders starting on September 26th.

Compared to the Digital Edition PlayStation 5 priced at £390, the PlayStation 5 Pro comes at a higher cost of £699. It’s a digital-only console, so if you want to utilize Blu-ray discs, you’ll need to purchase a separate Blu-ray player for an additional £100.

The PlayStation 5 Pro features an upgraded GPU with 67% more compute units, 28% more system memory, and enhanced graphics rendering for games. Sony claims these improvements result in a 45% boost in performance for games that support the updated machine, along with support for advanced ray tracing and 8K modes.

Games optimized for the upgraded hardware will be labeled “PS5 Pro Enhanced”, including first-party titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Third-party games such as Alan Wake 2 and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will also offer Pro enhancements.

The PS5 Pro also promises AI-driven game upscaling for back catalog games and a feature called PS5 Pro Game Boost, enhancing visual performance for over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games.

Analysts are split on the PS5 Pro’s potential success, with some expressing concerns about its high price and the lack of new games or technology to accompany its release. It remains to be seen how Sony’s latest console update will perform in the market.

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Photo: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Industry watchers are awaiting Microsoft’s response to the PS5 Pro and rumors of a portable Xbox console to compete in the handheld PC gaming market. With prices for these devices reaching £800, consumers may face tough decisions in the console market.

This article was corrected on 11 September 2024 to reflect the actual price difference between the standard PS5 and PS5 Pro, which is over £300.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Enhancing Bone Conduction Headphones with Powerful Bass

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SSo-called bone conduction headphones are a runner’s best friend, allowing you to stay fully aware of the outside world while listening to motivational music. But the technology doesn’t produce decent bass, a problem that open-ear headphone maker Shokz believes it has solved with its latest OpenRun Pro 2.


A successor to the popular OpenRun Pro and OpenSwim series, the OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299) and is similar to most of its competitors, with bone conduction pods secured in front of the ears by two loops and a band that wraps around the back of the head.

What makes these headphones unique is that the pods have open-air speakers built into them, allowing music to be streamed towards the outer ear. Bone conduction The speakers vibrate your cheekbones to send sound directly to your inner ear, while open-air speakers handle the bass and the rest of the sound is sent to the listener via bone conduction.

Open-air speakers emit sound from grilles in the pods that are located directly in front of the wearer’s ears. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

They don’t deliver the skull-shaking bass of larger over-ear headphones, but the OpenRun Pro 2 sounds fuller and rounder than its predecessor, and won’t send thumping noises through your cheeks even at louder volumes. Instruments, drums, and vocals have more depth, making them especially great for podcasts and dance tracks. The Shokz smartphone app offers an equalizer to fine-tune the sound of the headphones, as well as other updates and adjustments.

But the open-air speakers block out a lot more background noise than traditional bone-conduction headphones, significantly reducing awareness of cars, cyclists, and other runners. They’re still far better than earbuds or other headphones, but the difference was noticeable when listening at moderate volumes while running.

Only at 50% volume will nearby people be able to hear the music a little better than regular bone conduction earphones – they’re less noticeable than cheaper earphones and aren’t loud enough to be an issue when running.

specification

  • water resistance: IP55 (water-resistant)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC)

  • Battery life: 12 hr

  • size: 30.9 x 21.7 x 24.3mm

  • Weight: 30.3 g

  • driver: Air conduction and bone conduction

  • charging: USB-C

Bluetooth upgrade and comfortable fit

The USB-C charging port is hidden behind a rubber door to protect it from the elements. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Another big upgrade from previous Shokz is support for Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, meaning you can connect two devices at the same time. This is especially useful if you want to connect to a running watch and a phone at the same time. You can even take a call while listening to music and lap guidance from the watch without stopping.

The headphones fit very well, with a nice balance between the front and back of the ears, and the back band is just the right amount of flexible, putting enough pressure on the sides of your head without being too restrictive. A mini version is also available for those who want a tighter fit.

The volume buttons are on the headphone body behind the right ear, and the multifunction button that controls playback is on the outside of the pod in front of the left ear. The microphone for calls is on the right pod and works well enough, although callers said my voice sounded a bit distant and quiet.

The battery lasts for 12 hours on a single charge and fully charges in about an hour via the USB-C port. The headphones are splash-resistant, so they’re fine for a sweaty run, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to immerse in water.

The headphones come with a lightweight shell case for safe storage when traveling. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sustainability

Shokz claims that the batteries in the earbuds and case will retain at least 80% of their original capacity for 800 full charge cycles. Shokz does not offer trade-in, recycling or repair services, and the batteries cannot be replaced. The headphones do not contain any recycled materials, and the company has not released an environmental impact report.

price

The OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299).

By comparison, the Shokz OpenRun costs £130, the Suunto Wing costs £145, the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ costs £80 and the Bose Ultra Open earphones cost £250.

verdict

The OpenRun Pro 2 solves the bass-deficient issue of bone conduction headphones by adding open-air speakers that handle the bass.

They don’t deliver skull-shaking bass, but they deliver a rich sound that’s just as good as standard earphones, making them a marked improvement over previous earphones. The trade-off, however, is a slightly worse situational awareness at moderate volumes. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but if you like to listen to music loud while running, it might negate the point of buying bone conduction headphones.

The addition of Bluetooth multipoint, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, is a nice touch, as is the 12-hour battery life and the fact that charging is done via a standard USB-C cable rather than a proprietary port.

The Shokz are not cheap and are not suitable for general use as headphones, but the biggest problem is that they cannot be repaired and the battery is not replaceable, so they end up being disposable and lose a star.

Strong Points: Much rounder sound than bone conduction, open air recognition, splash proof, solid battery life, standard USB-C charging, Bluetooth multipoint, great for running.

Cons: They offer slightly less recognition than bone conduction alone, are expensive, don’t support high-quality Bluetooth audio formats, and are not repairable or have replaceable batteries.

Actual click buttons make it easy to adjust volume and control playback while working out. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google’s Superphone with AI capabilities competes with the best available.

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Google’s latest flagship phone is a significant advancement, focusing on battery life, camera quality, and intelligent features. It represents a new era of Android devices that can run Google’s Gemini AI system along with a next-generation conversational voice assistant.


Priced starting at £1,099 ($1,099/AU$1,849), the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s largest phone offering. This year, a smaller 9 Pro model with identical specifications and cameras is also available for £999 ($999/AU$1,699). The XL variant caters to users who prefer a large screen and extended battery life.

Featuring a bold design with a noticeable camera bar reminiscent of Google’s Nest Doorbell, the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out visually. Its aluminum body with flat edges bears similarities to Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max.




The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a large, vibrant 6.8-inch screen, ideal for multimedia consumption and outdoor use. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with Google’s Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel offers faster browsing and app launching compared to its predecessor. The phone efficiently handles games and apps, leveraging AI enhancements to boost performance.

Notably, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers extended battery life, lasting up to 52 hours under mixed usage conditions, setting it apart from competitors in the market.




The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers enhanced speed and accuracy, providing a seamless user experience. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.8-inch 120Hz QHD+ OLED (486ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G4

  • RAM: 16GB RAM

  • Storage: 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 14

  • Camera: 50MP + 48MP Ultra Wide + 48MP 5x Telephoto, 42MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm

  • Weight: 221 grams

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Vision Pro: Apple’s cutting-edge headset exceeds expectations

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ohOn a sweltering summer day in London, I found myself working in the middle of snow-covered Yosemite National Park, surrounded by floating apps and browser windows. Later, I’d reminisce about holidays from years ago, staring out at windswept Oregon beaches, sitting in a speeder on Tatooine watching Rogue One in 3D, and spending the night with a guided meditation.


These are the sort of immersive experiences Apple’s latest, and most expensive, gadget offers, blending the real and virtual worlds, all controlled by your eyes and hands. The Vision Pro may resemble virtual reality headsets like Meta’s Quest series, but it aims to be something much more.

But with a prohibitive price tag of £3,500 (€3,999 / $3,499 / AU$5,999) that most buyers won’t even consider, this cutting-edge tech marvel is best thought of as a glimpse into the near future of computing.

You can use your Mac’s screen, keyboard, and trackpad streamed to a simulated 4K display, alongside other windows and apps. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

Put on the headset and you’re transported to a photorealistic exotic location, or use the Digital Crown to increase or decrease immersion, seamlessly blending reality and the virtual world. The real world is sent through the camera to a crystal-clear display and displayed as pass-through video — far better than the competition, and so clear that you can read on your phone without taking off the headset.

Your content appears in a floating window fixed in 3D space, as big or small as you like. Even if you walk by the window, your content stays where you were and is instantly visible when you return. Just see the content you want and select it with a pinch of your fingers. Type directly by “touch” on the hover keyboard or scroll through sites like a giant virtual iPad.

Step into an immersive experience and go one step further by walking with dinosaurs, exploring the solar system or flying along neon-lit highways in rhythm games.

Third-party apps offer a variety of mixed reality and immersive experiences. astronomy (Top left), Jetpack Joyride 2 (Top right), Disney+ (Bottom left) and Luna (Bottom right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Heavyweight Technology

Vision Pro is the pinnacle of headset tech: The same M2 chip found in the 2022 MacBook Air runs apps, and its R1 chip processes input from the headset’s 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. Combined, this delivers a smooth experience in both the real and virtual worlds displayed on two high-resolution Micro-OLED displays in front of your eyes.

The exterior cameras and sensors create a map of the real world, including objects like furniture and walls, and track the user’s position and hand movements. The interior camera monitors eye movements to interact with buttons and objects, making sure what you’re looking at is clear. The headset also features “Optic ID,” an alternative to Face ID, to seamlessly unlock and authenticate payments by scanning your iris.

The experience is exponentially better than anything that came before, and at times, it’s magical.

The various parts of the Vision Pro attach to each other via magnets and quick-release clips, including two types of straps. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

All the technology packed into the Vision Pro creates one major problem: weight. At up to 650 grams, it’s heavier than Apple’s largest iPad Pro and competing headsets like the Quest 3, which weighs 515 grams. And that doesn’t include the 353 gram battery, which connects to the headset with a cord so you can put it in your pocket or keep it on the desk in front of you.

During the ordering process, your face is scanned with an iPhone and a custom fit is created from nearly 200 combinations of strap sizes, “light seals” and cushioning, making it more comfortable than any other headset and leaving no goggle marks on your face.

What remains is the strain on my neck. After wearing the headset daily for a month, I can now manage sessions up to about two hours long. However, I still feel like I’ve given my neck a workout, and wearing it for long periods without taking proper breaks causes the same neck, shoulder and back pain I get when I’m hunched over a laptop all day.

The battery lasts for about 2-3 hours, which is plenty long enough for you to easily charge it while sitting at your desk or on the couch, but this headset isn’t designed to be easily shared, and even if you manage to get a good fit on your guest’s face, you’ll need to redo the eye-tracking setup for five minutes to get it to work temporarily.

We’re only scratching the surface in productivity improvements

I placed my Mac display in the center with various windows around it, and some behind and above it, and the screenshots in the headset don’t do justice to how it will look in person. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Vision Pro is different from other headsets in that it’s fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem — more like a Mac than an iPhone — allowing you to create an entire app and productivity environment anywhere, without the need for multiple monitors.

It comes with many familiar apps, including Apple’s Mail, Messages, Notes, Keynote, Freeform, and Photos, and many others are available as “compatible” apps, including Microsoft’s Word and Excel, but it doesn’t include Google apps like Gmail or Drive, and only some of them work properly as web apps in Safari.

The headset tracks your hand movements relative to virtual objects, and here we see the common two-handed pinch-to-zoom gesture to increase the size of a photo. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

Using the Vision Pro as part of a productivity setup is great, but that’s only scratching the surface of what the headset can do.

Apps for Vision Pro are varied: some simply drag 2D experiences into the 3D space of the headset, like games played on a TV screen placed within the environment, while others are fully immersive environments you can walk around in.

The Apple TV app lets you enter a virtual cinema and choose your row and seat, while Disney+ lets you sit on a couch in Avengers Tower or the aforementioned speeder on Tatooine. On both services, the 3D movies look especially good.

But where Vision Pro really shines is when you combine real and virtual worlds, such as playing on a virtual chessboard placed on a table in front of you. Apple’s Encounter Dinosaur demo experience shows what’s possible by creating a portal to a prehistoric land that’s fixed to the actual wall of a room. A butterfly emerges from the portal and lands on your outstretched finger. The dinosaur then comes into view and locks eyes with you. The dinosaur’s head and eyes follow you as you move around the room, before scaring off rival dinosaurs and roaring at you.

There are only a handful of truly great experiences available on the App Store right now, but most of the best ones are controlled directly by your hands and body. Other headsets can do similar things, but none do it as easily, accurately, or with the same high fidelity as Vision Pro.

Relive your memories like never before

When you view your holiday panoramas with Vision Pro, the photos expand all around you, filling your field of vision completely for an immersive experience. Photo: Apple

One of the most unexpected and wonderful things about Vision Pro is its ability to relive past moments through photos, videos, and panoramas.

Loading a panorama photo made me feel like I was standing in Death Valley again, enjoying the dramatic colors of a sunset over the vast desert. Or sitting in a packed Capital One Arena watching the Washington Capitals play ice hockey. And a photo I took from the top of Seattle’s Space Needle gave me the same feeling of height dread I had when I took it seven years ago.

Vision Pro can also display spatial and 3D videos shot with a headset or iPhone 15 Pro. These look like the little holograms you often see in sci-fi, giving you a real sense of depth and the feeling of being back in the moment, but it takes practice to get it right

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Review: Microsoft’s Bold Move into Arm Technology Shows Promise

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The latest Surface tablet from Microsoft is expected to bring significant improvements, moving beyond just being faster, quieter, and more efficient. The key change is the switch to an Arm-based processor at its core.

This shift to Arm chips is not new for Microsoft, but this particular machine, the Surface Pro 11, has been touted as the most successful one yet, outperforming its predecessors like the Surface Pro X from 2020 and Surface Pro 9 5G from last year.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipset, the Surface Pro 11 offers improved performance and efficiency. While the new Arm chips offer advantages, there are still some compromises in terms of software and accessories.

The exterior of the new Surface Pro remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Despite the new chip, the Surface Pro 11 retains key features that made its predecessor successful, including a robust built-in kickstand, high-quality aluminum frame, improved speakers, and faster Windows Hello facial recognition. The 13-inch OLED display on the high-end model is top-notch, offering an exceptional viewing experience.

However, the Surface Pro 11 comes at a premium price, starting at £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) without the keyboard. The higher-end model with an OLED screen and faster Snapdragon X Elite chip is even pricier, starting at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).

The Flex Keyboard continues to function even when detached, offering versatility for users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 works well as a tablet, but a detachable keyboard is essential for maximizing its potential as a laptop. Microsoft offers various keyboard options, including the high-end Flex keyboard priced at £340.

Specification

  • Screen: 13″ LCD or OLED 2880×1920 (267 PPI) 120Hz

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite

  • RAM: 16 or 32 GB

  • Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB

  • Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home

  • Camera: 10.5MP rear, 12.2MP front, Windows Hello

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2 x USB-4, Surface Connect

  • Size: 287 x 209 x 9.3mm

  • Weight: 895g (without keyboard)

Snapdragon Power

The tablet includes two USB4 ports and a Surface Connect port for charging and accessories, but lacks a headphone jack. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The transition to the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip offers improved efficiency and performance over traditional Intel chips. Performance comparisons have shown promising results, with the Surface Pro 11 performing on par with top Intel chips and Apple’s M1.

In everyday use, the Surface Pro 11 is fast and responsive, running quietly most of the time. Battery life is comparable to its Intel-powered predecessor, lasting around 8 hours. However, under heavy workloads, the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite chip offers better battery life.

While many apps have been updated to work well on the new chip, there are still compatibility issues for some legacy software, resulting in slower performance. Additionally, certain Windows apps and games may not work at all on the new system, highlighting the need for further updates from software developers.

Paint’s Cocreator uses AI to enhance manual drawing, helping you turn rough outlines into impressive works of art. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 also introduces new AI tools from Microsoft, such as Paint’s Cocreator system, offering unique creative capabilities. While these features add value, some AI functions may be limited by current implementation.

Sustainability

The tablet’s removable SSD is accessible through a small door on the back. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, with 72% recycled materials incorporated into its design, including aluminum and rare earth metals. The company also offers repair services and recycling programs for old devices, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly approach.

Price

Starting prices for the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 range from £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) for the base model with Snapdragon X Plus and an LCD screen. The higher-end model with Snapdragon X Elite and an OLED screen starts at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).

Keyboard options are available starting at £139.99 (€159.99 / $139.99 / AU$239.95), with the premium Flex keyboard priced at £340.

Verdict

The Surface Pro 11 raises the bar for Arm-based Windows tablets, offering a sleek, powerful, and quiet device. However, app compatibility remains a crucial factor in determining the overall user experience.

While the performance is commendable, the Surface Pro 11 falls short in delivering promised battery life improvements. The premium features like the OLED screen and Flex keyboard come at a steep price, which may deter some potential buyers.

Although Arm chips show promise for lightweight devices, issues with app compatibility and AI features indicate that there’s still work to be done to fully embrace this technology.

Strong Points: Great 120Hz OLED screen, impressive performance, quiet operation, USB4 connectivity, high-quality build, removable SSD, easy repairability.

Cons: High price, lack of included keyboard, app and accessory compatibility issues with Arm chips, absence of USB-A port, microSD card slot, or headphone jack, underwhelming AI features.

Source: www.theguardian.com

I experimented with Apple Vision Pro and it gave me a fright – Arwa Mahdawi

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IIf you’re worried that technology is getting a little too intelligent and robots are on the verge of taking over the world, there’s a simple way to ease your fears. Call the company and ask some simple questions. He is put through an automated voice system and spends the next 10 minutes yelling, “No, I didn’t say that!” What do you mean by “I didn’t really understand”? We don’t need that option! Make me human, damn it!

That was certainly my experience when I called Apple to try and reconfirm the Vision Pro demo, which was abruptly canceled due to snow. But if my phone experience felt dated, the Apple Vision Pro headset itself felt like an amazing glimpse into the future. Not surprisingly, its price is $3,499.

I think my expectations were pretty low. For the last decade or so, we’ve been told that virtual reality and augmented reality are just around the corner, but they’ve consistently failed to break into the mainstream. The headset was clunky and impractical, the price was prohibitive, and the experience itself, while impressive, wasn’t necessarily awe-inspiring. Metaverse, a rebrand of virtual reality, was similarly disappointing.

But the Vision Pro really impressed me. I felt like Usher and kept saying “wow” throughout the demo. The Vision Pro is branded as a “spatial computing” rather than an entertainment device and is intended to be used for everything from answering emails to browsing the Internet. Navigate with your eyes and scroll by pinching your fingers or moving your hand. He is conducting an invisible orchestra.

Despite all the use cases on the market, its most impressive aspect is immersive video. Everything else feels like a bit of a gimmick. Do you want to see computer apps floating in front of your eyes? Not so much! But when you watch a movie, you feel like you’re drawn into the content. If money wasn’t an issue, I would have bought a headset right away just because watching movies is so much fun.

And that’s basically the scope of the market for Vision Pro at this point. In other words, people who have nothing to do with money. The headset is impressive, but it’s still not very comfortable (I’m lucky to be able to drink coffee while wearing it) and it’s not worth the price. This technology is still in its infancy and will take some time to become widespread in broader culture.

But while it’s hard to say when spatial computing will become as ubiquitous as smartphones are today, it’s clear that the question is when it will be widely adopted, not if. There is no denying that we are moving towards a world where “real life” and digital technology seamlessly merge. The internet is moving from our screens to the world around us. And it raises serious questions about how we perceive the world and think about reality. Big tech companies are rushing to get the technology out there, but it’s unclear how worried they are about the consequences.

Some of these outcomes are easy to predict. In a few weeks’ time, you’ll almost certainly hear about a car accident caused by someone using a headset while driving. There are already a lot of videos out there of people using the Vision His Pro while out and about, including in the car. (Incidentally, while Apple advises people not to use headsets while driving, it doesn’t have guardrails to prevent people behind the wheel from using the technology.)

And without some radical intervention, it seems depressingly inevitable that these headsets will soon take online harassment to a whole other level. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of people being harassed and even “raped” within the Metaverse. The highly immersive nature of virtual reality makes the experience feel frighteningly real. With the lines between real life and the digital world blurring to the point of being almost indistinguishable, is there a meaningful difference between attacks online and attacks in real life?

Even scarier, and more broadly, is the question of how spatial computing will change what we think of as reality. Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Michigan recently studied the Vision Pro and other “pass-through” headsets, a feature that brings VR content into a real-world environment and allows you to see what’s around you while using the device. (This is a technical term referring to It has emerged with some stark warnings about how this technology will rewire our brains. interfere with social connections).

These headsets basically give us all our private worlds and rewrite the concept of shared reality. The camera you use to see the world allows you to edit your environment. For example, you can wear a camera and go to the store. Then all the homeless people will disappear from your sight and the sky may become brighter.

“What we’re going to experience is that when you use these headsets in public, you lose that common ground,” said the director of Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab and lead researcher on the study. Jeremy Bailenson, one of them, recently said: Said Business Insider. “People will be physically in the same place and visually experience different versions of the world at the same time. We’re going to lose what we have in common.”

What’s scary isn’t just the fact that our perception of reality might change. It’s the fact that a small number of companies will have a lot of control over how we see the world. Consider how much influence big tech companies already have over the content we watch. And it’s multiplied by millions. Do you think deepfakes are scary? Wait until they look more realistic.

We are seeing a global increase authoritarianism. If we’re not careful, this kind of technology will significantly accelerate that. Is it possible to draw people into another world, numb them with entertainment, and determine how they see reality? It is an authoritarian’s dream. We are entering an era in which we can coax and manipulate people like never before. Forget Mussolini’s bread and circuses, up-and-coming fascists now have donuts and vision pros.

  • Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? Click here if you would like to email your answer of up to 300 words to be considered for publication in our email section.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Limitations of Apple’s Vision Pro Headset: Absence of Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube Integration

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It’s important to have friends who come to your birthday parties, offer support during tough times, and allocate resources to develop apps for emerging virtual reality platforms despite limited direct benefits. It may be tempting to believe that a $30 billion cash reserve and a product line generating over $200 billion annually are sufficient. However, Apple is finding that money cannot buy everything.

Pre-orders for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, a $3,500 “spatial computing” platform and CEO Tim Cook’s vision of Apple’s future, opened last week. Despite Apple’s enthusiasm, quiet opposition from potential users has overshadowed the announcement.

According to a report from Bloomberg (£), Netflix has opted not to design a Vision Pro app or support existing iPad apps on the platform, instead instructing users to access their content through a web browser.

Rather than developing a Vision Pro app or supporting existing iPad apps, Netflix has chosen to direct users to watch their content on the web. This decision is notable given the competition between Netflix and Apple in the streaming market.

Although the initial weekend release of Vision Pro saw an estimated 160,000-180,000 units sold, this pales in comparison to Netflix’s 250 million paying subscribers. Therefore, Netflix’s reluctance to invest resources in an app for the Vision Pro is understandable, as app development is only worthwhile if it can attract new customers or retain existing ones.

Despite Apple’s promotion of the Vision Pro as the most immersive way to watch TV, Netflix has similarly abandoned its app for MetaQuest, demonstrating a pattern of resistance to immersive platforms.

Due to these decisions, Vision Pro users will be limited to watching Netflix through the web, losing the ability to access offline viewing, a key selling point of the headset.

Furthermore, YouTube and Spotify have also opted not to release new apps for the Vision Pro, indicating a lack of enthusiasm from major content providers for the platform.

In a related story, Apple has recently allowed developers to bypass its payment system, providing them with an alternative to the high fees associated with in-app purchases. This shift may reflect a broader resistance among developers to Apple’s monopoly over economic activity in their app ecosystem.

The reluctance of major content providers to invest in apps for the Vision Pro may indicate a broader skepticism among developers about the benefits of supporting Apple’s latest venture. This trend may signal a greater movement within the developer community to challenge Apple’s control over app development and monetization.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple Vision Pro Expected to Launch between Late January and Early February

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We’ve known about the Vision Pro for more than six months now (not to mention it’s been rumored for years), but Apple’s first “spatial computing” device is expected to arrive in consumer electronics heading into the new year. One of the biggest question marks. The $3,499 headset was given an “early 2024” release date when it was announced at WWDC in June, but the company hasn’t provided further specifics since then.

Apple oracle Ming-Chi Kuo Provided an early holiday gift He narrowed down the system’s release date to “late January to early February.” According to the analyst, the first Vision Pro will be shipped to Apple within about a month, bringing the total number of units shipped this year to about 500,000 units.

Company’s accurate target There are still open-ended questions remaining for this year. About a month after the device was announced, it was reported that Apple had reduced its forecast from around 1 million units to “less than 400,000 units.”

Even the latest figure of 500,000 is small for a company of Apple’s enormous size and influence. Keep in mind that the company should ship more than 200 million iPhones this calendar year.

But Vision Pro is widely considered to be Tim Cook’s biggest challenge in his 12 years as CEO. Not only is this an entirely new category and form factor for the company, but it’s also an exorbitant price point, even for customers accustomed to paying extra for Apple products. Add to that the fact that VR has not lived up to expectations for decades, and we have a big uphill battle ahead.

Kuo calls Vision Pro “Apple’s most important product in 2024.” That’s a tough statement to argue with, given years of speculation and all the time and money the company has undoubtedly poured into the headset.

Source: techcrunch.com

Spatial video recording now available on iPhone 15 Pro, courtesy of Apple

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Apple today rolled out iOS 17.2, giving iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users the ability to record spatial videos. This new feature will allow users to capture their favorite memories and special moments in three dimensions with their next mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro.

To create 3D videos, Apple explains that iPhone uses both the main camera and the ultra-wide camera when recording. This will be saved as a single file in a new album titled “Spatial” in the Photos app. Videos are also synced between devices using iCloud. Spatial video is captured at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second.

Spatial video recording can be enabled by toggling on Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro in the Camera section of Format in Settings. Apple recommends holding your iPhone horizontally for best results.

Spatial videos are available on all iPhones and other devices. However, it will be displayed as a regular 2D video.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro spatial video capture

Image credits: apple

The new feature allows users to record videos, and Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Jozwiak called it “magical” and “setting a new standard for what’s possible.” I am reviewing it. While this is a marketing story, it’s a differentiator for Apple’s high-end iPhones and deepens the user connection with Apple’s latest product, his AR/VR headset, which launches next year. It will be.

“iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have the most powerful camera system we’ve ever created, including the best video quality in a smartphone. And now we’re excited to open up new possibilities. We set the standard and empower users to capture special moments as they happened.” Said In a statement.

As part of today’s iOS 17.2 release, Apple also released the Journal app. Redesigned Apple TV app And new access methods Healthcare app data Via Siri.

Source: techcrunch.com