At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Light as a feather (48 g) Precise 42K DPI sensor 8.000 Hz wireless polling Outstanding workmanship Web app instead of software Constraints Very long battery life (at 1,000 Hz) Spare skates and grip tapes included in the scope of delivery Cons Very high price No onboard memory Only suitable for right-handers No tilt or free-scroll function Battery life greatly reduced because of 8K polling Our Verdict The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is a lightweight, responsive gaming mouse that ticks off all the right boxes. That said, the 8K polling eats up a lot of power and the price tag might be too steep for some. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Harpe II Ace Retailer Price $146.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With the ROG Harpe II Ace, Asus delivers a wireless esports designed for maximum performance and lightness. Weighing just 28 grams, it features 8,000 Hz wireless polling and the new ROG AimPoint Pro sensor with 42,000 DPI. But is it really worth the $169.99 price point? Let’s take a closer look at this top-tier model. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Design and ergonomics The mouse’s lightweight form factor is obvious as soon as you unpack it. At just 48 grams, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is one of the lightest gaming mice ever–lighter than many honeycomb-designed models. Yet it remains stable and torsion-resistant, with nothing rattling or creaking. Friedrich Stiemer The housing is symmetrical but not completely ambidextrous. With two side buttons on the left, the mouse is clearly aimed at right-handed users. Its shape was developed with esports pros in mind, including Valorant player Maximilian ‘Demon1’ Mazanov. It sits flat in the hand and is ideal for claw and fingertip grips. In fast-paced shooters like CS2 or Valorant, it reacts instantly, gliding smoothly across the pad without causing fatigue. Friedrich Stiemer The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace’s bio-based nylon surface feels soft, though this is a matter of taste. Some testers praise the smooth finish while others note the visible fingerprints. Overall, the mouse leaves a very high-quality impression. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Technology and features The centerpiece of the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is the ROG AimPoint Pro sensor, which supports up to 42,000 DPI. While that figure might seem like marketing hype, what really matters is precision and the sensor delivers where it matters. Movements are executed without noticeable delay, and even fine aiming corrections are spot on. In our testing, the cursor stayed stable during fast flicks, a clear advantage for esports players. Friedrich Stiemer Another highlight is the 8,000 Hz polling rate, which Asus also enables wirelessly, transmitting eight times more position data per second than standard mice. In practice, aiming and tracking feel noticeably smoother. However, to conserve battery, you should only activate that feature when necessary. At 8,000 Hz, runtime drops to around 15 hours. At 1,000 Hz, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace lasts for over 100 hours. It charges via USB-C and just a few minutes on the cable is enough for several hours of gaming, so you can keep playing even when the battery is empty. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Clicks, buttons, and operation Asus uses durable ROG microswitches that deliver a clean, crisp click. The main keys respond immediately and offer precise feedback with no bouncing. The click feel stayed consistent even after several days of intensive use. The mouse wheel clicks precisely, though it doesn’t tilt horizontally or spin freely. Perfectly fine for gaming, though a bit spartan for productivity. It offers five buttons plus a DPI switch. That’s enough for shooters, but limited for MMO gamers. Friedrich Stiemer The zone mode of the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is activated via a shortcut using both side DPI buttons. The mouse will then automatically optimize all parameters for competition, turning off RGB lighting and pushing performance to the max. It’s a clever little shortcut for competitive players. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Software and configuration Instead of relying on the often-criticized Armoury Crate software, Asus uses the Gear Link web app. DPI levels, key assignments, and lighting can be adjusted directly in the browser, no installation required. The interface is clear, responsive, and works on any device. It saves system resources and makes everyday use simpler. The only downside? No onboard memory. Profiles aren’t stored permanently, so using the mouse on multiple PCs requires reloading the settings through the web interface. Friedrich Stiemer Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Practice and performance In everyday use, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace impresses with butter-soft tracking, lightning-fast responsiveness, and excellent control. In shooters such as Apex Legends or Call of Duty, the crosshairs remain stable even during hectic movements. The low weight noticeably reduces the strain on the wrist and forearm, which is ideal for long sessions. The mouse also performs well in office use, although the simple scroll wheel and limited buttons restrict the range of functions. The Bluetooth connection is stable, but competitive gamers will prefer the 2.4 GHz dongle. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Scope of delivery The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace comes with a flexible USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, replacement skates, high-quality grip tapes, and a set of stickers. Professionals are thus well equipped and gain extra grip. A carrying bag, however, would have perfectly rounded out the package, especially if you’re the type of person that travels a bunch. Friedrich Stiemer Read...

TL;DR: An Internxt 10TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription now only costs $270 (reg. $2,900). Cloud storage subscriptions get old fast when you’re paying every single month, so switching to a one-time model can save you a lot over time. This Internxt 10TB Lifetime Plan gives you long-term storage without subscription fees, and it keeps everything private in a way the bigger platforms don’t. Right now, it’s also on sale for $269.97 (reg. $2,900), but that won’t last much longer. Internxt uses end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge approach, which means only you can unlock your files. Everything is encrypted into smaller pieces before it leaves your device, and the service stays transparent through its open-source code on GitHub. Internxt is GDPR compliant, audited, and uses post-quantum encryption meant to hold up as technology keeps evolving. The 10TB plan gives you more than enough space for photos, backups, and ongoing projects. You can use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, or any modern browser. The interface keeps things simple, so syncing folders, sharing a link, or grabbing a file on the go doesn’t turn into a whole process. Right now, you can get a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription for only $269.97. Sale ends soon. Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB PlanSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

The technology to detects the distressed dolphins before they strand Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Very comfortable to wear Good, detailed stereo sound with strong localization Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection Wide compatibility (PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, mobile) Long battery life with quick-charging function Intuitive operation Extensive software Cons Microphone sounds tinny and not very natural Wide USB dongle blocks neighboring connections Slight high-frequency sharpness in the standard sound (can be corrected via EQ) Our Verdict The Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 delivers a headset that’s comfortable, sounds precise, runs forever, and switches effortlessly between PC, Console, and mobile phone. The dual wireless function is not only practical, but a truly unique selling point in this price range. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal Steeleseries $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 presents itself as a versatile mid-range gaming headset that wants to shine on the PC as well as on consoles and mobile devices. This is the second generation of the popular Arctis Nova 7, with Steelseries building on proven strengths and making targeted improvements. Even on paper, the technical specifications are impressive: 40-millimetre neodymium drivers, dual wireless (2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3) with simultaneous function, over 50 hours of battery life, broad platform support, and a comfort-oriented design. This review clarifies whether the Nova 7 Gen 2 can earn these praises in the practical test, and where its weaknesses lie. Design and wearing comfort On the outside, Steelseries remains true to its line: The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 relies on the classic Steelseries design with matte-black plastic and a sleek look. The metal frame in the headband provides stability, while an elasticated spring band (in the style of ski goggles) distributes the contact pressure. This combination — Steelseries calls it the “ComfortMax” system — ensures a first-class fit without pressure points. In the test, the wearing comfort actually proves to be outstanding: Several hours of continuous use are no problem, the headset remains comfortable and secure on the head. Weighing around 11.4 ounces (325 grams), it is not ultra-light, but thanks to the good weight distribution it does not feel too heavy. Friedrich Stiemer The ear pads are made from a hybrid of breathable fabric and artificial leather. This gives them a soft fit and allows some air to reach the ears, while the artificial leather on the inside minimizes sound leaks. In practice, external noise is passively dampened, although not completely shielded, as the partially open design is noticeable here. After very long sessions, however, the ear areas can get a little warm. But overall, the positive impression of a well thought-out, comfortable headset prevails. Friedrich Stiemer The build quality is also of a high standard: Nothing wobbles or creaks, the adjustment mechanism (extendable ear cup holders and three adjustment points for the spring band) appears durable and designed for a wide range of head sizes. Overall, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 feels robust and high-quality — ideal for daily gaming use. However, there is one small design criticism: The USB-C dongle supplied is unusually wide at 2.11 inches (approx. 53.8 millimeters) and can block neighboring USB ports. Although Steelseries supplies a short USB extension cable, a slimmer, longer dongle would have been more practical. Apart from this detail, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 impresses across the board with its simplicity, excellent ergonomics, and well thought-out design. Features and connectivity In terms of functions and connectivity options, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 packs a punch. The headset can be paired wirelessly via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle and in parallel via Bluetooth, even simultaneously to mix two audio sources. The USB-C dongle ensures a latency-free connection to PC, Mac, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch (both in the dock and mobile via USB-C). A slide switch on the dongle enables the special Xbox mode for the Xbox Series X/S, as Microsoft’s consoles require a proprietary wireless protocol. Important: Steelseries offers the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 in different versions: Nova 7P (PlayStation/PC) and Nova 7X (Xbox all others). The hardware is identical, but only the X version is fully compatible with the Xbox. So if you choose the Arctis Nova 7X version, you can in fact cover all platforms. In tests, the wireless connection proved to be very stable and long enough range to take a break in the next room without losing contact. In addition to Bluetooth, mobile devices also have the option of using the USB-C dongle on smartphones or tablets, for example via an adapter. Here, however, we have observed that a dongle connection plugged directly into the mobile phone can sometimes have a brief loss of connection when moving. In such cases, Bluetooth pairing is the more convenient choice when travelling. Speaking of Bluetooth: This wireless method only uses the SBC codec, which is okay for listening to music, but can lead to noticeable delays when gaming or watching videos. The 2.4GHz mode is therefore clearly recommended for gaming, as it has virtually no latency. Friedrich Stiemer In addition to wireless, wired operation is also possible: the headset has a 3.5 millimeter jack socket to connect it to a PC, controller, or handheld in the classic analog way. This even extends compatibility to older devices (e.g. for the Nintendo Switch Lite or some gaming handhelds) and serves as an emergency solution in the event of battery failure. The controls on the headset are arranged in a user-friendly way: The power button, a dedicated Bluetooth button and a wheel for the chat-game audio balance (chat mix) are located on the right ear cup: A blessing in multiplayer to be able to finely balance voice chat and game sound at all times. On the left is the volume control knob and a clearly perceptible microphone mute button. The buttons and wheels provide clear haptic feedback so that they can be operated intuitively even in the middle of a game. The Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 does not have active noise cancellation (ANC), but this is not unusual in this price range of less than $200 — most gaming headsets at this price do not offer ANC anyway. The passive isolation provided by the padding is average: Everyday noises such as keyboard clacking or quiet background chatter are noticeably muffled, but still penetrate somewhat at higher volumes. Overall, however, the features of the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 are impressively comprehensive: Multi-platform support, simultaneous connections, and analog fallback option make the gaming headset an extremely flexible companion. In fact, the Arctis model works with practically everything, from PCs to consoles and smartphones, making it a true all-rounder. Friedrich Stiemer The dual wireless function is particularly noteworthy: In the test, simultaneous playback from PC/console and mobile phone worked smoothly and without dropouts. For example, you can be in a Discord chat on your mobile phone via Bluetooth while gaming on the PlayStation, or take a call while gaming on the PC. Incoming calls are handled cleverly: If a call comes in via the mobile phone, the headset microphone is automatically muted for the game chat so that you can make the call undisturbed. When you hang up, it switches back to the game chat. This seamless integration of both audio channels is extremely practical in everyday life. Sound quality The sound quality of the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is geared towards the needs of demanding gamers without compromising on all-round qualities. The 40-millimeter speaker drivers deliver precise, detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Steelseries clearly emphasizes clarity in the mids and highs, which allows fine details such as footsteps or directional noises to stand out clearly. In fact, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 shines in the test when it comes to spatial localization: In shooters and action games, it was possible to make out exactly from which direction opponents were approaching — a tactical advantage that not every headset in this class offers. This is supported by the virtual surround function (Steelseries Sonar Spatial Audio on the PC and Tempest 3D Audio on the PS5), which makes the sound image even wider and more immersive if desired. In single-player games, the surround mode significantly enhances the atmosphere. In competitive games, on the other hand, we mostly used the stereo mode, as the localization is precise and without artificial effects — the Arctis Nova 7 already delivers excellent positioning information in stereo. As delivered, the sound tuning is slightly fun-orientated: The bass has plenty of body and pressure, while the upper treble sounds slightly over-sharpened. This leads to a powerful rumble during explosions, for example, but can sometimes be perceived as a little too sharp with very high tones. Voices and important game sounds in the mid-range come through clearly and dominate the action, giving the headset its “tactical” sound. Friedrich Stiemer Our music tests showed that the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is also suitable for everyday multimedia: Songs sound dynamic and balanced, albeit not at hi-fi level, as the deepest bass and fine detail in the highest registers reach the limits of gaming tuning. Sound enthusiasts may note that the fine-tuning ex works is not completely neutral: For example, certain treble ranges are slightly overemphasized and could be a little tiring for sensitive ears in the long term. However, this is where the great strength of the Steelseries software comes into its own: The parametric equalizer in the Sonar app allows the sound image to be corrected and optimized as desired. We were able to tame the slightly sharp treble and fine-tune the bass with just a few movements of the EQ controls. The Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 then sounded very balanced. Steelseries also provides over 200 predefined EQ profiles, customized for various games, from Call of Duty to Counter-Strike 2, which can be loaded with a click. In the test, some of these presets actually brought audible improvements for specific scenarios, such as clearer footsteps in shooters or more powerful effects in action adventures. In short, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 delivers a strong audio performance out of the box, especially for gaming. If you want to further refine the sound, you have all the options with the software tools. In this price range, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is right at the top. More expensive models such as the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro or the Elite offer even finer hi-res sound, but also cost many times more. For a $200 headset, the sound quality of the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is absolutely convincing and left hardly anything to be desired in everyday gaming. Microphone and voice chat Steelseries equips the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 with the tried-and-tested “ClearCast Gen2” boom arm microphone. This can be retracted into the left ear cup and fits seamlessly into the design when retracted — ideal if you want to use the headset as normal headphones when travelling. The microphone can be flexibly bent into position and is simply pulled out for use. However, it is not detachable; it always remains attached to the headset. The LED indicators are practical: A small red LED on the tip of the microphone signals that the microphone is muted, and a status LED also indicates the connection mode. Friedrich Stiemer In voice chat practice, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 delivers solid intelligibility. Voices are transmitted clearly and background noise is effectively suppressed. According to Steelseries, this should be up to 25 decibels thanks to AI noise cancelling. In our Discord rounds, our fellow players confirmed that our voice came through clearly and without loud background noise. Nevertheless, we have to say: In terms of sound, the microphone is only mid-range. Our criticism is that the voice transmission is somewhat unnatural and nasal, as if the voice is filtered slightly mechanically or tinny. This is a typical phenomenon with many gaming headsets that cut frequencies in favor of clarity. As a result, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 never sounds as full or natural as an external microphone. However, the result is absolutely fine for normal voice chat. However, anyone who values particularly warm or authentic voice transmission (e.g. for streaming) will see the average microphone as a weak point. In a direct comparison with some competitor headsets in this class, the ClearCast microphone performs slightly worse — the microphone on the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless or the Razer Blackshark V3 Pro, for example, sound a little fuller. On a positive note, however, the microphone of the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is not overly sensitive: Loud ambient noises or keyboard clatter are rarely transmitted. The headset also has microphone monitoring — you can hear yourself slightly on your ear — which protects you from unconsciously speaking loudly. Tip: The microphone should actually be used extended for optimum results. Although it is technically possible to speak when the headset is inserted (it is then not automatically muted), the quality suffers significantly: The voice is barely captured and sounds muffled. You therefore have to pull out the headband to remain intelligible. This is not a problem in everyday use, as the flexible arm can be positioned easily. In particularly quiet situations, we also notice a slight background noise or white noise from the microphone and hope for firmware optimizations here. On our test device, a slight background noise was only audible when no other sounds were playing; in gaming mode, it was drowned out by the sound. Overall, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 delivers a functional microphone that is absolutely sufficient for game chat, VoIP telephony and most applications, but is not a highlight. If you’re looking for absolute top microphone quality, you’ll either have to resort to significantly more expensive headsets or consider a separate microphone. For everyone else, the level offered is acceptable. Battery life and charging functions A big plus of the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is the significantly longer battery life. Steelseries has increased the capacity by around 40 percent compared to its predecessor and now promises an impressive usage time of up to 54 hours in 2.4GHz mode. In Bluetooth-only mode, the battery is expected to last around 42 hours, and even when using wireless and Bluetooth at the same time, the battery still lasts around 38 hours. In practice, over 50 hours of battery life means that the headset only needs to be charged once or twice a month with moderate daily use, making it a real long runner. Our test period extended over several days of intensive gaming (six to eight hours per day) and we didn’t actually have to charge the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 in between within a week. The battery status is displayed via the software and an LED display on the device, and the headset emits warning tones when the battery is low. However, we found the series of warning tones a little intrusive when the battery is low: three loud warning tones sound every two minutes or so, which can be annoying in the long run. Nevertheless, an empty battery is unlikely to come as a complete surprise, as the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is really long-lasting. And even if you forget about it, help is at hand: Thanks to the quick-charging function, 15 minutes on the cable is enough to give you around six hours of playing time. The battery charges fully in around one and a half hours. Friedrich Stiemer Another practical feature is that you can continue to use the headset while it is charging. Simply connect the USB-C cable and it will charge in the background without interrupting the game. This means that spontaneous gaming sessions are never jeopardized. Overall, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 ranks at the top of the wireless headset range in terms of battery life. Only a few models (such as the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless with over 100 hours) run even longer, but over 50 hours is already more than enough for long gaming nights. Software and extras The GG software, including Sonar, is a real asset for Steelseries. This software suite integrates hardware and software in an exemplary manner and offers a wide range of customization options. On the PC, you can use Steelseries GG to install firmware updates for the headset, but above all you can configure the sound extensively: A parametric 10-band equalizer, various predefined sound profiles for different game genres, sliders for game/chat mix, volume, microphone level, and sidetone (monitoring) — all of this is clearly available. The user interface is designed to be beginner-friendly; if you don’t want to familiarize yourself in depth, simply select one of the many presets and get a suitable sound without any effort. Advanced users will be delighted with the ability to fine-tune every sound detail from treble filter to bass boost. Thanks to the integrated sonar technology, we were actually able to tease a lot out of the headset during the test. Steelseries Sonar is regarded by connoisseurs as one of the best headset apps on the market, and our experience confirms this: The EQ function and the continuously updated gaming presets (over 260 profiles according to the manufacturer) are unique and very useful. Remarkable: Since the second generation, the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 now also supports the Arctis smartphone app. This allows console gamers or mobile gamers to make some settings conveniently on their mobile phones. For example, the app can be used to select EQ presets, adjust the sound mix, or control lighting (if available). The parametric fine-tuning is reserved for the PC software, but basic profiles can also be changed on the move. In the test, the app pairing worked straight away; it is also pleasing that no compulsory registration is required to use the app or PC software. Friedrich Stiemer Overall, Steelseries emphasises its premium claim with the software: The possibilities go far beyond what standard drivers offer. Only those who absolutely don’t like additional software on the PC may be overwhelmed: The Sonar app can seem complex at first, but it’s worth spending 15 to 30 minutes familiarizing yourself with it. For most gamers, the software integration is a great added value that sets the Steelseries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 apart from more simply equipped competitor models. Related content 6 practical reasons to buy a PC gaming headset (even if you don’t game) I won’t buy a wireless PC headset if it lacks this humble feature Are premium gaming headsets any better than cheap ones? Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Very comfortable to wear Up to 100 hours battery life Stable wireless connection with long range Clear localization in the game Simple operation, plug & play Cons Microphone sounds thin No surround sound and no software No jack connection, no Xbox support Bass a little weak Our Verdict The Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless is a no-frills, comfortable gaming headset with excellent battery life and precise sound localization, ideal for PC and PlayStation gamers focused on competitive play. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Cherry Xtrfy is entering the wireless headset market for the first time with the H3 wireless. The focus is clearly on comfort, durability and esports-ready sound. But is this enough to complete with established players like HyperX, Logitech, or SteelSeries? We tested the headset in everyday use and during gaming sessions. Here’s what we found. Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Design and ergonomics Visually, the Cherry Xtrfy remains true to its simple design philosophy. No RGB, no frills–just a functional design with a robust aluminum headband and large, oval ear cups. The headset weighs around 325 grams and sits comfortably on the head thanks to its memory foam padding. For the typical PC gamer or PlayStation user looking for an uncomplicated, reliable headset, the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless is an excellent choice. A particular highlight is the even pressure distribution, which remains comfortable even during long sessions. Glasses wearers can also play for hours without discomfort. Friedrich Stiemer The pads are covered with artificial leather on the outside and breathable mesh on the inside, helping to keep the headset at a pleasant temperature even during prolonged use. In practice, the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless proved to be one of the most comfortable models in its price class during multi-hour gaming sessions. Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Technology and features Inside the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless are 53-millimetre drivers with an impedance of 16 ohms. The result is a clear, treble-emphasized sound with precise localization, making it perfect for shooters such as Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant. Enemy footsteps and reloading noises can be localized exactly, which offers a real advantage in competitive play. The H3 Wireless is less convincing when it comes to music and films. The mids sound a little flat and the bass lacks punch. Explosions sound clean, but not powerful. This won’t be an issue for gamers who value detailed localization. However, anyone hoping for a richer sound will be disappointed. Three preset equalizer profiles (Game, Music, Movie) are supposed to provide a remedy, but only change the sound minimally. Friedrich Stiemer Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Microphone The detachable boom microphone with noise cancelation delivers mixed results. On the positive side, background noises such as keyboard clatter are filtered out well. The negative? Voices sound thin and slightly tinny. The quality is perfectly adequate for Discord, in-game chat, or meetings, but it falls short for streamers or professional voice recordings. The microphone can be removed and replaced via a standard socket, adding some degree of flexibility. Friedrich Stiemer Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Connectivity and operation The Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless offers two wireless modes: a latency-free 2.4 GHz connection via the supplied USB dongle and Bluetooth 5.1. Switching between the two is done at the touch of a button. In practice, this works smoothly and takes just a few seconds when switching from PC to smartphone. However, the headset does not support multipoint, meaning both connections can be used simultaneously. One clear plus is the wireless range: the connection remains stable even two rooms away. Xbox gamers, however, are left out in the cold, as the headset isn’t compatible with Microsoft consoles due to the lack of a 3.5 mm jack. Friedrich Stiemer The headset is operated directly on the ear cups. Volume, equalizer, and mute can be accessed via dedicated physical buttons. The volume control could be more finely graduated, but overall the handling is pleasantly intuitive. There is no software. Instead, the motto is “plug and play.” This reduces complexity, but also prevents customized sound adjustments. Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Battery life This is where the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless scores highly. It gets up to 100 hours of playtime per charge, which is plain bananas. In everyday testing, the battery lasted almost two weeks with several hours of daily use. It charges via USB-C, and the headset can be used while charging. Cherry Xtrfy outperforms many more expensive competitor models. Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless: Practical impression In everyday gaming, it’s clear that the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless is focused on the essentials. No superfluous bells and whistles here–just high comfort, long battery life, and stable wireless performance. The clear acoustics are particularly impressive in competitive games. In voice chat, the microphone’s weak quality is noticeable, and music lovers may be disappointed due to the neutral tuning. Friedrich Stiemer For the typical PC gamer or PlayStation user looking for an uncomplicated, reliable headset, the Cherry Xtrfy H3 Wireless is an excellent choice. On the other hand, those who value audio fine-tuning or surround sound should look elsewhere. Read...

If you want to follow Santa’s journey around the world in real time on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there are two services to choose from. One is the Google Santa Tracker, a service that not only tells us where Santa is, but also how many presents Jolly Ol’ St. Nick has delivered to children across the globe. The other is Norad tracks Santa, where we are treated to really nice 3D animations of Santa’s journey. It also has a present counter for the stat nerds out there. Note that the two services have different information on the exact location of Santa — so it could be that there are actually several Santas and not just one. Or maybe our mere mortal technology isn’t able to track Christmas magic as smoothly as it does airplanes? Read...

Apple’s MacBooks are icons of the creative arts, and are beloved by creatives for their performance and streamlined design. But as capable as they are, they don’t offer the same kind of power and versatility as the latest RTX AI PCs equipped with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards. If you’re considering a laptop upgrade this year, GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops, backed by the latest Blackwell architecture, are specifically designed to handle the most demanding creative projects, outperforming the competition in both speed and visual precision. Not to mention the latest AI features and some well deserved off-hours gaming. Explore NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Powered Windows gaming laptopsLearn more Accelerated creativity, elevated fun If you’re editing video, native 4:2:2 support delivers professional color grading tools to the masses  with twice the color information of standard 4:2:0 formats for high-fidelity editing while maintaining manageable file sizes. Equipped with the 9th-gen NVENC, the RTX 5070 is 2x faster than the Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Pro when encoding in popular applications like CapCut and DaVinci Resolve with HEVC. The latest encoders deliver 5% better quality in AV1 and HEVC. An additional AV1 Ultra High Quality mode further boosts quality by another 5%. The 6th-gen NVDEC enables 2x faster H.264 decoding. It also introduces hardware-accelerated mJPEG decode support. Plus AI effects in DaVinci Resolve run up to 2.1x faster on an RTX 5070 than on a MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and perform 15% faster than the previous generation of RTX cards. Aspiring livestreamers can tap into 9th-gen NVENC hardware encoding for superior streaming quality without impacting your gaming or app performance, allowing for high frame rates while simultaneously encoding a high-quality stream. Native AV1 encoding enables higher quality streams at lower bitrates, providing up to 40% better compression efficiency than traditional H.264. Then there’s the exclusive NVIDIA Broadcast app, ideal for podcasters and streamers who require high production value without a room full of gear. This AI-powered tool enables background noise removal and virtual backgrounds to keep your focus on the content. With features like Studio Voice, which uses AI to enhance microphone quality to professional studio standards, and Virtual Key Light, which intelligently brightens your face in poorly lit environments. For 3D artists, the RTX 5070 transforms the creative process from a series of “wait-and-see” moments into a real-time interactive experience. DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation technology dramatically improves real-time viewport speeds during modeling and animation so you can iterate on complex scenes without the painful wait for your PC to catch up. NVIDIA OptiX Denoising uses AI to remove “noise” from preview renders with the RTX 5070 clocking in 3x faster than the Apple MacBook Pro with M4 in Chaos V-Ray. And hey, if you want to do a little gaming when you’re finished for the day, RTX 5070 supports DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation for the highest frame rates possible in modern gaming. For an even more chill but equally impressive entertainment experience, check out RTX Video that automatically enhances videos in Chrome, Firefox, Edge browsers and VLC to crystal-clear 4K HDR. Future proof AI The RTX 5070 is built to be the fastest platform for creators who use generative AI to speed up their workflows. Gen AI models and tools run natively on RTX 5070 GPUs through CUDA meaning everything works on Day 0. TensorRT-optimized models, available only on RTX GPUs, run up to 2x faster than native PyTorch models, providing the fastest performance for those who need it. In Stability AI’s latest image generation model, Stable Diffusion 3.5, the RTX 5070 laptop runs 12x faster than a MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. Out-of-the-box performance in ComfyUI, the visual platform for generative AI that enables easy branching, remixing, and customization of workflows, has been accelerated even further on RTX GPUs by up to 40%. RTX 5070 hardware also enables FP4 support, which is essential for fitting larger, more complex models on your device while ensuring they run as fast as possible. While Apple doesn’t disclose the raw capabilities of its neural processors, onboard NPUs tend to operate in the 10s of TOPS (Trillions of operations per second) range. That’s impressive, but RTX 5070s with dedicated 5th-gen Tensor Cores (AI chips) can offer hundreds of TOPS. Onboard NPUs are great for completing simple upscaling or webcam beautifying tasks, but for running large language models, or developing your own chatbots, having a dedicated RTX 5070 GPU with its own VRAM makes a big difference. Explore Windows and RTX If you’re been a MacBook user for a while, we get it: The idea of switching to Windows feels alien. And it probably will feel odd for a while, but it’s not like you’ll miss out on much in the way of applications. Many of the native macOS apps, like Apple Music, iCloud, Safari, run just fine on Windows, and there are equivalents of all the most popular apps that don’t. If you’re thinking about upgrading, or are curious about what a new laptop might help you do, then it’s well worth considering a switch to a new Windows laptop with a RTX 5070 Series GPU. They’re fast for all kinds of creative tasks, support the most capable of applications, and offer impressive battery life in their own right. Windows laptops with GeForce RTX graphics aren’t MacBooks, and that’s their real strength. Explore NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Powered Windows gaming laptopsLearn more Read...

Dr Amandine Sabadel said tracking technology has helped find the first clues as to how and where eels spawn but there is still more to do. Read...

Dr Amandine Sabadel said tracking technology has helped find the first clues as to how and where eels spawn but there is still more to do. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Extremely bright, with excellent color presentation Remote control is good for quick adjustments, and saves you from the app Ample customizability if you invest the time Cons App is a bit of a mess Preloaded themes are too similar Quite expensive Our Verdict If you really need the extra brightness, Lumary’s Permanent Outdoor Lights Max live up to their name, but the app that comes with them isn’t nearly as robust as that of the competition. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Lumary is a newish smart home company focused heavily on lighting products, and its latest offering is a high-end (or at least high-priced) permanent outdoor strip lighting solution. The company makes three permanent lighting products, with the Lumary Max, reviewed here, being its most expensive solution Price, however, is hardly always the best signal of quality. Specifications The Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max product features a familiar set of LEDs daisy chained along a sturdy wire, all clad in white and ready to attach to your eaves. The system comes in three length options: 40 LEDs/53 feet, 80 LEDs/105 feet, or 120 LEDs/158 feet. Prices are $300, $450, and $650 respectively. I received the 120-LED version for review. From the moment the Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max are powered on, it’s evident they are much brighter than the competition. Lumary bills its LED technology as RGBAICW, with 16 million colors supported in each LED and programmable white temperatures ranging from 2200 Kelvin to 6500K. The lights are very bright, maxing out at 60 lumens each, a significant upgrade over most other permanent lights I’ve tested. Maximum power draw is specified at 96 watts. The lighting modules and wiring are rated IP67 for weatherproofing, while the inline control box is IP65. Read TechHive’s IP code guide for a better understanding of how products are protected from the elements. We reviewed Lumary’s longest offering: 158 feet with 120 LEDs. Its Permanent Outdoor Lights Max are also available in a 53-foot length with 40 LEDs and a 105-foot length with 80 LEDs.Christopher Null/Foundry Lumary says that product lifespan varies based on production batch, with early batches specified at 15,000 hours and the latest jumping to 50,000 hours. (It’s not clear if there’s any way to tell which batch you’re purchasing.) LEDs are separated by a distance of 16.5 inches and come with 20 LEDs in each segment, which are connected to one another with waterproof seals. Extension cables of both 4- and 12 feet are included that you can use at any point in the chain of lights. Only about 3 feet of extra cabling appears at the A/C adapter side of the lights along with the control box; you’ll probably need to use one of the in-line extension cables or a standard electrical extension cable to reach an electrical outlet. Lights can be mounted with either preaffixed adhesive or screw hardware; both options are included, as are additional clips to help keep wiring in place, a handy bonus. All necessary hardware is included, as is a remote control powered by two AAA batteries (not included). Lumary’s lights connect to its mobile app via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Third-party support for Alexa and Google Home infrastructures is also included. Installation and setup Each light puck can glow in your choice of 16 millions colors or produce various temperatures of white light (from a warm 2200 Kelvin to an ice-cold 6500K).Christopher Null/Foundry Setup of the Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max is a familiar process, and as with most permanent lights, you’ll spend the bulk of your time planning exactly where they should go and where to use the included extension cords before breaking out a ladder and painstakingly attaching the lights to your eaves. After installing the Lumary app, the system is designed to auto-discover new Lumary hardware via Bluetooth. I had to turn the lights on and off a few times via the single button on the control box to complete the task, but otherwise the process was quick, after which I tapped in my Wi-Fi credentials and started a firmware update to complete the onboarding. Using the Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max From the moment they’re powered on, it becomes evident that the Lumary Max lights are much brighter than typical string lights or permanent lights. The 60-lumen LEDs sear the retinas at close range and full brightness, even though the beam is fairly wide and diffuse. The Lumary app, however, is a real oddity that is far from intuitive and is clearly a work in progress. The apparent problem is that is a clone of the Smart Life app, a multivendor application that ranks as one of the worst user experiences on the market. Lumary’s app takes Smart Life and seemingly makes it even more scattered. Lumary provides a handy remote control that saves you from needing to pull out your smartphone when you want to make changes.Christopher Null/Foundry Like Smart Life, the Lumary app first drops you into a view of all your Lumary gear. Tap the Permanent Lights Max icon to drill down and access detailed management features. The first page of device management is a bulb-by-bulb editor that lets you paint your chosen color directly to each LED. This mode however only supports static colors and white bulb—no visual effects—and bizarrely, these scenes can’t be permanently saved after you’ve painstakingly created them. One tab over you’ll find Lumary’s pre-created scenes, divided into “Scenery” (like “Lotus Reflecting the Sun”), “Life” (“Holiday,” “Working”), “Festival” (“Christmas,” “Forest Day”), and “Mood” (“Love and Fantasy,” “Spring Fishing”). There are some 55 scene modes available, and they’re all a lot alike, with few seemingly seasonally appropriate. I’m not sure why, but the Christmas theme features a variety of flashing colors instead of red and green hues, and they come off like cheap party lights. The colors and animations in the app also don’t match up well to what the lighting looks like in real life. You won’t get any kind of sense of what these themes look like unless you try them out one by one. Fortunately, the themes are adjustable—within reason—and these adjustments can be saved for future use. But again, so much trial and error is needed to make your theme look good that it really doesn’t matter which one you use as a starting point. Lastly, various music modes (which can work with either a microphone on the control box or your phone’s mic) are included. Lumary’s app leaves much to be desired.Christopher Null/Foundry The app has a basic countdown timer and scheduling system that can turn the lights on or off and set a theme from your collection, but this all needs to be done when you’re drilled down into the lights’ detail screen. You can make quick adjustments to brightness, color temperature, and the countdown clock from the Lumary home screen, but the countdown clock here is only displayed in seconds, which is awfully unintuitive for a multi-hour timer. The included remote control is fortunately a thoughtful touch, letting you cycle through scenes and adjust scene speed and brightness, in addition to cycling power. Five additional preset buttons let you turn the lights to all red, green, or blue or set them to warm white or cool white. Should you buy the Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max? Lumary’s lights are very bright, the colors are vivid, and its remote is useful, but I really dreaded having to deal with the app. The $546 street price for the longest kit, 158 feet in length, is another potential stumbling block. For my money, Govee’s Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 is a more well-rounded offering that’s easier to use, even if it’s not as bright. If you truly need something that will make your house the brightest in the neighborhood, on the other hand, Lumary’s kit might be worth a look. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart lighting. Read...