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LG’s first smart monitor unveiled with webOS, 4K resolution and more

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LG has finally entered the smart monitor space with its 32SQ780S monitor. Taking on brands like Samsung, the new lineup of LG monitors has built-in webOS and a 4K panel. Here, we will go through the specs, features, availability, and expected price in Nepal of the LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S in Nepal.

LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S Overview:

Design

The design and build of the LG Smart Monitor are quite similar to the company’s Ergo series monitors. However, instead of the usual black finish, it comes in white color. In terms of rear I/O, the monitor has two HDMI ports, a single USB Type-A, a USB Type-C, and an RJ45. In addition, there are two USB Type-A ports on the right side. More so, the USB-C has a power passthrough of 65W.

The LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S ships with an ergo stand that clamps to your desk. The stand allows for a great degree of adjustability thanks to its multi-arm design. You can also rotate the monitor to use it in a vertical orientation. For context, Samsung’s M8 only offers limited tilt and height adjustments.

Display

As for the display, you get a 32″ LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) and offers precise colors with 90% DCI-P3 coverage.

Users can also set profiles to match their tastes. The high resolution and color coverage make it a great option for media consumption, creative workloads, and programming.

Rest of the features

Since the 32SQ780S boots on webOS 22, you get the bells and whistles of an LG smart TV as well. From exploring a variety of shows and movies to built-in apps, the smart monitor has it all.

With the ThinQ Home Dashboard, users can control smart home appliances throughout their homes. Besides that, the LG smart monitor also supports Apple AirPlay 2. For audio, it has two 5W speakers built-in. Unfortunately, the 32SQ780S misses out on a webcam.

LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S Specifications:

  • Display: 32″ LCD Panel, Anti-glare
  • Resolution: 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)
  • Color Space: 90% DCI-P3
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Audio: 2x 5W speakers
  • Operating System: webOS 22
  • Ports: 2x HDMI (1 with eARC), 3x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C (65W output), 1x RJ45

LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S Price in Nepal and Availability (Expected)

The LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S is listed on Amazon US for USD 500. As of now, LG has not announced the product in other markets. We expect the LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S to retail for around NPR 73,499 if it launches in Nepal.

LG Monitor  Price in the US  Price in Nepal (Expected)
LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S USD 500 NPR 73,499
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (2022).

Apple TV 4K (2022) official with A15 Bionic chip and a lower price tag

Apple recently launched a few new products including the M2 iPad Pro, 10th Gen iPad, and a refreshed Apple TV 4K. The 2022 model of the Apple TV features the A15 Bionic chip, HDR10+, and an option for Ethernet connectivity. Here, we will go through the specs, features, availability, and expected price of the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K (2022) in Nepal.

Apple TV 4K (2022) Overview:

While the Apple TV 4K looks identical to its predecessor, it is significantly smaller and lighter. This is all because of the A15 Bionic chip inside whose efficiency gains remove the need for active cooling. Apple also says the compact form factor for the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K (2022) results in a 25% reduction in carbon footprint.

“The efficiency gains of A15 Bionic eliminate the need for an internal fan”

Apple claims that the 2022 model is up to 50% faster in terms of CPU performance and 30% faster in terms of GPU performance than the 2021 model.

The third-gen Apple TV 4K (2022) adds support for HDR10+, in addition to the existing Dolby Vision, HLG, and HDR10. The maximum supported output is 2160p at 60fps. In addition, you can enjoy surround sound with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1.

The most notable change is the elimination of ethernet connectivity from the base 64GB model. Users who require a wired connection must therefore select the 128GB variant. The 128GB model also supports thread mesh networking protocol for smart home devices.

Siri Remote

There are no significant changes made to this year’s Siri Remote for Apple TV 4K (2022), except for the charging port. It now charges via USB-C instead of the lightning port. The remote uses Bluetooth 5.0 and IR transmission for connectivity. It even includes a microphone and a dedicated button for Siri.

With the tvOS 16, Apple is planning on introducing easier voice control interaction. For example, AirPods owners can simply say “Hey Siri” to control the Apple TV 4K hands-free. Siri will recognize the voice of the user and customize the results accordingly for easier access to the content.

Apple TV 4K (2022) Specifications:

  • Dimensions:
    • Streamer: 93 x 93 x 31 mm
    • Siri Remote: 136 x 35 x 9.25 mm
  • Weight:
    – Wi-Fi Model: 208g
    – Wi-Fi + Ethernet Model: 214g
  • Processor: A15 Bionic
  • Video Formats: SDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10, HLG (2160p, 60fps)
  • Audio: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Storage:
    – Wi-Fi Model: 64GB
    – Wi-Fi + Ethernet Model: 128GB
  • Connectivity: 
    – Wi-Fi Model: HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, IR Receiver
    – Wi-Fi + Ethernet Model: HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, IR Receiver, Gigabit Ethernet
  • Siri Remote: Bluetooth 5.0, IR transmitter, USB-C charging, Voice Control

Apple TV 4K (2022) Price in Nepal and Availability

The Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K 2022 is available for USD 129 and offers 64GB of storage. However, you must shell out USD 149 if you want ethernet and more storage. We expect the Apple TV 4K 2022 to start for around NPR 19,999 if it launches in Nepal.

Apple TV 4K 2022 Price in the US Price in Nepal (Expected)
Wi-Fi (64GB) USD 129 NPR 19,999
Wi-Fi + Ethernet (128GB) USD 149 NPR 21,999
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the M2 Macbook Air.

Sony ZV-1F launches as a compact mirrorless camera for vloggers

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Sony has unveiled the ZV-1F, a camera aimed at people who want an advantage over smartphones when it comes to content creation. It is the second product in Sony’s ZV lineup of vlogging cameras. In this article, we’ll look at the Sony ZV-1F’s specifications, features, expected price, and availability in Nepal.

Sony ZV-1F Overview:

Display, Build

Being a mirrorless camera, the ZV-1F is quite compact. Sony offers the camera in black-and-white color options. The body is made of aluminum and plastic and it weighs approximately 256 grams.

Moving on, the camera has a built-in fully articulated display which makes it great for vlogging and self-shots. The screen supports touch input, uses TFT LCD technology, and has an aspect ratio of 4:3.

Videography

The Sony ZV-1F uses a 20.1MP Type-1 sensor like its predecessor. However, it has an ultrawide 20mm lens and allows for 2x digital zoom at 1080p and 1.5x at 4K. There is no built-in optical stabilization but the camera has electronic stabilization. However, turning it on will limit the zoom to a 1.23x crop.

The ZV-1F is capable of shooting 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos up to 120fps. It also has a Background Defocus feature paired with Face Priority Auto Exposure (AE) for better selfie-style videos.

Because it is a Sony camera, users can also enjoy features like Eye AF, SteadyShot, and S&Q, which allows users to capture 60x hyperlapse in HD. Sony’s Shot Mark app allows you to export short clips under 60 seconds directly to a smartphone.

Rest of the specs

The ZV-1F also supports screw-on ND filters and comes with built-in directional microphones. The microphones have a forward bias for voice isolation. Likewise, the camera ships with a removable windscreen.

Furthermore, it has Wi-Fi, Type-C, mini HDMI, and NFC for connectivity. In addition, users can also use wireless tripod grips like GP-VPT2BT which can be controlled via the Imaging Edge Mobile app.

Sony ZV-1F Specifications:

  • Weight: 256 grams
  • Sensor: 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor, 20.1MP
  • Monitor: 7.5 cm TFT LCD panel (flip-out)
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, WiFi, NFC
  • Port: USB Type-C, microSD card, 3.5mm, Mini HDMI
  • Storage Media: SD memory card
  • Audio: Stereo microphone, Mono speaker
  • Battery: 60 min recording
  • Video: 4K videos up to 30fps, FHD up to 120fps
  • Colors: Black, White

Sony ZV-1F Price in Nepal and Availability (Expected)

The Sony ZV-1F will go on sale for USD 500 starting October 24. We expect the Sony ZV-1F to retail for around NPR 80,000 if it launches in Nepal.

Sony Camera Price in the US Price in Nepal (Expected)
Sony ZV-1F USD 500 Rs. 80,000
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review: (Impressed Noises)

In this review, I’ll be discussing all about the new Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). So 2019’s AirPods Pro was a massive hit for Apple. Matter of fact, every AirPods Apple has ever launched has been a massive hit, with the company dominating a significant portion of the wireless earbuds market. And after three long years, Apple has finally launched the successor to the first-gen AirPods Pro, called the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation—or just AirPods Pro 2 in short.

Global TWS Market Share - Q2 2021 vs 2022
Global TWS market share (Image: Counterpoint Research)

But things are not as easy this time, and Apple has got quite some catching up to do because the wireless audio market has well surpassed the first-gen AirPods Pro both in terms of audio quality and active noise cancellation. I’ve been using these earbuds for over a week now and I definitely think Apple is back to its winning ways with the AirPods Pro 2. And hey, if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, there are even more reasons to love these guys.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review: Specifications

  • Body:
    • Earbud: 30.9 x 24.0 x 21.8 mm, 5.3 grams (each)
    • Charging case: 60.6 x 45.2 x 21.7 mm, 50.8 grams
  • Water Resistance: IPX4 sweat and water-resistant (AirPods Pro and charging case)
  • Color Options: White
  • Sound Driver: Custom high dynamic range amplifier, 11mm custom high-excursion Apple driver (low-distortion)
  • Chip: Apple H2 headphone chip, Apple U1 chip in the charging case
  • Microphone: Dual beamforming mics, Inward-facing mic
  • Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes (ANC with Adaptive Transparency)
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
  • Companion App: N/A
  • Control: Capacitive touch control on each earbud
  • Sensors: Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Skin-detect sensor
  • Battery: Exact battery size unspecified
    • Up to 6 hours of playback with ANC
    • Up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking
    • Up to 4.5 hours of talk time
  • Other Features: Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio, Find My, Audio Sharing, Always-on “Hey Siri”, Automatic Switching
  • Price in Nepal: Rs. 44,500

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review:

Design & Comfort

  • 30.9 x 24.0 x 21.8 mm (earbuds)
  • 5.3 grams (each earbud)
  • IPX4 sweat and water-resistant
    • Both earbuds and charging case

I’ll get into the ecosystem talk in just a bit, but the one thing I can tell you right away is that there aren’t many changes in the design department since the second-gen AirPods Pro looks nearly identical to its predecessor.

Apple hasn’t tinkered with such an iconic and recognizable look of the original AirPods Pro all that much. And that’s understandable, I guess.

So the only way you could tell the two apart is that the AirPods Pro 2 has its noise-canceling microphones on top of the earbuds, while Apple bundled it with the skin detection sensor inside the buds. Other than this, it’s still only available in a single white color option with a glossy finish, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Certainly not mine because I think Apple should be doing better in terms of colorways at a time when other companies are offering some really beautiful-looking earbuds these days.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation - Design 1

Even Beats lets you pick between multiple color options for its earbuds. And in case you’re unaware, Apple owns Beats. Not just that, but over time, the AirPods Pro 2 is going to age poorly due to discoloration as well. That’s pretty unfortunate but you know what isn’t? Its fit and comfort.

Super duper comfy

Although I’ve never been one for the stem design of Apple’s AirPods that sticks out of your ears, I think I can give it a pass this time because of how comfortably it fits my ears. I don’t think I’ve had to readjust these earbuds even once after putting them on—it’s that good! Just make sure you try out different size ear tips because the default one may not be it. I found the small ones fit my ears the best but if you have particularly small ears, there’s also an extra small pair of ear tips included with the second-gen AirPods Pro.

This may not sound all that important but trust me, getting the right-sized ear tips is really important for the best audio and ANC experience.

The case, the (almost) incredible case

Now, I don’t usually talk much about the charging case in our wireless earbuds reviews since there’s so little to talk about them, but not this time. Believe it or not, this case is easily one of the most interesting upgrades on these AirPods. It still arrives in the same sleek form factor that we know and love, but Apple has supercharged it with the U1 ultra-wideband chip. That’s the same chip you’ll find in the AirTag object tracker, which means you’ll have much better luck finding this case if you happen to misplace or lose it.

As ultra-wideband support isn’t available here in Nepal, I can’t use Precision Finding just yet. So it’s down to the standard directions options in the Find My app. But at least I can now ring the case—besides the buds—since it has a built-in speaker too. That’s definitely something!

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation - Lanyard

Apple has also found a way to make this case IPX4 sweat and water-resistant—just like the buds themselves. There’s even a lanyard loop on the side so that you can attach it to a backpack or an external lanyard. So yeah, on the behalf of all the clumsy people in the world (including myself), thank you Apple! As for charging, the company has officially phased out its usual wireless charging case as well. The second-gen AirPods Pro gets a MagSafe charging case by default, whereas it can also juice up via a Qi charger or even an Apple Watch charger!

It’s 2022, and we still have to complain about the Lightning connector.

But… that Lightning connector is still a sight for sore eyes. I’m not a fan of the Lightning port in the iPhones and I’m not a fan of it in the AirPods either. Hopefully, 2023 is when Apple finally goes all-in on USB-C.

Controls

  • Capacitive touch control on each earbud
  • Only press and hold action customizable

The second-gen AirPods Pro also gets a sweet volume control upgrade. The capacitive force touch sensor on its stem can switch between volume levels with a simple swipe up or down gesture. And I must say that it works wayyyyy better than I expected! I’ve used my fair share of such volume control gestures on other earbuds, so I was kinda keeping my expectations low.

But here, it works with the gentlest of swipes and the buds don’t readjust when using the gesture either. Awesome! There’s also nice audible feedback confirming your action, although I wish its intensity varied depending on the volume level itself. Maybe Apple will add it via a future update, we’ll see. On the other hand, its pinch control is still not my favorite way to get around a pair of earbuds, but hey, it’s quite immune to accidental touches—unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro—so I’ll take it. The upgraded skin-detect sensor is quick at pausing the playback when removing one of the earbuds too. Or resuming it when you put it back in.

Noise Cancellation

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
    • With Adaptive Transparency Mode
  • Powered by Apple H2 chip

Okay, let’s now talk about the noise-canceling ability of this thing. Powered by the all-new H2 chip, Apple promises a remarkable 2x improvement in ANC performance on the second-gen AirPods Pro.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation - Fit

You would think that Apple is trying to set the bar too high but when giving it a second thought, that’s pretty much expected and required from the company. Remember that Apple took three years to come up with an upgrade to its first “Pro” AirPods. And as I mentioned in the very beginning, the competition has caught up and outclassed Apple’s legacy by leaps and bounds during this time. Anyway, I don’t know about 2x exactly, but these AirPods are indeed super effective at cutting out the outside noise.

Most of my test conditions have remained the same since the time I reviewed the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro not too long ago. I travel the same route from my home to the office and my office space is right next to a preschool, so shouting children, loud kids’ music, and vehicles driving by are just a few examples of noises I get to “enjoy” on a daily basis. I also share this air-conditioned space with a couple of my colleagues so the noise of people typing in on their mechanical keyboards and the HVAC noises are in the mix as well.

And yup, the second-gen AirPods Pro indeed manages to eliminate most of the consistent noises I would normally hear, much more effectively. Especially the low-frequency noises that are almost completely blocked.

Does it have the best-in-class ANC?

Seeing how everyone has been giving such high regard for its ANC, I was expecting to be blown away in terms of the mids and high frequencies as well but turns out I set myself up for a (mild) disappointment there. Don’t get me wrong, this is still incredible at dampening stuff like people chatting around you, a TV playing in the background, loud-pitched noises, or when you’re out in a busy café or a marketplace.

AppleAirPodsPro2nd Generation - Case

But I guess I was hoping for something stronger in this regard. I’d say the AirPods Pro 2 has marginally better noise cancellation than the Buds 2 Pro, mostly when it comes to shushing white noises—but otherwise, they’re quite similar. Besides the actual ANC strength itself, I’m also impressed with the sense of directionality that you notice on the incoming noises that manage to sneak in.

Still the king of Transparency Mode

Apple continues to knock it out of the park with the “Transparency Mode” too. The first-gen AirPods Pro was already my favorite pair of earbuds as far as effortlessly listening to the outside world is concerned. And with the new H2 chip, Apple has given me even more reasons to love its take on transparency mode!

Turning it on, it still feels as if you aren’t wearing the earbuds at all which is great when you need to have a quick chat with someone without having to take off the earbuds. Everything sounds as natural and unprocessed as you’d want. And the second-gen AirPods Pro takes things a step further by adding something called “Adaptive Transparency Mode”.

Think of it as regular Transparency Mode, but on steroids.

These earbuds can automatically drown out any unpredictable burst of loud noise—anything over 85 dB—so that you don’t get blasted with startling noise that could damage your ears. And it’s not like a “call-and-response” thing either. It’s not like there’s a sudden noise, the AirPods hear it, and only then the volume goes down. No. It happens instantaneously.

Say I’m walking down the street with my AirPods on with Transparency Mode and a loud bike passes me in a flash, or I’m in my office and a helicopter or an ambulance passes nearby. Instead of hearing such blaring noises at full force, these earbuds quiet them down to a more comfortable level.

It’s pretty cool—sure—but it’s not something I’d drool over though, to be honest. For me, this is a neat accessibility feature that’s better to have and not need than to need and not have. But I think this could be a game-changer for people with sensitive hearing. Or just someone who prefers putting on a pair of headphones when riding a bike.

Audio Quality

  • High dynamic range amplifier
  • 11mm high-excursion Apple driver (low-distortion)
  • Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity (AAC, SBC codec)

Getting to the audio quality itself, the second-gen AirPods Pro rocks an 11mm high-excursion driver. The same as the original AirPods Pro or the third-gen AirPods. Alongside a redesigned amplifier and a new low-distortion audio driver. Most of us were also expecting hi-res playback support this time, but Apple is still sticking with the default AAC and SBC codecs for now.

One for all, all for one

All this may not inspire a lot of confidence in its sound quality but the H2 chip is here to rest my doubts yet again. The best way I can put it is that these AirPods have a clean, consistent, and balanced sound profile that comes off as pleasant in most genres of music. It certainly sounds like Apple has gone for a “one for all” type of tuning that most listeners might not bother messing around with. Not that Apple lets you set a custom equalizer in the first place anyway.

AppleAirPodsPro2nd Generation - Connectivity

And I have enjoyed listening to most songs on my playlist here thanks to its full and rich audio, with especially impressive mid-frequencies. So whether it’s Bob Dylan’s acoustic folk “Mr. Tambourine Man” or something with a busy soundstage like “Kiss With A Fist” by Florence + the Machine, the distinct vocal range of both artists sound true-to-life and incredibly pleasing to listen to.

This is also great news for someone who streams a lot of spoken word content like podcasts, audiobooks, radio, and such. The clarity in the mid-bass and highs is yet another strong point of the AirPods Pro 2. In Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, these earbuds manage to preserve the smooth harmonics of the electric guitar and the bass hit perfectly. All without sounding muddy or sibilant.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows

Sounds great right? But that “one for all” EQ has a few drawbacks of its own too. You see, if you’re used to thumpy bass and definitive treble, the second-gen AirPods Pro could leave you wanting more. Something so vividly noticeable in The Killers’ electro-rock track “Flesh and Bone”.

Here, the song’s sharp opening notes come off monotonous instead of a gradual ascend of the high frequencies. Bassheads might not be content with Apple’s default tuning either. In multiple rap, hip-hop, and rock songs I frequent, these AirPods couldn’t deliver that level of energetic vibe that I’ve come to expect. In comparison, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro manages a much wider dynamic range with stronger bass and clearer highs for a more immersive listening experience.

Moving on, Apple is also pushing “Personalized Spatial Audio” with its latest set of wireless earbuds. This feature needs you to scan a picture of your ears to create a more precise surround sound experience. But I gotta be honest, I couldn’t notice any difference between regular and personalized spatial audio. And it doesn’t help that I’m not a big fan of such head-tracking audio tech as well. Especially for listening to music. Some tracks even sound worse with Spatial Audio, at both fixed or head-tracked mode.

Call Quality

  • Dual beamforming mics, Inward-facing mic

So what about the microphone quality then? AirPods have always had an upper hand when it comes to voice call performance because of their tall design that places the microphone relatively closer to your mouth. And the second-gen AirPods Pro is no exception.

It sounds great in an ideal condition like a fairly quiet room like the one I’m in right now, where you don’t have a lot of ambient noise around you. And even when you’re outdoors, they do a nice job at dropping the background noise to make sure your voice sounds nice and clear. I took multiple phone calls from these AirPods out on the streets, and people on the receiving end are yet to complain about the clarity of my voice.

Battery Life

  • Up to 6 hours of playback (with ANC)
  • MagSafe charging case, Qi wireless charging
  • Lightning connector

The new AirPods Pro also bumps the battery life from 4.5 hours to 6 hours with ANC enabled. Or about half an hour less with Spatial Audio turned on. And Apple promises five listening cycles with the charging case. I mostly keep noise-cancellation on when listening to music at around 80–90% volume, and under this, it kept going for five and a half hours before I needed to get reseat it in the case.

AppleAirPodsPro2nd Generation - MagSafe Charging

But thanks to Apple’s adaptive EQ that dynamically adjusts audio quality, I could stream my music even at low volume without sacrificing much in terms of sound fidelity. So, besides not having to pump loudness at all times, this helps deliver better battery endurance too. And with the quick charging feature, I can also get an hour of listening time with just 5 minutes of charge!

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review: Conclusion

Okay, time to wrap up this review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). It is—without any shred of doubt—Apple’s best-sounding pair of in-ear wireless earbuds by a long shot. It carries on the remarkable heritage of its predecessor by improving on multiple aspects including noise cancellation, audio quality, battery life, and more. So if you’ve been itching to ditch your first-gen AirPods Pro for a new one, this thing is absolutely worth it.

And if you’ve been holding on to the very first AirPods with that flimsy open-ear design, this is going to be a magical upgrade in every possible way. Add to that all the Apple-exclusive perks like Find My support, Spatial Audio, in-ear detection, automatic switching, and more, the second-gen AirPods Pro should be a no-brainer to most iPhone owners.

AppleAirPodsPro2nd Generation - Design 2

Should be, not is. That’s because if you truly care about the absolute best ANC or the best sound quality there is—and can forego the benefits of the Apple ecosystem—competition like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 or the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II should be on top of your shopping list instead. And of course, Android smartphone owners have plenty of incredible options to choose from instead of having to give in to Apple’s AirPods.

Songs referenced in the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) review:

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review: Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent fit and comfort
  • Versatile charging case with U1 chip, speaker
  • Terrific active noise cancellation
  • Unbeatable Transparency Mode
  • Great sound quality
  • Decent microphones
  • Nice battery endurance

Cons:

  • Many Apple-exclusive features
  • Available in just one color option
  • Lightning port
  • The audio quality could’ve been slightly richer

Sony announces its first over-the-counter hearing aids

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Sony Electronics and WS Audiology have collaborated to bring over-the-counter hearing aids to the US market. Hearing aids can now be purchased in the States without a prescription thanks to a new FDA regulation. Sony’s first two hearing aids will be the CRE-C10 and CRE-E10. Here, we will look at the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Sony hearing aids in Nepal.

Sony Hearing Aids Overview:

The CRE-C10 and CRE-E10 hearing aids from Sony are designed to fit a variety of people based on their unique needs, situations, and lives. Via Sony‘s app, users can easily set up their hearing aids to adapt to their speech and surroundings. The Sony Hearing Control app also has a ‘self-fit’ feature via which the device self-adjusted to the most favorable pre-defined hearing profiles.

CREE10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids

The Sony CRE-E10 is designed for everyday wear and looks more like earbuds than hearing aids. It is fitted with a rechargeable battery that offers up to 26 hours of usage. It supports wireless charging and has an IP68 rating.

 

The new hearing aids from Sony are also capable of streaming music but the feature is iOS-exclusive for now. Moreover, it has two mics on each earbud for effective sound amplification and cancellation.

CREC10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids

The Sony CRE-C10 hearing aid is touted as one of the smallest hearing aid on the market. With its sleek design, the device is barely visible when worn. Sony also promises “prescription-grade sound quality” with its CRE-C10 hearing aids. Unlike the E10, the C10 does not have any sort of IP rating.

It ships with four soft ear tips of different sizes for a comfortable fit. The hearing aids are capable of adjusting the sound based on the surroundings and offer effective noise cancellation. Rated for up to 70 hours of continuous usage, the Sony CRE-C10 is powered by replaceable Size 10 Air (RP536) batteries.

Sony Hearing Aids Price in Nepal and Availability

The Sony CRE-E10 and CRE-C10 will retail for USD 1300 and USD 1000 respectively. The C10 will go on sale starting this month, whereas the E10 will arrive this winter. We expect the two Sony hearing aids to retail for NPR 193,999 and NPR 148,999 respectively if they launch in Nepal.

Sony Hearing Aids Price in the US Price in Nepal (Expected)
CRE-E10 USD 1,300 NPR 193,999
CRE-C10 USD 1,000 NPR 148,999
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Smartphone app may soon diagnose cancer by human voice

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Scientists from twelve different research institutes are collaborating to develop an app that can detect chronic health conditions. The app will search for clues to the illness using the sound of the human voice and artificial intelligence. Continue reading to learn more about the cancer detection app.

Cancer Detection App:

A brief

Experts in the medical field are aware that conditions such as Parkinson’s and stroke affect speech, whereas lung disease affects breathing. In a similar way, a group of scientists from 12 different institutes hopes that by using a computer program and the sound of human voices, they will be able to diagnose a wide range of health conditions, including cancer and depression.

Audio recording in smartphone

 

The group of experts will work together to collect the voices of people suffering from various health conditions, focusing on five areas: neurological disorders, voice disorders, mood disorders, respiratory disorders, and pediatric disorders such as autism and speech delays.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is funding the project with a whopping $130 million as part of its Bridge to Artificial Intelligence program, which aims to accelerate the widespread use of AI in the medical field.

The App

Dr. Yael Bensoussan leads a team of 12 researchers from various institutions. And she believes that the ‘voice has the potential to be a biomarker for several health conditions.’

Over the course of four years, these experts hope to collect 30,000 voice samples. Along with it, the team will collect other data, such as clinical and genetic information. The accuracy of the detection algorithm is expected to increase as the number of voice samples in the app grows.

Entering your voice into the system will be as simple as recording it with your smartphone’s microphone. After recording the audio, the app would compare it to its database to see if there were any health conditions.

“Creating an effective framework that incorporates huge data sets using the best of today’s technology in a collaborative manner will revolutionize the way that voice is used as a tool for helping clinicians diagnose diseases and disorders,” Dr. Bensoussan told USF Health.

If the app achieves its goal, it will revolutionize the entire healthcare industry. More importantly, the app can help residents in rural areas where the health care system is lacking.

Cancer Detection App: Final Words 

Nonetheless, this isn’t the first attempt at developing an app-based cancer detection system. Kijiji was developing an app that claimed the same thing, but it is no longer available. However, Dr. Bensoussan’s team has a significant advantage in that they rely on a large amount of data. Furthermore, the NIH is financially supporting the project, so resources should not be an issue in this case.

  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Motorola Moto G72 with Helio G99, 108MP camera launching soon in Nepal

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After several teasers, Motorola has finally launched the G72, its latest budget offering, in India. The phone appears to be very appealing, with key features such as a high-res camera, 120Hz OLED screen, and a large battery. Here, we will go through the specs, features, expected price, and availability of the Motorola Moto G72 in Nepal.

Motorola Moto G72 Overview:

Design, Display

Starting off with the looks, the Moto G72 shares a design language similar to that of the more premium Edge 30 lineup. Available in Meteorite Grey and Polar Blue color options, the handset is IP52-rated and weighs around 166 grams.

Motorola Moto G72 - Design, Display

The 10-bit pOLED display on the Motorola Moto G72 measures 6.55-inch diagonally, whilst offering FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, it has a 402PPI pixel density and at an aspect ratio of 20:9, covers 86.5% of the phone’s front.

Performance

Under the hood, the Moto G72 houses a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. The chipset has been paired with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB storage. Moto G72 boots on Android 12-based My UX skin out of the box. Motorola promises three years of security updates and one Android update.

Camera

The Motorola Moto G72 has a triple-camera setup on its back. The main camera is a 108MP sensor whereas the other two are an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro shooter. Turning the phone around, you get a 16MP snapper for video calls and selfies.

Rest of the specs

Moving on, the phone houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast wired charging via USB Type-C. For audio, it has dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The phone has dual-SIM 4G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, OTG, and NFC for connectivity. Likewise, security is handled by an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Motorola Moto G72 Specifications:

  • Display: 6.55″ FHD+ pOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color depth
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm)
  • Memory: 6GB LPDDR4X, 128GB storage
  • Software & UI: Android 12 with MY UX on top
  • Rear Camera: Triple
    – 108MP Primary
    – 8MP Ultrawide
    – 2MP Macro
  • Front Camera: 16MP sensor (punch-hole cutout)
  • Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
  • Security: In-display fingerprint sensor, Face unlock, ThinkShield
  • Battery: 5000mAh, 33W wired charging

Motorola Moto G72 Price in Nepal and Availability

Moto G72 is available in India for INR 18,999 for the sole 6/128GB model. We expect the price of Motorola Moto G72 to be NPR 34,999 when it launches in Nepal.

Motorola Moto G72 Price in India Price in Nepal (Expected)
6/128GB INR 18,999 NPR 34,999
  • Meanwhile, check out our list of best phones under USD 400.

Xiaomi launches self-cleaning Mijia smart drink maker with a 4L tank

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Xiaomi has launched a new self-cleaning Mijia Smart Drink Maker in China. It comes with a variety of blending and pulping options. Once the task is carried out, it sterilizes itself. Here, we will go over the specs, features, availability, and expected price of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Drink Maker in Nepal.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Drink Maker Overview:

The highlight of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Drink Maker is its self-cleaning ability. The appliance uses a triple clean technology that utilizes water with the blade stirring it at 75ºC as well as steam for sterilization.

For effective blending, the blender includes a 6-leaf stainless steel knife and users can adjust the hardness or softness of the grinding with 9-speed controls. The Mijia Smart Drink Maker has a 4L water tank which is enough for two cycles of pulping and self-cleaning. Additionally, the tank can keep water hot for up to 4 hours.

Xiaomi Mija Smart Drink Maker - Design

Over 50 Recipes

Connecting the smart drink maker to the Mijia app (Android | iOS) lets you pick from over 50 cloud-based cooking recipes. It can make both hot and cold drinks, including soy milk soup, milkshakes, and tea.

The rated heating and stirring power are 1200W and 500W, respectively. Inside the box, you get a glass cup, a plastic cup, a brush, one measuring cup, and the blender itself.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Drink Maker Price in Nepal and Availability (Expected)

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Drink Maker is available in China for CNY 1,099, roughly USD 153. We expect it to retail in Nepal for around NPR 22,999 if it launches in Nepal.

Xiaomi Home Appliance Price in China (Oficial) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Mijia Smart Drink Maker CNY 1,099 NPR 22,999
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Xiaomi 12 Lite.

DJI OSMO Action 3 with 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor launched in Nepal

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DJI announced the third iteration of its Osmo series of action cameras last month, the Osmo Action 3. Touted as the most powerful DJI action camera, Action 3 has now launched in Nepal. So let’s get into the specs, features, availability, and official price of the DJI Osmo Action 3 in Nepal.

DJI Osmo Action 3 Overview:

Design

The Action 3 comes in a one-piece design similar to the first-gen Osmo Action. It is waterproof up to 16m without a case and DJI also offers a special case if you want to dig even deeper underwater.

DJI Osmo Action 3 Design

Likewise, the Osmo Action 3 is the first action camera to feature dual touch screens—one on the front and one on the back. This lets users access camera settings from any angle. The touchscreen is also Gorilla Glass protected and can withstand 1.5m drops (5ft). The screens also have a hydrophobic coating, allowing you to use them even with wet fingers.

Videography

The Osmo Action 3 has a 1/1.7-inch sensor, can shoot 4K videos at 60fps and 120fps, and has a 155° field of view (FoV). For a variety of dynamic shooting scenarios, the action cam also has three distinct image stabilization options.

The first is RockSteady 3.0, which provides a stable and immersive first-person perspective at up to 4K/120fps. There’s also a HorizonSteady mode, which eliminates camera shake from all angles and keeps the horizon level regardless of camera orientation. Finally, HorizonBalancing technology can correct horizon tilt in footage by up to 45 degrees.

It can also shoot vertical videos, for which the Action 3 includes a protective frame with two attachment points allowing you to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical video modes.

Rest of the specs

The action camera has a run time of 160 minutes at 1080p/30fps resolution and no EIS support. DJI has also improved the thermals on the Osmo Action 3, allowing for continuous 4K/60fps shooting until the battery runs out of power. It charges quickly as well, reaching 80% in 18 minutes. A full charger, however, takes about 40 minutes.

DJI Osmo Action 3 Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 70.5×44.2×32.8 mm, 145 grams
  • Water resistance: 16 meters (without case), 60 meters (with case)
  • Display:
    • Front: 1.4-inch, 326 PPI, 320×320
    • Rear: 2.25-inch, 326 PPI, 360×640
  • Camera: 1/1.7” CMOS, 155º FOV lens
  • Video: Up to 4K@120fps
  • Battery: 1770mAh
  • Run Time: 160 min (1080p/60fps, no EIS, screen off)

DJI Osmo Action 3 Price in Nepal and Availability

The price of the DJI Osmo Action 3 starts at Rs. 49,000 for the standard kit. There is also an Adventure bundle, which includes two extra batteries, a battery case, and a 1.5m extension rod, which costs Rs. 65,000.

DJI Osmo Action 3 Price in Nepal Availability
Standard Kit Rs. 49,000 Hukut
Adventure Kit Rs. 65,000 Hukut
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

4/64GB variant of the Oppo A16k gets a price cut in Nepal — again

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Oppo has once again slashed the price of the launched A16k. The phone was initially launched in Nepal back in April. In this article, we will be discussing the key specs, features, official price, and availability of the Oppo A16k in Nepal.

Oppo A16k Overview:

Oppo A16k also features the same 3D-curved body as the vanilla A16. That being said, it is both slimmer and lighter at 7.85mm and 175 grams, respectively. It is IPX4-rated against water splashes.

On the front, it sports the same 6.52-inch HD+ screen with a noticeable chin and waterdrop notch for the 5MP selfie camera.

It is an LCD screen with 71% NTSC coverage and up to 480 nits of typical brightness. In addition, the phone even has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

There is no change in the chipset as well. Oppo has used the Helio G35 chipset in the A16K, which is the same chip as in the A16. It is currently available in a single memory configuration of 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. You can expand the latter up to 1TB using an external MicroSD card.

Oppo A16K Color Options

At the back, you can notice the square-camera bump, which is nothing like what we get on the A16. Though the extra circular marking makes it look like a dual-camera setup, A16K only has a single camera setup. Here, you get a 13MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture and an 80-degree field of view (FoV).

Fueling the phone is a 4,230mAh battery, which only supports 10W charging. It runs on Android 11 with ColorOS 11.1 on top. Sadly, there is no fingerprint scanner for biometrics.

OPPO A16k Specifications:

  • Display: 6.52-inch LCD with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels)
  • Rear Camera: Single; 13MP primary
  • Front Camera: 5MP sensor
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm mobile platform)
  • GPU: PowerVR GE8320
  • Memory: 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB eMMC 5.1 storage (expandable)
  • Software: Android 11 with ColorOS 11.1 on top
  • Battery: 4,230mAh, 10W charging (micro USB port)
  • Security: Face Unlock

Oppo A16k Price and Availability (Official)

After the recent price drop, the new price of the Oppo A16k (4/64GB) in Nepal is Rs. 17,490. There is also a cheaper 3/32GB variant of A16k which comes with an Rs. 15,990 price tag in Nepal.

Oppo A16k Price in Nepal (Official) 
3/32GB Rs. 15,990
4/64GB Rs. 19,990 17,990 17,490
  • Meanwhile, check out our unboxing video of the Samsung Galaxy F23.