JBL Quantum TWS - Lag-Free Listening In a Bud

Have I ever mentioned how many earbuds I've reviewed over the years?

Oh, I have? Only about a million times? That's because there are about a MILLION EARBUDS out there.

I used to be able to single out my favourites because of their superior fit and noise cancelling abilities but something has changed in 2022; I'm finding more and more earbuds now fit properly and active noise cancellation has got really good, really fast.

So come on, tech world. What've you got next? Why should I choose your earbuds over someone else's? And don't say because they come in red... although that'd definitely get my attention.

As we've seen before, JBL doesn't make the earbuds decision easier due to its own, overwhelming range, which is now one pair bigger, with the addition of the Quantum TWS.

From the outside of the charging case, there's no reason to think these are all that different to any other JBL buds but open the lid and you'll notice three items inside, not just a pair.

The Quantum TWS earbuds themselves are a reasonably conventional combination of sealed-ear fit (with a selection of tips included in the box) and an external stem, primarily for directional mic positioning. there's a premium feel to the build quality and the silver and black JBL logo is not too flashy.

I've found the fit to be extremely comfortable and secure. The IPX4 splash resistance rating means these are a good choice for exercise as well as extended gaming sessions... which brings us to that third item in the case; a compact USB-C 2.4Ghz wireless dongle.

Yes, a genuine point of difference.

While the Quantum TWS earbuds boast the latest, low-latency bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, low-latency still doesn't mean no-latency. So, just like other reliable cord-free gaming accessories, JBL has introduced 2.4Ghz wireless into the equation to ensure what you see is exactly what you hear - exactly when you should.

This isn't just a crucial element in growing your successful semi-pro gaming career. It also eliminates the frustration of out-of-sync dialogue when bingeing your favourite psycho-drama.

The fortunate side-effect of this unique dual-source approach is the instant you unplug the dongle, you're back on bluetooth, effectively swapping devices in a mere moment.

Either way, the sound quality from these little beauties is rather impressive - certainly in terms of sheer power, anyway. The drivers measure a whopping 10mm - almost twice the diameter of most other true wireless earbuds I've used. This means they can be wound up very loud with an incredible amount of bass for a form-factor this small.

"Only Human" by Jason Mraz has just the most seductive bassline - the live version even more so. Thanks to JBL's typical over-emphasis on bass reproduction, this track is like treacle in my ears. That's a good thing, by the way.

However, on a track like the studio demo of Crowded House's "Oblivion," the kick drum is actually too prominent, pretty much drowning out everything else. Of course, to a large degree this can be remedied by fiddling around with the EQ in the JBL Headphones app - but who wants to do that for every track?

So musically, the Quantums perform well - especially when things get bassy - without taking out any personal prizes.

But remember, these are not designed primarily for music. These are "gaming earbuds." And sure enough, when it comes to the surround-sound effects of a first-person shooter or a well-mixed blockbuster movie, the Quantum TWS buds really come into their own.

Quite apart from the fact we've all but eliminated any lag with the addition of the 2,4Ghz wireless dongle, if you've plugged it into a Windows PC or laptop, you can download the JBL Quantum Engine desktop app to fine-tune your audio experience. Not only can you update firmware, monitor battery life and adjust volume, most importantly you can access the JBL QuantumSURROUND setting - a 7:1 spatial listening experience that somehow works almost as well in these tiny buds as it does in JBL's high-end Quantum over-ear headsets. The sense of space, direction and distance is actually kind of freaky. This is all in order to prevent you from being snuck up on by enemy combatants or overtaken in a surprise final-lap manoeuvre while playing Moto GP 3.

There are a whole bunch of beamforming mics built in too, so whether you're taking a call or calling in air-support, you should be clearly heard either way.

By reducing the full Quantum gaming experience down into two earbuds and a dongle, JBL has made it more portable than ever. The charging case has a slot for the dongle too and is no bigger than most other cases like it. Unfortunately, I will have to take marks off for the lack of wireless charging. I've become quite accustomed to plonking my earbuds down on a convenient Qi charging pad whenever I'm not using them - having to hunt around for a spare USB-C charger is certainly a first-world problem I can do without.

At around two hours from empty, charge time is also a little slow and five hours listening time with ANC on is good but not great. I suppose if you're gaming for longer than five hours in a row you've probably got issues more pressing than having to recharge your earbuds.

I know at the top I said everybody seems to be doing a good job of ANC these days but it's still worth mentioning I've been suitably impressed with the noise cancellation on the Quantum TWS as well. This not only means a more pleasurable commute, blocking out traffic, train or bus sounds but a more focussed gaming experience too - it's much easier to ignore your flatmates when you can't actually hear them.

While onboard controls are limited to short, long or multiple presses on the outside of either bud, at least these are quite customisable via the JBL Headphones app. I've got volume programmed on the left bud, play/pause on the right. But ANC and voice assistants are available too.

All in all, I'm thoroughly smitten with JBL's latest effort. Although they may not be my absolute first choice for music appreciation sessions, when it comes to video and gaming, the dongle definitely makes all the difference.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the JBL Quantum TWS true wireless noise cancelling gaming earbuds.

Apple iPad (10th generation) - This New iPad Really Is New

I feel like 2022 has been a big year for Apple, in terms of the sheer number of devices they’ve released. Starting off with green versions of last year’s iPhones, there’s been a steady flow of new apple devices throughout - from AirPods to Watches to Macs and yes, obviously more phones.

You’d think this would have kept the Apple acolytes, the ever-faithful, surprised and delighted all year long. And yet, some fans - and especially the critics - have been quick to point out which devices are not really new, but mere iterative upgrades.

Historically I’ve been no great fan of Apple products over any other, yet I’ve felt obliged, time and time again, to point out the fact most consumers do not consume every single generation of every single device - certainly not like we privileged few in the tech media. When you actually do get to trial every update as it’s updated, often there’s a certain speed-blur to the process that can make one gadget merge into another.

But it’s always important to remember how that gadget will appear to a “normal” person - perhaps someone upgrading after three or four years of trusty service or even a total newbie to the brand.

To those people, I can’t deny almost every Apple thing that comes along is a pretty cool thing indeed - even if it still looks and feels a bit like last year’s thing.

However, I’m writing this review on a thing that has evolved in many, many ways.

The good old iPad, surely still the leader, the no-brainer go-to when it comes to tablets. The 2022 (or 10th generation) iPad arrived on the scene with little fanfare. It didn’t get a dedicated, Tim Cook-hosted launch event - just a few social media posts, lumped in with its high-performance, bigger sibling; the iPad Pro.

And yet, of all the Apple devices to come out in 2022, the humble iPad might be the most upgraded of them all.

Let’s start with the eye-popping range of colours; blue, pink, yellow and silver - all of a candy-like, metallic finish that really brings some fun to the often staid world of tech. I’ve been sent a yellow iPad for review and it’s proved devisive - some insist it’s actually gold, some have vowed they won’t even touch it because of the colour. While not my first choice (why isn’t there a red one???) I don’t mind a touch of sun on the back of my computer.

Calling it a computer wasn’t a slip, by the way. This is the first “entry-level” iPad I’ve used that’s passed my ultimate tablet test; can I use it like a laptop? As I’ve already said, I’m typing this review on it right now. I edited (and even filmed some of) the video at the bottom of this article using this iPad. I uploaded all the photos from my cloud storage into this piece, on this iPad. There’s no doubt, the 10th generation marks a definite coming of age here.

There are a lot of little reasons the iPad has suddenly made this giant leap - starting with a very little one indeed; the charging port. With the change from the Apple-only lightning to the much more universal (and in some parts of the world, legally obligated) USB-C connection, suddenly that’s one less cable I need. Battery life has always been a standout feature for the iPad over its competitors, now charging and connectivity has become so much more straight-forward. In days gone by, Apple hasn’t had a great rep when it comes to playing with non-Apple devices. That little USB-C port now means things like thumb drives and external monitors are only a plug-and-play away.

Another major breakthrough is the disappearance of the home button. The fingerprint sensor is now under the edge-mounted power button and the bezels are now uniformly narrow all the way around the Liquid Retina display - which means a significant increase in size from 10.2 to 10.9-inches without having to make the iPad itself any larger.

The changes just keep coming with the 12MP front-facing selfie-cam moving from the short edge to the long edge. That’s right team, Apple has finally conceded most people video conference in landscape, so having the camera way over on the side makes no sense at all. This means you can now look your boss straight in the eye when you tell her how much you really hate meetings.

But perhaps the single most laptoppy thing about the 10th-gen iPad is the Smart Connector on the opposite (bottom) edge. Sure, you can still opt for a Smart Folio case if you like - perhaps in matching yellow (or blue or pink or silver). But thanks to those magnetic Smart Connector terminals, you now have the option of the Magic Keyboard Folio; the first time the basic iPad has had a keyboard case with a trackpad.

Not only is the keyboard on this accessory rock solid, boasting wonderfully clicky keys with definitive travel, there are function keys, just like on a Mac, for things like controlling media and adjusting brightness. The trackpad is equally responsive and accurate but essentially, the back half of the Magic Keyboard Folio (yes, it literally comes in two halves) folds out as a supporting stand (much like a certain competitor tablet is famous for). This is truly what lets you use this iPad as a laptop - either on a desk, on the couch or sitting up in bed. If you’re just watching video - or perhaps gaming with a controller - whip the keyboard off and use the iPad as a standalone display.

This is a truly revolutionary accessory - especially for Apple - but it does come at a cost. Is paying NZ$529.00 to convert your NZ$899.00 iPad into a laptop worth it? You can buy an M1 MacBook Air for NZ$1,749.00. And just to confuse things further, the iPad I’m reviewing is the 256GB, 5G version - that retails at $1499.00.

Did I mention the iPad Pro? Oh, that’s the next review.

While we’re talking add-ons, let’s add on an Apple Pencil. This is where things get super confusing. The iPad (10th generation) is still only compatible with the FIRST GENERATION Apple Pencil. This is the stylus that used to charge directly from previous iPads by plugging into their lightning ports. See the issue? Enter the lightning-to-USB-C adapter. This means you can use the USB-C charging cable for the Apple Pencil too. Told you it was confusing. At least it means you’re not wandering around with a long, pointy pencil sticking out of the bottom of your iPad anymore.

The final major iPad upgrade is its brain. the A14 Bionic chip boasts a 6-core CPU, 4-core graphics and a 16-core Neural Engine. Don’t worry, I don’t really know what any of those things are either. What it means is more power and silky smooth operation - whether editing video or gaming. Although the A14 is not even close to being Apple’s latest and most advanced processor, it still outperforms most of what the competition has to offer, especially in a specifically optimised device like the iPad. Editing, gaming, sketching, streaming, multi-window and multi-tasking all happens instantly with no issues at all. This is an extremely reliable and responsive device.

Oh, by the way; this iPad even sounds great - the landscape stereo speakers do a pretty convincing job of separating out home-theatre effects while I’m watching my latest episode of Severance on Apple TV+.

I could go on… and I will, when I review the new iPad Pro in a week or so. Meanwhile, rest assured the 2022 iPad has definitely evolved - it’s now almost a different beast entirely.

(Please note: the USB-C to Apple Pencil accessory is not included with the iPad - it was in the box with the other accessories)

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the Apple iPad.

BenQ GV30 - Project Absolutely Anywhere

Why aren't we all using projectors instead of TVs?

Surely the prospect of a giant display at a reasonable price is a no-brainer?

Except...

You still need some pretty specific requirements for the room you put a projector in. In fact, you probably need to build the entire room around the projector, just to make sure it's in exactly the right place. Oh, and it has to be dark. Super dark. Probably best to just watch at night.

Other than that, the perfect solution.

BenQ has other ideas...

The BenQ GV30 might get the prize for the cutest-looking device I've reviewed all year. It's a portable projector but it doesn't really look like a projector at all. If it was completely round it'd be about the size and shape of a small cake tin on its edge. 

The circular speaker grilles on each side and the leather carry-loop on the top give it the appearance of a bluetooth speaker - which you can use it for - but we'll come to that soon enough. An attractive carry-case is included with plenty of room for the GV30, its power supply and any other cables you might want to bring with you.

There's a rather cunning magnetic stand for the GV30 to sit in, enabling you to point it at any angle, depending on what you're wanting to project onto. You'll also find a standard photographic mounting screw socket on the base so you can set the GV30 up on a stand or flip it upside down and suspend it from the ceiling.

As you can tell already, this is an incredibly versatile wee gadget and we haven't even switched it on yet.

Before we do, there's a slightly fiddly bit of setting up which is a very odd process I've encountered with previous BenQ projectors; connecting and installing the separate QS01 Android TV dongle. I still don't understand why this isn't simply built into the projector itself but for some unknown reason, you're required to prise the left-hand speaker grille off with a special tool, (included) plug the dongle in, clip it in place and reattach the side panel. So weird.

You can then fire the GV30 up, sign into your Google account and any of the pre-installed apps and download any others - like TVNZ+, ThreeNow, Disney+ or Neon. Unfortunately - and again I don't really have a good explanation for it - you can't install Netflix or Apple TV+. This is made all the more strange by the fact you can both Chromecast and AirPlay to the GV30. What's weirder still is you don't seem to be able to cast directly from either the Netflix or AppleTV+ apps - although you can from browser windows streaming that content. Hey, don't stress about it too much - you can always just plug in an external streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV.

That's because there's a full-sized HDMI port, as well as a USB-C slot. So it's a cinch to use the GV30 as an external monitor for your PC, laptop or console too. That's right folks, have massive gaming display, will travel.

Other than the unexplained app limitation, the GV30's only other major shortfall is display resolution - at just 720P you might miss the crystal clarity offered by increasingly more available 4K devices - especially if you're using the projector to beam an image over 60-inches in size or bigger.

However, you might also find the benefits far outweigh those minor drawbacks. As I've discovered with other BenQ projectors, the GV30's ability to auto-focus and auto-keystone is pretty much magical. This is what makes it so easy to take anywhere and project onto anything; walls, ceilings, sheets, curtains - as long as the ambient light conditions aren't too glaring, this projector is good to go. Despite clocking in at the low end of the HD scale, the picture is still bright, clear and colourful.

And truly portable - the fully charged battery will last for up to 150 minutes of video viewing and almost twice as long if you're using the GV30 as a buetooth speaker.

So why would you use a projector as a bluetooth speaker? Because that's how good the sound is on this thing. Not only does it get reasonably loud but there's plenty of bass. This makes both parties and blockbuster movies sound way better than I was expecting.

For a little machine, it's jam-packed with settings you can tweak to maximise your viewing experience - there are different presets for gaming or movies and if you're not satisfied with the Auto-Focus and Vertical Keystone function, you can of course take manual control.

Speaking of which, the remote is pretty user-friendly, with plenty of practical shortcuts for instant access to things like input selection, projector settings and a dedicated button for Prime Video. You can also use your phone as a remote if you prefer (which might be a good idea if you're out and about with the projector; one less thing to lose!)

The GV30 may not be the projector to replace your TV forever but if you're somewhere your TV can't go (so, basically anywhere other than the room it's in) this is a very easy way to access big-screen entertainment with virtually no setup at all.

    

Click here for more information on the BenQ GV30 portable mini projector.

Apple TV 4K (2022) - All Your Entertainment in One Box

It's starting to feel like 2022 was the year of the streaming device, with quite a list of newly upgraded options now available to be plugged into an available HDMI port on your telly.

The main point of difference for most of these devices over their respective predecessors is picture quality; a bump up from HD to 4K or perhaps an upgrade to HDR10+ and/or Dolby Vision. Without getting too bogged-down in technicalities, these enhanced image technologies basically mean brighter, more vivid, clearer video - which is definitely noticeable, particularly on screens 55-inches and above.

It must be pointed out, that bump in picture quality is only available if your TV is capable of it too - no device you plug into your telly is going to magically upgrade its display performance. However, believe it or not, many of these external boxes and dongles can actually make your TV smarter.

Perhaps the best example of this is the new Apple TV 4K.

Let me admit right from the outset, this is my first time using Apple TV and I realise many people are old hands - although perhaps not right back to the first generation device in 2007. (I don’t recall that being widely available in New Zealand) As a newbie, please excuse me if I’m covering old ground in this review, although you might be a newbie too, so it’s worth highlighting all the main features, even if some are not 2022 additions.

While this year’s model is the smallest yet, less than 10cm square, it’s still a box - not a stick, so it still connects via a separate HDMI cable, rather than plugging directly into your TV. That’s fine, except Apple doesn’t include an HDMI cable in the box - something to consider if you don’t happen to have a spare one lying around. Given both the 64GB Wi-Fi-only and 128GB Wi-Fi + Ethernet versions are two of the most expensive streaming devices on offer (the 128GB version I’m reviewing here sells for NZ$319.00) it seems a bit stingy not to include all the hardware to make it work. There’s no ethernet cable either - but at least there’s a power lead.

And that might be my only complaint about the new Apple TV 4K. Because once you plug it in and turn it on, it’s good. Really good.

I’ve set up many devices like these over the years but in Apple’s usual style, initialising the Apple TV is so easy and intuitive, it’s very nearly automatic - assuming you have an iPhone and an existing Apple ID anyway. I’d be surprised if many non-iPhoners have considered using this device but they’re definitely allowed - you just have to do the setup manually instead.

For those of us lucky enough to have iPhone access, entering logins and passwords can be done via your handset, rather than having to navigate around the on-screen keyboard using the remote control.

Ah, the Siri Remote - what an absolute pleasure to hold and use. To be honest, I’m no fan of controlling your TV via virtual assistant - especially if there are other people in the room, rather awkward. But the side-mounted Siri button is only one great thing about the remote.

For starters, like all things Apple, it’s an exquisite piece of engineering; a compact, one-piece aluminium body that almost feels like an iPhone when you’re holding it. The buttons are large and clicky and all within easy reach of your thumb. There’s a very welcome dedicated play/pause button and the click-wheel isn’t just a click-wheel; it’s a click-pad too. This allows for more sensitive, gesture-based navigation which means extra controls, like a circular gesture to jog video streams forward and back.

The Siri remote requires no batteries; just a very occasional charge via USB-C.

Did I mention you can use your iPhone as a remote too? Of course you can. This is Apple after all - it’s an ecosystem.

That means subscriptions to services like Apple TV+ and Apple Music are instantly accessible but more importantly, you can quickly pair with other devices like AirPods and Apple Watch - the later comes in very useful should you decide to make the most of the comprehensive Apple Fitness+ suite of home workouts. I’ve tried these and they’re way better than I thought they’d be. I assumed it’d just be a fairly generic library of pre-recorded exercise classes but the app experience feels much more intuitive and immersive than that.

In my case I was quickly able to pair my watch then choose a whole programme centred around back strengthening - that means a combination of several different routines from a variety of instructors to form each workout; from weights to Pilates to yoga, all with the option of adding in the latest hit music. The subscription is expensive - but nowhere near as expensive as joining a gym.

Apple Fitness+ is just one of the icons you’re presented with on the very stripped-down Apple TV home page. Of all the smart TV and streaming device operating systems I’ve encountered, there’s no question this is the most streamlined. No bloat. No ads. No unnecessary suggestions from apps and services you don’t own or aren’t subscribed to.

Just a very iPhone-like grid of icons, although you can group several apps together in one folder if you like. There’s a row of five favourites at the top and depending on the app, you’ll see a content preview when you hover over each one, although exactly what that preview contains varies from app to app. Apple TV+ and TVNZ+ show featured new releases, while Plex and Netflix bring up thumbnails of what you’re currently watching.

Thanks to the awesome power of the new Apple TV’s A15 Bionic chip, apps load instantly. In fact everything is so fluid and smooth I can’t imagine ever going back to the somewhat stilted and clunky operation of my smart TV’s own native user interface.

So you have one of the most powerful processors around, combined with 128GB of internal storage… sounds like a good excuse to build up a gaming library to me.

Apple Arcade offers hundreds of games for easy download and for a reasonable subscription you can take your pick, effectively converting your Apple TV 4K into quite a slick gaming console, just by pairing a bluetooth controller.

I’ve been wasting quite a bit of time “researching” some of these games - Lego Brawls and Lego Star Wars Castaways are just damn funny. Sonic Racing and SpongeBob SquarePants Patty Pursuit provide some welcome cartoonish mindlessness, while the Pathless is a more challenging RPG that’s also more time-consuming. (I probably would have published this review last week if I hadn’t got so sidetracked playing games like these)

As I’ve mentioned several times already, like any Apple device, perhaps the TV’s greatest strength is its ability to play well with others - be that mirroring content seamlessly from iPhone, iPad or Mac or accessing your paired HomeKit devices - speakers, cameras, lights, whatever.

I feel like I haven’t talked much about the most important thing of all; picture and sound. Well they’re great. Of course they’re great. Even the choice of screensavers are ultra-high-res works of art. Everything absolutely pops, both visually and aurally. This truly is the ultimate AV experience - wrapped up in a very small box.

Click here for more information and pricing on Apple TV 4K (2022).

Panasonic LZ2000 - Near Perfect Pairing of Sound and Vision

I'm starting to learn to be more patient with tech.

For years I've lamented the lack of quality sound built into modern TVs. For a long time now, it seems the wider (yet slimmer) televisions became, the worst their speaker performance got until eventually the requirement for an additional soundbar (if not a whole, external home theatre system) became pretty much compulsory.

Sure, the picture standard kept improving, from HD to 4K to 8K, plasma to LED to OLED... but I began to wonder why the manufacturers bothered to build speakers into their TV's at all. Who wants tinny, tiny sound to go with a huge, multi-faceted picture?

Turned out, I just had to wait a bit. I should have known Panasonic would figure it out.

The Panasonic LZ2000 range comes in 55, 65 and whopping 77-inch options. When extracting my 65-inch review set from its box, I was immediately struck by how much more bulky it is when compared to other, similar-performing screens in this price range. The main reason for this is speakers.

You see, the LZ2000 isn't just about premium picture quality, Panasonic also wanted to deliver truly immersive sound as well, to create a complete home cinema experience right out of the box. You can't miss the forward-facing speaker unit which is essentially a preinstalled soundbar, running along the entire length of the bottom edge of the screen.

The Technics-tuned upward-firing speaker array is also pretty in-your-face - nestled just behind the top-centre of the display. There are also side-mounted drivers and a woofer too - adding up to a very impressive 160W sound system, capable of delivering a wide range of audio configurations, including Dolby Atmos and Panasonic's own 360-degree Soundscape Pro.

Not that this is an unwieldy or unattractive TV once set up on its ingenious swivel stand - this lets you tilt the LZ2000 around to your preferred angle while remaining completely stable. Even with that built-in soundbar along the bottom, from the front the screen appears super-slim - you can't see any sign of the speakers and other I/O panels at all. This is partly due to the fact ports like the HDMI and USB connections are well and truly tucked away - rather difficult to access in fact. This is not a telly you want to be regularly plugging and unplugging things into.

I have to take issue with some other reviewers' claims the bezels are unnoticeable. I noticed them. I notice them every time I watch the LZ2000. They're certainly slim but they're not the slimmest I've seen (or haven't seen) and I feel obliged to point out this is not one of those tellies you install because you won't see the edges of it when you're watching it.

However, once you turn the LZ2000 on, you'll forget all that pretty quickly because the viewing experience is absolutely sumptuous. The colours are so rich, the lines are so sharp and clear and the picture is so bright, you almost feel like you can step right into it. I've streamed content, I've watched locally stored video files and I've played games - everything looks incredible, especially from sources capable of HDR10+ and DolbyVision.

And as I've pointed out already, finally there's a complete speaker array to match - most surprising is the full and powerful performance of the 20W woofer. Whether it's the slightly creepy yet insanely busy theme tune to The White Lotus, or the droney thrum, thrum, thrum of the Peripheral soundtrack and its many and varied special effects, the LZ2000 sound system doesn't just complement its extraordinarily vivid video performance, it enhances it even more. The only time I've heard any distortion or rattle is when I have the volume up super loud and the noise gets super deep - I've included an example of this in the video below. Who knew Billie Eilish (or more specifically, the incredibly low bass sounds provided by producer/brother Finneas) would be the ultimate test for subwoofer performance?

As I've remarked in previous Panasonic TV reviews, I find it amusing they still haven't changed the settings font since my first Panasonic plasma screen from around the turn of the century. It looks oddly retro and computery and there certainly are a lot of settings to play with here - perhaps a few too many. There are any number of ways to change the picture and sound, both manually and automatically. On top of all that, there's also a dedicated Gaming Control Board app to tweak things like refresh rates and lag times even more. For most users, I'd suspect this is all a bit overwhelming (it is for me) and many might be put off by just how much tweaking you can do once you dig into the menu.

In stark contrast, the user interface is rather spartan - pretty much just a bunch of icons floating across the bottom of the screen. The OS is probably the LZ2000's weakest point - there are only a limited number of apps available, although all the popular local streaming services are there and I was certainly relieved to find my favourite TV app, Plex, already preinstalled.

As for the remote control... not spartan. The opposite of spartan. The most un-spartan thing I've ever come across. It's truly enormous with more buttons on it than you could ever hope to use. It's literally too long to fit on the shelf where I normally keep my remotes and while it's nice to have dedicated shortcuts for apps like Netflix, YouTube, PrimeVideo and Disney+, I'm not sure I need a "List" button or a "Guide" button. Even Play and Pause are two separate buttons - good luck remembering which one is which in the dark.

The customisable "MyApp" button is useful though - I've programmed this to bring up the Gaming Control Board for instant access.

Of course, if you're like me, once you've set up the TV you might default to an external streaming device such as Chromecast with Google TV or an Apple TV box - they have nice, normal small remotes and can be set to control basic functions on the LZ2000 like on/off and volume.

If you're in the market for a truly high-end OLED display, with truly - and I can't emphasise this enough - truly impressive built-in sound quality, I can confidently recommend the LZ2000 as a prime option.

However, if you already have a decent external sound system, this is complete overkill. Not to worry, Panasonic has another option; the LZ1500 - same awe-inspiring picture, just without the bombastic audio.

Click here for more information on the Panasonic TH-65LZ2000Z.

Dyson Gen5detect Absolute - Dyson Keeps Dysoning

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times; nobody does design like Dyson does.

Boasting perhaps the most innovative and imaginative team of engineers of any company in the world, year after year Dyson seems to be able to reinvent itself and its products; the way they look, the way they perform and essentially, what they do.

Over the years we've seen Dyson revolutionise domestic heating, cooling and air purifying with a combination of crazy ideas like bladeless fans and unheard-of advances in filtration.

Somehow Dyson has also become the go-to brand in hair-care appliances - even professional hairdressers often choose Dyson for its superior durability and performance.

But let's be real here; it all starts and ends with the vacuum cleaners. Sir James Dyson wouldn't be where he is today if he hadn't decided to build a better vacuum all those years ago and the main reason Dyson has kept its position at the top of the vacuum pile ever since is its unwavering commitment to reinventing itself.

This year's stick vacuum is the ultimate result.

The Dyson Gen5detect Absolute is much more than the next evolutionary step in the Dyson range. Due to patents expiring on the previous Hyperdymium motor technology, competing brands were able to start copying what Dyson had spent decades developing; an incredibly powerful and reliable motor in the tiniest of form factors.

So the Dyson engineers literally went back to the drawing board and came up with an even tinier motor, that's even more powerful and even more power-efficient.

By stripping everything back to its smallest component pieces, these geniuses realised by doing things like wrapping the copper coil that makes the motor spin in a different shape, they could extract more speed than ever - the next-gen Hyperdymium motor spins at up to 135,000rpm. (Apparently, that's about nine times faster than a Formula One engine)

But the 2022 upgrades don't stop there. As I've mentioned already, Dyson is pretty renowned for its air filtration tech and while other manufacturers claim to be using HEPA filters, apparently they only really work properly if the machine is completely sealed, which the Gen5detect is.

To prove it, there's a piezo sensor built into the device to count and size particles at the rate of 15,000 times a second. The results are then displayed on the redesigned colour LCD screen - once the number of particles (of all sizes) drops to zero, you know your floor is clean and you can move on.

That display also keeps track of battery levels and here, once again, Dyson has raised the bar, with up to 70 minutes of non-stop suction. If you can't vacuum your whole house in that time, you must be living in a hotel. If so, you can always buy a spare battery; it clips in for easy replacement.

Last year, Dyson introduced a new innovation to help with your clean; a laser mounted on the "fluffy" hard floor cleaning head. On the Gen5detect this Fluffy Optic cleaner head now produces twice the brightness, so you'll see every speck of that disgusting dust, pet hair and other detritus in all lighting conditions - not just in the dim corners.

But for me, the two biggest innovations are the power button and the hidden surprise.

The power button was a surprise in itself because there's never been one before. Dyson stick vacuums have always been operated with a power-tool-like trigger mechanism. This was to preserve as much battery as possible - so you were only using it when you were using it, if you get what I mean. Now the battery life has been extended so much, they've decided we don't have to wear out our trigger fingers anymore and we're allowed an always-on switch. This is fantastic news although, in a rare misstep, the Dyson designers have put it in the wrong place. The on/off button is on the back, above the LCD display. I can't reach it with my thumb while holding the device and have to use my other hand instead. They could have easily located it next to the power mode button, which you can operate with one hand. Weird. Perhaps they were trying to avoid the risk of button confusion?

As for the "hidden surprise?" This is a real crowd-pleaser; the combined dusting and crevice tool is now cunningly concealed inside the main wand. This is classic Dyson design brilliance; taking the concept of onboard tools a step further, having them even more conveniently located inside the vacuum itself. It's a slightly tricky concept to describe but hopefully, you'll appreciate just how game-changing it is when you watch my demonstration video below.

We saw the tangle-free cleverness of the Digital Motorbar head and the Hair Screw tool last year, so I won't dwell on them too much, only to re-emphasise how totally effective they are. Be it pet or human hair, it all just disappears into the Gen5detect without trace - and although all the Dyson heads are easily dismantled for cleaning maintenance, I rarely have to because virtually nothing gets caught or clogged.

In essence, with the Gen5detect we have an elegant combination of recent innovations with some out-of-the-box new tricks and a totally redesigned, more-powerful-than-ever motor. At NZ$1599.00 you're certainly paying a premium but this is undoubtedly the premier vacuum available right now.

I wouldn't usually suggest any household appliance as a Christmas gift but this one is probably a pretty safe exception.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute.

glennzb's 2022 Gadget Gift Guide

Although it seems like every year I review even more devices than the last, I'm pretty sure 2022 has seen more significant upgrades and advances than I can ever remember.

That means this Christmas could easily be a tech-based one, with lots of crazy toys for everyone under the tree...

1. Orbi 960 WiFi 6E Mesh System

I have trialled many routers, modems and extenders over the years but the Orbi 960 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system from Netgear is the best by so far, I couldn't wait to tell you and I spoiled my verdict by revealing it right at the beginning of the review. That's how good it is and I knew it pretty much the moment I had it up and running.

What's amazed me about the Orbi 960 system is when I measure the coverage around my house, it stays unbelievably consistent. Sometimes I even get marginally faster download speeds from the satellite units than I do from the primary router. How can this possibly be?

Part of the explanation for this incredible connectivity lies in the fact this is a quad-band system - with a dedicated channel just for backhaul; the connection between the router and the satellites. This means you're not using up any of the bandwidth for the connected device, regardless of which unit it's currently connected to. What's more, if your device is compatible, you're also utilising the new 6Ghz Wi-Fi 6E band, which is the fastest and highest-capacity Wi-Fi technology currently available.

I wouldn't usually include something as "purely functional" in a gift guide but surely giving someone the best Wi-Fi experience they've ever had would be welcome under the tree?

Click here for more information on the Netgear Orbi Quad-band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System.

2 . Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Samsung's Galaxy Buds2 Pro have come to this year's Christmas party with a total redesign shakeup.

The Buds2 Pro are dramatically smaller and are shaped quite differently to their predecessors. Samsung obviously heard the criticism of the original Buds Pros' tendency to bobble out when exercising vigorously or dancing stupidly and decided to do something about it. A good fit has fast become my number one consideration when it comes to earbuds as these days features like sound quality and reliable connectivity should be a minimum expectation.

The two-way speakers, dedicated woofer and separate tweeter combine to provide the clearest, most authentic sound of any Samsung buds yet.

Battery life is also good; up to five hours with ANC on and another 18 hours charge in the case.

In fact, it's very difficult to fault these earbuds in any way. These are my new favourite buds. Now I know you think I'm always saying, "These are my new favourite buds," but that's because the buds keep getting better and these ones have definitely got better - in many, many ways.

Click here for more information and pricing on the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

3. Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is inarguably a thing of beauty. As usual, it comes in packed in a nice-looking, substantial box that prominently displays the device as soon as you lift the lid.

Once again, Huawei has opted for a circular face and once again, at first glance most people probably wouldn't even realise this is a smartwatch. That's not to say they wouldn't take a second look, just as you might when you witness any luxury timepiece when you're out and about.

The crystal is made from sapphire glass, which in my experience has proven to be extremely durable and after a couple of weeks' constant wear is showing no blemishes at all. The case is also as hard as nails - actually, it's much harder. It's made of titanium and has been ingeniously crafted into a seamless, one-piece design.

Where the Watch GT 3 Pro truly excels, is in health and sports. There's an ECG function - and like other recent Huawei wearables, functions like heartrate monitoring and sleep tracking are excellent - providing plenty of insight both on the watch itself and then even more detail on the Health app. 

 Now there's also a skin temperature sensor, which gives you excellent insight into trends over time, but sports tracking is really the icing on the cake; I've been a fan of Huawei's exercise interface for years and it just keeps getting better - whatever the exercise (and you can choose from more than a hundred - from mountain biking to jazz dancing to darts to triathlon) the display is clear, useful and provides great updates on the go.

There's no doubt this is a versatile, high-performance smartwatch that looks... well, just breathtakingly good. It's more than just a tech statement, it's a fashion statement too.

    

Click here for more information on the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro.

4. GoPro HERO11 Black

The HERO11 Black looks very similar to its predecessor which in turn, looked pretty much the same as the HERO9. But with GoPro, it's what's inside that counts. The HERO10's GP2 processor marked a true evolution in performance and this year the addition of a larger 1/1.9" sensor has taken things to an even more impressive level. Sensor and processor combine to offer higher resolution photos - up to 27MP, a significant upgrade to GoPro's already standout digital stabilisation tech, HyperSmooth 5.0 and perhaps most eye-catching and brain-bending of all; you can now shoot at up to 5.3K in an all new 8:7 aspect ratio.

This last feature essentially means you now get all the benefits of GoPro's legendary wide-angle capture both vertically and horizontally - an acknowledgement that a lot of unmissable action happens up and down, as well as side-to-side. Obviously, this can be cropped to other aspects depending on your preference using the Quik app - without losing any of the new, incredible image quality.

There's even a new battery; specifically developed for better cold-temperature performance. GoPro promises up to 38% longer recording time in normal temps over previous batteries. More battery life is always good news.

Twenty years in the business pretty much guarantees the HERO11 Black delivers unprecedented performance, still in a typically tiny package. What's more, yet again I can't believe the price; right now cheaper than most smart phones, on special for NZ$699.99.

Click here for more information and pricing on the GoPro HERO11 Black.

5. HyperX Pulsfire wireless gaming mouse

Most of what you need to know about the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless can be found in my previous Pulsefire Haste review. For all intents and purposes the new cable-free version is basically indistinguishable; the size and shape is the same, button layout identical, even the pattern of hexagonal holes both top and bottom matches up meaning despite this device now incorporates 2.4Ghz wireless technology, it's still essentially weightless.

That, combined with its long, slim shape, concave buttons and IP-rated sweat-resistant, matte finish all adds up to an extremely comfortable user experience, even if you do have the time to game for hours on end.

As with the original, all the buttons are fully programmable - which you'd expect - as is the RGB scroll wheel and other settings like Polling Rate and Lift-Off Distance. This happens via the HyperX NGENUITY app which, unfortunately, is still only available for PC - no MacOS version although the mouse works perfectly with Apple devices.

The big, obvious difference is the wireless USB dongle. It's USB-A so you'll need an adapter or hub if you're planning on using the Pulsefire Haste Wireless with a USB-C only laptop. There's no pairing required - simply plug the dongle in, turn on the mouse and you're in business. Assuming it's charged, obviously. 

That probably won't be an issue; HyperX claims up to a hundred hours battery life on a single charge - pretty decent. 

This wireless Pulsefire Haste works just as well as the corded one. If there's any lag at all, this very amateur gamer has yet to detect it. I loved the non-slip feel and lightness of the original and the new one is just as much a pleasure to use.

Click here for more information on the HyperX Pulsefire Wireless gaming mouse.

6. Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900B

As I say every year, this is one of my favourite reviews; Samsung's latest top-of-the-line offering; in 2022 that means the Neo QLED 8K QN900B.

In terms of how the TV looks before you even turn it on, Samsung has been setting the standard for a fair old while. If you haven't checked out the infinity screen on one of these incredible tellies, next time you're walking past an appliance store, grant yourself five minutes to pop in for a look. How Samsung manages to cram one of the world's most advanced displays into a screen that's just 15mm thick is truly a wonder of modern engineering. Not only that but its Infinity One classification means there's basically no bezel at all. The final effect is picture and nothing else, suspended on your wall or hovering on its minimalistic, silver stand.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about this year's OS update is the addition of the Xbox app. Incredibly, this means just by signing in with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you'll be able to play the full Xbox Cloud Gaming library on this exquisite TV without having to connect an actual Xbox. All you need is a compatible bluetooth controller and you're away.

Yes, the QN900B costs a pretty penny - especially if you go the whole hog and have the space for the 85-inch model - but it really is the best you can get right now; it looks incredible before you even switch it on and once you do, the brightness, clarity and contrast are unbeatable. And thanks to the app, it now basically comes with Xbox built in. I'm not sure what more you can ask for and that's why it's worth top dollar.

Click here for more information on the Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900B.

7. Technics EAH-A800

For whatever reason, Technics has suddenly decided to give this bluetooth ear-wear thing a really good bash. We've already seen the new range of true wireless buds and now we have some over-ears; the EAH-A800 headset and it's time to see if Technics can hit it out of the park on its first attempt... again.

Everything looks and feels as premium as the NZ$499.00 price-tag suggests. The outer covers on the earcups have been machined in a circular way, reminiscent of the fine grooves on a record. There's just the right amount of flex in the headband without any nervous creaking. The earcups extend from that headband to the length required with satisfyingly chunky clicks.

At almost 300grams, the A800 is not the lightest headset around but I can't complain about the fit. The balance, cushioning and softness of both the headband and earcups is up there with any other headphones I've worn - and I have to wear them for hours on end, every single day. They're a pleasure.

The ANC is also top class. The ultimate test of this is if I can hear my Executive Producer talking to me while I have the live radio show in one ear and different audio previewed in the other. The answer is, I can't hear him at all. Perfect.

The A800's are certainly at the upper end of the price range - perhaps ambitiously so given the Technics brand hasn't really been seen on a high-end pair of bluetooth headphones before. However, as far as I'm concerned they've checked all the boxes. They sound fantastic - especially if you take a minute or two to tweak the EQ in the app. That app is comprehensive - you can even turn off the utterly pointless flashing bluetooth LED, yay! They look good, feel even better and you'll get about fifty hours playback from a single charge - and that's with ANC on.

There's no arguing with the pedigree of the Technics brand and these headphones definitely live up to that name.

Click here for more information on the Technics EAH-A800.

8. ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI

The people at ECOVACS seem pretty excited about their latest and greatest, the DEEBOT X1 OMNI. 

They brought in the Jacob Jensen design team to give the X1 OMNI a Danish minimalist makeover. So rather than some stark, white, utilitarian box in the corner you have a classy, matte silver and black box in the corner. It's a talking point anyway.

Of course, there is a reason this Deebot has been upsized; it now fills its own water tank and washes and dries its own mopping pads. Yes, you read that right. The OMNI Station houses two large water containers, one for clean, one dirty. Both of these are simple to remove, fill, empty and reinstall and it genuinely does mean you no longer have to muck around with wet, dirty mopping pads. 

What's more, the X1 knows when the pads need a clean and will automatically return to the OMNI Station for another rinse-off mid-mop. The X1's unique OZMO Turbo 2.0 rotating mopping system is vastly superior to any I've used before. Because the twin mop-heads protrude slightly from the rear of the device, they do a much better job of getting into tight spaces and corners - like around chair and table legs.

ECOVACS has made plenty of other advancements on the vacuuming side of the equation too. The X1 now sucks at a whopping 5000Pa - up from 3000Pa on the Deebot T9+. 

The auto-emptying capabilities of the OMNI Station are also a major improvement. I have two cats, a dog and people with hair living in my house and previously that's meant a lot of clogging - not just for robot vacuums but any vacuum. Since I've been using the X1 I haven't had to go near the dust bin or floating main brush at all. Very impressive.

This is the most full-functioned and autonomous robot vacuum I've tried yet. I've been using it for weeks and still haven't got my hands dirty once.

    

Click here for more information about the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI.

9. Apple iPhone 14

For months before this year's iPhone launch I'd been reading rumours about Apple making an unprecedented decision to split up its base and pro models by reserving the new-generation A16 Bionic chip for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max while recycling 2021's A15 chip for the cheaper iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. What a shock. 

Perhaps even more shocking is most of those articles neglected to point out there were two different chips used last year too; it's just they were just both called A15. The '21 Pro version boasted better graphics performance which also meant more powerful camera capabilities and it's that A15 Bionic running the iPhone 14.

This means a noticeable uptick in gaming and photography before you even touch the rest of the phone. The physical camera sensors have also been tweaked and combined with the processor boost, the photography experience on the iPhone 14 feels much more like what the pro models offered last time around.

More importantly, I'd like to point out something so many tech critics often fail to; even if the iPhone 14 was exactly the same as the iPhone 13 - which as we've already established, it isn't - it would still be a great phone.

Features like its ceramic shield screen and MagSafe wireless charging and accessories are still totally unique in the market and are amazing. In fact, I've become so enamoured with MagSafe over the last couple of years I get withdrawal symptoms when I have to review another handset without it. Being able to magnetise my wallet onto my phone or my phone onto its car charger isn't just super practical, it's pretty cool too.

Look, was the iPhone 12 a great phone? Yes. And it still is. Was the iPhone 13 a great phone? Yes. And it still is. Is the iPhone 14 dramatically different to either of those phones? Maybe not. So what does that mean? Yes, it's a great phone. Again. If it's been longer than two years you'll definitely appreciate the difference and if you're coming from another platform entirely, you may be surprised by just how good iOS has got. I know I was.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on Apple iPhone 14

10. Amazon Kindle (11th generation) 2022

As I've commented before, the eReader was a near-perfect device right from its first inception. That's not to say things can't be honed of course and this year's Kindle is clear proof of that.

This may well be Amazon's smallest and lightest Kindle yet - which is not to say the screen is too small or in any way difficult to read - quite the opposite in fact. To begin with, display resolution has been improved dramatically. At 300ppi this new model is now on par with the rest of the Kindle family - that's three times the pixels of its predecessor so you're getting much sharper images and clearer text. In turn, that means you can reduce the font size right down without losing any legibility.

The glare-free, anti-reflective screen lets you adjust the brightness to your preference and now there's the welcome option of a dark mode - inverting the black text on a white background to a much more eye-friendly white-on-black instead. This has definitely become my preference on all devices over recent years and I now actually find myself blinking in shock if I'm confronted with a mostly-white screen.

Another major upgrade for the 2022 Kindle is storage space, now doubled to 16GB. If you're not sure how many books that converts into, the action novel I'm currently reading, "Blowback" by Brad Thor is 1.1MB. That means I could fit more than 15,000 books of a similar size on this device. I'm a slow reader, so that's never going to happen.

The 2022 kindle comes in both black and denim - with matching denim-feel cases available too. While it doesn't have built-in speakers, you can pair bluetooth headphones to listen to audiobooks. Once signed in with your Amazon account, you can purchase books straight from the device itself and Amazon now offers a Kindle Unlimited subscription, giving you access to over a million titles for a monthly fee. If you're an avid reader, it just makes economic sense.

In fact, everything about the new Kindle makes sense. I'm pretty sure even those old-fashioned "page-turners" must be convinced by now. At least try it. There's no shame in admitting you were just being pigheaded about it. I won't tell.

    

Click here for more information on the Amazon Kindle (11th generation) 2022.

11. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

There's simply no denying the Galaxy S22 Ultra is just a Note in disguise - and it's not much of a disguise. In recent years Samsung's S-range has included three models; the base version, a larger "Plus" and and even bigger and more specced-up Ultra.

This year, Samsung has followed the same formula although the Ultra looks quite different when compared with its other 2022 siblings. While the vanilla and plus models look more like a direct evolution of last year's S21's, with a slightly more streamlined camera module and a few different colour options, the S22 Ultra is almost an exact clone of 2020's Note 20 Ultra, available in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green and Burgundy.

And what cameras! Just like the Notes of old, Samsung has crammed pretty much every photographic innovation it can get its hands on into the S22 Ultra's camera setup - even inventing words like "Nightography" to describe the improvements in low-light shooting. 

The new combination of larger sensors, Super Clear Glass lenses and of course, the very latest in chip technology means it's not just night shooting that gets a boost.

Video performance is just as impressive and features like Portrait Video and Director's View are now more powerful than ever. 

The 40MP forward-facing shooter shares many of these new refinements and features as well.

You might think it's the S-Pen that makes a Note a Note but it's always been all that other stuff too; class-leading processing power, the latest mobile photography advances and a truly massive screen. While this is no longer called a note, there's no argument Samsung has delivered the exact device Note fans have been waiting for.

        

Click here for more information and pricing on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

12. Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

Although the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) isn't really much bigger than its immediate predecessors, it ships with the Google TV OS installed. This means for just $110, your previously dumb telly can smarten up from the moment you plug the new Chromecast into one of its HDMI ports.

Apart from the Google TV smart powers, the remote is reason enough to snap one of these things up today. Remember, this still functions just like any other Chromecast but now you have a physical remote to play, pause, skip etc - meaning you don't have to fiddle around with your source device (phone / tablet / PC) once you've started streaming. So much more convenient.

Of course, being an actual Google TV device, chances are you won't need to stream to it anymore anyway. Common apps like TVNZ+, Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ are all preinstalled - all you have to do is log in and away you go. What's more, you have access to thousands (yes, thousands) of other apps via your Google account. What's even more, you can sideload other apps if you have particular unusual favourites.

In fact, everything about the Chromecast with Google TV makes me happy - from the user-friendly remote to the intuitive home screen layout to the sheer number of apps available to the fact I can set my favourite pictures of the dog as a screensaver. 

Recently, Google released a cheaper version of this device which essentially functions exactly the same way but is only HD, not 4K. If you're planning on plugging it into a nice, big, recent model TV, the extra $40 for 4K is well worth it.

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is available from Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and PB Tech. RRP; NZ$110.00