I think my colleague Cherlyn Low disappointed us by mentioning a slower-than-usual October in the last issue. The last week of the month was jam-packed with news, especially from Apple, so we’re about to see a busy few weeks of year-end reviews.
This week, we tested Amazon’s long-awaited color E Ink ereader, a DJI action cam that’s finally a worthy rival to GoPro and Google’s latest TV-streaming device. Here’s a quick summary of the week’s in-depth reviews, and a quick preview of what’s to come after Halloween.
After years of users demanding a color E Ink option, Amazon finally delivered with the Kindle Colorsoft. This model fills a significant void in the company’s ereader lineup, offering fast performance and a slew of features. The main problem is that it’s expensive at $280, plus a blue tint appears on the display when held up to warm light.
Also, text isn’t as sharp when read in black and white. Still, this new model will be great for things like graphic novels and other content where you really need to see things in full color.
“Although it’s very late to the color E Ink party, the Kindle Colorsoft is a solid premium ereader that delivers a great experience in both color and black and white,” said Valentina.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review
Our camera expert Steve Dent tested DJI’s new action cam to see if the company has done enough to keep up with companies like GoPro. The short answer is yes, as the Osmo Action 5 Pro has the best battery life of any model in this category, as well as good low light performance, useful subject tracking and built-in memory. Color quality and video sharpness could be better, but DJI has finally put the competition to good use with this model.
Google TV Streamer
While the price seems steep due to the lack of some features, the Google TV Streamer is a great device, combining speed, a great UI, and useful smart home controls.
Another streaming device from Google? Yes! Google TV
The Streamer isn’t a great option for your living room, but there’s a lot to like about this little gadget, according to shopping advice reporter Amy Skorheim. Google has doubled the price of the previous option, which isn’t great, and the company hasn’t included an HDMI cable or support for Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. However, once you dive in, the mix of a great UI, attractive design, fast performance, and smart home compatibility make the TV Streamer a useful device.
“Yes, the extra RAM and storage is great, but there are some features — like Wi-Fi 6E support, true Assistant capabilities, great processor speed — that Google could have included for a $100 price,” Amy explains. “The Google TV streamer is responsive and fast, packing a top-of-the-line streaming interface with smart home features that are useful and well integrated.”
Upcoming reviews: All Macs, Sonos Arc Ultra and PS5 Pro
Over the course of three days this week, Apple announced a new iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro, all powered by the company’s M4 chips. The biggest design overhaul came to the Mac mini, which actually lives up to its name as it’s a five-inch by five-inch box that’s two inches taller, not much bigger than the Apple TV 4K. Of course, the changes to the iMac and MacBook Pro warrant a fresh slate of reviews, so we’ll be testing all three machines in the coming weeks.
The follow-up product to Sonos’ Arc soundbar began shipping this week, and I’ve got our review unit in for testing. Named the Arc Ultra, this model should offer better bass performance from the soundbar itself before you have to connect a separate wireless subwoofer. It’s the first product to feature the company’s Sound Motion technology, which boosts that low-end tone without the need for larger components inside living room speakers. Look for my review on this unit early next week.
Gamers are likely expecting a barrage of PS5 Pro reviews, and our review is coming soon as launch day is November 7. As our gaming guru Jessica Condit shared in her preview last month, this isn’t a console you need, but it’s a console you’ll definitely want. Stay tuned for our in-depth thoughts on how the combination of increased power and extra tricks contribute to the $700 price tag.