The Gen XY Lifestyle

Tech Roundup #2

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Featured this round: enthusiast-level DSLRs, extra long-lasting headsets, budget phones and a premium car multmedia receiver.

Power-packed enthusiast DSLRs

Canon 760D Canon and Nikon have new mid-priced DSLR cameras available on the market. The Canon 760D (Body only S$1,099, S$1,649 w/18-135mm kit lens) is an advanced beginner’s DSLR, while Nikon’s D7200 is an advanced enthusiast DSLR. The 760D is packed with enticing, premium features such as a 24.2-megapixel sensor, an advanced metering sensor to optimise exposure levels, a speedy Live View mode, as well as an articulating screen.

Nikon D7200The pricier D7200 (Body only S$1,469, w/18-105mm S$1,749, 2/18-140mm S$1,869) also packs a 24.2-megapixel sensor, but has advanced features like a 1/8000 shutter speed, 51-point metering system, dual SD card slots, and a magnesium alloy weather-sealed body. Choice of lens system aside, these are two very competitively priced cameras for budding photography enthusiasts who want just that little bit of pizazz.

LG pads up its lower end

LG Leon LTELG’s been rather a busy in the smartphone arena of late, and have released a duo of mid- and low-priced phones. The LG Leon LTE (S$298 without contract) is essentially a cheap and cheerful version of its premium phones; modest hardware but sporting the same look as well as some unique software features such as Gesture Shot, which facilitates easier selfie-taking.

The LG AKA (S$398 without contract) is slightly better hardware-wise – it even has the Laser Auto Focus feature – but the main draw is in its cutesy design that is represented in four cartoon personas, and can be customised with stickers, animations and matching case (case sold separately). An optional Accessory Fun Pack (Stickers, Casing and figurine) goes for S$68. Cute and just about not-too-kitschy for your kids or the young at heart.

LG AKA

Bridging the divide

Sometimes new tech can be divisive – but not to worry, there’s usually some sort of bridge somewhere.

SanDisk USBFor whatever perceived shortcomings the new Macbook may have, a horde of third party solutions will see to them. And so it is for the much talked about Type C USB connector for the Macbook. SanDisk has released a Dual USB Drive with Type C connector (S$99 for 32GB) that can be used on both the new Macbook as well as conventional laptops. Presently only the 32GB version is available.

Pioneer X8750BTPioneer’s new flagship Multimedia Receiver AVH-X8750BT (S$1,099) was designed with connectivity in mind, and in more ways than one. For instance, it supports parking assist cameras and steering wheel control. On the software front, AppRadio Mode and AppRadioLIVE lets you sync and control apps as well as aggregate content from a compatible smartphone. But one of its best party tricks is its support for Apple CarPlay, which seamlessly integrates your iPhone and lets you access key features such as iMessage, Apple Maps, iTunes and podcasts through your receiver.

Let the music flow

Google Cast aims to put your mobile device at the centre of all things; and LG has obliged with a range of new smart Hi-Fi devices called Music Flow that support the service (except P7). It comprises of a portable speaker, Wi-Fi enabled speakers, and soundbars. In addition to LG’s streaming partners, which include popular services like Deezer and Spotify (you can also control your speakers on your via Spotify Connect), you can listen to tunes from a variety of other online services like Pandora and TuneIn. P7 (20W): S$179, H3 (30W): S$299, H5 (40W): S$449, H7 (70W): S$599, HS7 (360W): S$699, HS9 (700W): S$999.

LG Music FlowA little nap goes a long way

Jabra BoostIn this day and age of multiple personal effects, every respite you can get from overworking that charger in your power socket – and not to mention remembering to do so – is welcome. The Jabra Boost (S$78) handsfree boasts a one-year standby time (via PowerNap), which is especially great when you are not a frequent user, and claims up to nine hours of talk time when you do use it. Other conveniences include staying connected to two devices at the same time, and support for Siri and Google Voice.

Sizing up your needs

One of the great mysteries of the universe is this: finding the right-sized tablet for your needs. Samsung takes another stab at this with the new Galaxy Tab A with S Pen. Available in two sizes –8-inch and 9.7 inch – the new Galaxy Tab A is sleek and slim, and sports a different aspect ratio to facilitate ease of use with the S Pen, as well as providing a more comfortable reading and browsing experience. Not only that, it also has an attractive software bundle, like a 65% discount for SPH magazine titles (one year subscription, two titles), a free e-book per month for Kindle (one-year), and much more. Available in Sandy White and Smoky Titanium in the following configurations – 8-inch Wi-Fi: S$398, 8-inch 4G: S$498, 9.7-inch Wi-Fi: S$498, 9.7-inch 4G: S$598.

Galaxy Tab AHands free with a hook

explorer500_white_rain_suede_chairBut when it comes to Bluetooth headsets, there’s no doubt; the smaller and more discreet it is, the better. The compact Plantronics Explorer 500 (S$129) has all the features that you would need from a handsfree device, like Smartphone voice control that supports Siri, Google Voice and Cortana, and dual microphones. The stylish headset also comes with a charging cable that attaches magnetically, and doubles up as a strap that you can conveniently hook onto your bag or your keys, if you like. A little bit of thoughtfulness certainly does go a long way.

 

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