After a few weeks, below are my favourite and top photos that I have taken with the iPhone Xs Max.
Apple released the iPhone Xs Max a few weeks ago. Smart HDR was one of the new camera features introduced which takes multiple shots and merges the best components of each, to create one amazing shot.
Then there is the new A12 Bionic processor that helps with the computational photography aspects.
The results from the Xs Max have really surprised me. The quality leap forward from previous iPhones in very noticeable. Even from the iPhone X.
The Smart HDR even allows shooting into the sun and producing a decent result.
The Xs Max have larger pixels than the X at 1.4 microns on the main sensor. This helps with low light and detail.
Another aspect of the iPhone Xs Max Camera that I have noticed is it’s speed to take a shot. It’s instant.
Talking of speed, holding the shutter button activates burst mode. Did you know you can take 999 shots in a single burst.
With each burst, I noticed how every shot was in focus and perfectly exposed as well.
Portrait mode has improved too.
Of course, portrait mode can be used in many different scenarios.
With the Xs Max, the telephoto lens can help get some great macros.
And even without the telephoto you can get some great close up pics.
I really love how the camera captures sunsets and sunrises.
In addition, if you edit the photos in the iOS Photos app, there are some lovely filters available.
Video has also been improved on the Xs Max. The iPhone Xs Max is one amazing camera. And so easy to use and reliable.
In case you’re wondering what’s in the box of the Apple iPhone Xs and Xs Max , I can confirm it includes an awful lot of goodies. So what does Apple include?
Below is the full list of what is included –
– iPhone Xs or Xs Max with iOS 12
– EarPods with Lightning Connector
– Lightning to USB Cable
– USB Power Adapter – this isn’t a fast charger adapter
– Documentation which includes an Apple sticker
– There is no 3.5mm to Lightning Headphone Adapter included
Welcome to my first impressions of the iPhone Xs Max.
Before I get to my first impressions, I came across a little gem of a case that got delivered yesterday by DPD. It’s a silicone style case that’s a copy of Apple’s own silicone case except it has protection on the bottom edge, whereas Apple’s own design is exposed. It also costs £40 less. MoKu Case
The new iPhone Xs Max in theory is just a minor update to last years X. In fact with Apple supporting iPhones up to 5 years old currently, there’s no excuse to upgrade unless you’re on a iPhone 6.
However, the new A12 Bionic processor, iOS 12, larger full screen with gestures, enhanced stereo speakers, stereo video recording and more, the iPhone Xs Max could be something special which I’ll cover off in my full review.
I’ll say this now. The camera kicks ar*e. And is substantially better than last years X in every mode.
Welcome to my unboxing and first impressions of the Yamaha MusicCast 50 wireless speaker with Amazon Alexa voice control built in. The Yamaha MusicCast 50 retails for around £449.
The MusicCast 50 offers a wide range of options to listen to your favourite sounds with ease. It can be used as a standalone speaker, paired, or acting as surround speakers with a compatible MusicCast AV receiver or sound bar. The MusicCast 50 is one of the new speakers from Yamaha released in August 2018. Other features include –
– Music streaming services built-in
– MusicCast multi-room technology
– Alexa voice control compatibility* (*Availability varies by region)
– High-Resolution Audio
– Connect to a TV for upgraded sound
– Stereo pairing (requires 2 units)
– Ability to be used as surround speakers with an AV receiver or sound bar* (*Select MusicCast models only)
– Soft-touch, simple presets for instant playback
– Alarm
Built in streaming services include Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM and qobuz. Apart from the multi-room options, Yamaha provide an app that allows full control of the speaker, its nultiroom options and more. MusicCast takes the headache out of multi-room audio. Simply connect all MusicCast devices to the same network and start sharing audio throughout the home. Apart from built in WiFi, it has bluetooth and Apple AirPlay. With all this functionlity, this really makes this speaker a great offering. It also puts out a respectable 70W of music.
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Conclusion
The Yamaha MusicCast 50 is an extremely powerful wireless speaker. It is extremely versatile too offering tons of different ways to connect to it, Amazon Alexa voice control, bluetooth and AirPlay. It is also available in black and white finishes.
Welcome to my Huawei Mate 20 Lite Tips and Tricks plus Camera.
Key Specs
– Dimensions 158.3 x 75.3 x 7.6mm
– Weight 172g
– 6.3 inch IPS display, resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 409 ppi density
– EMUI 8.2 ,Android 8.1 (Oreo)
– Chipset Hisilicon Kirin 710
– Internal 64 GB, 4/6 GB RAM
– Rear AI Camera Dual lesnes, 20 MP, f/1.8, PDAF + 2 MP, depth sensor
– Front AI Selfie CAMERA Dual lenses, 24 MP + 2 MP, depth sensor
– 3.5mm jack
– Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
– NFC Yes
– Radio FM radio
– USB 2.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector
– Sensors – Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
– Battery – Non-removable Li-Ion 3750 mAh battery
The Huawei Mate 20 Lite features automatic AI beautification. This makes your selfies stand out and is achieved as the front-facing camera has a 24 MP lense + 2 MP lens that provides the bokeh. The AI optimises the photo based on eight scene categories to capture a stunning selfie.
In addition, AI-enhanced HDR technology allows for real-time previews of HDR images and video recordings, delivering true colour images and vivid recordings even in backlit environments.
Fancy a bit of fun, You can animate yourself with AI-powered 3D Qmojis that recognise and imitate your facial expressions, movements, and voice. Create personalised Qmoji GIFs and videos for easy social media sharing. I had a blast using these features.
The rear 20 MP + 2 MP dual-camera with f/1.8 aperture allows for creative flair to be achieved for your photos with optical bokeh. The AI provides 22 categories of object and scene recognition–based optimisations that make your photos look more professional.
Slow motion. No problem. Slow down time with 16x Slow-Mo, at 480 frame per second, in 720p resolution.
The Huawei Mate 20 Lite has a 3750 mAh battery with HUAWEI Quick Charge helping keep you on the move. All phones should have decent sized batteries like the Mate 20 Lite.
When it comes to the essentials of connectivity, the Adaptive AI-driven connectivity cleverly adjusts to your environment to keep you in touch. Elevator mode quickly recovers 4G signal and optimises network performance, while HUAWEI GEO provides more accurate positioning service and improves performance even in tunnels. AI also optimises ambient noise cancellation in loud and windy environments.
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Huawei Mate 20 Lite latest pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
Welcome to my unboxing and first impressions of the Yamaha MusicCast 20 wireless speaker with Amazon Alexa voice control built in. The Yamaha MusicCast 20 retails for around £199.
The MusicCast 20 offers a wide range of options to listen to your favourite sounds with ease. It can be used as a standalone speaker, paired, or acting as surround speakers with a compatible MusicCast AV receiver or sound bar. The MusicCast 20 is one of the new speakers from Yamaha released in August 2018. Other features include –
– Music streaming services built-in
– MusicCast multi-room technology
– Alexa voice control compatibility* (*Availability varies by region)
– High-Resolution Audio
– Stereo pairing (requires 2 units)
– Ability to be used as surround speakers with an AV receiver or sound bar* (*Select MusicCast models only)
– Soft-touch, simple presets for instant playback
– Alarm
Built in streaming services include Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM and qobuz. Apart from the multi-room options, Yamaha provide an app that allows full control of the speaker, its nultiroom options and more. Apart from built in WiFi, it has bluetooth and Apple AirPlay. With all this functionlity, this really makes this speaker a great offering. It also puts out a respectable 40W of music.
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Conclusion
At £199, the Yamaha MusicCast 20 represents great value for money. It is extremely versatile too offering tons of different ways to connect to it, Amazon Alexa voice control, bluetooth and AirPlay. It is also available in black and white finishes.
Welcome to my review of the Focal Clear Headphones.
The Key Features
– Low Impedanceat 55 ohms so easier to drive
– 104db sensitivity
– Frequency – 5Hz to 28kHz
– Leather and microfibre perforated headband
– 20mm memory foam cushion with a perforated micro fibre fabric
– The ‘M’-shape Aluminum/Magnesium (patent pending) dome with a new copper voice coil
Music Tracks Used for Review
– Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton – Play the Blues Album , Careless Love – Epic, Moving, great separation
– Seasick Steve – You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks – husky voice sounded wonderful.
– Amy Winehouse – I heard Love is Blind – wonderful guitar strings, vocals, layering, hidden depths of the music.
– Katie Melua & Eva Cassidy – What a Wonderful World – awesome vocals and piano.
– Michael Buble – Cry me a River – scale and drama, excellent vocals and bass impact.
– Philip Glass – Symphony no 8 (2005) – great soundstage, scale and drama. Excellent mids, treble and bass. Instruments clearly defined.
The Focal Clear headphones provides remarkable dynamics over the entire audio spectrum; bass that is always controlled, even at high volumes, and exemplary linearity in the high-end.
There appeared no sibilance or distortion with the Focal Clear headphones.
Video Review
Conclusion
Totally mesmerising to listen too. Focal have hit the perfect balance between detail and musical tone. My advice, book a world cruise and take these with you. Plus they come with a luxurious case, with high class finish, comfort, and decent accessories. Highly recommended.
Welcome to my review of the brand new Sony WH-1000XM3. In my review I am going to compare these to the older Sony WH-1000XM2 and Bose QC35ii. The Sony WH-1000XM3 retail for £329.
I will also document the differences between these new Sony headphones and the older version.
Key Features
– Industry leading noise cancellation so the music sounds even better
– Amazing battery life of 30 hours and super quick charging so you’re never without your headphones
– Improved design to make the 1000XM3’s even more comfortable and lightweight
– High resolution audio packed with technology and features to give truly authentic sound
– Even smarter technology to keep your hands free and give you total control with Google Assistant
– 30 hours battery life. 10 mins quick charge provides 5 hours battery life.
– New Sony QN1 processor
– 40mm driver unit, dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
– DSEE HX music upscaler software
– 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack
– Frequency Response wired – 4Hz-40,000Hz
– Frequency Response via bluetooth 20Hz – 20,000Hz (44.1kHz Sampling) / 20Hz – 40,000Hz (LDAC 96kHz Sampling, 990kbps)
– Frequency Response via active operation 4Hz-40,000Hz, passive operation included.
– 3.5mm Headphone cable is 1.2m, OFC strands, gold-plated stereo mini plug
Review
Sony is back with an update to the Sony WH-1000XM2. On paper the updates don’t seem extensive, but in reality the new WH-1000XM3 blows it away.
Firstly, Sony has improved the earcups and headband. The earcups are larger and more comfortable. The headband has more padding over the head, although it does make the headphones look cheaper. However, removing the steel from the previous model reduces the weight by 40g. This makes a difference and improves the overall comfort.
But headphones are about sound quality and in the case of these Sony headphones, also the noise cancellation. This year Sony introduces a processor into the headphones. And Sony does not disapoint with these headphones.
This year Sony has introducsed a processor into the headphones, called the Sony QN1. The Sony QN1 processor boosts the range of frequencies from which noise-cancellation occurs. This allows control over the sounds you can block while listening to your music.
The QN1 processor has a 32-bit audio signal processing. Add this to the headphones 40mm driver with its Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm. This allows for handling heavy beats and at the same time can reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz. Even if you don’t have high-resolution music, DSEE HX intelligently upscale compressed music files giving your music a clear, rich sound. Sony’s LDAC codec transmits approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth, which enable the high-resolution audio content. The 1000XM3 on-ear headphones are packed with technology to get the most out of your music.
The WH-1000XM3 also comes with a high res audio cable to provide an incredible a wired listening experience.
Other options on these headphones include smart settings by adaptive sound control to optimise listening settings automatically based on your listening behaviour and environment. This also allows customisable controls based on your own preferences. The equaliser option is available using the Sony headphone connect app (works with Android and iOS). The app also provides firmware updates.
Touch controls. The Sony WH-1000XM3 include touch controls. By placing your hand on the headphone housing, you can quickly communicate with the outside world, without having to take your headphones off or adjust the volume too and a quick double-tap enables hands-free calling. And now, with the google assistant, you have an ideal control and get access to even more information by using your voice.
For me the QN1 processor makes a large improvement to the sound and noise cancellation to the point that it makes the older Sony WH-1000XM2 sound dull! That’s crazy.
What’s in the Box
– Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones
– Plug Adaptor for In-flight usw
– Headphone cable (approx. 1.5m, OFC strands, gold-plated stereo mini plug)
– USB Cable C
– Carrying Case
– Operating Instructions
Review
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM3 are truly an amazing headphone and a leap forward from their previous model. This is a must buy headphone!
Welcome to my review of the Sony MDR-XB70BT Extra Bass In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. I decided to look at something less audiophile in design, yet with tons of fun. After testing the Sony MDR-XB70BT I can say these are an absolute blast if you want deep bass that makes your sense/feel your music.
Key Features
– High-quality wireless freedom: Enjoy deep punchy bass while maintaining sound clarity across the spectrum
– Convenient neckband design: Slim and lightweight with music/calls controls in the band
– Hands-free calls: Clear voice with built in mic and HD Voice support
– 9 hours battery life. EXTRA BASS sound with deep, punchy low end
– Additional earbud sizes included for individual fit
– 12 mm (Dome Type) driver type
– 4 Hz-24,000 Hz Frequency Respone
– 9 hours battery, 2.5 hours to fully recharge
The Sony MDR-XB70BT normally retail for £75, although at time of writing this review there were on offer for £52. Worth checking out the current price as it does vary.
Video Review
Conclusion
Bass lovers will love these earphones. In fact, many more people might enjoy these too.
FYI. The next headphone to be reviewed next week is the new Sony flagship, the WH-1000XM3 with comparisons to the Bose QC35ii and the older WH-1000XM2. I also have some Hi-Fi audiophile headphones being reviewed soon too.
Pick up the Sony MDR-XB70BT on Amazon UK Click HERE.
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