April 29, 2013

NEWS: Samsung S9 4K TV on sale at Selfridges

Just as a recent statement from Samsung shows a 42% rise in income for the first few months of 2013, the Korean electronics giant has launched a flagship TV in the UK this week, the first ‘ultra high definition’ Samsung TV with 4K resolution.

The Samsung UHD 4K S9 TV costs £34,999 in Selfridges London and is an 85 inch model with a supporting frame. The arrival follows a similar launch for Sony’s 4K TV technology last year, while Sony has since introduced a smaller, and more affordable, 4K TV alongside a 4K film download service in the US. You can ready more on that in our report direct from Sony’s UK HQ.

The S9 uses ‘Smart Evolution’ technology which is an effort to future-proof this bleeding edge set for technology fans requiring the ultimate in TV resolution . Richard Jones, Technology Buyer for Selfridges says “the quality and definition breaks new boundaries in the world of HD TV”.

Of course, the big question around 4K technology is whether the general consumer understands the huge increase in definition and whether it’s enough of a jump from standard ‘1080p’ HD. There’s a raft of sonic benefits if you have the right hardware and, as the gap between cinema screens and home entertainment has become closer, 4K is the technology which finally proves that home movies can beat the cinema screen experience via TV or projector, as long as you have the money to spend on achieving cinematic nirvana. 4K content is huge in terms of data and while Sky is trialling 4K filming at Wimbledon this year but, there’s an interesting debate about how 4K content reaches people. 4K can be delivered on large Blu Ray discs but in an age of iTunes and Netflix, the future of Blu Ray players looks uncertain. 4K movie content is huge and you’ll need a super fat broadband connection to even think about downloading films and, even then, in the UK at least, you’ll probably need to do it overnight…

You can take a look at the S9 in Selfridges from today…

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Filed under Home cinema, Lounge

April 25, 2013

NEWS: Canon reveal 100D and 700D cameras on location

Canon took Gadget Luxe to an unusual underground location yesterday, all in the name of testing a new range of cameras. London’s disused Aldwych tube station was the venue which, although closed since 1994, has more recently been used as a film set for Creep, V for Vendetta and 28 Weeks Later. The event was designed to promote a new range of cameras, specifically an entry level DSLR in the shape of the 100D and the new 700D, PowerShot N, PowerShot SX280 and PowerShot GX 1 cameras. Read our thoughts below and note that each camera is accompanied by a shot taken by that camera as well as an image of the camera itself. If you want more detail, check out the full size gallery of untouched images from each camera here.

Canon EOS 100D: review

The ultra lightweight 100D is designed for the casual snapper turning to a DSLR camera for the first time. Speaking at Kings College campus before the event, Canon claimed that the 100D was the ‘smallest and lightest’ DSLR camera on the market and, at the time of writing, that’s the truth. The 100D boasts an 18 megapixel sensor and training guides so you can easily get to grips with the basic features before exploring the high-end settings. At 407g with a touchscreen, it’s a decent stab at getting novice photographers interested in DSLR and the performance per pound ratio is very good indeed, given the £699 price tag which includes a 18-55mm lens. It’s the natural (and easier) alternative to stepping into hobbyist photography compared the 500D. Pros will instantly look for the battery as the lightweight body genuinely feels like it’s missing something…

Canon EOS 700D: review

The only downside of the 100D is that it’s joined by the impressive 700D at £749 with a 18-55mm lens, though you’ll need DSLR skills to get the most from it of course. Boasting 5 frames per second for sports style shooting, the autofocus system offers 9 focus points across a frame and decent low light shots with a 100-12,800 ISO range. The LCD II Touch screen is clear and it’s absorbed the rugged finish of Canon cameras further up the price bracket.

PowerShot N: review

Canon call this 12 megapixel cube camera a ‘concept camera’ and, admittedly, it looks odd. With a diagram showing you how to capture pet shots listed in the manual, it’s designed as a simple family camera. There’s even six instagram style creative effects on a single shot if you hit a single button. The 8 x digital zoom is used by rotating the lens and shooting requires you to push the top of the lens, rather than a traditional button on the top right of the camera. In keeping with the mini profile, the PowerShot N uses MicroSD cards instead of standard SD cards. At £269, it’s beyond the price of an entry level point and shoot camera but with a good HD video mode and sturdy build, we like the PowerShot N and can see the practical use at home, on holiday or at a gig when viewed against rival smartphones, especially where video is concerned. The small, square frame is great for close-ups on a solid surface, without the faff of a tripod too.

PowerShot SX280HS: review

Billed as a ‘super compact’, the SX280HS uses Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor and a 20 x zoom mode, alongside 60fps HD video.  The 12 megapixel sensor produced clean shots in the disused Aldwych station but it’s the zoom which didn’t fail under shaky shots and offered decent stabilization. The panorama mode worked well but, size wise, the new G15 offers a step change in what you can achieve with a similar size frame…

PowerShot GX 1: review

The GX 1 actually arrived last year but the £479 compact is still something very special. Designed as a smaller snapper, designed to back up your DSLR, it’s the first Canon compact to boast a 4:3 aspect, 14 megapixel sensor. The rotating screen allows for extreme angles and the low level track shots from Aldwych station deal with light and the lack of it brilliantly. Rugged, practical and packed with features, it’s solid shooter and great with video. You can see untouched shots from each camera below and full size versions here.

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April 25, 2013

NEWS: Astell & Kern 100 music player beats iPhone 5

The small black shell of the AK100 houses hi-fi quality tech that now fits in the palm of your hands. Stripping the best chips from full-size budget hi-fi separates, including the DAC hardware that converts digital sounds to analogue, the AK100 can cope with studio quality sound – master recordings by the original artist before any CD or MP3 compression starts.

What does that mean? It means the AK100 can play 24 bit digital flac files. A flac album is roughly ten times the size of an iTunes download, which shows how much data you’re missing via normal music downloads on an iPhone 5. You can rip your CDs and vinyl as flac files but there’s also high definition download services from Linn, B&W and Naim audio. Naturally, the AK100 will play other files including Apple Lossless, the highest quality CD rip option from Apple – it doesn’t support flac as a format.

In terms of spec, the retro volume dial is accompanied by a touchscreen and 32GB of internal memory. There’s space for two 64GB MicroSD cards too, so you can get a potential 160GB of storage to house around 160 albums as full, 24 bit, 96 Mhz quality files. There’s no wireless sync, adding to the old-fashioned feel of the AK100 but there is a concession to wireless music in the shape of a Bluetooth mode. To get the very best from the AK100, you’ll need decent headphones – typically the detail-packed Sennheiser HD 25 II studio headphones work well but aren’t the only solution. You’ll hear the benefit right up to the £1000 price bracket in terms of headphones.

For the traveler after luxury audio on the go, this is the gadget to beat. The AK100 is on sale now for £569.

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Filed under Commute, Lounge, Travel

April 24, 2013

NEWS: B&O hit headphone market with H3, H6 cans

The UK headphone market hit £226 Miliion last year and has seen explosive growth, particularly in the high-end sector and B&O (like hi-fi rivals B&W, KEF and Onkyo) has seen the opportunity and launched two new models.

Both the H3 in-ear headphones and full-size cowhide leather H6 headphones are produced by Danish designer Jakob Wagner. Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, VP of B&O PLAY says: “We wanted someone who understood the importance of craftsmanship and our heritage. Together, we have created two different, unique headphone designs that in each separate way are perfect for music experiences on the go and have chosen high quality materials that are durable and long-lasting”.

The H3s are £199 and the H6s are £329 with inline controls on the cable. Both models are on sale next month…

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Filed under Commute, Lounge, Travel

January 29, 2013

NEWS: Sony reveal new floating lens tech and giant NEX 5R lens

The NEX 5R is the latest iteration of the landmark Sony NEX 5 compact system camera that managed DSLR skills in a compact camera case, using DSLR E mount lenses.

The latest innovation is a powered telephoto lens (below) that dwarfs the small camera but is ideal for video and long distance motion shots of sports and wildlife. The E PZ18-200mm lens will go on sale in April and offers 0.35x magnification and a zoom lever on the barrel of the lens for smooth video or dramatic Hollywood style zooms if you’ve seen cop show Southland and fancy yourself as a budding documentary movie maker.

Gadget Luxe spent a day at Sony UK HQ and also tested the ‘floating lens’ technology (above) which it will now use in camcorder technology. The idea is that the lens, which visibly floats within the camera bobbing up and down as your hand shakes, will help steady your shot because, well, not everyone carries a tripod around with them. The technology will form the ‘Balanced Optical Steady Shot’ stickers you’ll see on new products. During the demo, the process proved effective against older models and Sony say that it compensates for 13 times more shake than previous Sony cameras.

The Sony NEX 5R is available now and costs £469

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January 26, 2013

NEWS: Sony reveal X9000A – first 4K TV ‘for the home’

Gadget Luxe travelled to the biggest consumer electronics show in the world earlier this month. Amidst the invention and innovation at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony revealed a super high resolution 4K TV in 55 inch and 65 inch sizes – crucially, sizes designed for the home. Following the Vegas debut, Sony invited Gadget Luxe to their Weybridge HQ to take a look at the new TV up close, alongside a full demo of picture quality and a living room sized listening experience too.

Sony 4K TV hits the home: The X9000A on test

Available in 55 inch and 65 inch screen sizes, the 4K technology behind the X9000A TV boasts four times the resolution of an HD TV. The technology isn’t unique to Sony but the TRILUMINOS and Colour IQ technology is, which means deeper, vivid colours against rivals, even in the current Sony range. We saw a range of photography on screen in comparison with current Sony and non Sony screens which demonstrated the technology and witnessed better definition and a wider range of colours which looked realistic against the vivid yet saturated colours of rivals. Surprisingly, the viewing experience feels more relaxed than a standard HD TV, even on standard settings and the sound surpasses any TV out of the box. How? Sony has fitted substantial yet flat speakers to either side of the bezel – they’re visible but create a wide and balanced soundstage with enough bass to fill a medium or large room where current TVs can’t without the aid of a surround sound system. Price and release date details haven’t yet been announced, so expect to pay a premium for the 4K skills and deeply impressive sound. We watched a 4K performance of Adele and were impressed with the balanced sound and bass which didn’t smother the overall sound, something notoriously difficult to achieve given the space constraints of a modern flat screen TV.

Sony discuss 4K movies and Blu-ray performance

“4K is important to Sony as a company for several reasons” says Chris Trewhitt, product manager at Sony (top, right). “It’s important to us because we’re involved at every stage, we’re involved in 4K cameras, the production of films, distributing to cinema via 4K projectors and now, bringing 4K to the home”.

Quizzed about the relevance of 4K TVs when 4K broadcasts and movies are relatively sparse, Trewhitt says “the upscaling on our TVs make them relevant today because they can take 2K content and bring it above that HD level. As a company, we’re committed to bringing out new hardware but also new 4K content. We’ll be able to put out 4K remastered titles out on Blu-ray. There are other titles out there that carry the information on the disc to be brought up to 4K level – Lawrence of Arabia, for example. If you read the back of the Blu-ray box, it goes into detail about 4K. In terms of your Blu-rays, they will also look significantly better when upscaled”.

In the US, Sony will offer a 4K movie download service though, astonishingly, a 3 minute Spider-man trailer weighs in at 300GB, bigger than the entire capacity of a standard Sky HD box. A UK release for the service hasn’t been confirmed and the mechanics of how movies will be delivered via broadband in the US hasn’t been revealed, though we suspect the technology will involve overnight streaming of content which is stored on a local network. Whatever the case, there’s little doubt that – in terms of TV – Sony looks to be king in 2013, though the price and availability of 4K content is something that customers will want to be clear on before considering a purchase…

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Filed under Games room, Home cinema, Lounge

January 23, 2013

NEWS: Breville reboot range, add attractive kettle

It’s hard to get excited about a kettle. Unless it looks the part and boils faster than rivals, of course. That’s exactly what this Breville does in a design that manages to look modern without using shiny surfaces or the kitsch country kitchen style of rival models. Why is that important? Well, you’re a man and secondly, the brushed silver finish simply looks more premium than something you can see your face in – beside the streaks and fingerprints of course.

The Breville Elements Premium Stainless Steel Jug Kettle has a fast boiling point thanks to a 1.7 litre capacity which is moderate rather than large. It’s easy to fill with a quick release lid and a neat illuminated power switch at the base of the handle. The kettle can be rotated 360 degrees around the base and the water window is hidden behind the handle which means you only look at it when you need it, which is appreciated – plastic always spoils the sheen of metallic models like this one.

You can pick up this member of the Elements range (there’s a matching toaster, below) from John Lewis for £79.

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January 22, 2013

NEWS: The boot that solves your winter problems

There’s a difference between the snowbound streets where you live and the clean city streets where machines take away the snow from the night before. There’s still a problem, however. Leather soled shoes simply won’t cut it on the road outside your house but you can’t turn up to work wearing hiking boots that make you look like you’re a runner for Springwatch and regularly exchange fashion tips with Chris Packham.

The solution? Snow boots that fold into your bag. The Teva Chair 5 boot uses nylon and rubber to create a waterproof boot that, they say, is good for temperatures around – 32 degrees. There’s a substantial rubber soul using custom Spider Rubber which works well and ensures the rest of the boot is protected, though a detachable Thinsulate sock helps keep your toes warm too.

The sock can be removed, allowing the boot to be folded so they’re no bigger than a pair of deck shoes – ideal for your bag. This means you can walk into work, minus any snow injuries, without looking like you eat Kendal Mint Cake for breakfast. Just don’t discuss the ‘nylon shank’ tech over the watercooler.

The Chair 5 boots cost £110 and are available now…

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December 3, 2012

5 Christmas gadget gifts for the modern gentleman

Every man was once a boy and what was once a natural fascination with toys is now an evolved fascination with gadgets and technology. The step from Fisher Price to Bang & Olufsen may be more of a stride but it’s the same emotion and satisfaction underneath.

The key difference is that we have to pretend that gadgets are not toys and definitely not mechanisms to be played with, adored and coveted like digital delicacies that can only truly be enjoyed in private. We have to make a case for our gift request carefully. The less convincing case we make for the practical use of the gadget we lust after, the less likely we are to open the boxfresh marvel on Christmas day. And nobody wants that truffle tasting experience in Belgium over a Wii U do they?

Here’s five of our most wanted Christmas gifts, alongside the excuses to get what you want…

Naim UnitiLite

What to say when asking…
“We won’t need another hi-fi – ever – and it will make the neighbours jealous”

This sleek one box hi-fi has a lot going for it. Proper hi-fi sound, the ability to handle CD playback and accept recording studio quality FLAC files from a wireless NAS hard drive or your laptop. The excellent iPhone app makes controlling the UnitiLite a joy and internet radio is an experience truly enhanced by a system like this. You’ll need to budget for a pair of speakers around half the price of the Naim UnitiLite to do it justice but you’ll have a special system that will last for years.

Naim UnitiLite price: £1650

 

Nintendo Wii U

What to say when asking...
“There’s yoga games and it will be great for our NYE dinner party”

The original Wii might have descended into a mess of dance games and pony simulations but the Wii U is Nintendo’s first HD console and it oozes tech from every angle. There’s a pad with a giant touchscreen and a camera which threatens to act as a revolution against a games industry needing innovation to break the cycle of tired first person shooters and Angry Birds clones. One look at ZombiU and a blood splattered trip through the London underground opening level and you’ll be sold. Any console which steals your face and turns you into a member of the undead needs to be experienced.

Nintendo Wii U price: £299

Citizen Eco Drive Proximity watch

What to say when asking…
“It makes me look smart for work and I don’t want to miss the date nights I’m taking you on as my new year’s resolution”

Got an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 with Bluetooth 4.0? This clever timepiece lets you know when you’ve got a message, call or meeting. There’s no giant digital display or alarm however – a hand points to the relevant word for each alert. Plus, if you lose your watch, your iPhone can help you find it. It can’t attract bullets via a magnetic force field but it’s still suitably Bond-like…

Citizen Eco Drive Proximity price: £399

 

Beats Executive headphones

What to say when asking…
“They make me sleep better on my work trips and I don’t want to look like a sleepwalking mid-life crisis when I go to the west coast”

Dr Dre is behind these headphones – an adult friendly reboot of the original Beats Studio cans that teenagers and Olympians use because of the brilliant noise-cancelling skills. Flick a switch and battery powered silence surrounds you, alongside sonic tech designed to make the most of your tablet and smartphone music. The metal styling and comfortable cups are the icing on the cake. Dr Dre topped the Forbes rich list for musicians this year, earning double that of Taylor Swift or Macca – these headphones are the reason why…

Beats Executive price: £269

 

Samsung Galaxy Camera

What to say when asking…
“It’s cheaper than a DSLR and will take great holiday photos of us…”

It’s a camera with wi-fi skills and a fully blown Android operating system which means you can back-up 10,000 16 megapixel snaps instantly online with a complimentary Dropbox account – or Facebook or Twitter. The giant touchscreen explains how to use the advanced camera zoom and aperture functions and the custom editing app is great too. The Android apps available mean the potential can only grow and it’s the first camera to be capable of Google Maps. A great idea and great image performance to boot – makes your smartphone look like a disposable instant camera.

Samsung Galaxy price: £399

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Filed under Bedroom, Games room, Office

October 31, 2012

NEWS: Caffeine cool made easy with the Krups EA9000

Once you decide to spend over £1000 on a machine that makes coffee, you’re going to demand something that looks the part as well as something that can deliver your coffee at speed,  without asking if you would like a muffin or a loyalty card.

The £1299 Krups EA9000 has a colour display rather than a two tone LED display, instantly giving a high-tech appearance. There’s an equally geek friendly Favourites menu which stores four of your favourite drinks and preferences. You don’t need to wash the milk nozzle either – always the disappointingly manual cleaning task of many coffee machines. The auto-rinse feature is a winner and the tech claims don’t stop there. A ‘Compact Thermoblock’ system apparently offers optimum temperature for each cup, whatever that means –  we’re just happy that we don’t need to fiddle with the nozzle and burn ourselves like a trainee barista.

The overall design is sleek and minimal – even the display sits at an angle. Intriguingly, the EA9000 can make coffee from ground coffee as well as beans, in case you can’t find your favourite bean boutique before your next caffeine fix. Finally, the EA900 makes the usual espresso and cappuccino but goes further than most and offers ristretto too. What is a ristretto? A short espresso, favoured by coffee purists who want an eye bulging injection of their favourite substance. Store that nugget for your next dinner party…

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