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This edition of UNTITLED Reviews sees a return to CHERRY and their all-new desktop set, the STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE. Find out more product info here: https://www.cherry.co.uk/cherry-stream-desktop-recharge.html Also, if you like what you see, you can purchase the kit featured in this video below: https://amzn.to/2UNzSit (As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links) Make sure to like and subscribe! JOIN US: Blog: www.untitledblog.co.uk Merchandise: https://untitled-merch-3.creator-spring.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UntitledBlogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untitledblogsite

This edition of UNTITLED Reviews sees us return to CHERRY and the world of gaming mice with their brand new MC 9620 FPS. Find out more product info here: https://www.cherry.co.uk/cherry-mc-9620-fps.html Also, if you like what you see, you can purchase the kit featured in this video below: https://amzn.to/3BDL81u (As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links) Make sure to like and subscribe! JOIN US: Blog: www.untitledblog.co.uk Merchandise: https://untitled-merch-3.creator-spring.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UntitledBlogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untitledblogsite

Key Specs: Retail Price: £59.99 - Purchase Here! Plug and play 2.4GHz wireless connection 40mm high-fidelity drivers Detachable and retractable microphone The market of budget gaming headsets is one that has been growing for many years and as usually been marked by cut-price variants of more expensive headsets. Think Razer's Kraken X Lite for instance. However, just because you haven't got hundreds to spend doesn't mean that you should have to skimp out on features. That's certainly the view of EasySMX, the manufacturer behind their V07W headset that allows gamers to get RGB, surround sound and a wireless headset for the princely sum of £60 or so. Design - All the usual budget gaming tropes The V07W feels relatively well made, being comprised of some hard plastics with some grooved earcups and a mixture of matte and glossed finishes. It's got the typical headset design tropes that gamers should love. With that being said, whilst its construction is solid, there's a distinct lack of padding in comparison to its big name competition from the likes of Razer and HyperX. This in turn causes the V07W to feel noticeably loose when sitting on my head, and could cause it to move around more than some may like over a prolonged period of time. It might've been nice to see some interchangeable earcups with more voluminous levels of padding to make them more comfortable. Onboard media controls are nicely plentiful, with the V07W featuring a cheaper-feeling grooved volume wheel, power button, mic mute switch and LED-enabling button. They're relatively easy to access, but do be wary that all the buttons do feel the same, so if you're not au-fait with placement, you might mute your mic at the wrong time. EasySMX have opted to go for a detachable microphone that feels as well made as the headset does, as well as bundling a 3.5mm cable in the box for wired connectivity, the wireless receiver and charging cable. Performance - Pleasantly surprising yet bassy sound As much as the V07Ws might be cut-price for a set of wireless headphones, the audio quality that comes from the cans isn't half decent. They've got a defined focus on bass thanks to their 40mm drivers which can be a little overwhelming at times in comparison to the highs, but provide a neat sound overall. EasySMX say there's surround sound built in to these, but arguably this is expected given there's two separate headphones anyway. Regardless, these provide an okay soundstage with some of the little details of each song or CS:GO round lost in the bass of the V07Ws. Given their rather loose fit, the passive noise isolation of the V07W isn't the best, but is passable for when you need to hear your teammates more than the outside world. It's the same story for the microphone too; don't expect too much out of it, as it isn't going to set the world alight, but if you are talking to your mates on Discord, then it should function okay. Being wireless means that battery life of the V07W is integral and I'm happy to say that the capacity for these cans is pretty good. Its 800mAh capacity equates to around eight hours of playback time which falls some way short of the big-name competition, and the two hour charge time to full capacity is okay, but nothing too special. Compatibility for multiple devices with this headset shouldn't be an issue, given the bundle of both a wireless receiver and a detachable 3.5mm cable that ensures it works with basically any device. Bluetooth might've been nice, though, in addition. Lighting - Minimalistic yet decent The V07W isn't short on RGB lighting in either its wired or wireless configuration with two wheels on each of the earcups. It's nicely bright and sharp, which makes a real change from other parts of the headset's body, and cycles through colours at a rather quick pace. Besides that, there's little to say here as in all my searching, I can't find any additional software for V07W which means it's let down in part by the fact there's no customisation on the part of surround sound or EQ presets that have become a staple for other, more premium brands' offerings. Verdict If you're a gamer on a budget who wants punchy, bass-driven audio with a decent soundstage that comes wrapped up in a relatively sturdy plastic shell that's also wireless, then you're in luck with this EasySMX offering. For the money, it's hard to argue with what you're getting. However, if you're wanting something from a big name with better passive noise isolation, a tighter fit and additional software to further make a headset your own, you're betting off looking elsewhere. Rating: 3.5/5

The chances are that if someone mentioned the concept of robots to you that the first two things that'll come into your head are impending revolution and job losses thanks to automation. In principle, these are the arguably expected effects of bringing in perceivably cleverer devices than people, and it's natural to fear such, in the eyes of many. This fear of not only change, but just the idea of a robot uprising is really nothing new. Samuel Butler, in his 1872 novel Erewhon was one of the first to indicate the possibility of robots replacing humans through the Darwinian ideal of natural selection, or in other words, a technological revolution. Before then, automata had been given a new lease of life thanks to the Renaissance. Jacques de Vaucanson, in 1737, developed one of the world's first life-like robots - a flute player who had a repertoire of twelve songs. Before this, Da Vinci had made a mechanical camel and lion, but in all instances, these examples are nothing more than pure fascination. Even as we've entered the twenty-first century, there hasn't been anything to suggest that the Butlerian description of "affectionate machine-tickling aphids" to describe engineers of the day has come true, or the impending rising of robots, or even AI. This is not the least the case for Heineken, the Dutch lager firm, who have themselves entered the world of robotics within the last couple of weeks with a cute little companion to merry holidaymakers that can apparently identify parched people on a sun lounger and offer them a refreshing bottle or can of Heineken. I mentioned this to a friend of mine the other day, and his views were rather intriguing. He said to me that he felt that engineers or companies had nothing better to do if they can make a robot that follows people round, giving out lager at their request. At the end of the day, all this is is a coolbox on wheels. It is an essential reapplication of the idea of the suitcases that follow holidaymakers round airports, although arguably to serve a much greater purpose. His argument, from a personal perspective, seems short sighted. Were people saying the same thing about Honda's ASIMO some ten years ago? "Oh great, the Japanese have made a dancing robot - what use is that to society?" I'm sure some people cried in response to the announcements and ASIMO news - I remember James May featuring it on an old episode of Big Ideas a few years ago. In reality, the likes of Heineken's B.O.T. or the since decommissioned ASIMO are there as research projects so engineers can work out the use cases of robots in everyday life. Of course, automation is present within the manufacturing industry in pretty much every part of the process, but to us ordinary folk, the closest many get to using a robot is through one of those smart Morphy Richards water dispensers or using a Nest thermostat to control their heating. Robotics is meant to be something that people are apparently frightened of, but Heineken's lager-fetching droid may just be a useful insight into what's to come. People have often dreamed for more convenience within their daily lives and the barrage of smart assistants and home tech look to be the mere tip of the iceberg. For a good while now, anything that had the tag of being a 'smart' product made it better, and we've now got everything from smart televisions to smart fridges. I'll let you decide if the latter's a good idea. The idea for Heineken may be to simply sell the idea of a competition, but its mere existence as a gimmicky piece of tech serves a purpose in explaining life's potential future convenience. Having a little robot friend that can offer you a refreshing beverage is certainly an idea that plenty of people would take to, as it stops lugging around a coolbag or anything of the sort on a hot summer's day. It could even be possible to integrate the little guy with a voice assistant so, if you have the Alexa app on your phone, you could shout to it the usual command of "Alexa, fetch me a beer!" and the little wheeled friend pops up and provides. In short, Heineken's drink-carrying droid is not only indicative of the potential convenient future that may already be upon us, but also how useful robots can be. The dystopian future of them taking jobs and turning on their creators looks an awful lot further away than writers such as Butler thought many decades ago. The B.O.T. just goes to prove that even though there may come a time when robots do turn, they'll most likely end up serving us a cold lager just before.

This edition of UNTITLED Reviews sees a continuation with Chromebooks, Acer and specifically their 314. Find out more product info here: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/GB/content/series/acerchromebook314 Also, if you like what you see, you can purchase the kit featured in this video below: https://amzn.to/3EL3nnb (As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links) Make sure to like and subscribe! JOIN US: Blog: www.untitledblog.co.uk Merchandise: https://untitled-merch-3.creator-spring.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UntitledBlogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untitledblogsite

Key Specs: Retail Price - £79.99 12,000 DPI PixArt PMW 3360 Sensor Three five gram masses to add weight (130g without/145g with) Five stage extendable palm rest If you ask anybody in the gaming space what switches they've got inside their keyboard, odds on they'll say that they're CHERRY ones - most notably their infamous MX line that has adorned both their own keyboards and other manufacturers' for the best part of four decades. Ask someone whether CHERRY makes gaming-grade mice though and you'll get a different answer. "CHERRY make gaming mice now?" Well, as a matter of fact, yes, they do. The MC 9620 FPS, as the name suggests, is one of the German manufacturer's first entries into this space, with a 12,000 DPI sensor, additional weights and a decent design all putting it in good stead. There is one thing to note though - by comparison to what's available on the market at the moment from competitors such as Razer or ASUS, the MC 9620 could be seen to be a little overpriced. Even then, China won't be too unfamiliar with this mouse - but is only now officially making the move into European markets. Design - Open housing looks cool, but isn't without its pitfalls As someone who has never really been a fan of the usual gaming mouse design tropes with sharp edges and random indentations, I'm pleased to say that the MC 9620 FPS does offer something a little different. It's a comfortable mouse to hold, and the fact there's a five stage adjustable palm rest means it's good for all grips and all hands by the looks of things. I've tended to have mine a couple of notches back during daily use, but the others should work for you. Despite this length, it isn't the widest of mice though, and can feel a little narrow and flat in comparison to the contoured shapes of a Razer Basilisk or the smooth curves of a Deathadder, my traditional go-to in this sphere. But, where the MC 9620 does win is just in overall design. Whilst there are harder edges and it's made of the usual black plastics, the MC 9620 FPS notably opts for something a little more open and skeletal, in a similar vein to a lot of the open-housed gaming keyboards from Corsair and others. In comparison to other more gaming grade mice too, the MC 9620 isn't half a heavy mouse. Without the three weights, it'll set your hands back 130g, which makes the ROG Gladius III from Asus or the current e-sports king, Razer's Viper 8K feel like feathers. For me, this isn't the biggest of issues as I quite like a weighty mouse, but when there's competitors that weigh half, then you have to start asking some questions. One thing that the MC 9620 does miss out on, rather ashamedly, is any form of rubberised grips on the side. Sure, the adjustable palm rest is a good start, but including a different material not only breaks the design up a little but can also make this mouse as ergonomic as the datasheet says. Even with the weight behind it though, it's still a mouse that can glide well thanks to the usual Teflon glide pads included, and the MC 9620's two metre cable provides ample length for even the biggest of desks. Performance - A heavy hand is required to get the best out of it Usually a good gaming mouse can be gauged by the combo of high sensitivity and low weight, almost in the same vein as a supercar's power to weight ratio. The reason why the ROG Gladius III from Asus is such a great e-sports mouse is because it's got a 19,000 DPI sensor in a 79g shell, for example. With the MC 9620, its combo of a 12,000 DPI sensor and 130g weight puts it on par with the flagship mice of five years ago – think of one of the earlier versions of Logitech’s G502 HERO mouse. It’s still a perfectly gaming mouse in my usual testing field of the CS:GO training course and a few actual rounds, but doesn’t feel as responsive as the competition. Of course, in the grand scheme of things, a drop of 7000 DPI once you get up to the dizzy heights of 12,000 isn’t that much to most people and for me, it works well. Truth be told, I’ve been using the MC 9620 FPS for a good while and haven’t once felt at a competitive disadvantage when using it. Most of that is probably down to the fact I’m crap at most shooters. For the more seasoned players out there, the MC 9620 does come with a DPI clutch to allow for more precise aiming which can be a big help in those high intensity situations when shooting from a longer distance. This is of major use when sniping, not least in a game like Sniper Elite IV where wind distance and bullet drop are simulated well. A wired connection also means that there’s zero latency with this particular rodent, although in future, a wireless version wouldn’t go amiss. A lot of wireless gaming mice in 2021 are also offering a practical zero-latency connection thanks to 1ms response times and there’s not much to pick from between the two connections these days. Software and Lighting – Decent lighting and some usable software It’s a roughly similar story when we get to the lighting side of the MC 9620 with the out of the box RGB set on offer feeling a little lacklustre and a tad dim when compared to Razer Chroma and Asus’ ROG Aura Sync and the way their lighting is portrayed. The only thing that CHERRY has done that’s a little different is by having an illuminated CHERRY logo emanating from the back of the mouse. The software itself, CHERRY Utility, offers limited customisation options with four customisable lighting presets on offer. Other than that, there’s the usual fayre of five stage DPI switching and adding on-board profiles. The other piece of software bundled, CHERRY Assistant, didn’t want to recognise the MC 9620, and unfortunately I wasn’t able to test this. Verdict For those wanting a rather interesting looking mouse with some intriguing lighting, the MC 9620 FPS isn’t a bad option by any means. Its 12,000 DPI sensor is still plenty for the average gamer, and the fact it comes with additional weights too is a nice feature. However, if you’re someone who wants that extra sensitivity, a lighter mouse and a more conventional design, then you’re better off sticking with the usual suspects when it comes to manufacturers. The MC 9620 FPS is a good mouse, but it isn’t earth-shatteringly incredible. Rating: 3.5/5

This edition of UNTITLED Reviews sees a dive into Chromebooks, Acer and specifically their Spin 513. Find out more product info here: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/GB/content/series/acerchromebookspin513 Also, if you like what you see, you can purchase the kit featured in this video below: https://amzn.to/3zCNM6G (As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links) Make sure to like and subscribe! JOIN US: Blog: www.untitledblog.co.uk Merchandise: https://untitled-merch-3.creator-spring.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UntitledBlogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untitledblogsite

Key Specs: Retail Price: £98.99 Whisper-quiet keystrokes with SX scissor actuation Three-stage DPI switchable mouse up to 2400 DPI USB Type C charging for both keyboard and mouse The STREAM line of products has long been a staple of CHERRY's non-mechanical lineup and with every regeneration as it were, looks to have got even better. Well, that's all continued with the brand new STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE that has already superseded its non-rechargeable brother by bringing with it the benefits of USB-C charging, as well as a new colour: white. Be wary though - this isn't the most cost-effective of upgrades, given that the RECHARGE variant of the STREAM DESKTOP clocks in at nearly £100 or so, making it a fair bit more expensive than the original version. Design - Sturdy build and white & silver colouring make for a classy looking combo I've always been a big fan of how the STREAM has looked over its development and putting this new desk set in white just gives it a much greater premium feel which is arguably justified given its higher pricing. With that being said though, the RECHARGE's build quality is sturdy with a distinct lack of deck flex that'll be sure to please even the hardest of typists, myself included. You'll be pleased to find out that there is an integrated metal plate which aids with structural rigidity, like some other more premium desk sets at this price and lower, and I include CHERRY's own DW 9000 SLIM set in that. The STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE is a nicely slim and modern looking set, especially in white, even if other reviews have complained about the thicker surrounds making it look slightly old-fashioned. It's worth remembering that this isn't a gaming-grade set and therefore shouldn't be treated like one. Unlike its more expensive cousin in the DW 9000, this particular desk set does come with a nice set of flip-up and retractable feet that can be used to raise the board up for a steeper and more comfortable typing angle, as well as some nice status LEDS and a host of multimedia keys to help with productivity. When it comes to keycaps, like a lot of the more premium products within CHERRY's office-grade range, the STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE makes use of some abrasion-resistant legends that are sure to stand the test of time, no matter what you throw at it during office duties. The mouse present with the set feels as hard-wearing as the keyboard does, bringing with it some nicely silent yet tactile buttons. Moreover, it's certainly comfortable to grasp with a decently contoured shell that looks to suit any particular grip used. Performance - Scissor, silent and stupendous to use in an office environment In any guise, the STREAM has become regarded as one of the most cost-effective and rugged office workhorses, Cutting the cord and adding a rechargeable battery looks to build on the fact it's been built and designed with productivity in mind. Its usage of a scissor actuated keypress, dubbed as 'SX' technology by CHERRY ensures a tactile and stable typing experience which will be familiar to anyone used to either decent office keyboards as well as laptops. For instance, newer MacBooks from the last Intel 2020 versions onwards, including my own 13" 2020 MacBook Pro. As well as providing a good overall typing experience, the STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE also is built with security in mind thanks to its inclusion of AES-128 encryption that helps to keep any inputs encrypted and your own personal data safe and secure. On the mouse front, the included one here is an improvement on other sets out there, providing a three-stage switchable DPI with up to 2400 at a user's disposal. Of course, this isn't a set that's going to be used for intense competitive gaming and in the grand scheme of things, this mouse is plenty sensitive for office tasks with some silent buttons that won't disturb anyone in a home office or any co-workers upon the return to work. Intriguingly though, as much as I've made a lot about the rechargeable functionality of the new STREAM DESKTOP, it isn't all of what it seems. Where the likes of other Type-C sets such as Logitech's MX Keys feature a lithium-ion cell inside, CHERRY have taken the phrase 'rechargeable' in this context to mean something different. Bundled in the box along with the set, as well as a USB-C cable, comes some removable and rechargeable GP ReCyko+ batteries for both peripherals. The argument here that CHERRY provide is that if you wanted to swap these batteries out for ones from the likes of Duracell or Energiser if the ReCyko+ ones do die, then you could, as well as the declaration on the product's datasheet: "Let's be honest: A CHERRY keyboard usually lasts longer than any rechargeable battery." Software & Lighting - Keeping things simple and effective As the STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE isn't designed for gaming, all the RGB has been spared and there's little to speak of on the lighting front, apart from the board's integrated status LEDs for residual battery charge, charging status and mouse DPI. There's also the usual trimmings on the front of included lock lights for Num, Caps and Scroll lock. On the side of software, much like other office-based peripherals in CHERRY's lineup, the RECHARGE works with CHERRY KEYS that provides user with the option to map and remap any included function and multimedia keys with a host of standard functions from controlling volume to opening a document or folder. These can be a big productivity help if used correctly. Verdict The STREAM DESKTOP RECHARGE is a great product, hands down. With its stylish white and silver colouring, tactile keypress, office-ready mouse and decent build quality, it represents a good all-in-one option for those looking to upgrade their home office or get a desk set that is going to last. What I will say though is that high RRP is something to take note of. At £98.99, it's by no means a cheap set, and if you're someone who doesn't have that kind of money to burn and you don't need a recharging function, go and pick up the standard STREAM DESKTOP instead. That's still a brilliant product. Rating: 4/5 UNTITLED may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. Find out more here.

Around this time last year, I wrote a piece about how the then new lineup of OnePlus phones (namely the 8 and 8 Pro) were everything a flagship phone should be, and how that their release could set them on the path to being true giant killers. The last 12 months or so has since seen them continue in the same vein, but enter into the world of the mid-ranger, and in the process offering a great package overall. I did, for a period of time consider swapping out my trusty OnePlus 7 Pro for a version of the new OnePlus Nord, the original variant of the Chinese manufacturer's mid range offering, given its relative affordability and feature set. But, I decided against it, just considering it would, in the grand scheme of things, have been a downgrade. However, the new OnePlus Nord CE may make some rethink their decisions. CE stands for Core Edition, implying that OnePlus are focusing on a smartphone's fundamentals as opposed to offering extravagant sextuple camera setups with millions of megapixels and other features that can bloat a spec sheet. In practice, this has meant that this new Nord is a little less tricked out than its original predecessor, but has taken advantage of new tech and a back-to-basics approach. The camera setup on the CE for example does have a higher MP rating of 64 in comparison to 48 previously, but there's only three rear sensors. In addition, the CE only has a sixteen MP selfie camera and no secondary ultrawide option like the original Nord. Processing speeds are improved too, with OnePlus claiming this year's model has a 20% faster CPU and 10% quicker GPU. It's also the same story for battery capacity as this new version has a total capacity of 4500mAh compared to the original's 4115. The biggest change though isn't in the camera, batteries or processing speed, but in one cosmetic detail. Unlike the original Nord, the CE is shipping with a headphone jack, breaking the mould of all their other phones that are laden with no other ports apart from a Type-C for charging and data transfer purposes. The 3.5mm port was first killed off by Apple in 2016 and pretty much every other manufacturer followed suit in the following three years. With that being said, the last couple of years has seen its resurgence, with Samsung sticking by the old faithful ever since, and the likes of Google, Motorola and LG reviving it in order to give users more options. I can guarantee there are people out there with piles of wired headphones that they haven't used in years, but with their next phone upgrade, may take the inclusion of a headphone jack into consideration. It's this back to basics approach from OnePlus in a phone in 2021 that marks a major change in the makeup of smartphones, and a decision that could be here to stay, if the manufacturers can play their cards right. Note that the inclusion of the 3.5mm port seems to only been more on the budget and mid-range options from the likes of OnePlus and also Google on their Pixel 4a and 4a 5G. Neither firm's flagships have been bequeathed with what is on its most basic level a legacy port offering. If there's uptake on the phones like the Pixel 4a, which has been rated as one of the best and most affordable phones at this current rate, then it may be possible to get them back on flagships for the first time in years. Phone manufacturers are looking to begin to wake up to the fact that cutting once staple features from their best offerings may not be the way to go in future. If the headphone jack continues its resurgence, then there's a chance other legacy options may make their way back in the not too distant future too. With that being said, just don't bring back phone socks and charms, please.

Key Specs: Retail Price: £119.99 - Purchase Here! High-quality PU leather construction Adjustable seat with 135 degree tilt Additional support accessories ‘Gaming chair’ is a strange term. Ask any normal folk out there and they’ll tell you that if anything’s a gaming product, it should be things like controllers, keyboards and mice, not furniture. Yet in 2021, the market is flooded with premium chairs from premium brands galore. Noble, Secretlab, GT Omega, Andaseat and many more can provide a comfortably expensive experience for upwards of £300 in some cases. Even Logitech and Razer are getting in on the act. With that being said, what if you haven’t got £300 to spend? What if you’re someone on a bit of a tighter budget? Luckily, there’s a few brands out there to suit those who aren’t cash strapped and when EasySMX reached out to provide one of their £120 budget chairs, it seemed a no-brainer to review. Setup & Construction – Everything fits like a glove I’m not someone who usually involved with building anything. I’m a ham-fisted teenager who lacks any form of common sense and ability to perform manual labour. However, I’m happy to report that this chair was a doozy to build and easy enough to setup. EasySMX reckon that this’ll take 20 minutes to put together thanks to their rather detailed guide and to be honest, it probably took me within the region of a half hour to 45 minutes to put it together. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about the actual contents of the box for this chair as everything comes in a flat-pack style arrangement with minimal assembly required. All else that’s required in terms of fixings and screws are also included which means you’re practically ready to go, as long as you’ve got a decent screwdriver to hand. Design & Build Quality – Simple and sturdy It would have been very easy with this being more of a wallet-friendly chair for EasySMX to have skimped out on the front of the actual build quality and I’m pleased to say that this definitely not the case. When placed side-by-side against my trusty GT Omega chair that I’ve bene using for many years now and has never faltered, apart from a base replacement six months ago, there isn’t all too much difference in looks, besides the differing logos and the EasySMX chair being bright blue. If that’s not to your tastes, they also do it in red and in a decent grey mesh. Its PU leather seat and back means it feels decent and the inclusion of hard plastics and a metal frame everywhere else mean that this chair looks and feels rather sturdy too. In terms of colouring and overall looks, it’s an unmistakably ‘gamer’ looking chair with a racing style type bucket seat design, although don’t expect to be as low slung as you would be if you were driving a Ferrari 488 GTE. This means that overall, it won’t be a product that looks out of place in your gaming dens, not least if your peripherals are synced up nicely with some cracking lighting, but then again, its predominantly black colouring with those blue accents and classy stitching means that this chair shouldn’t look out of place anywhere you set it down, be it in an office or a bedroom. Comfort & Ergonomics – Nothing budget about this chair’s feeling It is indeed all very well and good having a chair that looks the part but there’s little point in having a chair that isn’t comfortable. With that bucket-seat type design, you’re guaranteed to find this chair decent enough to sit in for those long sessions of gaming. It provides a good experience during long hours of office work, offering ample support in all the right places, including having a nifty little retractable footrest that was certainly of major benefit to me. Combine this with its 135 total degrees of tilt and this makes for a seriously ergonomic chair for the money. I’m someone who will, on occasion, finishing playing Football Manager and tilt my chair back, stick my feet up on my bed, and binge something on YouTube or Amazon Prime Video (usually The Grand Tour, let’s be honest). Using this EasySMX chair for the same task was a doddle and the combo of that retractable footrest and the 135 degrees of tilt was ideal for relaxing. I will say though, there are more expensive chairs with higher degrees of tilt, with the ability to go back a full 180 degrees, so if you are looking to use a gaming chair and go fully horizontal with it, then this particular one might not be the best option. There’s most of the usual chair-type trimmings with adjustable armrests that can go up or down; they can’t move forwards or backwards though, mind. Furthermore, EasySMX also provide two aids that are both detachable: a squidgy yet firm headrest and some equally firm lumbar support. These can be particularly useful if you’re looking for something that little bit more comforting, but from a personal perspective, I didn’t necessarily need them in order to make this chair any more comfortable, but if you want them, EasySMX do at least provide them. Verdict Overall, this particular EasySMX chair represents a great option for those who want a comfortable and smart chair without burning a hole in your wallet. It’s easy to put together, well-built and sturdy enough to last a decent period of time. What’s more, that price is a hard thing to ignore, especially when some competitors’ offerings can be double the price, or even more. However, for those who want something made of arguably more premium materials, more customisation or a chair that doesn’t look like it’s been lifted from a sim racer’s setup, then you will be paying a little bit more. Rating: 4/5 UNTITLED may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. Find out more here.

You might've heard the fact that Microsoft are finally laying veteran browser Internet Explorer to rest after a quarter of a century as the browser of choice who either don't want to download Chrome or still run an old version of Windows. With its share of the browser market narrowly pushing one percent, now looks like a better time than ever to bin it off. However, this removal of Internet Explorer isn't actually all of what it seems. The browser is going to be removed in June 2022 from certain versions of Windows, but by corralling everyone into the Edge basket, it leaves no room for those who want to continue using IE despite Microsoft's best efforts. To combat this, the Americans are wheeling out a specific IE mode for Microsoft Edge that will be supported until at least the middle of the decade. In doing so, it keeps the legacy of a cornerstone of the World Wide Web's history alive for a little bit longer, which in the eyes of some, may be a good thing. This move to IE has been touted by some as being one of the first instances where Microsoft have given a piece of their own software an adequate shelflife, but then again, it is worth noting that Internet Explorer represents the last of the old guard in computing history. Windows XP was killed off in 2014 with the end of Service Pack 3, for instance, and the fact of the matter is that the browser isn't dead, in so much as it is, in a way, still being supported. Microsoft have a nice habit of continuing to quietly help out legacy options for those who want to stick with that they know. Windows 7 only went properly EOL at the beginning of last year and whilst you can still run the system, you will miss out on vital security updates, unless you pay the ludicrous costs for business user support licences to keep those updates coming for a further couple of years. The actual phasing out of the browser and also the death of Windows 7 last year marks a major turning point in the image change and approach of Microsoft to their own software options. For many years now, Windows 10 has been pushed as being a so-called 'end of Windows' project as such, in that a new version of Windows isn't expected for release in the same way periodic new OS's became available. Think the steady release cycles of XP, Vista, 7,8, 10. It's almost a similar style of system to the way that Apple do MacOS with perpetual licences with free updates now, as opposed to what they used to do, which was release a new OS on a paid licence. That all changed with the release of Mavericks in 2013 which gave way to the free upgrade system as opposed to the nominal $29 upgrade fee charged from Lion onwards. Before that however, Apple had released any updates on physical media for $129 for personal use, a similar charge to Microsoft even today. So in one way Microsoft have been forward thinking, but in another are backwards looking. Whilst Windows 10 has still been receiving updates in the same way that their other OS's have in the past, for someone building a PC, they are still charged the fee to purchase a Windows licence. Of course, there are ways round this, but beware, you will be left with your 'Activate Windows' watermark in the corner of the screen. Much like Windows 10 though, this new IE system presents this same paradoxical situation. In a year's time, Internet Explorer will be gone, in so much as the .exe file for it won't exist on Windows machines, yet Edge will still maintain support for Internet Explorer for another five years or so. Something doesn't quite add up, not least when Edge, it's fair to say, hasn't been at all successful, despite all of Microsoft's pushing. Whenever you now appear to load up any form of Windows based machine, you'll be pushed with the pop-ups advertising Microsoft Edge to the world and by the looks of things, very few people have taken the hint. Both Edge and Explorer are barely pushing one percent in the market share rankings, whilst Chrome regularly holds two-thirds of the browser space. There's even some irony in the fact Microsoft have made Edge a Chromium-based browser; that's the open source codebase that Google Chrome itself is based on. Even then, their attempts to drum up support and push people onto the Edge bandwagon hasn't necessarily worked. So yes, on the one hand Microsoft killing off Internet Explorer after nearly three decades marks an end of era for the World Wide Web and the way that PC worldwide will operate. On the other hand, there's this argument to suggest that if support for the browser did quietly get removed without warning in an OS feature update that not many people would've noticed anyway.

Remember the days before proper smartphones and streaming services? People used to have to, y'know, listen to music offline from the songs they had on their respective devices, usually MP3 players. Of course, that's all changed within the last ten years, but Apple could be about to revive the old trend, and I for one am all the happier for it. The iPod line of products has been one of those that you could be forgiven for thinking that even Apple had forgotten about, especially given that its last update came in May 2019, a full four years after the sixth generation. What Apple in reality need to do to make this reboot successful is not only improve on the last generation, but actually set it apart from previous ones. It was always pushed as being a second-rate iPhone, and for a lot of people in the early days of Apple's smartphone journey, an iPod offered the masses the chance to have a piece of the iOS pie for a fraction of the cost of an iPhone. There is of course still a place for that kind of device, but maybe it's time for the actual prospects of the new iPod Touch to expand. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in audio performance and the entire principle of an audiophile community who yearn for the best sound quality possible, usually through their endeavours in Super CD or lossless file formats such as FLAC. Intriguingly, Apple seem to be setting up for the audiophile driven campaign for a new iPod Touch given that the device was not only added to a list of compatible devices for Apple Music but also the fact that Apple Music Lossless is now a thing. Just as an aside, when I say 'Lossless audio' or similar terms, what that means is the audio isn't compressed, as opposed to MP3s which are lossy. Audio compression, in the same way as video compression, can be a real thing, but for the average Joe out there, it's barely noticeable, apart from in the ballooning file sizes of FLAC sometimes. For those in the enthusiast space when it comes to audio performance however, having the right stuff in the form of hardware and actual music is key to ensuring the best experience possible and a standard MP3 player and Bluetooth speaker really isn't going to do. With that being said, if Apple do choose to market the iPod as a player for audiophiles, then maybe there's a chance of the player having some life left in it. This move to audiophilia in the mainstream is one that has really formed a key part of this wider analogue media revival, even if it's only in a select few instances. For instance, vinyl has seen this notable resurgence, largely thanks to the all-encompassing idea of authenticity becoming more and more prominent, whilst CDs have seen a notable decline, although in the case of the compact disc, the writing has been on the wall for the last twenty years. Going back to vinyl for a moment, it becomes this intriguing anomaly in a fast-moving digital world, as it makes no logistical sense why the mainstream consumer would choose to purchase vinyl to listen to when millions of songs exist on Spotify and Apple Music. I could, for instance, classify myself as a collector of vinyl, given I've got a few different records that exist, but weirdly, I've never played them. They get bought, get framed, and go on display and that's it. However, in the wider community of enthusiasts and in some instances for consumers, vinyl is bought to be played. In this instance, vinyl acts as this case study from which it actually becomes easier to understand the situation any new iPod Touch variant finds itself in upon release. The fact of the matter is this: Apple, much like the rest of the smartphone industry, seem to be guilty of culling useful features from their flagships, In some instances, these have been what would be considered in today's world as legacy options such as removable batteries or expandable storage. There is one major feature though that has been dropped from seemingly all phones and intriguingly, it has only been phased out over the last couple of years: headphone jacks. The potential reintroduction of an iPod could bring both forms of stability and tradition back to the market in the form of the reincarnation of the 3.5mm audio jack. The last generation of iPods did actually have headphone jacks, and to remove them if the device goes full-on audiophile would be technological suicide for Apple. They will of course encourage users to pick up a pair of AirPods, or if they’re minted, a set of the over-ear AirPods Max to keep users in the Apple ecosystem, but including a headphone jack of course broadens the headphones that can be used no end. By doing so, Apple not only pleases their potential target market, but also could reinvigorate the trend of having the port back on phones wholesale. Some outlets, such as T3, are hoping for more classic features than simply the headphone jack, and wish for the return of the classic click wheel, or just the iPod Classic in general. Whilst they acknowledge that it might be “completely impractical” for Apple engineers to dig out an old mould for the sake of nostalgia, the remote for the new Apple TV 4K features a throwback to the buttons of old. If Apple can position a new iPod Touch correctly in their already vast lineup of products, they’re undoubtedly onto a winner. Whilst it may seem a tad impractical given the vast functions available with smartphones these days, taking a back to basics approach for a good-old music player might just act as a reminder of what Apple did best.