Accessories

LG Watch Sport Review

Fitness buddy on your wrist

Published

February 23, 2018

With the influx of smartwatches available today, it sometimes gets confusing to choose which specific device suits your needs. Although they all have a common purpose, some of these wearables cater to specific audiences. There are the straightforward variants that simply track your activities, or smartwatches with unique designs that will cost you. There are also those that boast built-in features.

This is where the LG Watch Sport comes in as it runs on the latest Android Wear 2.0 OS and comes with goodies not usually seen on normal smartwatches.

Minimalist design

The LG Watch Sport doesn’t have the rotating bezel of the Samsung Gear S3 or the textured strap of the Fitbit Ionic. No, it flaunts a plain design for the bezel with a simple strap devoid of anything eye-catching.

Still, I personally like how it’s made. The watch itself is a bit thick, but nothing out of the ordinary when you compare it against other smartwatches.

The 1.38-inch circular P-OLED display has pleasing colors even under sunlight and viewing angles are decent.

On its right side, there are three buttons with the main crown having the ability to rotate. The top button launches Google Fit in an instant while the bottom is for Android Pay.

When you turn it over on its belly, you’ll be introduced to its heart rate sensor. It’s also worth noting that since this is activewear, the body is sealed to have an IP68 certification. This means it can withstand sweat, a shower, and even being submerged in up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes.

The Watch Sport charges wirelessly through its included cradle. Just plug the USB-C cable and dock the watch to charge. This has always been my preferred charging setup — better than fumbling while trying to connect the cable to the device.

A smooth experience

As mentioned earlier, the Watch Sport already runs on Android Wear 2.0. It now comes with design updates and needed features that make the experience more enjoyable as a whole.

A selection of watch faces are fun to switch around from time to time, and standalone apps make the watch easily accessible in just a few taps.

One press of the middle button and the available apps come as a scrolling list. Apart from swiping the display to browse through them, rotating the crown scrolls through the selection which gives the experience a more tactile feel.

The LG Watch proves to be responsive when you’re swiping across the display, but tapping on selections sometimes need be done knowingly — precise and with a bit of effort.

Overall, it’s been pretty easy to navigate through its menu and submenu, even if the user isn’t familiar with the Android ecosystem.

Google Fit is your friend

Onto fitness tracking. The Sport in its name should be a dead giveaway that it focuses on your activities. Google Fit is a capable assistant during training or workout sessions as it works in tandem with the heart rate sensor to give users real-time info like BPM and calories burned.

The standalone app is accompanied by vast selections of exercise trackers ranging from backcountry skiing to kickboxing. If you’re just in the gym lifting weights, Strength Training mode is the way to go; it will give you a summary of how your workout went.

I’d say that a big chunk of why I appreciate this smartwatch is the fact that it’s somehow centered around Google Fit. The one-press button to launch and scrolling to browse through its activity features make it easy to just have it on your wrist when you hit the gym.

Extra features to enjoy (depending on where you are)

The Watch Sport isn’t just useful when you’re sweating it out. LG also made it capable to be used for everyday payments through Android Pay. Although there’s already a fair number of countries that support this system, it’s still not available widely so that’s one thing to consider.

Another thing is that the watch accepts a nano-SIM card which allows users to still be connected without using a phone. The problem is, it works only in the US, as other countries don’t currently support full features (like NumberSync).

Battery life could be better

But then again, most smartwatches don’t excel in this department. This is because it’s always been a challenge to equip watches with a large capacity pack while at the same time making the shell as thin as possible.

In real-life use, taking it off its charging cradle in the morning will last you for about 10 hours, so you’ll barely make it in time back to your place to charge. Activate its always-on display and expect battery life to drain almost twice as fast.

Verdict

The LG Watch Sport is easily a friend to gym buffs and fitness freaks, if you have the US$ 300 budget. It might not help list down your caloric or water intake, but it will be with you every step of your training.

It does all the things that a usual smartwatch does, but it’s just a bit of a downer that you have to be in select places to fully take advantage of its features (although I still enjoy mine with no Android Pay and SIM connectivity).

At the end of the day, it’s your routine and what you do that dictates your need for devices like this.

Is the LG Watch Sport your GadgetMatch?

Related Topics:LG LG Watch Sport Watch Sport

Accessories

Logitech announces G PRO X TKL gaming keyboard

Compact, cordless, portable

Published

May 1, 2024

GadgetMatch

Logitech has announced the G PRO X TKL gaming keyboard, a compact and cordless peripheral meant to assist gamers in the highest levels of competition. The G PRO X TKL comes with a pro-inspired tenkeyless design for more room and comfort, and Lightsync RGB lighting for style. It features dual-shot PBT keycaps for durability and wear and tear prevention.

The keyboard’s standard layout allows users to customize it with third-party keycaps and additional media keys. Users may also set up macros and create quick access while grinding. Speaking of customization, they may pick between Tactile, Linear, or Clicky Switches to tailor-fit the keyboard to their feel.

The G PRO X TKL connects via Lightspeed, ensuring users of lag-free performance at up to a 10-meter range. That’s better responsiveness than standard Bluetooth. Additionally, it has a 1000Hz polling rate. Long gaming sessions are a breeze too, as the keyboard’s battery lasts up to 50 hours. Lastly, for gamers on the go, the G PRO X TKL is portable and comes with its own carry case.

Logitech’s latest gaming peripheral is now available online and at all partner retail outlets, including PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, GameOne, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, TTI, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.

Accessories

TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 devices now official: Price, availability

Blazing fast connectivity

Published

April 26, 2024

GadgetMatch

TP-Link has officially announced its new Wi-Fi 7 capable devices, including two new Archer routers and the DECO BE25 mesh. Particularly, the Archer BE230 which promises 49% better transmission speed is now available via TP-Link’s Shopee and selected retailers.

TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 products revolutionize the way users experience wireless connectivity. Aside from blazing-fast speeds and reduced latency 20% better than previous generation devices, these products come with several features like Multi-Link Operation to optimize network efficiency.

Users can expect better allocation of resources, reduced interference, and smoother data transmission overall. The devices also offer better and more reliable coverage across larger areas, reducing dead zones. The products also come with new security features and enhancements for better network protection. Among them are stronger encryption standards and enhanced defenses against emerging threats.

New Tapo lineup

Aside from the Wi-Fi 7 products, TP-Link has also unveiled a new lineup of smart home products, including the Tapo C425 wire-free security camera. The brand has also released the Tapo Smart Battery Video Doorbell, Tapo C720, and 2K QHD Smart Floodlight Camera, to name a new. These solutions will be released by May 2024.

Price, availability

The TP-Link Archer BE230 is priced at PhP 5,990. The brand will release another router, the Archer BE400, during the third quarter of 2024.

On the other hand, the TP-Link DECO BE25 mesh will be available by June 2024. It will come in the two-pack and three-pack options for PhP 13,990 and PhP 19,990, respectively.

Lastly, the RE235BE range extender and Archer TBE400UH adapter shall be released in June and July 2024, respectively. They are priced at PhP 4,990 and PhP 3,190.

Accessories

ASUS ROG launches new monitors, peripherals, components, more

At the ROG Launch Event

Published

April 19, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

Thinking of building a legitimate PC gaming setup at your place, or upgrading your existing one? Well, you’re in luck. ASUS ROG has just launched a bunch of new gaming devices during an event held in San Juan City, Metro Manila. There are a lot to choose from to suit your needs, including OLED monitors, peripherals, components, and even mini PCs.

Gaming monitors

Headlining the new batch of gaming monitors is the ROG Swift OLED (PG32UCDM). This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel delivers astounding visuals at up to a 240Hz refresh rate. Already in its third generation, the QD-OLED technology helps in displaying vibrant colors, deeper black hues, and brighter highlights. The monitor also promises 0.03ms response time and an advanced custom heatsink for cooling.

Alternatively, The ROG Strix XG27UCS and XG27ACS models bring games to life. The fast IPS panels offer 180Hz and 160Hz refresh rates, respectively, and 1ms GTG response time. These products are G-SYNC compatible and support Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) Sync for smooth and tear-free gameplay. Moreover, they are DisplayHDR 400 certified and offer a wide DCI-P3 gamut. Users may also tinker settings further with the AI-powered GamePlus technology and Dynamic Shadow Boost feature.

There are six monitor models in total ranging from 24-inch to 49-inch sizes, available by order basis for the following prices:

ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD: PhP 107,690
ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM: PhP 93,190
ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM: PhP 89,940
ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: PhP 65,890
ROG Swift Pro PG248QP 540Hz: PhP 63,290
ROG Strix XG27ACS: PhP 17,990

Gaming peripherals

ROG Falchion RX LP

Looking for a new keyboard? the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is a 65% compact gaming keyboard. With low-profile switches and two dampening foams, it offers an unprecedented typing and gaming experience. The keyboard can be connected via ROG SpeedNova wireless and the ROG Omni Receiver. Its interactive touch panel allows for several customization options.

ROG Carnyx

For those who love streaming their sessions or simply prefer communicating with teammates, the ROG Carnyx cardioid USB microphone features a 25mm condenser capsule and a 24-bit, 192kHz sampling rate capacity. It comes with high-pass and built-in pop filters to reduce noise and vocal plosives as well, while its shock mount minimizes vibrations.

The ROG Falchion RX LP is now on general sale for PhP 8,580, available in both blue and red colors. Gamers may choose between the black and white ROG Carynx variants for PhP 9,350.

ROG Cetra True Wireless

For an immersive audio experience, the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova remains the brand’s standard. The versatile gaming headphones can connect using Bluetooth or ROG SpeedNova 2.4GHz. It supports 24-bit 96kHz audio, Dirac Opteo, and Adaptive ANC to immerse users to high-resolution audio. Bone-Conduction AI microphones complement the headphones for superior call quality. Also, the headphones last up to 46 hours as well on a single charge.

ROG Keris II Ace

For those into FPS titles, the ROG Keris II Ace has an ergonomic shape tested by esports professionals. The 54-gram gaming mouse has industry-leading features for competitive play, comfort, and control. It is complemented by the ROG Polling Rate Booster for smooth cursor control. This ROG-exclusive accessory upgrades the polling rate up to 4,000Hz in wireless and 8,000Hz in wired mode.

Both the Keris II Ace gaming mice and ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova gaming headphones will be released in May 2024, with prices yet to be announced.

ROG Ace Collection

The ROG Ace collection will also be coming soon. These gaming mice and mousepads are designed with the help of esports professionals and world record aimers at Aim Lab. They will be available in the following models later this year:

ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition
ROG Falchion Ace
ROG Hone Ace Aim Lab Edition
ROG Hone Ace XXL
ROG Moonstone Ace L

Back to the Future series

Furthermore, those thinking of a DIY PC assembly will benefit from ASUS’ Back-to-the-Future series which features hidden-connector design for a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing look. The series includes motherboards, graphic cards, and chassis for the following prices:

Motherboards

ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF: PhP 42,460 (May 2024)
TUF Gaming Z790 BTF WiFi: PhP 22,430 (April 2024)

Graphics cards

ROG Strix RTX 4090 O24G BTF Gaming: PhP 141,370 (May 2024)
TUF RTX 4070 TIS O16G BTF (white): PhP 68,560 (April 2024)

Chassis

TUF Gaming GT302 (white): PhP 7,360
TUF Gaming GT302 (black): PhP 7,070
ROG Hyperion BTF (black): Coming soon (May 2024)

Coming soon: ROG Rapture WiFi 7, ROG NUC

Lastly, the ROG Rapture quadband WiFi 7 gaming router is tailored for next-gen computing, with speeds of up to 25Gbps and dual 10Gbps ports. You may enjoy up to 16 simultaneous WiFi streams for several content like videos, games, and browsing for everyone at home.

On the other hand, the ROG NUC features Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, all packaged in a compact 2.5L form factor.

This ultra-small yet ultra-powerful chassis is designed for quick system access, making upgrades and cleaning quick and easy. Compatible with the Raikiri Pro controller, the ROG NUC is the ultimate choice for gamers seeking uncompromised performance and flexibility.