Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews

Panasonic SoundSlayer Wireless Review: A New Option for Gaming Headphones

The SoundSlayer GNW10 by Panasonic offers three preset gaming sound modes: RPG, FPS, and Voice. Each mode is designed to meet the audio needs of players in different game genres.

In RPG mode, the lower, bass frequencies and higher frequencies are boosted, while middle frequencies remain at a normal, stereo level. This creates a rich soundscape that enhances in-game explosions, crashes, and overall immersion.

FPS mode utilizes spatial audio to enhance subtle sounds such as footsteps, providing players with a competitive edge. This mode is similar to RPG mode but with boosted middle frequencies to pick up footsteps, making it also suitable for third-person shooter games.

Voice mode enhances human voices in adventure games, making character dialog more audible. Lower frequencies are reduced while higher frequencies retain their level, ensuring clear mid-frequency dialog. This mode is particularly useful for ensuring dialog is not overshadowed by combat sounds in adventure games.

For a well-balanced, full-sounding mode that suits most games without needing to switch between modes, RPG mode is recommended. It maintains clear voices and provides an atmospheric sound that works well for a wide range of games.

Reviews

Steam Deck OLED Review: Worth The Weight

Many handheld gaming devices use Windows 11 with additional software to improve the user experience, but Windows doesn’t work ideally with controllers and touchscreens. Valve’s solution to this issue was to create SteamOS, a Linux-based platform that offers a smooth and streamlined interface similar to that of Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.

When using Steam’s own storefront and software ecosystem, the Steam Deck provides the best handheld gaming experience. The device boots up quickly and allows you to launch games without any hassle, offering a seamless experience like that of a game console. Despite running on Linux, the Steam Deck can play most games designed for Windows through a compatibility layer.

The only downside is that installing games from sources other than Steam, or alternative game launcher/stores such as Epic Games, Humble App, or GOG Galaxy, requires a somewhat convoluted process. This is understandable as Valve aims to promote the use of the Steam store and has tailored the entire experience around playing games from Steam.

Reviews

Lenovo Legion Go Review: The Swiss Army Knife Of Handheld Gaming PCs

The Lenovo Legion Go has a full-fledged Windows desktop operating system, making it convenient to install any desired programs. This sets it apart from the Valve Steam Deck with SteamOS, which can be frustrating when venturing beyond Steam’s ecosystem. With the Legion Go, you also get three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, creating a hassle-free gaming experience without any extra effort. The device accommodates multiple game storefronts, including Steam, Epic Game Store, Humble Bundle, GoG Galaxy, Uplay, and EA apps.

However, using Windows 11 on a touchscreen device like the Legion Go can be challenging and awkward. While Lenovo has a custom launcher called “Legion Space” to enhance the Windows 11 experience, it feels rushed and underdeveloped. Although there are dedicated buttons on the controllers for Legion Space and the settings sidebar, they are not frequently used. In comparison, the Steam Deck’s SteamOS offers a smooth, console-quality experience with optimized “Deck-verified” games. There is hope for Lenovo to improve Legion Space and provide a similar experience to SteamOS while maintaining accessibility to all game storefronts.

Reviews

SwitchBot K10+ Review: A Small Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Compact Spaces

The SwitchBot K10+ vacuum comes with a powerful 2500Pa suction that is commonly found in larger, budget-friendly robot vacuums. The K10+ effectively picks up dust, cat litter, fur, and food crumbs from hard floors, thin rugs, and textured, medium-pile carpets commonly found in apartments.

While it may not pick up every single piece of dirt and debris, most robot vacuums struggle with that as well. The K10+ manages to pick up noticeable particles from the floor while leaving rugs and carpets visibly fluffier after cleaning. Additionally, its compact size allows it to access areas that a regular vacuum, such as an Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni, might not be able to reach. The K10+ moves swiftly under office chairs and couches, between bike tires, and into narrow spaces beside toilets.

switchbot k10+ navigation sensorsSarah Chaney/SlashGear

When it comes to maneuvering around obstacles, the K10+ performs reasonably well. The SwitchBot app advises users to remove cables and other potential obstacles before cleaning, which is a common practice for most robot vacuums. While they are smart, they are not yet that advanced.

In a test scenario with a pair of shoes and a small plate of cat food on the floor, the K10+ navigated around the shoes, moving them slightly in the process, but nudged the plate as it crossed paths. If the item on the floor is heavy, the K10+ will navigate around it, but it’s advisable to clear thin and light items before initiating the vacuuming process.

Reviews

Review of Soundcore Motion X500: A Powerful Bluetooth Speaker in a Compact Size

When overlooking the app, the controls on the Soundcore X500 are straightforward, consisting of six buttons. These include a power button, a Bluetooth button, an equalizer control, volume down, play/pause, and volume up buttons. The buttons are quite simple, each performing its own specific function.

Most tasks, such as skipping songs, can be done by tapping or holding the power button in different ways. While it may take some time to get used to, it’s convenient once you’ve mastered it. Alternatively, you can control the speaker through your phone via Bluetooth. If you are using Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music, any actions you take on the app will be reflected through the speaker itself. We initially wished for a remote control before realizing that the device we were looking for was already in our pocket.

Soundcore could have included additional features, but after using the speaker, it becomes apparent that adding unnecessary complexity and cost would not have been beneficial.

Electric Vehicles, Reviews

2024 Lamborghini Revuelto First Drive: The Ultimate Hybrid Costs $600,000

The Revuelto, Lamborghini’s latest offering, goes beyond performance improvements. It also aims to enhance the overall driving experience. Let’s start with the scissor doors, which still swing open to the sky as expected. Lamborghini has made them more accessible by pulling in the side sills, reducing the stretch needed to get into the seat. Once inside, you’ll notice increased headroom, addressing a previous issue for taller individuals, particularly when wearing a helmet.

The Revuelto features a one-inch higher roof, providing sufficient space for comfort on the track.

The interior is not only more spacious but also more exquisite, boasting a new level of design and attention to detail that surpasses Lamborghini’s previous offerings. The integration of advanced technology is also noteworthy, including a triple-display layout. The main interface is an 8.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that allows you to control most functions. Moreover, it supports wireless connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Adjacent to it is another display for the passenger, and on the left side, there is a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster.

An interesting feature is the interconnectedness of all three displays, allowing for the sharing of visual widgets. For instance, you can showcase the amount of G-force the car is generating through the corners on the central display, and with a simple flick of your fingers, it can be transferred to the passenger display. Similarly, you can view the car’s active safety system status on the gauge cluster by flicking it to the left.

Furthermore, the Revuelto is equipped with an active safety system, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Electric Vehicles, Reviews

2024 BMW I5 First Drive: A Winning Electric Car with Luxury, Performance, and Range

The i5 eDrive40 may not have the same active roll stabilization as its more powerful counterpart, the i5 M60, but it still delivers an impressive performance on narrow Portuguese b-roads. Equipped with self-leveling rear air suspension and optional electronically controlled front dampers, the i5 eDrive40 offers a comfortable and smooth ride. While the steering may feel light and relatively numb on center, the i5 is highly responsive and more engaging than its competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.

For those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience, the i5 M60 xDrive brings additional power and better steering communication. With active torque delivery to the front axle and rear-axle steering, the M60 feels well-balanced and agile. This chassis is a promising foundation for future M5 models.

The i5 also boasts strong regenerative braking, which can be adjusted through the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. While the standard adaptive mode may not perform consistently on winding roads, setting the regen level manually allows for a more personalized driving experience. Unlike Mercedes EVs, the i5’s brake pedal does not automatically mimic brake pressure.

Reviews, Technology

Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror And Lightstrip Kit Review: Expanding Your Smart TV With Light

Setting up the Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror and Lightstrip Kit is a breeze with the app guiding you through the process. The app prompts you to connect to the Thread network, an “Internet of things” network that allows Nanoleaf Thread-enabled devices to communicate with each other without relying on Bluetooth or a router. This not only ensures low power usage but also low latency for instant responses to inputs. Additionally, the app suggests using Matter, a smart home standard that seamlessly integrates various devices and networks.

Nanoleaf explains that Matter enables compatibility with popular smart home platforms like Google Home and Alexa. However, if you don’t already use multiple smart home devices, this may not be a significant feature for you.

Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror kit
Justin Owen/SlashGear

While some of the app’s functions may not be immediately intuitive, they are easy to learn. You can group rooms with their assigned lights or devices, allowing you to control them universally or individually. You can set any connected light to a solid color or choose from a selection of pre-installed scenes. These scenes are like little programs that change colors at different intervals, repetition, and speed. Some of them come pre-installed, while others can be downloaded.

If you want more customization options, you can also create your own scenes. This allows you to match the colors to your decor or come up with something original for special occasions like Independence Day. In addition to color control, the app offers brightness and power controls. Unlike many smart home products, this setup includes a physical power button, which is a welcome feature.

Cars, Reviews

2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Review: Excessive Technology

Lexus has made significant improvements in their recent models, moving away from confusing controls and towards a more modern approach. The new RX model now features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, bringing it up to speed with the rest of the automotive industry. Additionally, the RX has an impressive head-up display, which is especially notable due to its compact size. The display highlights important information related to adaptive cruise control, drive modes, speaker volume, and song selection.

However, the head-up display does have a drawback. When looking at the main gauge cluster, it can make the steering wheel buttons difficult to understand. Furthermore, adjusting drive modes or climate control settings through the center console involves navigating through numerous menu pages, which can be cumbersome.

Overall, the RX overwhelms with its excessive use of technology, sometimes reinventing basic functions that were once intuitive. For example, the exterior door handle is replaced by a small electronic button, rather than the traditional pull-out handle. Inside the car, a small door handle can be pushed inward as an electronic button or pulled outward in case of an emergency. While this is an elegant solution, it is a direct result of using a tiny electronic door handle in the first place.

Reviews

2023 Toyota Prius Review: A Stylish Hybrid

There is a strong argument that suggests all new vehicles should be hybrids. The Prius, although not the only hybrid option available, offers the convenience of saving gas without requiring any significant changes to driving habits. You don’t need to plug it in, which makes it extremely easy to use.

What sets the 2023 Prius apart is its attractive design. It is a hybrid that catches your attention. I even found myself turning my head to look at one as it passed by, and I was already driving a Prius myself!

Starting at under $28,000 (plus destination charges), the Prius feels like a fantastic deal. Even the higher-spec $35,000 Limited model is competitively priced considering its features. For those with an interest in electric vehicles and access to parking and charging facilities, the Prius Prime, with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, offers additional benefits. Nevertheless, there is plenty to appreciate in a stylish and practical car that is fuel-efficient and reasonably priced.