Zinho De Costa – Geek Culture https://geekculture.co We are geeks, and proud of it. This is the place where we share all things geeky, and by visiting this page, you declare yourself one of us! Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:16:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://geekculture.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-gc-512-32x32.png Zinho De Costa – Geek Culture https://geekculture.co 32 32 ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Gives You Reason To Upgrade To NVIDIA GeForce RTX40 Series https://geekculture.co/black-myth-wukong-gives-you-reason-to-upgrade-to-nvidia-geforce-rtx40-series/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:13:32 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302701

Let's see who emerges victorious in this Monkey vs. Machine challenge!

The post ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Gives You Reason To Upgrade To NVIDIA GeForce RTX40 Series appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

When it comes to firing up the hit action role-playing game of 2024, Black Myth: Wukong, it’s best to not let it make a monkey out of you. Not only is the game made by Chinese game development company Game Science, one of the biggest hits of the year after selling 18 million copies globally in the first two weeks, it is also one of the most graphics-intensive titles available.

Sure, the game can run on game consoles, but if you want the most immersive visual experience inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West (西游记), the PC is your best bet and even then, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is probably the only graphics card that can make this journey a high definition westward journey.

According to the developer, the game requires at least 16GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GPU but nothing beats the coveted performance of the 4090, powered by the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, and comes with 24GB of G6X memory, all of which are responsible for transporting you into the realm of Chinese mythology.

And when it comes to gaming, there’s no better way than to show it, which is what we did by playing Black Myth: Wukong on an ultrawide monitor (3440×1440), to truly put the RTX 4090 to the test, with Full Ray Tracing, DLSS and RTX ON, along with the game’s Cinematic Settings. And as a reminder, DLSS 3 and Frame Generation can only run on the RTX40 series GPUs, which is also why they are best in class.

Check out the impressive graphics performance above when we played Black Myth: Wukong on our custom PC rig powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (GPU), along with the Intel 13th Gen I9 13900K (CPU) and 32GBS of LPDDR5 7200MT/S RAM.

The post ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Gives You Reason To Upgrade To NVIDIA GeForce RTX40 Series appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – Review https://geekculture.co/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:04:27 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=301742

So which will it be? ANC or not?

The post Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Apple calls them the best selling earphones in the world, and since its debut in 2016, Apple has released three versions of the range – the entry-level AirPods with the latest AirPods 4, the AirPods Pro currently in their second generation, and the AirPods Max headphones.

What’s the difference between the AirPods and the AirPods Pro? The Pro models comes with Active Noise Cancellation or ANC, and are in-ear, while the AirPods are on ear, where there isn’t a snug fit and it’s design to rest on the crevice of your ear. Given Apple’s preferred terminology, they call it an open-ear design vs an in-ear design (with silicone tips).

At S$199, these are one of the most affordable earphones from Apple and not that much more expensive when you compare it to other similar brands. These are also wireless and in 2016, it basically introduced the design that all brands have since copied, of a monitor connected to a stem that hung from your ear hole. 

The AirPods 4 follows in that same design and comes in two versions – the regular and now, with ANC and the ANC model comes with a case that charges wirelessly, and both with a USB-C, and not a Lightning connector.

Apple has also used their latest H2 chip, current in its Pro models, on the AirPods 4, bringing greater adaptability to listening environments, while providing sharper audio while listening to music and taking calls. And all of it in a slightly smaller case ever, which not only charges faster but also lasts longer with up to 30 hours of listening time with the case, or put to 20 hours if you use it with ANC turned on. That’s 5 hours of listening time with the AirPods on a single charge, and 4 hours if ANC is turned on. 

So you’re thinking, ANC with an open-ear device? How does that work? ANC technology basically reduces unwanted sound by using a second sound to cancel out the first, and it works well in a sealed environment that an in-ear earphone provides, as the seal already limits unwanted external audio from getting into your ear. It’s that feeling of a vacuum in your ear, where external audio around you is naturally eliminated and further enhanced by ANC.

The thing about open-ear earphones is that the seal is pretty much dependent on genetic lottery, where your ear shape will either agree or disagree with the seemingly one-size fits all design of the AirPods. If you’re lucky and both sides fit well, then ANC here will work like a dream, as the fit means there are very little gaps for audio to leak into your ear when the AirPods are worn. 

In my case though, the right bud fits perfectly, but the left one is a bit loose. Which brings me to the ANC, where it was tested at an above ground train station and because one side didn’t have that desired fit, you can detect, feel and hear the ANC’s pressure from the counter soundwave fighting for its life because I couldn’t get a good fit. Again the way Active Noise Canceling works could be one of two methods, where either the microphones try to match external sounds in a method known as feedforward, or otherwise, it measures the sound heard through the earphones, and inverts and plays back the noise. The pressure you feel are those soundwaves from either of those two methods and while it’s not clear which method the AirPods are using, you’ll definitely feel and hear something that’s slightly present and somewhat uncomfortable.

While using them underground at 50 per cent volume and listening to easy stuff like TOTO’s I’ll Be Over You or Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, you’re still going to be able to hear train announcements and the sound of the train moving on the tracks, and sounds on the higher frequencies will cut through quite easily, including voices directly around you. However most other ambient sounds, like the train doors closing, people talking and the rustling of bags when people fiddle with them beside you are nicely canceled out. 

If you raise the volume past 50, to about 70 – 90 per cent, you can easily get everything drowned out (duh!) though in my case, the sensation and sound of the ANC cutting in and out was still there in my right ear (again depending on your fit). But other than that, they are comfortable to wear, and it’s likely that like Apple’s other Airpods, you’ll probably quickly forget you’re wearing them too. 

They’re not amazing at ANC because these aren’t in-ear devices that complement ANC, but Apple has done its best and those with a preference to not use in-ear earphones will find a lot of utility in this. Now, I may be going too hard on Apple for the one-size fits all design here, but it’s a genuine concern of mine and for many out there. My ears can also be an outlier and these would likely fit the majority of people out there so the recommendation is to visit and Apple Store and try it out if you can. Otherwise, it might be worth paying a little more, for the AirPods Pro Gen 2 and be on your way.  

And, there are two reasons why I used my commute to test earbuds out, The first is that a majority of people use the train daily, and it’s an almost universal experience. Secondly, I can only experience pressure changes when underground and because I’m in Singapore, the deepest train line we have is the Downtown Line and parts of the Thomson East Line, and we’re talking like 30 to 45 meters underground. That’s around 98 to 147 ft, for those still on the Imperial System. 

As much as the small case makes this easy to bring around, there’s also the concern of the smaller AirPods and they are as slippery as ever when you try to take them out of the case. It’s always better to empty them onto an open palm, instead of trying to pick them out on by one, especially if you have big fingers.

But they do sound great, with both the regular and the ones with ANC offering a warm soundscape with great details. Now there is definitely a difference between on and in-ear earphones, and it wouldn’t be fair to say that one sounds better than the other, especially since both the AirPods and AirPods Pro are using the same H2 chip for their audio performance. While the AirPod 4’s lacks punch because they are on-ear, both handle calls effectively, with the ANC contributing to clearer dialogue on the AirPods. It all boils down to personal comfort levels and preference, and price.

The post Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
‘Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree’ Returns With Glorious New Plains And Familiar Pains – Preview https://geekculture.co/geek-preview-elden-ring-shadow-of-the-erdtree/ Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=293762

Onward Fellow Tarnished, to the Land of Shadow!

The post ‘Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree’ Returns With Glorious New Plains And Familiar Pains – Preview appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Miqeulla’s arm hangs freely from the fleshy cocoon behind Mohg during the showdown with the Lord of Blood. Ripped from the Haligtree he embedded himself in, the late Mohg hoped to raise him to godhood but alas, ye Tarnished sealed off that path for good. Stepping into the darkness of his grotesque incubator, the veiled Realm of Shadow shows itself, where another of Marika’s children, Mesmer The Impaler, possesses ambitions unknown but one definitely larger than our own. 

Geek Preview – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Two years after the release of Elden Ring, the highly-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is back to test the mettle of players. Death, overconfidence, and mistakes are all well-trodden paths for those who’ve previously thrown the gauntlet, but the painful combination makes victory all the more sweet and vindicating. It’s been the defining trait of developer FromSoftware’s Souls-like games since its inception, and this upcoming outing expectedly promises a glorious return to the comforting, masochistic formula – if a four-hour hands-on session is any indication. 

As the studio’s biggest expansion to date, there’s a lot of content laying in wait for players. The world, for one, is now much bigger, with the new area extending past the expanse of Limgrave, roughly the same size as the map for Dark Souls 3. A small part of the map was set aside for the preview, featuring two main dungeons, a couple of medium-to-small dungeons including the Western Nameless Mausoleum and Belurat Gaol housing Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze, and several unique enemies along the way. There will be familiar sights, such as crumbling gothic structures, castles in the distance, and ominous gates that can accommodate the largest of giants, shrouded in the literal shadow of the Erdtree, which serves as a nice little nod to its DLC namesake. 

Geek Preview – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (2)

On one end of the area that we were permitted to traverse, Castle Ensis – and home to Rellana, Twin Moon Knight – stands defiant of the light with impaled bodies. The streets are desolate with hostile forces patrolling them with dogs, as well as caves and rooms where light cannot reach, allowing mold and dread to set into the stones that make up the walls. Blue-tinted spells by familiar sorcerers and a lone Carian Knight stand in the path of an area guarded by the Twin Moon Knight: a classic dungeon that presents a more-than-adequate challenge for Veterans. 

Yet, something about the air feels more menacing than usual, and the new enemies are quick to dish out that reminder. After all, there’s a good reason why players have to defeat both Radahn and Mohg before venturing into the Realm of Shadow – they are more aggressive than before, with interesting, irregular attack patterns and timings that newcomers will likely struggle with. While regulars should be able to get into the groove of things fairly easily, it’d be prudent to not fall into the pitfall of complacency (business as usual), as the bosses are no walk in the park.

Geek Preview – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (3)

Enter the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, a menace in every sense of the word. Residing in Belurat, Tower Settlement, a once lively town that has become nothing but a shadow of its former glory, it will be a fight to remember. Without spoiling too much, its movements are similar to what Lion Dance troupes in East-Asian culture would execute, complete with the fluidity of the performers – or in this case, grafted hands and legs – moving as one with finesse. Going toe-to-toe against it as a Level 150 Warrior proved to be a challenging experience, even with an inventory of weapons at +25 enchantments and stacked with a number of Talismans to increase health capacity and negate physical damage, as the boss brings wide elemental area of effect (AoE) attacks to the battlefield.

As such, you would need to defeat the earlier mentioned Radahn and Mohg, and max out your weapon levels as much as possible before heading in. It’d also be ideal for returning players to build new characters from scratch in order to hone skills, re-familiarise themselves with their desired builds, and farm for runes to be sufficiently leveled for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Spicing up the combat experience is the addition of around 100 new weapons and eight weapon types. Between fist wraps that allow players to execute palm strikes on horseback (yes, you read that right) and unleash Kung Fu Hustle-esque moves, a chinese-inspired sword that unleashes whirlwind attacks, and combat-viable throwing knives that conjure up in the hand, slaying enemies was an absolute joy. 

Four hours barely scratches the surface of Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware’s ingenuity, but Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is shaping up to be a glorious return to new plains and familiar pains. It packs something for different kinds of Tarnished, with combat enthusiasts taking delight in the new weapon additions and familiar rush of adrenaline, and scholars of the game’s lore looking forward to a new story. Meanwhile, the resident adventurer can expect to explore vast landscapes, discovering hidden secrets in every nook and cranny of the map. With all of this content, it’d be easy to mistake it as a whole sequel on its own, and not a companion narrative to the base title. 

Rise again ye Tarnished, and prepare to die.

Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree releases 21 June on all platforms.

The post ‘Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree’ Returns With Glorious New Plains And Familiar Pains – Preview appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller https://geekculture.co/geek-review-razer-kishi-ultra-mobile-gaming-controller/ Sat, 11 May 2024 20:29:35 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=291821

The apex of mobile gaming, redefined.

The post Geek Review: Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Gaming comes in different forms, and for the Razer Kishi, the focus has always been on delivering the best experience on iOS and Android devices. The mobile gaming controller is far from a dedicated one-trick pony, however, packing a host of intuitive features that play into its all-rounder reputation.

Naturally, the Razer Kishi Ultra is no exception to the rule. The next-gen successor is now spruced up with some RGB lighting effects, sporting a full-sized form factor for both Android and iOS smartphones, as well as iPad Mini. More notably, it also doubles as a two-in-one controller for mobile and PC gaming, with the much-requested 3.5mm headphone jack added to the base.

Unlike some of its peers, the handheld won’t feature Hall Effect joysticks, but makes history as the first commercially available Razer product to feature the Sensa haptics. What this means is that users can expect haptic feedback on Android 12 or above and Windows (sorry iOS folks), alongside other new additions Virtual Controller Mode.

And while the upgrades look and sound fancy, performance is still key when the Razer Kishi Ultra demands a premium of S$239. Check out how it fares in the real world in the video above, which dives into design ergonomics, battery life, gameplay experience, and more.

The post Geek Review: Razer Kishi Ultra Mobile Gaming Controller appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Vs REDMAGIC 9 Pro: Which Is The Better Gaming Phone? https://geekculture.co/rog-phone-8-pro-vs-redmagic-9-pro/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:18:04 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=285149

Which is the top gaming phone of the year?

The post ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Vs REDMAGIC 9 Pro: Which Is The Better Gaming Phone? appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

The ROG Phone 8 Pro and REDMAGIC 9 Pro face off for the top gaming phone of the year! With both phones offering hardware specifications that are extremely similar, will the ROG Phone 8 Pro keep its cool, or will the REDMAGIC 9 Pro tear things up? Let’s find out!

The REDMAGIC 9 Pro starts at S$909 while the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s Singapore price is yet to be announced, though prices start at US$1,199 in the US.

The post ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Vs REDMAGIC 9 Pro: Which Is The Better Gaming Phone? appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Shoot On iPhone 15 With Ease Using These Photo & Video Tips https://geekculture.co/shoot-on-iphone-15-with-ease-using-these-photo-video-tips/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=283901

Here are some fresh ideas on how to make the best of your iPhone 15 in your content creation workflow.

The post Shoot On iPhone 15 With Ease Using These Photo & Video Tips appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

You know what’s behind every successful man, and despite what’s been said, there doesn’t need to be an entourage of equipment and preparation behind every amazing iPhone photo shoot. The best camera in the world is the one you have on you, but the right lighting equipment or accessories aren’t always on hand.

Luckily, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are amazing devices and must-haves for any budding or seasoned photographers and videographers looking to shoot at any time, without the need for any additional lighting or sound equipment. With the Lunar New Year rolling around the corner, there’s no better time to upgrade your photo and videography game with some tips to get the most out of your iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

We got the help of some cool folks from the region – Vietnam-based Minh (Photographer), Quy (Director/Filmmaker),  Malaysian-based Jason Goh (YouTuber / Content Creator) and Singapore-based yk (Photographer / Content Creator) who have great tips on using the iPhone to its full potential

We met up in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City to capture the vibe of Tết Nguyên Đán while learning tips and habits to get the best workflow for our shots possible. Again, everything was shot entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro.


Studio Portrait Photography (by Minh & yk)

Portrait photography comes naturally to yk and Minh, having three different outfits and models dressed fittingly for Tết. In order to retain the details and color accuracy, learn to shoot in 48MP or Apple ProRAW as it allows you to capture the most amount of detail possible, with crisp images even after crops and edits. This way you get images popping with color and brimming with fine detail of all your Lunar New Year fits and fare.

“48MP is great for duplicating the images and re-cropping it. Essentially, you are doing a small little hack by multiplying the images and repurposing the frame, for your social media and also for magazines and editorial shoots.” says yk.

To enable 48MP on your iPhone:

  • Go to Settings > Camera and choose Formats.
  • Tap the toggle next to ProRAW & Resolution Control.
  • Tap Pro Default and Choose ProRAW Max or HEIF Max if you’re trying to save on space. ProRAW Max files can go from 75MB and above while HEIF Max starts around 5MB and up.
  • Open up the Camera app and tap on RAW Max. Ensure it is not crossed out and start shooting! You can also switch formats on the fly by tapping and holding HEIF Max or ProRAW Max.
  • You need to keep to the default 1x focal length, changing that will switch the format back to 12MP.

Varying the lens options opens up fresh creative possibilities for different styles and approaches to taking your subject. Using the 0.5x focal length is all the rage these days, with top down no-look shots but there is so much more to it than taking shots of large groups or landscapes.

“I also love to use the Ultra Wide lens to go up close to the subject in the tunnel to create an extreme angle, to elongate her fingers and create a foreground to lead up to her face and background” shares yk.

Next-generation Portraits allow you to do amazing things in the editing phase of your workflow. 

The iPhone captures a whole bunch of information that allows for greater flexibility in choosing the focus of your subjects after the shoot. 

“Next-generation Portraits are so amazing because you can switch the focus in post, which means you can concentrate on the moment when capturing photos,” says Minh.

Want to raise the lighting of your subject without overexposing the background? You can enhance your portrait shots by editing the portrait light effects and choose from 6 different lighting options. On top of that, you can also change the background blur by hitting the “f” icon at the top of the screen and adjusting the depth control slider to get the right amount of blur you need.

“With next-generation Portraits, I also like shooting with Portrait Lighting. It is great because it can detect faces, cats and dogs when editing on-device. Of all the effects, my favourite is Contour Light.” mentions Minh.


Dance Video (by Quy and Jason Goh)

The iPhone 15’s incredible stabilizers make it an amazing tool to shoot everything from your school projects to entire music videos. Vietnam’s tlinh’s “don’t make it complicated” was entirely shot on iPhone 15 and we got to experience shooting a dance video using nothing but the iPhone 15 Pro. With the ability to shoot high resolution video of up to 4K , any filmmaker on the go would appreciate high quality footage.

“When it comes to videography, I love to shoot in 4K because with the high resolution, I can always crop during editing to focus on certain scenes or subjects.” says Jason.

Stability is the name of the game when shooting objects in motion and is exactly what the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has on offer with its Action Mode that can be used with all the lenses available.

“The best thing from iPhone 15 Pro’s camera is Action mode across all lenses (0.5x – 5x). I love the way iPhone removes the shakes when we are in action. No mater how you move, you always get the perfect shot. And it’s available on all lenses, offering more flexibility and versatility for everyone. Especially when you’re in limited space, Action mode is still able to support. It’s so good to have this feature in iPhone and I really want everyone to try it,” shares Quy.

Using “Cinematic Mode” to create a depth of field and between the subject and background makes it easy for anyone to get in touch with their inner filmmaker. They can adjust the focus of subjects later on if needed. “For a more cinematic look, I would use Cinematic mode to focus on objects and faces so foreground and background is blurred, mimicking videos shot using cameras with portrait lenses. Another great thing is we can also adjust the focus later. iPhone is something that we can always rely on when speaking about shooting.” Jason commented 

Putting all of these features into play, we shot a whole dance choreography on two separate sets and edited everything on Final Cut Pro. A tip for editing music videos is to match the peaks in the audio waves in your clips with the music used in your timeline as it is a lot more precise than listening by ear.


Hopefully this article has given you some fresh ideas on how to make the best of your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max in your content creation workflow. Happy shooting!

The post Shoot On iPhone 15 With Ease Using These Photo & Video Tips appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Omnidesk Classic Standing Desk – Review https://geekculture.co/geek-review-omnidesk-classic-standing-desk/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:49:26 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=281740

Perfect for smaller homes!

The post Omnidesk Classic Standing Desk – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Ever look at those fancy adjustable height desks and wish you had the space to house those slender edges and sleek tabletops, only to realise they won’t fit in your home? The Omnidesk Classic presents a solution for smaller workspaces, packing productivity into a more compact form factor to prove that size is a state of mind. 

Omnidesk Classic

The Classic is meant for smaller rooms and is perfect to house a display, keyboard, mouse, and even a mini PC or Mac mini, and we tried out the Compact Large, which measures 153 cm long by 60 cm wide, compared to the standard Omnidesk Pro Large which comes in 153 cm by 76 cm. That additional 16cm does add to the broadness of the table, and what matters though, is aesthetics and while looking good might not be everyone’s top priority, the Singapore company has always married simplicity and functionality – and it’s no different here. An amalgamation of the size and style, the Classic has also been redesigned from the ground up to lean into smoother edges and a powder-coated medium-density fibreboard (MDF) desktop in either black or white. For those who are partial to Omnidesk’s Wildwood Collection, it also comes with a third Wildwood option to fulfill all aesthetic needs. 

The Omnidesk Classic is a different beast than that of its Pro counterparts that adorn our office space, and it all starts with the controls. Instead of physical buttons, users can adjust the height via a touchscreen; the standard USB-A port at the side of the tray is now replaced with a USB-C port, and the white colourway is a new addition as well, exclusive to the Classic model. 

On top of that, the display automatically turns off when not in use, and can be paired with the Omnidesk Life App using the QR Code found at the back. Apart from acting as a remote control, it also tracks whether users are standing or sitting, and allows them to set their own height presets on the fly. 

Omnidesk Classic

As part of the family, the Omnidesk Classic inherits all the features of its lineage, including anti-collision mechanics that prevents it from being lowered or raised if it hits an obstacle, a 4cm/s motorspeed, and a height range of 71 to 121cm. It still holds true to being very durable and sturdy, with hardly any wobble from forceful bumps or chair collisions. Upon impact, various collectibles and toys would remain upright without toppling, while beverages never spilled once. 

Similarly, the setup process continues to be a breeze, even for those who have never assembled anything before in their lives because it’s done for you! Omnidesk’s staff that delivered and built the desk were swift and efficient, they even helped to set up the tempered glass riser (Lift Classic Desk Riser) and power clamp and will ask you which side of the desk you would want it on before proceeding with its installation. In less than 20 minutes the set-up of the desk with the power clamp and 

Once the desk is all ready to go, it’s time to spruce it up. Accompanying our tabletop was a host of add-ons, including a Hestia Mini desktop organizer, along with an anchor beverage and headphone holder besides the power clamp and tempered glass riser. In order to shift everything around, the usual stubs at the base were replaced with castor wheels.

Being able to craft the desk’s ecosystem to suit your needs is one of the best parts of getting an Omnidesk, especially for users who want their essentials within arm’s reach. The Hestia Mini desktop organizer, for instance, affords them the space to hold stationery or hang their cables, whereas the anchor beverage and headphone holder ensures a safe spot to place beverages and rest their headphones when not in use. It should be noted, though, that these accessories come separate at their respective prices, and need to be specified during the ordering process. 

Omnidesk Classic

Don’t be fooled by the Omnidesk Classic’s size options, either. Despite its leaner, more compact form factor, it’s still able to withstand a maximum load of 130kg, so feel free to put pretty much anything and everything you want on it. 

This addition to the line-up continues to prove that Omnidesk reigns superior in offering the best range of smart standing desks for ever-changing needs in one’s home. At a starting price of S$649, the Omnidesk Classic promises good value for money, with options available for different demands, and premium features that further optimise productivity.

The post Omnidesk Classic Standing Desk – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Google Pixel 7a Gaming Test – Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, COD: Mobile & PUBG https://geekculture.co/google-pixel-7a-gaming-test/ Thu, 25 May 2023 09:09:37 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=264342

It's time to put Google's latest through the gaming gauntlet!

The post Google Pixel 7a Gaming Test – Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, COD: Mobile & PUBG appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

With some decent tech and a sleek design, let’s put the new Google Pixel 7a through the gaming gauntlet! Sporting a 6.1-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, we loaded up popular mobile games Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Call of Duty: Mobile & PUBG Mobile to see how it fairs.

The post Google Pixel 7a Gaming Test – Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, COD: Mobile & PUBG appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone https://geekculture.co/geek-review-sennheiser-profile-usb-microphone/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=258039

Simplicity is the name. Great quality is the game.

The post Geek Review: Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Most people think only content creators need a proper set up but that’s not necessarily the case. Whether you’re a streamer, a student or a regular Joe who does his 9 to 5 and returns home to play his Valorant games all night long, a good microphone goes a long way.

To that, we say, meet the Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone.

Simplicity is the name of the game. Coming in two versions – the table-stand Profile (S$199) and the boom arm Profile Streaming Set (S$309) – all you have to do is plug the microphone into your computer and let Sennheiser’s years of experience in sound and audio do the rest.

Simply said, whether you’re in a Zoom online class, chatting via Discord, streaming on Twitch or having a Teams meeting with your bosses, you don’t have to try hard or do much at all to sound great and clear. There is no need for additional software or apps to adjust or control how you sound too because the Profile naturally delivers a natural and warm sound that accentuates the body and presence of the human voice.

The Profile is also compatible with PC and Mac, but one thing we’d like to point out is that a USB-C to USB-C cable comes with the microphone in the box so you may need to get a USB-C to USB-A cable if your device does not have a USB-C port. Fret not, we’ve put the Profile to the test and it still sounds great regardless.

We’ve also gone the extra mile to test out the Profile and compare it with other microphones. These competitors include the Razer Seiren V2 Pro and the beloved Blue Yeti.

Combining the promised sound quality, affordable price tag and ease of use, the Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone is arguably one of the best microphones out there for every use, everyday. But we’ll let you be the judge – watch our full test here.

The post Geek Review: Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard https://geekculture.co/geek-review-asus-rog-strix-scope-rx-tkl-wireless-deluxe-keyboard/ Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:55:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=245582 ASUS ROG Strix Scope Review

A highly-recommended TKL option for users, and one of the best ones out there.

The post Geek Review: ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
ASUS ROG Strix Scope Review

For many PC gamers, the tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard remains the right blend of performance, price and pedigree, where the perfect number of keys doesn’t complicate things, with a form factor that won’t eat up a ton of desk space. Republic Of Gamers (ROG) is back with the ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard, which is a wireless upgrade from the ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL Deluxe Keyboard

ASUS ROG Strix Scope Review (2)

This TKL gaming keyboard comes in a sleek and durable sandblasted aluminum alloy chassis and offers a whole slew of features, including a Stealth Key that hides all apps and mutes audio to either hide your secret gaming sessions in the office, or to have your desktop looking clean in a pinch. There’s also a Quick-toggle switch that helps shift between function and media key inputs, so you don’t have to manually change things up when switching from gaming to productivity inputs. 

ASUS ROG Strix Scope Review (3)

Another nifty feature that FPS gamers would appreciate is the extended Ctrl Key that is twice as long as the usual, which means no more hitting the Windows key by accident when you’re trying to crouch into cover or slide into an enemy in games like Apex Legends. The extended Ctrl key has proven useful to our mobility game since the room for error has decreased significantly, making it clear that the keyboard is made for fans of the genre, where every key input could mean the difference in a match.

Besides having the benefits of it being a TKL being portable and lighter, it is also wireless, with two options of connecting to your computer — via Bluetooth or through a 2.4GHz RF wireless mode. You can still plug it in with the accompanying USB-C to USB-A cable, so you have three modes of connection, or a Tri-mode connection if you will. You can connect to up to three devices with its Bluetooth mode, or experience low-latency gaming with the 2.4GHz dongle that comes with the keyboard that can be placed nicely at the back for storage. 

ASUS ROG Strix Scope Review (4)

You also get 76 hours worth of use after charging, so your desk space remains clean and wire free! With these many options for connectivity and the space advantage you get from the TKL form factor, you’re getting the most out of your set-up without having to sacrifice space or convenience. To spice things up, it also comes with a detachable magnetic key rest which is very comfortable for those late night gaming grinds.

There are no dedicated media keys other than using the “Fn + FX” combination to adjust volumes, toggle playback for media and trigger other functions, so the addition of a volume wheel would have been welcome.  It’s a small detail, but it’s one that would make the keyboard’s design feel more complete and sleeker. 

The keycaps are ROG’s PBT doubleshot keycaps that feel solid and rigid , especially with the RX Blue switches they’re mounted on. All the keys have centralized lighting which makes for consistently beautiful illumination, and each key has the X-Stabilizer, or four corner latches between the keycaps and switches and a hollow-square stem that ensures a wobble-free typing experience. The cool thing is that even though it uses mechanical keys, there are optical triggers in the keys which make for ultrafast actuation whether you’re using RX Red or RX Blue switches.

 The ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard came with RX Blue switches and they feel and sound satisfying to type and game on. With 65gf of initial force for a clickier experience, the RX Blue has faster actuation and coupled with the aforementioned stabilizing features make for a satisfying typing experience for those that love their clicky switches.

Having played several games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Open Beta and Insurgency: Sandstorm, the ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard has proven to not only be comfortable during gaming marathons and training sessions, but it performs exactly as you need it to — whether you’re in a fast-paced team deathmatch, sliding over hills to get loot, or fighting building to building filled with insurgents and operators. 

It should also be noted that as a TKL keyboard, the Strix Scope may not be suitable for creators who often utilise the number pad and other features on full-sized builds. There’s a workaround for this, but you’ll have to rely on third-party and external peripherals like a Loupedeck Creative Tool. 

The ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard would be amongst one of the best TKL options available today. The one limiting factor is the S$299 price tag which is on the higher end of the pricing scale, though it does offer value for money when compared to building your own keyboard. Though DIY keyboards are definitely popular now, ROG’s offering is a hassle-free way of exploring the keyboard world with added features and accessories, such as the wrist wrest, which makes it even more bang for your buck. 

The post Geek Review: ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX TKL Wireless Deluxe Keyboard appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones https://geekculture.co/geek-review-creative-zen-hybrid-anc-headphones/ Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:08:51 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=237381 Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones

A great-sounding mid-tier set of cans that proves to be versatile and portable, supported by an affordable ANC option.

The post Geek Review: Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones

With Active Noise Canceling technology (ANC) taking precedence in the audio space, more players are entering the foray to lay their claim to the ANC throne – or at least, are attempting to do so. Singapore-based audio veteran Creative definitely has the audio know-how down to a T, especially with consumers in mind, and its new Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones continues this practice.

As it stands, the device offers affordable ANC with crisp audio to boot that would entice users who are planning on shifting from the low- to mid-tier ranks. Sporting a clean white look, the Zen Hybrid would be perfect for any wardrobe choice with its minimalist design. However, the loud brand logo and “SXFI READY” markings that outline the cans are distracting and take away some of its aesthetic appeal. It’s currently only available in white, but we would love to see a black variant for an even stealthier look.

Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones

The right ear cup holds analogue control and inputs, including the ANC button, which toggles between ANC and Ambient modes, a 3.5mm audio jack, power button, and a volume rocker. A USB-C charging port sits on the left side, granting up to five hours worth of playback with a quick five-minute charge. The total runtime clocks up to 27 hours of playback with ANC on and about 37 hours with ANC off, which leaves you a couple of days in between charging sessions.

The controls are generally easy to reach, but may take some getting used to. A little bump has now been added to the power button, and with the ANC button positioned further up front, users will have a smooth experience navigating the different controls without accidentally hitting the wrong buttons.

The steel headbands are rigid and stay at the length you set them at. To offset its firmness, they are padded with a plush synthetic leather cushion for prolonged comfort, especially with their barely-noticeable clamping force, soft memory ear cushions covered with plush synthetic leather, and a lightweight 217g body. All of these add on to the overall level of comfort and portability, though visible wrinkles might strike the leathered-covered top of the headband in the future. 

Speaking of portability, it folds similar to the Sony WH-1000XM4, and can be placed into a soft carrying bag for added scratch protection, so expect it to fit in most bags without any issues. Its ear cups are versatile, decently-sized, and capable of a 90-degree swivel, making them a good fit for most head and ear shapes.

The Zen Hybrid’s 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver decent room in terms of soundstaging, with instruments having enough space to play around. Listening to Toe’s “Goodbye” off their New Sentimentality-EP, the opening guitar plucking was warm, punchy and clearly separated when the phaser kicked in. As the rest of the band came together with the vocals, the audio was nicely layered with a clear distinction between the instrumentals – the acoustic guitar wasn’t overshadowed, making it a joy listening to such a tight band play with well-tuned drivers and no noticeable distortion.

The headset stumbles a little with bass-centric tracks like “NGAP” by SHAO, however. Since the Zen Hybrid isn’t a set of bassy headphones, it misses out on having impactful bass even though the lows are still rumbly. Fortunately, it doesn’t disappoint with the mid to high samples on the track, which play out clearly. 

The usual workaround would be to tweak the EQ via the Creative app, but it doesn’t support the headphones just yet, so there’s no viable way to play around with the levels. The SXFI App is impressive, though still extremely limited to audio files stored on your device; the way forward, as such, would be for Creative to integrate it for streaming services such as Spotify and Tidal. 

ANC-wise, the Zen Hybrid works well in quiet office spaces and malls. Do expect louder noises like traffic and idle banter to leak through when commuting on trains and busy walkways, especially at lower volumes, so you may want to crank it up more to cancel out more ambient noise in conjunction with the ANC.

With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and support for the SBC and AAC codecs, the headphones were free of latency issues during music-listening sessions and gaming sessions with Apex Legends Mobile.

Priced at S$149, the Creative Zen Hybrid headphones are certainly more than a decent pair of headphones that are superb for general use. Creative has always been at the forefront of producing great sound hardware at affordable prices and their venture into the competitive ANC market with this device shows that they are adapting well and getting the job done – barring some drawbacks.

The post Geek Review: Creative Zen Hybrid ANC Headphones appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones https://geekculture.co/geek-review-sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:01:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=234817 Sony WH1000XM5

The king of ANC retains its crown.

The post Geek Review: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Sony WH1000XM5

For the last two years, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 has been touted as one of the must-buy headphones to pull you out of noisy spaces, with its amazing noise cancellation technology and superior sound. It’s hard to stay at the top for that long, but Sony has proven that it will remain king with the WH-1000XM5. With a fresh look and improved everything, the XM5 is the apex predator in the jungle of true wireless ANC headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5 (1)

Change is common with each refreshed iteration of the product, and the biggest one here is the lack of a foldable design. Designed by Sony to be “noiseless,” the main body now has a slimmer and more seamless profile to combat wind noise – and it does look good while doing so – but what’s not so welcoming is the complete removal of its foldable feature. The XM series of headphones has always been known as solid compact traveling headphones, so this is a huge step back that might not sit well with Sony veterans. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Sony WH-1000XM5 (2)

Otherwise, the XM5 boasts an overall design similar to the Bose 700 line-up, with its carrying case featuring a magnetic door to a compartment that holds the charging and 3.5mm cables, which is a nice little touch. The airplane audio adapter won’t be included, however, and you’ll have to allocate more space in your bag to fit this much larger carrying case adorned with slick, modern-looking geometric-like edges.

Instead of metal bands, the XM5 uses ABS sliders to adjust the fit of the headphones and it feels solid, even if the protrusion at the bottom messes with the sleek profile Sony was going for slightly.

Despite being fragile and floaty to the touch, the hinges of the headphones are actually extremely sturdy with a good seal for the ANC. The combination of a comfortable clamping force and a section of the memory foam in the middle makes for a snug fit – an experience that’s further elevated with the new synthetic leather fitted on its headband and earpads, which is a touch softer than the rigidity of its predecessors. Coupled with the absence of headphone fatigue, the XM5 is indeed a delight to use for long periods of time. There’s just one slight gripe: unlike the rest of its predecessors, it doesn’t have an IPX waterproof rating.

Sony WH-1000XM5 (3)

Sony is known for its mastery of the ANC domain, having established itself as the leader in the race to be the best and with the XM5, the industry giant has once again pushed the best to be even better, through improved ANC technology that puts its competitors even further behind in the game.

Its predecessors have been mainly focused on canceling out noise in the lower frequencies and since that has been mastered, Sony is moving onto the higher frequencies for this iteration. The XM5 uses the same Integrated Processor V1 from the XM4 and now sports a total of eight microphones – up from four – as well as two QN1 chips, which are responsible for Sony’s ANC prowess. In comparison, the XM4 only had one. 

Sony WH-1000XM5 (4)

The switch at the edge of the left ear cup allows users to toggle between ANC and ambient noise, but for those who want to quickly enable the latter feature, cupping the right side of the headphone will get the job done as well. 

When put to the test, the XM5 managed to block out the sound of passing trucks and screeching trains on the lower and higher frequencies. Noise cancellation was also automatically optimised while on the go, which made the experience much more seamless with Sony’s Headphone app and Adaptive Sound control feature working with each other. Previous iterations had us run Sony’s NC Optimiser for the best-noise canceling experience before switching locations, so having it automated is a welcome quality of life improvement. 

Cabin pressure, meanwhile, now proves to be less of an issue, with the XM5’s adaptive ANC eliminating the feeling of having your head squashed, especially when entering the underground sections on trains.

It’s Sony –  there’s no one else in the game with ANC like them.

Sony WH-1000XM5 (5)

Audiowise, the WH-1000XM5 has upped the ante with greater clarity, a wider soundstage, and a greater and more detailed distinction between notes. The headphones  are an amazing step up from both the XM4and XM3, which sound slightly thicker in the lows and bass in comparison. 

To test out the extent of their capabilities, a plethora of bands and artists of varying genres were queued for playback. Firstly, Chopin’s  “Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15” by Martha Argerich played out beautifully, with the individual piano keys, highs and mids sounding well-balanced and very impactful. 

Next up was “laurel” by BETWEEN FRIENDS, a combination of the strings with the booming bass beats and crisp vocals of Brandon and Savannah Hudson. The plucking of the guitar was distinct and so was the initial bass line. The XM5 was able to deliver the full range of the instruments, programming and vocals with precision, devoid of any rough edges and muddy bass. 

For EDM and Rave lovers, we queued up “Blow My Mind” by Plvs Vltra. The bass even at the higher volumes did not disappoint, with the headphones delivering the weight of the roaring beats alongside the small beeps (for lack of a better word), and the dynamic shifts of the highs and lows of the track. 

Sony WH-1000XM5 (6)

Counterpart’s “Unwavering Vow” was last up and did the XM5 do it  justice. The drive of the double pedals with the roar of the lead and rhythm guitars were powerfully conveyed during breakdowns and verses. Brendan Murphy’s screams and spoken vocals were crisp, and the listening experience felt akin to a live-playing session.

From Classical to Metalcore, the XM5 is more than capable of delivering amazing performances with its 30mm neodymium drivers that provide a well-spaced and clear soundstage. It comes with DSEE Extreme that upscales compressed files sampling and bit rate, and offers support for Hi-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless because of Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec. Bass heads will need to get used to its flat sound, but will appreciate its clearer sound over time.

On the technical side of things, frequency response is from 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz when wired. The wireless frequency response of the XM5 is lower, clocking  20Hz – 20,000Hz for 44.1kHz sampling and  20Hz – 40,000Hz for LDAC 96kHz sampling at 990kbps.

With the return of multipoint connection, users will be able to switch between two audio sources without having to fiddle with the normal Bluetooth reconnection process, just like with the XM4. Android users may experience a loss in high-fidelity audio when they do this, however. A slight gripe would be the lack of the NFC pairing function, which is present in the XM4. Fortunately, the Bluetooth pairing is still hassle-free. 

Performance wise, battery life has also been improved and the XM5 now boasts a 30-hour runtime with noise-canceling and Bluetooth enabled, and can last up to 40 hours with both turned off, which is two hours more than the XM4. Should it run out of juice, the headphones will be able to offer a five-hour battery life from just a ten-minute charge. 

The returning Speak-to-Chat feature, meanwhile, proves efficient in picking up the speaker’s voice and automatically pausing the music once detected. For an added touch of flexibility, the timings between the pause and resumption of music can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

Lastly, the Sony app makes it easy to customise EQ levels and button commands with its slew of offerings. The Spotify Tap: Quick Access feature, for instance, can be activated by tapping the ANC button twice or thrice, which will then resume playback of previously-listened tracks immediately.

Despite not being as compact as its predecessors and losing the NFC pairing option, the Sony WH-1000XM5 redeems itself through its improved ANC capabilities. The set of cans are still very comfortable for commuting or office work, especially for those who wish to drown out the world and enjoy their music. Sony’s consistent drive to elevate the quality of its products and surpass its own standards is evident with the XM5, and it’s certainly worth the investment – if you can afford the S$569 price tag, that is. 

The post Geek Review: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: PIXEL K80 LED Lighting Kit For Video & Photography https://geekculture.co/geek-review-pixel-k80-led-lighting-kit-for-video-photography/ Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:55:30 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=217058

The K80 video lighting kit packs serious power, but the overall build quality leaves much to be desired.

The post Geek Review: PIXEL K80 LED Lighting Kit For Video & Photography appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Good lighting is a must whether you’re a photographer or videographer, but getting it at a good price is a perennial issue. PIXEL tosses its hat into the ring of LED lighting panels market, with an extremely versatile lighting panel that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

The PIXEL K80 video lights come in an uber-spacious bag that fits both panels, two tripods (included with the lights) and power supplies with extra space for anything else you might need. There are also two sheets of light diffusers for the 552 LED beads in each panel made up of 240 RGB lamp beads, and 156 lamp beads for both cool and warm tones.

It has three modes for you to work with – Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), Hue, Saturation and Intensity (HSI), and Scene mode.

The CCT mode ranges from 2600K-10000K and its brightness can be adjusted from 0%-100%. There are also presets for quick adjustments of its brightness from 0%, 1%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% which makes for convenient fine-tuning on the fly.

The HSI mode has a 360° color spectrum which gives you complete creative control on how you’d want to paint your location or highlight your subject’s mood.

The Scene mode offers nine options to simulate police or ambulance lights, lightning effects, TV screen flickering, RGB cycles, and more!

With its built-in LCD display, you’re able to cycle through, adjust and save your preferred settings across six different profiles.

The aluminum alloy build combined with its design ensures that heat dissipates quickly to protect the LED beads and interface over long periods of use. Its detachable barn door lets you shape light however you want while its U-bracket enables you to change the angle of the light freely if you ever need to quickly calibrate its orientation. 

The panels are easy to carry around at 1.4Kg (with the barndoor attached) and they support NP-F batteries for working off-site. The PIXEL K80 video lights can be purchased in packs of two or three on Amazon.

The post Geek Review: PIXEL K80 LED Lighting Kit For Video & Photography appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Unboxing Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: Space Jam Series 01 By Mighty Jaxx https://geekculture.co/unboxing-freenys-hidden-dissectibles-space-jam-series-01-by-mighty-jaxx/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 12:37:26 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=215047

Mighty Jaxx is going wacky, jammin’, dissection with Space Jam!

The post Unboxing Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: Space Jam Series 01 By Mighty Jaxx appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: Space Jam Series 01 has landed! Based on the iconic 1996 movie, each figurine is dissected in Jason Freeny’s signature dissection style, stands at 3.5” to 4″ tall, and made of vinyl + PVC.

Each individual box is priced at US$12.99 and comes randomly packed with 6 different characters and one rare (Tasmanian Devil). One full tray comes with 6 boxes, priced at US$74.99 and comes with all 6 characters, with a chance of one being the rare figurine (1/24 chance).

Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: Space Jam Series 01 is out now and sold only in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia and China.

The post Unboxing Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: Space Jam Series 01 By Mighty Jaxx appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>
Geek Review: PIXEL Liber RGB Pocket Video Light https://geekculture.co/geek-review-pixel-liber-rgb-pocket-video-light/ Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:48:53 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=214850

This pocket lightbox is the perfect companion for the filmmaker on the go!

The post Geek Review: PIXEL Liber RGB Pocket Video Light appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>

The thing about generating video content constantly, is that a phone can only do so much, especially when it’s dark out and street or indoor lighting can only do so much. But lights are big, bulky, and a hassle to bring around, but Hong Kong videography equipment maker, PIXEL, is providing a solution with its Liber RGB pocket-sized light box that is chock-full of settings, comes with a responsive AF mobile app, as well as a built-in magnetic strip for users to get creative with their lighting.

With their knowledge in video lights and wireless flash triggers, PIXEL has packed its lighting expertise in a compact 6.3 x 5.24 x 1.42 inches, weighing in at just 65g. We’ve been using the Liber for the better part of two months now, and it has been an absolute joy to use and carry around.  At the heart of this pocket-sized sun are 66 lamp beads projecting how many lumens of light, powered by a 3,000 mAh battery, so expect it to light up pretty much any subject or space.

And it’s not just one light as it is a portable colour library, with its full range of RGB colours and temperatures between 2500K – 8500K, making it extremely versatile for any situation or mood a filmmaker wants to set. It also comes packed with 10 different lighting effects and comes with 21 preset color presets that can be physically adjusted on the unit.

But if you want to create your own presets, the PIXEL Link app (Pixel LCS on the Apple App Store and PIXEL Link on the Google Play Store), which pairs the unit to your phone via Bluetooth, offers the next level of lighting configuration, allowing you to make specific changes to its color settings, temperatures , effects and save them for later! Connecting your phone to Liber is seamless and quick, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity issues.

The lights are housed in a solid metal, premium chassis, and not in some tacky plastic. The built-in battery can power the device at full brightness for 90 minutes and if you need more, simply hook it up to a portable charger or wall plug for extended use. The two quarter-twenty mounts (on the side and bottom) only adds on to the Liber’s versatility.

A few notable observations are that the transitioning of the lighting options through the app are delayed and the metal casing does not heat up after 10 minutes at full brightness.

The Liber comes with a soft silicone diffuser that works very well and protects the lightbox, along with other accessories – a USB-A to C charging cable, a ball mount for cams and four adhesive mounting plates.

Whether you’re an aspiring TikTok star or a professional videographer, the PIXEL Liber RGB Pocket Video light is a super accessible piece of lighting equipment that anyone can pick up and learn to use in little over a few hours thanks to its intuitive controls and endless customisation options.

The post Geek Review: PIXEL Liber RGB Pocket Video Light appeared first on Geek Culture.

]]>