Google might be secretly working to improve its Find My Device service as reported by SamMobile. As per reports, the new update will allow users to track their Android and WearOS devices to be tracked even when the device is not connected to the internet. As of now, the Find My Device service allows users to track their devices only when they are connected to the internet. While this update was hinted at in the Google System Update changelog for December 2022, there were no definite details about the same until now.
Find My Device update for Google
Currently, Google’s Find My Device service for Android and WearOS is based on the internet-tracking system. The service allows users to remotely locate, sign out, lock, and erase Android and WearOS devices linked to the same account only when they are connected to the internet. However, if a device is stolen then the SIM is usually removed by the perpetrators, cutting the internet connection. On the other hand, Samsung has recently enabled its SmartThings Find service which connects the stolen or lost device to a nearby Samsung device via Bluetooth to send the location to the owner. Similarly, Apple’s Find My service also relies on a similar mechanism that uses Bluetooth to locate lost devices.
It is now being reported that Google will be implementing similar technology for Android and WearOS devices. However, there has been no confirmation from Google about the same until now.
Twitter has seen a number of changes ever since Elon Musk bought the micro-blogging platform for an exorbitant price ($44 Billion to be precise) After shelling out a fortune for Twitter, it was expected that Musk would bring about massive changes to the platform which started off with his promise of ‘Freedom of Speech’ which quickly turned sour as accounts criticising Musk and many journalists started losing their accounts left and right. Then came the Twitter Blue debacle where verified accounts were offered to users at a price of $8 per month. However, the subscription model was then rolled back and is still awaiting a relaunch. Until then, Twitter is figuring out ways to differentiate between legacy verified accounts and Twitter Blue subscribers. The solution? color-coded verified ticks!
Grey tick mark for government accounts on Twitter
Twitter has begun rolling out a grey tick verification mark for government accounts. Whereas, accounts affiliated with businesses have already received a golden tick mark. This new deployment of the grey tick mark has already been deployed for the honourable PM of India’s Twitter account.
It was back on December 12 when Twitter announced it would be changing the ‘official’ label on business accounts with a golden checkmark. While it also announced that grey checkmarks would be added to government and multilateral accounts, it was applied till now. PM Modi seems to be one of the first political figures around the world to receive the grey checkmark on Twitter.
This is one way to curb the increase in impersonation of popular people on Twitter. It was only a few weeks back when Twitter Blue launched a slew of accounts impersonating Elon Musk himself flooded Twitter, talk about a backfire! However, with drastic changes coming to Twitter, it will be interesting how the social media platform transforms under Musk’s leadership.
Having spent a lot of time on the internet growing up, I understand the importance of having a good personal computer. Thanks to binge-watching of hours’ worth of PC-building videos, I have inherited the dream of building my very own powerful desktop that will take care of all my computing needs. Sadly, I am still stuck working on a laptop cause it allows me to move around the city having a computer in my backpack but I indeed long for having a dedicated computer space at my home. Well, if not today then someday in the future but I am sure a lot of you readers have the same dream if it’s not already accomplished. If you’ve built a PC of your own or are in the process of building one then you know how important are the external peripherals of a competent desktop computer. Leave aside a CPU and a monitor as they are the primary elements of a desktop, but it’s the keyboards, mouse, headphones, USB connectors, and other peripherals that allow you to add a personal touch to your computer.
Below are some of the best PC peripherals you can buy right now. We’ve chosen one from each category in order to make it easier for you to make a buying decision. Read on –
Keyboard – Logitech MX Keys
If you’re a content writer like me, I am sure you spend the majority of your time of the day typing away on your keyboard. It is only natural that writers look for a comfortable keyboard to type out content but that’s not all as PC gamers and the general user requires a good keyboard. For your typing needs, we recommend the Logitech MX Keys which comes with smart features like Multi-OS support and an easy switch option. This smart keyboard works with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems which allows you to have additional functionality. The easy switch option here allows you to easily switch between three devices with the help of just one button. The dual connectivity option allows users flexibility when it comes to connectivity with the help of either a USB receiver or Bluetooth with up to 10 meters range.
Mouse – Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse
If you’re going for the Logitech MX Keys keyboard then the MX Master 3 mouse is the perfect companion for you. It comes with ultrafast mag speed scrolling capabilities that offers electromagnetic scrolling. It comes with a design that does not hurt the user when working long hours as it places the thumb wheel at an ideal place for comfortable scrolling along with controls. It comes with app-specific customization that optimizes every action of a user’s workflow for the apps they use the most. Similar to MX Keys, this mouse also comes with multi-device and multi-OS support for a seamless experience. It also provides cross-computer controls to get the best out of your mouse.
Adapter – Portronics C-Konnect
There’s no scarcity of ports on a desktop CPU but an adaptor always comes in handy. Hence, the Portronics C-Konnect 3-in-1 USB Adaptor makes its way to this list. This adaptor allows users to cast their laptop screens to any monitor with HDMI support. It brings in extra functionality with USB flash disks, mouse, keyboards, cameras, removable hard disks, or other USB A 3.0 / USB A 2 compatibility. It also provides up to 5Gbps data transfer speeds which makes the Portronics C-Konnect one of the best peripherals for your PC.
Webcam – Jabra Panacast 20
What happens when you’re for the best webcam in the market for all your video conference needs? You stumble upon the Jalooking bra Panacast 20 as it is undoubtedly one of the best webcams in the market right now. As one would expect with webcams, it comes with a portable and lightweight design with 4K Ultra-HD video capabilities. The Panacast 20 also comes with AI-enabled image enhancement and intelligent zoom which keeps you in the focus during your video conferences always. The privacy cover of this Jabra webcam is also another reason why this should be on your wish list right away!
Headphones – Sony WH-1000MX5
The last yet important requirement for a well-equipped PC is a good set of headphones and the Sony WH-1000MX5 is no less than perfect for all your audio needs. This pair of headphones comes with a 30-mm driver unit that delivers the best audio quality in its price category. It’s lightweight and comes with soft-fit leather for comfortable long binge-watching and gaming sessions. There is HD noise cancellation present here with atmospheric pressure optimising for the best ANC experience.
Who would have thought that former president Donald Trump will come up with his very own NFTs and also sell them out in under 24 hours? Not me certainly. However, truth is stranger than fiction and it looks like Trump has made a splash in the NFT market when nobody was seemingly interested in acquiring digital images. So is Donald Trump making NFTs great again? let’s find out
Donald Trump’s NFT collection
Trump’s NFT collection dropped at a time when the market volume of the tokens is down by 89% from its peak in January. Dune Analytics reports that the trading volume of NFTs on OpeanSea Marketplace is the lowest since June 2021. One of the most famous NFT projects, Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT can be acquired now just for $80,466 which is an 81% drop from its peak value. Thus, Donald Trump’s NFTs selling out in under 24 hours is a testament to his popularity among the red-hatters.
Despite the bad timing, Trump’s NFT collection easily shot up to the top of OpenSea’s marketplace ranking, raking over $1.4 million since its launch. The collection’s trading volume is 900 ETH whereas its floor price is about 0.19 ETH which is about $230. The price has currently surpassed the original ask of $99 which is rare in the current NFT market.
Trump digital trading cards are fantasy NFT cards based on the polygon blockchain. The trading cards portray an exaggerated version of Trump showing him as a super-human, an astronaut, and a boxer, among others. There is also a certain reward program attached to the trading cards as buying 45 Trump trading cards at one go gives users a ticket to a gala dinner with Trump himself. Many are suspecting that this proposition has led to Trump Trading Cards becoming a massive hit among his fanbase and crypto bros.
There hasn’t been a dull day on Twitter ever since Elon Musk took command of the platform. Only a few days back, Musk stepped on the stage with Dave Chappelle in San Francisco to get brutally booed by people in the audience. It looks like the public booing has brought about a change of heart for Elon who recently took to Twitter and started a poll asking people if he should quit the Twitter CEO position.
Elon Musk’s CEO resign poll
Elon Musk recently took to Twitter and started a poll asking if he should step down as the head of Twitter. If the results are to be believed, it looks like Musk will be quitting the CEO position soon. He’s promised to abide by the results of the poll and so far there have been over 3.8 million people have voted in the poll, with the majority in favour of him resigning as the CEO of Twitter. Talk about digging your own grave!
It looks like Musk has now accepted the fate of having to step down as the Twitter CEO as he followed up the poll by tweeting ‘As the saying goes, be careful what you wish, as you might get it’
However, his stepping down as Twitter CEO could be a relief for Musk as he is currently the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter. A little decluttering never hurt anyone! Elon does need to divert his attention to Tesla as the company’s stock has plunged 62.55 per cent over the last year, upsetting a number of Tesla shareholders.
It was only yesterday when Elon was spotted in Qatar watching the FIFA world cup final between France and Argentina with Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of Donald Trump. It was only back in October when it was revealed that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal from Saudi Arabia and his investment firm was the second-largest investor of Twitter. This has brought about another backlash towards Musk who was already under public scrutiny. In the short time Elon took over Twitter, there has been the Twitter blue controversy, massive lay-offs, suspension of journalists from the platform, the Apple controversy, and much more! It will be interesting to see how things pan out once Elon has stepped down from the CEO position of Twitter, or will he?
While smartphones cater to your everyday needs and laptops cover your functionality and professional needs, tablets are a different ball game altogether. Not everyone needs a tablet but can surely benefit from one. One really does not need to blow up past the 1 or 2 lakh price point in today’s age in order to get the best performance from a computing device and tablets are definitely the optimum choice. Lighter than a laptop and a larger screen as compared to your mobile devices, tablets sit at the sweet middle point between the two device categories.
The trend of work-from-home and homeschooling might have come to an end as a sense of normalcy returns to the world post-pandemic. However, tablets have continued to go from strength to strength offering power-packed performance at a relatively low cost. Here are the best tablets of 2022 –
Xiaomi Mi Pad 5
Starting off with what I believe to be the best value-for-money tablet in 2022, the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5. This tablet packs an 11-inch 2K LCD display, 6GB of RAM, and the powerful Snapdragon 870 processor all at a price of just under Rs 30K. The Mi Pad 5 also comes with a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP front camera that is good enough for your video call needs. It packs a massive 8720 mAh battery and fast charging support to juice up the device in no time. The base variant sports 128GB of storage which cannot be expanded via an SD card. The only gripe with this tablet is the missing a 3.5 mm audio jack. The Xiaomi Pad 5 is priced at Rs 26,999 for the base variant.
Snapdragon 860 11-inch IPS LCD 2K display 13MP Primary & 8MP Front Camera 120Hz refresh rate 8720mAh battery
Apple iPad Air 2022
One cannot talk about tablets and miss out on Apple’s iPad offering. The Apple iPad Air 2022 is no less than a powerful laptop as it comes with the Apple M1 chip that powers the company’s flagship MacBooks. Besides a powerful chip, the iPad Air 2022 comes with a 10.9 inches IPS LCD screen coupled with a 12MP primary and 12MP front camera. While it supports USB Type-C charging, it does not come with fast charging which could be a deal breaker for many. The cellular variant of the Apple iPad Air 2022 comes with 5G support. The Apple iPad Air 2022 is priced at Rs 52,999 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only variant.
Liquid Retina IPS LCD Display Apple M1 chipset 8GB RAM Fingerprint sensor USB Type-C charging
Realme Pad X
The Realme Pad X was yet another gem in this year’s best tablets. This tablet is powered by the capable Qualcomm 695 chipset which is 5G-capable. It packs a massive 10.95-inches TFT LCD full-view display and an 8340mAh battery that can be charged up with a 33W dart charger. It features a 105-degree wide-angle camera that is powered by machine-learning algorithms that keep you in the centre of the frame during video calls. The 6+128GB variant of the Realme Pad X is priced at Rs 27,999.
4/6GB RAM options 64/128GB storage options (Expandable up to 512GB) 10.95-inches 2000 x 1200 8340mAh battery with 33W Dart Charge Reverse charging support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung has also established its strong footing in the tablet market with its Tab S series. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 builds upon a successful lineup of tablets by offering the best Android has to offer. It houses a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor that is more powerful than you need for your daily digital activities. It also houses a 12MP camera with 4K recording capabilities to shoot crisp videos for your YouTube vlogs. Your entertainment will be taken care of effectively with the Tab S8 as it comes with a quad-speaker setup with Dolby atmos and a vibrant 2560 x 1600 LTPS TFT screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The 128GB Wi-Fi + 5G variant of the Galaxy Tab S8 is priced at Rs 75,890.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 8GB RAM 11-inch 120Hz refresh rate 13MP + 6MP dual primary camera 12MP front camera 8000mAh battery
Special mentions –
Nokia T20 Tab Realme Tab 4 Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus Tablet
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, and Joel David Moore
The wondrous lands of Pandora took everyone by surprise back in 2009’s Avatar which became the highest-grossing film to date. After 13 years of anticipation and production delays, James Cameron has finally made his way to the water to deliver a sequel. There is a lot of hype and scepticism surrounding Avatar: The Way Of Water and I entered the cinemas after wrapping up work on a Friday evening expecting a visually stunning cinematic experience, the film definitely delivers in that arena. However, does having stunning visual effects at a time when CGI-heavy films release every Friday enough to captivate the audience? This is where Avatar: The Way Of Water takes a beating!
Story
Over a decade has passed since the first film in the Avatar universe and Jake Sully has gotten busy building a family with his Na’vi love Neytri played by Zoe Saldana. The family and his tribe face an imminent threat from the ‘Sky People’ aka human beings who return to Pandora to resume their exploitative activities and seek revenge. This threat brings out the protective father inside Sully who travels across the seas to seek refuge on a coral reef Island with the Metkayina clan. This is pretty much the story of the new Avatar film without jumping into spoiler territory.
The first Avatar film was not a pioneer in its story either, these films rely on a simple story structure but are backed by awe-inspiring visuals which make up for a cinematic delight. However, this time round the visual spectacle did fall short to make up for a half-baked story. There are indeed plotholes here and there sprinkled throughout the film and Jake’s sudden decision to go from a clan leader to seek refuge away from the forest does not entirely make sense. The water sequences in ‘The Way Of Water’ come roughly after 50 minutes in the film and stay till the end. It is clear that Cameron wanted to shed a light on humanity’s ill-treatment of our ecological resources. There is a well-drawn-out whale hunting sequence in the film that broke my heart and made me shed a tear. Overall, while the story is stretched out and feels repetitive at times it is bearable.
Visuals
One clearly does not watch blockbuster films for their Shakespearean narrative. People are drawn out to the cinemas to experience the extraordinary stimulus of breathtaking visuals with films like Avatar, and there is no doubt that the film hits the ball out of the park in that arena. Some shots here will have you wondering ‘How the hell did Cameron pull this off?’ All the water sequences in the sequel are beyond just stunning. Cameron plays around with the frame rates during sequences which adds on to the hyper-reality he’s built in this franchise.
Stunning In Parts
It is easy to set high expectations from blockbuster films to ultimately be disappointed. However, my expectations with Avatar: The Way Of Water were set pretty low thanks to the internet discourse around the film franchise. Even with low hopes, the film fails to captivate the audience’s attention to the highest degree. It can easily be chopped down by at least 10 minutes to keep it crisp. Character motivations are all over the place, some plot points don’t entirely make sense, and the conclusion leaves more to be desired even though a long climax takes place right before it. Cameron takes heavy inspiration from his previous film Titanic for The Way Of Water’s climax, which is not a complaint! Ultimately, the second visit to Pandora was overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time.
It looks like the crypto community cannot catch a break. With news ranging from crypto billionaires dying mysteriously to the coins’ plummeting rates, 2022 was not entirely the year for crypto investors and enthusiasts. Now, another big blow to crypto bros has come from Microsoft which has decided to enforce new restrictions on cryptocurrency mining.
Microsoft bans crypto mining
Microsoft, one of the biggest players in the cloud computing arena has decided to take drastic measures to increase the stability of its cloud services. As a result, crypto mining has been axed from Microsoft’s cloud platform. There was no official announcement of the same as Microsoft quietly decided to ban crypto mining from its online services in order to protect its customers and clouds. The Register, a British tech news agency was the first to crack this development on December 15, 2022.
Microsoft introduced the new restrictions as a part of its universal license terms of Microsoft Online Services. Microsoft’s updated acceptable policy clarifies that crypto mining is now ‘prohibited’ on its platform without prior approval. The latest policy states that users now require users to obtain a written pre-approval from the company in order to use any Microsoft Online Services for crypto mining.
As per reports, Microsoft said that the latest restrictions laid upon crypto mining aims to protect the online service from cyber risks like fraud, attacks, and unauthorized access to customer resources. Furthermore, the company stated that it may consider permissions to mine crypto only for testing and research purposes, thus crypto whales running big mining operations on Microsoft cloud will take a massive hit with this development. Microsoft won’t be the first company in recent times to adopt the new restrictions. Earlier, Google also restricted users from engaging in crypto mining without the company’s prior written approval. Besides this, platforms like Oracle have banned crypto mining entirely, whereas Digital Ocean also requires users to take written permission.
2022 felt like a breeze at the movies after the gloomy pandemic times. The Indian audience especially was at a unique place as we got to enjoy films portraying different cultures, languages, and stories across the country while the big Hollywood blockbusters also made their way to the cinemas. 2022 was not perfect for films as the boycott culture took over Bollywood, but films were appreciated and celebrated nonetheless. Here is a look at the best films released in 2022.
Note – This list does not rate films thus the mentions are in no specific order
Top Gun: Maverick
Starting off with the biggest blockbuster of the year. Tom Cruise flew his way to the theaters piloting the Grumman F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and won our hearts. The sequel for the original Top Gun film was long overdue but Tom reportedly did not want to reprise the role of Maverick for a cash-grab project. With Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise cemented the fact that he is still a box office cash machine and perhaps the last of the stars.
RRR
While RRR was expected to make a splash at the Indian box office, nobody expected the SS Rajamouli directorial to carve its place in global pop culture. The film was screened at the esteemed TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles where Americans were seen doing the ‘Naatu’ dance, a treat to say the least! The film currently has a lot of Oscar buzz around it even though it was not nominated from India. After conquering the American box office, RRR also shined in Japan making it a true Indian global blockbuster.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
If you want to feel what an acid trip feels like without actually taking any then you need to watch The Daniels’ directorial right away. This film explores the concepts of the multiverse better than Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness by a mile (Sorry Marvel!) The film revolves around the character of Michelle Yeoh who is coursing her way through an existential crisis, dealing with family troubles, and… the IRS?! You’ll get what I am talking about once you watch this mind-bending film.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Who thought that a Chip ‘n Dale movie in 2022 will be anything else but a cash grab? 2022’s direct-to-Disney+ film Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers was a breath of fresh air amid corporations trying to use the nostalgia bate in order to put butts in the theatre seats. The film follows the titular characters thirty years after the television show has gone off-air. Chipmunks Dale and Chip live different lives but are forced to reunite when a cast member of the original show mysteriously disappears. People who love pop culture are in for a treat as the film is filled with fun references, even an ugly Sonic one!
Gangubai Kathiawadi
This twisted tale of Gangubai Kathiawadi surely loses its steam by the time it ends but successfully builds a world, characters, and set designs that are awe-inspiring. The film is based on S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ spine-chilling book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai,’ and showcases Ganga’s rise to power from a sex worker to a celebrated queen of Kamathipura in Mumbai. Alia Bhatt’s performance in the film was widely appreciated and the film lit up at the box office at a time when big superstars failed to get the cash registers ringing.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect marked R. Madhavan’s directorial debut. The film was not just critically claimed but also made decent collections at the box office. The film is based on the life of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayan and spans across his days as a graduate student at Princeton University to getting accused in the ISRO espionage case. The film premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and was released in multiple languages. SRK fans can enjoy his extended cameo in the Hindi version of the film.
Jhund
What happens when celebrated Marathi director Nagraj Manjule and the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan collaborate on a film project? The result is the captivating film Jhund which leaves the audience stunned with its honest portrayal of kids growing up in slum areas. The film is based on the life of football coach Vijay Barse, the founder of Slum Soccer NGO, and how he gets slum kids hooked on a sport to distract them from nefarious activities.
Chandramukhi
2022 was the year of regional films in India and this Marathi film took people by surprise! The Prasad Oak directorial film revolves around the love story of a Tamasha singer/dancer and a rising politician. The film is a period piece that explores the concept of adultery, relationships, women’s exploitation, and the influence of politics on people’s lives. The film was based on Vishwas Patil’s novel of the same name – Chandramukhi.
Kantara
This film was a case study for Indian filmmakers on changing audience behavior. While a film like Kantara could easily get smashed between blockbusters before the pandemic, it managed to become one of the biggest hits in the post-pandemic era. The film revolves around the conflict between humans and nature with a twist of Bhootha Kola. The film depicts Supreme God Vishnu’s third incarnation on earth called the Varaha Avatar. The riveting climax made Kantara a must-watch for cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike.
Bullet Train
If you’re a fan of the Quentin Tarantino genre of films then Bullet Train is the perfect fit for you. You must have seen situational comedies but how about a situational crime thriller? The film revolves around five assassins boarding a fictionalized version of Japan’s bullet train and all hell breaking loose! It features an ensemble cast of Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Bad Bunny, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a surprise cameo I would not like to reveal. Watch it for the laughs, thrills, and exhilarating climax!
The Batman
The only superhero movie worth mentioning in this year’s top films is Matt Reeves’ directorial The Batman. While Marvel had a lukewarm year in 2022 with only Black Panther: Wakanda Forever being an amazing film, DC had its fun with The Batman and Black Adam. Matt Reeves’ iteration of the caped crusader was somehow darker than its previous versions featuring Ben Affleck and Christian Bale. One can only hope that this version of Batman stays on as DC’s primary Batman as they’ve got a lot of Dark Knights running around the multiverse!
The Adam Project
What happens when Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, and Zoe Saldana feature in a film together? You get a heartwarming tale sprinkled with a lot of action. The film features Ryan Reynolds as a pilot from the future who goes back in time and meets his younger self while trying to discover the reason behind his wife’s disappearance. The film was helmed by director Shawn Levy who is all set to direct the upcoming Deadpool 3, so the project rests in safe hands!
Elvis
While we definitely need a break from the biopic trend going around in mainstream movies, Bas Luhrmann’s directorial Elvis is one film I do not mind. The film is based on the life of the musical star Elvis from his rise to fame to his death and everything in between. It features a top-notch performance by Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker. While the film focuses a lot more on the Colonel’s character than Elvis himself, it manages to pull an interesting narrative overall. Watch it for the trippy visuals!
Minions The Rise of Gru
Minions The Rise of Gru sheerly made it to the list by its influence on the world when it was released back in July 2022. The ironic meme posting around the film actually made me go buy a ticket for the film and watch it surrounded by a bunch of kids having the times of their lives! Funnily enough, Minions The Rise of Gru was one of the few films in Hollywood in 2022 that actually managed to get near the billion-dollar mark at the box office at a budget of only $80 million.
Enola Holmes 2
If you’re interested in suspense thriller films that don’t lean towards a dark narrative then Enola Holmes 2 is the perfect little film for you. This film features Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola Holmes starting her own agency and struggling to make ends meet until the day a factory worker seeks her help to find her missing sister. The film also features a hearty cameo by Henry Cavill which is a treat to say the least.
Special Mentions –
Prey Thiruchitrambalam Beast Vikram Zombivili The Gray Man Turning Red Don’t Worry Darling Orphan: First Kill Ambulance
The demand for capable home entertainment devices is at its peak thanks to the OTT boom caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony already had the premium HT-A7000 soundbar system which took care of your audio needs with flying colors and now the company has introduced the HT-A3000 which is a midrange-premium soundbar with an authentic 3.1 channel surround sound. I have been using the HT-A3000 soundbar and its accompanying sub-woofer and rear channel speakers for the past week as my primary sound system for a week. To sum up the experience – It was overwhelmingly immersive! Check out the detailed review below –
Design
Similar to the rest of the lineup, the HT-A3000 (I’ll refer to it as A3K further) also comes with a no-nonsense black design. It is an all-matte-black design made out of plastic and a metal grille which does not look cheap but rather gives a premium feel. It is a 37-inch soundbar just a little over 2.5 inches tall that simply gets lost under your television set. Behind the metal grille is a small OLED text display that could’ve been made bigger in my opinion. As the display is small, the entire text takes a while to get displayed in its entirety. However, it is easy to read and can be read from a considerable distance.
Companions
In India, the A3K soundbar cannot be bought just as an independent device but has been clubbed with either the SW3 or the SW5 subwoofer along with optional rear RS5 or RS3S speakers. The review unit sent to me featured the SW3 subwoofer and the RS3S rear speakers which amount to the entire setup costing Rs 1,14,970. The soundbar, subwoofer, and rear channel speakers assembled in synergy like the Avengers to produce a sound that became the center stage of my office and drew attention from everyone. My only gripe with Sony with the A3K is that I cannot buy it as a standalone product in India and have to tag along a subwoofer. Living in a small house, a subwoofer and a soundbar is an overkill setup for me that could lead to neighbor complaints!
Setup and connectivity
Setting up the A3K is not a task at all when it comes to connecting to the television or the phone via Bluetooth. It is pretty much a ‘turn on and connect’ scenario going on with this soundbar which makes it easier for users to get to their entertainment quickly. There surely is a setup process when it comes to the Soundbar after you’ve connected to it which I will highly recommend as it increases the immersive sound experience. Sony takes the utmost advantage of the HDMI connectivity as it uses it to showcase a full-onscreen menu system for the A3K. There is also the ‘Music Center’ application for iOS and Android devices that make your life a little bit easier when it comes to mobile connectivity.
Sound Quality
During my initial testing of the A3K with its companion subwoofer and rear channel speakers, I was taken aback by the premium sound quality. Thanks to the entire sound setup provided I could experience what Sony has coined as the ‘360 Spatial Sound Mapping’ which uses built-in microphones to measure the height and position of the soundbar and the rear speakers to customize the sound experience. It creates a strong surround sound with an enhanced immersive experience which was a treat to experience. However, it is to be noted that the immersive experience was only limited to a small room as shifting the setup to a bigger room did not give half the same experience. The A3K provides a balanced and pleasing-to-the-ears sound quality when it comes to both films and music. However, I am sure music purists will miss out on a few key features like dedicated tweeters. The A3K is riding the wave of Dolby-capable single soundbars but it surely delivers with all its 240W prowess.
Verdict
The Sony HT-A3000 is a powerful soundbar in all its individual glory that is enhanced furthermore with the companion subwoofer and rear channel speakers. People looking for a premium sound experience without having to pay over a lakh can surely go for the HT-A3000 without any hesitations.
