Latest news with #4K
Tahawul Tech
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tahawul Tech
Valerion makes its GCC debut to transform the home entertainment landscape
Valerion, a leading specialist in home cinema projectors and the premium sub-brand of AWOL Vision, has officially debuted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The brand's VisionMaster Pro 2 and StreamMaster Plus 2 triple laser 4K RGB projectors are now available in both markets, marking Valerion's entry into one of the world's fastest-evolving home entertainment landscapes. The GCC is witnessing a quiet transformation in how people experience media at home. Open-concept layouts, multi-generational living, and a growing appetite for immersive content have turned living rooms into high-tech, multi-purpose hubs. Once limited to dedicated media rooms, projectors are now being integrated into everyday living environments, and Valerion is at the forefront of this shift, backed by a global community of home theatre enthusiasts. 'The way people consume media at home has changed', said Andy Zhao, founder and CEO of AWOL Vision and Valerion. 'In many households across the region, the living room now serves multiple purposes, from streaming and gaming to family gatherings. Our projectors are designed to thrive in these shared spaces, offering a seamless experience without the complexity of traditional AV setups'. At the heart of the launch is the VisionMaster Pro 2, part of Valerion's premium RGB triple-laser lineup. The projector delivers 4K UHD resolution with up to 3,000 ISO lumens of brightness, capable of projecting vivid images up to 300 inches (around 7.6 meters). The VisionMaster Pro 2 comes with an optical zoom function that adds rare flexibility, allowing precise placement without pixel distortion, making it ideal for both large majlis-style setups and compact urban flats. Meanwhile, the StreamMaster Plus 2 is built for simplicity and streaming. Designed with modern families in mind, it runs on Google TV OS, offering instant access to global and regional platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Shahid, eliminating the need for external streaming devices. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, built-in speakers, and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, it's a true all-in-one smart entertainment solution. For gamers, both models support refresh rates up to 240Hz and an input lag as low as 4ms, catering to both casual and competitive players. Dedicated gaming modes, including RPG, SPG, FPS, RCG, and FPS Crosshair, are available on both models for a customised experience. The VisionMaster Pro 2 and StreamMaster Plus 2 are now available on Amazon UAE and Amazon Saudi Arabia, with same-day or next-day delivery for Prime members and local customer support. Retail availability and after-sales services will expand across the GCC in the coming months. To celebrate its regional launch, Valerion is offering a 20% store-wide discount on Amazon from July 25 to 31, in conjunction with Prime Day. As part of its expansion strategy, the brand is also actively seeking distribution partners across GCC countries. Image Credit: Valerion
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Captures everything I need': Amazon has this $80 4K dash cam on sale for just $51
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Picture this: You're stopped at a red light when the car in front of you suddenly starts backing up. Before you can react — bam! — they hit you, then claim you rear-ended them. It's a classic insurance scam, and without proof, you could be stuck footing the bill. That's where a dash cam comes in. Right now, this one is just $51 — its lowest price ever — and it could save you hundreds down the road. Why is this a good deal? 💰 Simply put: At over 35% off, this is a no-brainer. If it doesn't pay for itself in preventing a pricey post-accident lawsuit, it'll earn its keep via the peace of mind you'll have knowing it's keeping an eye on things while you drive. And PS? This is just a few bucks shy of this its previous record low. Why do I need this? 🤔 Not all dash cams are created equal. This one can capture what's going on outside your car in 4K, which is important when you're trying to make out details like license plate numbers, especially when driving at night. Speaking of: The f/1.8 aperture lens allows it to capture a quality image even in low light. And because not all accidents happen in front of you, this comes with a rear camera as well. It captures a wide, 120-degree-angle field of view, so you're covered in both the front and rear. The camera automatically detects crashes, and locks and saves the footage just in case you can't. When it's time to check the record, simply go to the Viidure app, and you can download and share images and videos right from your phone. Once the camera's memory card is full, you can delete the images from the app or camera ... but if you forget, it'll keep recording in loop mode, so you'll stay protected. Next time an unscrupulous driver tries to make you responsible for his damage, or a very scrupulous driver (that would be you) wants to make sure the right person's blamed for the dings and dents to your ride, you'll have a clear, crisp video record. (Amazon) What reviewers say 💬 Over 700 shoppers have given this dash cam a five-star rating. Pros 👍 "I've been using this dash cam for a few weeks now, and I'm really impressed," raved one motorist. "The video quality is excellent, both during the day and at night. Setup was super easy, and the instructions were clear. It starts recording automatically when I start my car, which is really convenient. I also love the compact design — it doesn't block my view while driving." Echoed this happy customer, "The image is so clear and high quality and connects to Wi-Fi wonderfully. The application and installation is easy and user-friendly and includes a step-by-step manual." Stressed about the suction cup not working? Worry not, says this Lone Star State-r: "Even in the incredible heat of East Texas and Southern Texas, whether with a reflecting sun screen behind it (normal suction cups with any weight at all pulling on them fail quickly and irrevocably), but surprisingly and amazingly, this has survived a week-plus of upper 90s to low 100s." Cons 👎 The "blinking blue light when driving at night gets to me," quibbled one four-star driver, "so I put a piece of tape over it," Another buyer cautioned that, if your 12V power outlet is a bit out of reach, "[You] might have to purchase a separate cord depending on the car," they said. Luckily, those are relatively cheap and easy to find on Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. Looking for more great Amazon tech deals? Check these out:
The Verge
a day ago
- The Verge
Elgato's new capture card lowers the price for 4K 60fps gameplay recording
Elgato is launching its Game Capture 4K S device today, which will let gamers and streamers capture gameplay from Xbox Series S / X, PS5, or Switch 2 consoles in 4K resolution at 60fps. The $159.99 4K S is designed as a replacement and improvement to Elgato's older $179.99 HD60 X capture device, and it goes on sale today. The 4K S is a lot less expensive than the $200+ HDMI 2.1 capture cards that Elgato launched last year for 4K at 60fps and HDR capture, but it's only $30 more than the Neo game capture card — which is not capable of capturing gameplay in 4K at 60fps. The 4K S works with Windows 11 and macOS 13 (or later) systems out of the box, so you don't have to download drivers and set up the device manually. You'll be able to capture in 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 60fps with HDR enabled. That's an improvement over the older HD60 X, which only supported 4K at 30fps capture. Elgato is also improving its passthrough support, so you can play up to 4K at 60fps HDR with VRR enabled or up to 1440p at 120fps. This improves 1440p capture opportunities, beyond the up to 1440p at 60fps passthrough support available on the HD60 X. As the 4K S doesn't require a driver to be installed, it works out of the box in apps like OBS Studio, Discord, and even the TikTok Studio or Camo Studio apps on an iPad. Elgato has even created a new Elgato Studio app that's designed to replace its existing 4K Capture Utility on Windows and macOS. The app has been redesigned to better match Windows 11's UI, and it also works on Windows on Arm devices like the latest Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs.
The Verge
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Sony's gamer-friendly X90L TV is on sale for a new low price
If you're excited to smash your way through the excellent Donkey Kong Banaza on the Nintendo Switch 2, you should play it on a TV that takes full advantage of the system's ability to play games in 4K or up to 120 frames per second. Thankfully, Sony's X90L, which checks both boxes, is currently on sale at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy in its 65-inch configuration for around $898 ($301 off), an all-time low price. The X90L is a full-array LED TV, which means it has significantly better backlighting and contrast than an edge-lit set. You won't see as much blooming — aka, unnatural-looking pockets of brightness around a bright object — which can be distracting when you're watching a movie or playing a game set in a dimly lit area. The TV also runs on Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, which automatically adjusts color and contrast based on whatever it is you're watching or playing. In terms of specs, two of the TV's HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1, which means they can accept a 4K video source at up to 120Hz and are well-suited for current-gen consoles. If you connect a PS5, the TV will switch to the 'Game' picture mode, enable 'Auto HDR Tone Mapping,' and turn on ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) to minimize latency, which matters most if you play fast-paced first-person shooters or platformers. If you're a cinephile, you'll enjoy Sony Pictures Core, a streaming service exclusive to Bravia TVs that lets you download and stream 4K movies at near-4K Blu-ray quality. Its library is limited, but Sony includes five credits for movie downloads and a 12-month subscription to stream titles from the library. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Anker Nebula X1 review: a terrific home theater that goes anywhere
I seldom sleep in the same place for more than a couple of weeks at a time, so I'm a big fan of portable all-in-one projectors. They're small and set up quickly, making them ideal for vanlife, gaming parties, outdoor movie nights, or an evening in on the couch — but they usually sacrifice quality for convenience. Anker's new Nebula X1 projector promises to produce an incredibly bright and color-accurate 4K image with excellent sound while remaining portable and quiet. Typically, if portability is at the top of your wish list, then sound and picture quality will suffer. Prioritize a cinematic experience and you're looking at an expensive, hulking, noisy device that requires permanent placement inside a home theater. Over a month of testing across endless firmware updates and a variety of viewing conditions, the Nebula X1 did a superb job of striking the right balance with very few tradeoffs, delivering on Anker's promise. But with a price starting at $2,999, or $3,998 for a kit that includes the highly recommended satellite speakers, it's not exactly cheap. And at close to 25 pounds (11.3kg) for the entire bundle — the Nebula X1 is more luggable than portable. 9 Verge Score The Nebula X1 is a 3500 ANSI lumen triple-laser 4K projector with integrated four-speaker sound system. It runs Google TV so you get built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, and an official Netflix app (unlike many all-in-one projectors) that streams media over Wi-Fi 6. It includes a pair of USB and HDMI 2.1 ports (one supporting eARC) to attach your favorite game console or media drive. A satisfying, recessed handle pops up with a push to make the 13.7 pound (6.2kg) projection unit portable. There's a long list of features that make the X1 unique for a portable projector: Note: I did my best with the photographs, but they can only approximate the brightness, color, and contrast viewed with the naked eye. I'll just say it: the X1's image quality is unmatched for a go-anywhere all-in-one projector. Its 3500 ANSI lumen output is better than many home theater projectors, allowing it to produce a vivid image across a range of challenging environments with no apparent optical distortion. It looked great at default settings when tested in a variety of lighting situations on painted walls, a traditional white-matte pulldown screen, a gray Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen, and a small folding Ikea tabletop. The X1 will attempt to dynamically balance the colors and contrast on whatever surface it detects. Mostly it works, but colors, especially reds, tend to be over-saturated out of the box, making Gwyneth Paltrow's face overly ruddy, especially on my ALR screen. Anker offers plenty of manual overrides to dial in the exact image you prefer with just a few minutes of work. The X1's lumen count made casual viewings possible in spaces flooded with ambient light. At times, I found the image to be too bright, especially when all that light was focused into a 32-inch diagonal on a glossy Ikea panel from just five feet (about 1.5 meters) away. Fortunately, you can manually reduce the power and iris settings to dim the image. That class-leading brightness makes the X1's HDR10 and Dolby Vision support more than just checkmarks on a sales sheet — color is mostly accurate with plenty of contrast, but it's still a DLP projector, so don't expect true blacks. The X1's lumen count should also do a decent job with 3D if you own DLP 3D glasses (I did not test this). Importantly for a portable, the Nebula X1 features all the automatic placement features you'd expect. These include automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance, as well as automatic color adaptation to optimize the image based on the color of the paint or material used on the projection surface. These can be triggered manually from the device, Nebula app, or remote control, or set to engage at startup and when the projector is moved. Autofocus worked 100 precent of the time, while the automatic placement features worked well when there was a clear border. I had to manually correct the edges more often than not when projected onto a blank white wall. Startup is relatively fast. You can begin navigating Google TV in about 45 seconds from a cold boot, or just a few seconds if resuming from standby. There's also an 'Extreme' game mode that disables digital keystone correction and motion smoothing to devote all that background processing to faster response times. For casual game play, the very slight lag is something you quickly get used to. The bundled mics, I can confirm, are fun for karaoke nights. Sound is the killer feature of the Nebula X1. Even without the satellites, the sound is clear and immersive and easily fills a room. Connecting the optional battery-powered satellite speakers over a direct, low-latency 5.8GHz Wi-Fi connection to the main unit takes things to another level. The satellites link automatically at startup and transform the X1's four internal speakers into a makeshift subwoofer, while the three speakers in each satellite take over responsibility for center, top, and side channels. The resulting soundscape is wide and impressive and plenty loud enough for a group to enjoy outdoors — so long as you have accommodating neighbors. There's also a 'Bluetooth Speaker Mode' that turns off the projection lamp to play music with plenty of bass when full, rich, warm audio is all the entertainment required. I used this feature several hours a day which helps to maximize value for money. With the audio turned down the projector is largely silent thanks to its liquid cooling. The fan kicked in on an especially hot day of testing, but I could barely hear it (measuring just 26dB from a distance of 1 meter) over the regular din of a living room or waves crashing beyond. As expected, the X1 did not deliver on the promise of 4.2.1 surround sound. I struggled to hear any simulated channel separation from overhead or behind. Anker lists some strict placement requirements that I couldn't meet exactly in testing — you might have better luck. Those satellites also dropped connection occasionally requiring manual intervention that sometimes resulted in an audible pop. It's a little annoying, and has improved with each firmware update. I saw 19 hours of battery life from those satellites (the projector does not have a battery) in my testing. That included two hours of film watched outdoors at a loud 50 percent volume, and the rest spent vibing to music at a relaxed 20 to 30 percent. Those IP54-rated satellite speakers even survived a small rain shower when I forgot them outside once. Overall, I don't have any real complaints. Sometimes the automatic image placement features can miss the mark, but I find them far more useful than annoying. Sometimes the satellite speakers don't pair properly, but that can be quickly fixed with a power toggle. The Google UI verges on sluggish at times, but it's faster than any other portable implementation I've tried. And I've seen far too many firmware updates, but things keep improving. Anker's Nebula X1 has left me utterly impressed. It produces incredibly immersive sound for its size, alongside a bright, vivid image comparable to home theater projectors costing closer to $5,000. The Nebula X1 with the satellite speaker bundle is expensive at $3,998, but anyone who finds themselves in need of a projector that can quickly approximate a home theater experience anywhere they go will get their money's worth. Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
