Today is mostly about gadgets, with announcements and reviews of a few notable devices. There are GoPros, iPhones, Webcams, and more. And the Xbox PC app will tell you how long it will take to finish a game. Let’s dive in.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro reviews
Reviews of the iPhones have hit, and have gone about as expected. The iPhone 14 seems like an *extremely* small upgrade to the iPhone 13, with only the fact that there is a larger size model instead of the mini being noteworthy. There really isn’t much else to talk about.
The iPhone 14 Pro is where all the new stuff is, and where the focus is. The Dynamic Island seems like an interesting idea but also somewhat unintuitive and lacking in what it can do. Hopefully developers can fill in those gaps, and Apple can improve the core functionality. One thing noted in most reviews was that interacting with notifications in the dynamic island seems backwards. A simple tap on the notification opens the app, while users need to long press to get quick actions. Most reviewers felt that should be reversed.
The other noteworthy feature of the iPhone 14 Pro is the always on display, and most reviews I’ve read have an interesting take on it, with one specifically saying that the always on display is a little too always on. Apple’s take on an always on display leaves almost the entire display on, but very dark, and the implementation has not been well received.
That however does not spoil what is otherwise a solid phone. We are definitely in a world where year over year upgrades are not generally enough to warrant the high price tag, but for those coming from an iPhone 11 and earlier will definitely see a much better device. If you have an iPhone 12 or 13 and are happy with it, there might not be enough here to warrant it.
Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch SE Reviews
Reviews have also hit for the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2022. The reviews are pretty universal in two ways: The Series 8 is not much of an upgrade, and if you’re happy with your current watch, keep your current watch. The Apple Watch SE reviews are consistent in saying it makes a good first Apple Watch, especially for those not sure if they want to really jump into the ecosystem. The Watch SE drops the always on display, and some of the advanced health metrics. Those might matter to some, but it looks like a solid entry level watch.
https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-8-real-world-test-130031046.html
https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-se-real-world-impressions-test-battery-life-130014165.html
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose has finally updated its noise cancelling wireless earbuds with the QuietComfort Earbuds II. The original model from 2020 was comically large, looking more like the Bluetooth headsets of the early 2000’s. The new Earbud II’s are smaller and look better, but only slightly. These are still among the largest earbuds on the market, and will not suit some people.
The tradeoff for the size is that the noise cancelling is apparently excellent, and the sound quality is rated as very good. Despite the large size the fit is regarded as excellent. One reviewer commented they feel and look like airpods on steroids, which seems like an apt description.
But reviews mention sub par call quality, lack of wireless charging on the case, and the lack of multipoint connectivity as tough pills to swallow for the $380 price tag. I would definitely say that earbuds that cost almost $400 should have very good call quality, and that these appear to be lagging there is not great.
https://www.engadget.com/bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-2-review-130026306.html
GoPro Hero 11 Brings Subtle Upgrades And New Mini Model
GoPro’s yearly upgrade is here, with a twist. The GoPro Hero 11 Black is a small upgrade from the Hero 10 Black of 2021. The Hero 11 Black brings the same 5.3k maximum resolution, but this time features a taller sensor to allow for better image stabilization. Otherwise the Hero 11 Black is mostly the same.
The Hero 11 Mini, however, is a new device. Featuring the same sensor as it’s larger sibling, the Hero 11 Mini is 13% smaller, according to GoPro. It is narrower, but slightly thicker and taller. There are no displays on the 11 Mini aside from a small LCD strip on the top to display the recording mode. This makes using a smartphone to connect wirelessly to adjust settings a near necessity. The tradeoff is a smaller GoPro that the company says can fit into smaller places to allow for different recording angles. To help facilitate that, there is an additional folding GoPro mount on the back of the 11 Mini along with the usual bottom mount.
Pricing looks to have taken a pretty big jump. The Hero 11 Black is priced at $710 without GoPro’s subscription service, and $530 if you sign up for a year of the subscription service. There is no Canadian pricing on the GoPro Hero 11 Mini, which does not launch until October 25th. That camera will be $400 USD without a subscription and $300 with. I would guess that would be $530 without a subscription and $400 with one in Canada.
As a reminder, the GoPro subscription service is $60/year and includes two free camera replacements in the event of damage per year, unlimited cloud backup of videos, more extensive editing tools, and 50% off of GoPro accessories purchased through the GoPro store. For serious GoPro users the subscription seems like a no brainer and worth it just for the camera savings alone.
https://www.engadget.com/gopro-hero-11-review-125905853.html
DJi Osmo Action 3 Drops Modular Design
DJi didn’t want to miss out on the action camera party, and announced the Action 3 camera the same day GoPro announced the Hero 11. The Osmo Action 3 ditches the modular design the Action 2 had for a more traditional look, one closer to the original Osmo Action. The standout feature of the Action 3 looks to be the fact that it natively supports vertical video, with mechanisms to mount the camera vertically and take vertical video.
The DJi Osmo Action 3 does undercut the GoPro on price, coming in at $460 in Canada. For those not willing to pay the GoPro premium, this looks like a solid option.
https://www.engadget.com/dji-osmo-action-3-far-more-battery-life-fast-charging-and-a-spiffy-new-mount-120035233.html
Logitech Webcam Is Here For Hybrid Work
Logitech has a new webcam for our Hybrid work life. The Brio 500 is a 1080p webcam with some neat software features that allow it to follow users as they move around the frame, something usually found in much more expensive webcams. The camera’s mount also rotates 90 degrees allowing a straight down shot, something targeted towards creators. The Brio 500 also features a manual privacy shutter, blocking the camera by turning a knob on the right side of the camera.
Xbox PC App Update Includes Howlongtobeat Integration
This is only mildly interesting to me, but I think kind of cool. The September update to the Xbox Windows App includes integration with a service called Howlongtobeat. That service is essentially a crowdsourced database of how long it takes to finish a game. This can be genuinely useful, and in a world where Xbox Game Pass is key, users may find information on how long it might take to finish a game useful in deciding what to play next. I know I make use of it.
https://mobilesyrup.com/2022/09/14/xbox-pc-app-september-update-improved-performance-howlongtobeat/