The Google Pixel 8 launched on October 4, 2023, and so we’d expect the Google Pixel 9 to appear on or around that date this year – but some five months ahead of time, we’ve already got a look at our first Pixel 9 case.
This comes from accessory maker Thinborne and the team at Android Central, and the suggestion is that the design and dimensions of the Google Pixel 9 have been confirmed as far as the supply chain and industry partners are concerned.
According to the Thinborne case listings, there will be three models: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. That chimes with earlier rumors too – apparently the XL model is the largest of three, as you would expect from its name.
We’ve previously seen some leaked photos of the Pixel 9, and these cases match up with those images: the Pixel 9 is expected to be slightly flatter than the Pixel 8, with a rear camera module that’s more of an island than a bar.
Earlier rumors
We’ve already seen leaked images of the Pixel 9 (Image credit: OnLeaks / 91Mobiles)
As always with leaks and rumors, it’s important to bear in mind that nothing is certain until its official. However, the number of leaks we’ve seen pointing in the same direction mean we’re pretty confident that we know what the Pixel 9 is going to look like.
Another rumor we’ve previously come across suggests the standard Pixel 9 is going to get an extra camera on the back this year, a telephoto camera that should improve the optical zoom capabilities of the most affordable handset in the flagship series.
There’s also been talk that the Tensor G4 chipset expected to power the Pixel 9 phones is going to mean a boost in battery life as well as performance. Support for satellite messaging has been predicted for these upcoming devices too.
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No doubt there will be more rumors and leaks to sift through between now and October, but in the meantime Google I/O 2024 gets underway on May 14. We should hear more about Android 15 at the event, and it’s likely that the Google Pixel 8a will be unveiled.
New data from Synergy Research Group has revealed a significant surge in cloud infrastructure service spend, with Q1 2024 not only setting a new high but also sending year-on-year growth rates on an upward trajectory.
The firm’s report revealed global cloud spend surpassed $76 billion during the first three months of 2024, marking a substantial 21% year-over-year increase of $13.5 billion, and also the second quarter to have seen considerable year-on-year growth.
According to the data, Amazon, Microsoft and Google can be thanked for a large proportion of the spend, collectively accounting for two-thirds (67%) of the market.
Global cloud spend is on the up
Amazon maintains its stronghold as market leader, according for nearly one-third (31%) by itself. Microsoft (25%) and Google (11%) follow in second and third place.
However Synergy also noted healthy growth among tier-two cloud providers, including Huawei, Snowflake, MongoDB and Oracle.
Despite lingering economic and political uncertainties, the cloud market continues to prove resilient, while the increased focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence suggests that the market will have enough fuel for plenty more quarters yet.
Public IaaS and PaaS services, which Synergy says account for a large portion of the market, saw a notable 23% increase during the quarter, with overall trailing twelve-month revenue hitting $283 billion.
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Failing to mention any geographic regions that performed poorly, Synergy confirmed that the APAC region saw the biggest growth of 25%, though the entire region still trails behind the US, which remains the single largest cloud market.
Looking ahead, John Dinsdale, a Chief Analyst at Synergy Research Group, commented: “We will not return to the growth rates seen prior to 2022 [up to around 40%], as the market has become too massive to grow that rapidly, but we will see the market continue to expand substantially. We are forecasting that it will double in size over the next four years.”
These 2024 headphones pack in a full suite of smart features and impressive sound into a $200 package, with vibrant, detailed audio and an excellent range of EQ functions to cater to your desired sound profile. The 50 hours of battery life don’t hurt either. The rigid construction means it’s not as portable, or possibly as accommodating to every person’s head, but these are still an excellent pair of over-ear headphones for the price.
For
Big, quite assertive sound
Good battery life
Well-made and comfortable
Against
A fractionally blunt listen
The fit won’t suit every head
On-ear volume control is a tad hit and miss
Battery: 25 hours ANC: Yes
After three years on the market, there are newer, better Bose models than the QC45s, but they still pack a punch in the audio department, with consistently excellent sound that’s as easy on the ears as the headphones’ soft, pliable construction. The battery life is likely enough, if a little short by modern standards, and these headphones are a joy to wear even for long periods – just know that you’re going without some of the more forward-looking smart features found elsewhere.
For
Fantastic noise cancellation
Intuitive control scheme
Lightweight and comfortable
New ambient aware mode
Against
Missing a few features
Lackluster clarity
Call quality isn’t great
Occasional dropout
It’s a very good time to be shopping for the best over-ear headphones. Between the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, Bose QuietComfort 45, and myriad of other competing models, there’s a huge range of quality headphones ready to rock your ears, block out environmental noise, and give you the comfort needed for long listening sessions, whether you’re traveling, working, or lying on the sofa with The Tortured Poets Department playing on loop.
But how to choose which headphones are right for you? In this guide, we’ll run you through the major differences between the Bose QuietComfort 45s, one of the best headphones on the market since they released back in 2021, and new-kid-on-the-block Sennheiser Accentum Plus, to help you decide whether excellent legacy headphones or a new modern upstart are the way to go.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Price and release dates
Both the Sennheiser Accentum Plus and Bose QC 45 headphones look similar, but the latter is more easily collapsible. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are surprisingly affordable for ANC headphones with touch controls and such a premium finish, at just £199.99 / $229.99 / AU$399.99. That’s an increase over the £159 / $179 / AU$299 Sennheiser Accentum, but not a huge one, making the Plus model a sensible upgrade for those who can afford it.
The Bose QC45 headphones are a little pricier at $329 / £329 / AU$499, and getting a little long in the tooth – the QC45s came out in 2021, and have a formal successor in Bose’s new QuietComfort model. You can still buy the QC45s in a few retailers, but it’s getting harder to find stock across the board. The Accentum Plus, meanwhile, released in early 2024 and feels a little fresher.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Features
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus, a flashy 2024 model, has a few more features that are immediately apparent, including touch controls; while there is a single button for power (and which also activates Bluetooth pairing), most controls like playback or volume are navigated through touch-based gestures, sliding a finger vertically or horizontally across the right earcup.
The Bose QC45s are simpler in this regard, with a small handful of clickable buttons (volume, power, etc) without any touch functionality, and one button on the left earcup for switching between ‘Quiet’ and ‘Aware’ modes – to block outside noise or let it filter in, respectively.
This is largely a matter of preference: touch controls can feel more sleek, and are usually included in high-end models these days, but are occasionally harder to control and easier to activate by accident. Trying to adjust your headband and shooting up the volume unintentionally isn’t a great feeling, though it didn’t happen often in our tests.
Both headphones feature ANC, or active noise cancellation, which is an audio suppression technology that records outside noise through your microphone array and cancels out the sound with opposing frequencies. This is now an industry standard for headphones above $100-200, and a must-have for most listeners, helping you to hear your music, podcasts or calls more clearly in noisy environments (offices, trains, etc). However, the way they use ANC is quite different.
The Bose QC 45s are all about clickable buttons – no touch controls here. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Bose QC45s feature standard ANC, with the option to turn on the noise suppression (‘Quiet’) or use external microphones to let outside noise filter in (‘Aware’). It does work brilliantly, filtering out harsh sounds and some ambient noise so you can focus better on what you’re listening to, without totalling cocooning your ears from the world. There is, sadly, no option to turn off ANC entirely, which would no doubt help with its limited battery life.
The Bose Music app also includes an EQ setting to enhance bass, mid or treble output – not crucial per se, but particularly handy for boosting bass output or tailoring a good sound profile to the kind of music you like.
Sennheiser’s Smart Control app is similar, but has preset sound profiles, and even a slider for gradually phasing environmental sounds in or out – so you can control exactly how much the outside world comes through – or an ‘adaptive’ ANC function that responds automatically to the sounds around you, turning the ANC up or down as needed. There are also more optional smart features, like pausing playback when the headphones are taken off your head, or automatically connecting to a call when you put them on.
Neither headphone comes with a built-in smart assistant, but uses whatever assistant is active on your phone. Both feature similar Bluetooth standards too, though the Accentum Plus’ Bluetooth 5.2 nudges a little ahead with the addition of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), aiding power efficiency and no doubt helping with their hefty battery life (more on this below).
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones have the edge one sound, thanks to newer tech. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Audio performance
Of course, few things are more important with headphones than the sound – part of the reason people buy over-ear models, particularly, is that you get room for larger drivers, better audio detail, and a larger soundstage.
The Bose QC45s offer excellent sound recreation, clear vocals, great instrumental separation, and a relaxed sound profile that prevents ear fatigue for long-term listening. That last point means the QC45s aren’t overly prominent on the bass end, despite some ample 40mm drivers, and are lacking some of the audio precision of newer headphones that draw out more texture from individual notes. But there’s no doubt that it’s a pleasant listening experience that your ears can handle for long periods, and the overall balance makes the QC45s good for most genres of music, and most people.
The Bose QC 45s can fold up easily into a portable case – great for frequent travellers. (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus headphones have a similar sound profile, if a little fresher. You’ll find balanced frequencies that don’t disappoint when it comes to vocal/instrumental detail, and 37mm drivers that offer a consistent, but not overpowering bass response that can still punch through at the right moments. Sennheiser’s more advanced EQ settings certainly help, as does a bass boost feature with a more noticeable impact than the simpler Bose app’s EQ – though this is partially due to Sennheiser softening high frequencies to accentuate the difference more.
The Accentum Plus’s main gains are in its smart features, though they do have a slight edge in the audio department. Listening to Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’, there’s a slightly wider soundstage on offer, with sharper, more layered vocals and a touch more audio detail, really helping the listener appreciate the full texture of Eilish’s crooning voice as it ebbs and swells into earshot. The vocal tension in Ethel Cain’s breathtaking track ‘Crush’ also comes through more clearly, with subtle vibrations that are hard to pick up with Bose’s older model.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Design
There are some key differences in design philosophy between the Bose QC45s and Sennheiser Accentum Plus worth thinking about.
The Bose QuietComfort 45s are, as the name implies, focused on comfort. They’re almost unrivaled for long-haul flights, with a focus on comfort and listenability over anything else. Unlike the Accentum Plus’ touch controls, Bose sticks with more precise buttons for volume, power, ANC, and Bluetooth activation.
There’s a huge amount of flexibility in how you arrange Bose’s headphones. The QC45s are fully collapsible, making them compact and portable at a moment’s notice, and extending the length of the headband to suit your head size is simple enough.
The Sennheiser case is a little bulkier, and made of a soft synthetic material, unlike the Bose QC 45 hard case (Image credit: Henry St Leger)
The Sennheiser headset is a little more rigid in its construction. There’s considerably more tension in the headband, ensuring that the Accentum Plus cans fit snugly, though making them a bit more oppressive during long listening sessions. While you can twist the earcups, there’s no way to ‘collapse’ them as with the Bose model, meaning they’re a little bulkier in transit.
The QC45s also come with a superior, hard carry case that can handle a jolt or two. Sennheiser’s headset comes packed in a semi-structured soft case with considerably less protection.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Battery
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser is a clear winner in the battery life department, with a listed 50 hours and the ability to gain five hours of use from a breezy 10-minute charge. The Bose QC45s, by contrast, lasts up to 25 hours, with a fast charge feature that provides three hours after a 15-minute charge.
Both are sufficient for a full day’s use – not that we’d recommend using headphones for 24 hours straight – but Sennheiser pretty much doubles the time needed between charges, making it far more convenient whatever you plan on using them for.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus vs Bose QuietComfort 45: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
For most headphone shoppers, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus will be the most impressive option, with a lower retail price, advanced touch controls, better audio detail, superior ANC, and more widely available retail stock.
But we wouldn’t write off the Bose QC45s just yet. For those prone to long listening sessions – say, 10,000 miles in the air – its perfect marriage of physical comfort and relaxed sound recreation makes it a better bet, especially with its compact design and brilliant hard case. I’ve tested many headphones over the years, and there’s a reason the Bose QC45s are my go-to travel option most of the time.
Bose’s model is aging a little, so it might be smart to check out the new Bose QuietComfort model, or high-end QuietComfort Ultra for those who can spend the extra cash. For the price, though, it’s hard not to recommend Sennheiser’s newer model, with all of the modern enhancements that it brings.
Smart rings vs. smartwatches: which is the best choice? As smart rings become more popular and enter the public consciousness, many people are asking this question. but there’s no straightforward answer. Both devices serve similar purposes, but are made for different people with different preferences. In this guide, I’ll help you decide which is right for you.
Many tech reviewers have suggested that smart rings could signal the end of smartwatches. But based on my extensive testing of the best smart rings, I can confidently say they won’t suit everyone. While it might seem that wearing a tracker on your finger could be more comfortable and convenient, this isn’t always the case. You’ll also need to consider accuracy, design, price, and tracking features.
It may also be helpful to consider some of the best fitness trackers on the market. There’s an overlap between the best smartwatches and fitness trackers: although smart rings are gaining popularity, many find that budget-friendly fitness trackers can offer a more reliable and straightforward way to monitor health, sleep, and fitness.
Drawing from my years of experience testing smart rings and smartwatches, I’ve created this guide so you can decide whether a smart ring or a smartwatch is right for you based on your budget, preferences, and priorities.
The Circular Ring Slim has a sleek design, but we’re not sure about that big white logo on the front. (Image credit: Becca Caddy)
Smart ring vs smartwatch: Comfort, design and durability
Choosing between a smartwatch and a smart ring largely depends on personal preference. Smartwatches offer adjustable straps for a perfect fit and can be customized by swapping out straps with different materials and colors.
However, if you find wearing something on your wrist uncomfortable, a smart ring might be a better alternative. While smart rings don’t offer adjustable sizing, many companies will send you a sizing kit with plastic dummy rings to help you find the ideal one for you. Most of the ones I’ve tested so far have been incredibly comfortable with a snug fit.
They’re designed to be comfortable enough to wear overnight, whereas many people dislike wearing watches to bed.
Although these rings are fixed in design, they tend to be more discreet and resemble jewelery, bringing you a sleeker, less sporty look compared to most smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, many do still seem bulky when you compare them to regular rings, especially on smaller hands – don’t let the marketing messages that they’re all incredibly slim and dainty fool you.
Like all wearable technology, smart rings are also susceptible to wear and tear. During my tests, those with matte black finishes, like the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Circular Ring Slim, showed significant signs of scratching after just a few days. More premium smartwatches, on the other hand, are designed with durability in mind.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Screens, apps and smartphone features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our pick of the best Apple Watch smartwatches. (Image credit: Future)
If you prefer a device with a screen, you’ll need to choose a smartwatch or a larger fitness tracker. Smart rings are designed to be more passive – though some models now include added features, like vibrating alarms. This makes smart rings an excellent choice if you’re trying to reduce your screen time but still want to monitor your health. Alternatively, you could consider a screenless wrist-based tracker, like the Whoop 4.0, which focuses purely on fitness tracking without digital distractions.
While the lack of a screen might be part of the smart ring appeal, consider whether you might miss this feature during activities like running, using apps or when you want to control music playback from your phone. For many, the desire to disconnect from screens is strong. But if you’re moving from a smartwatch or fitness tracker to a smart ring, it’s worth thinking about whether this will impact your lifestyle, especially if you’re keen on tracking specific activities from your wrist in real-time, like workouts.
On the other hand, smartwatches, especially those with LTE connectivity, offer a world of possibilities. They can function as standalone devices, capable of sending SOS alerts and making calls. Many also feature physical controls, built-in voice assistants, and apps, making them much more than just fitness trackers. Think of them as your comprehensive digital companions.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Sleep tracking, energy and wellbeing
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is a solid sleep tracker. (Image credit: Becca Caddy)
One significant advantage of smart rings is their accuracy in sleep tracking thanks to the data they collect, like heart rate, movement and even temperature. For those who find wrist-worn devices uncomfortable at night, a smart ring might also be a more suitable option. Generally, I’ve found the smart rings I’ve tested to be more comfortable for overnight wear, though it’s worth noting that a poorly fitting ring or flashing sensors can disrupt sleep.
Many top smart rings are primarily designed to monitor sleep and give you information about your energy levels and overall well-being rather than focusing primarily on fitness. This makes them an excellent choice for those prioritizing a holistic view of their health, although most high-end smartwatches and fitness trackers also track these metrics too.
Oura and Ultrahuman offer detailed feedback on your daily energy levels and readiness for exercise in their apps, as well as giving you information about the best time to eat, sleep and drink caffeine. This type of feedback isn’t unique – for example, Garmin offers similar suggestions about energy levels – but it does highlight how smart rings are differentiating their offerings from other devices.
It’s important to mention that while many smartwatches and fitness trackers, like the best Apple Watches, are just as effective at sleep tracking, they may require nightly charging, which can be really inconvenient. Just like smartwatches, battery life varies significantly among smart rings: for example, the latest Oura Ring Generation 3 lasts up to 7 days on a single charge, whereas the Circular Ring Slim needs recharging after just 2 days.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Fitness tracking, sensors and accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Garmin Fenix 6X are two of the best running watches. (Image credit: Future)
Many of the leading smart rings can track your movement, and they’re getting better at monitoring your workouts – especially when you add activities manually via their app. However, smartwatches and fitness trackers currently provide the best solution for detailed data on speed, heart rate, laps, and other specific metrics.
While some may claim that smart rings can perform all the functions of smartwatches and fitness trackers, they fall short in delivering comprehensive fitness data and (obviously) cannot display this information in real-time, because there’s no screen.
This is probably why some people combine their wearable gear, using a dedicated fitness tracker, like a top-tier running watch, for specialized activities while wearing a smart ring for continuous, everyday wear. Although mixing and matching wearables is an option, it may not be feasible for everyone, particularly those on a budget or those who prefer simplicity.
There’s a big debate about whether smart rings or smartwatches are more accurate. Some data suggests that a smart ring’s placement on your finger might yield more precise readings for heart rate and temperature, but this accuracy depends on several factors, including the quality of the sensors, the algorithms used for data interpretation, and, importantly, the fit of the device. For instance, one smart ring I’m currently reviewing fits like the others I’ve tested at first, but shifts around during the night, causing the sensors to lose contact with my skin.
Smart ring vs smartwatch: Price, subscriptions and risk
The Oura (3rd gen) is one of our top choices if you’re looking for a reliable sleep tracker. (Image credit: Future)
There are many different smartwatches available, from the eye-wateringly expensive Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799 / £799 / AU$1,399) to the incredibly affordable CMF Watch Pro from Nothing ($69 / £69 / AU$131). It’s a similar story with fitness trackers, from the high-end running watch, the Garmin Epix Pro ($899.99 / £829.99 / AU$$1,529) to the super budget Huawei Band 7 (£49.99 / AU$159).
In comparison, the best smart rings aren’t quite as pricey as the most high-end models, but are still a significant investment. For example, the Oura Gen 3 is $299 /£230 / AU$420 and the Ultrahuman Ring Air is $349 / £280 / about AU$537.
Some reviewers claim that smart rings are available on a budget, but in my experience, these affordable options compromise on quality. In contrast, budget fitness trackers might lack some of the same slick aesthetic appeal but often offer greater reliability. If cost is your primary concern, choose one of the best budget fitness trackers. Things are changing fast, but right now it’s hard to make a good smart ring on a budget, which has led to a surge in the market of low-quality, cheap smart rings.
What’s more, there’s been a significant buzz around smart rings. I’ve met people who were initially enthusiastic about owning a smart ring, only to find it uncomfortable, excessively scratched, or simply annoying to use. If you have a more generous budget and enjoy experimenting with the latest gadgets, these issues might not deter you. However, for those who are more cautious, it might not be the ideal time to invest in a smart ring.
It’s worth noting that certain leading smart rings, like the Oura, come with subscription plans. While some users might find these services and their benefits appealing – such as upgrades and integration with third-party apps – it’s essential to evaluate whether the ongoing expenses after the initial purchase are in your budget.
Finally, some smart rings seem rushed to market. Features aren’t ironed out, design flaws are evident, and the apps don’t read or work as well as they should. In comparison, more established devices, like smartwatches, tend to offer a more polished experience, benefiting from years of user feedback and iteration.
Smart ring vs smartwatch: which is the best?
The CMF Watch Pro from Nothing is our top pick of the best smartwatch on a budget at only $69 / £69 / AU$131. (Image credit: Luke Baker)
There’s no definitive answer as to whether smart rings or smartwatches are better. Each type of wearable caters to different preferences and needs, with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
A smart ring could be an excellent choice for those with a larger budget who are keen on trying the latest technology and don’t require detailed fitness tracking. Smart rings are also particularly effective for monitoring overall wellness and sleep; many of the best ones are very light and comfortable. However, as a category, smart rings are still in their infancy, and will improve with time.
If you value having apps at your fingertips, require detailed fitness metrics, or want a proven, reliable device, a smartwatch is the way to go. Alternatively, if apps are not a priority and cost is a concern, consider opting for one of the top fitness trackers.
While they may not have the aesthetic appeal of the newest smartwatches or the novelty of smart rings, they’re great at tracking fitness metrics accurately without any fuss.
CPU: Intel i9-12900HK Graphics: Intel Iris XE RAM: 32 GB DDR4Storage: M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 1 TB SSD (Up to 2TB) Rear Ports: Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports, 2xHDMI ports and 2xUSB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (1 DP only), 2xUSB-A 3.2 Gen 2 Front Ports: 1xUSB-C, 2xUSB-A, 3.5mm audio Connectivity: Wi-Fi6, BT5.2 Audio: 3.5mmCamera: n/a Size: 180 mm x 208 mm x 67 mm. OS installed: Windows 11 Home Accessories: 120W GAD power Supply, SATA Expansion cable
Minisforum has designed the NAB9 targeting power users as its base, those who need the robust capabilities of a CPU to power through office and creative tasks but without the extensive GPU power that gaming requires, thereby keeping heat generation down.
Equipped with an Intel i9-12900HK and Intel Iris XE graphics, along with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, this mini PC handles most office tasks, Photoshop jobs, and general 4K video editing software with relative ease. It is also well-equipped when it comes to connectivity, offering plenty of USB Type-C and Type-A ports, facilitating a range of accessories, although it’s worth noting that one of the USB Type-C ports on the back is for display use only.
With two HDMI and two USB Type-C ports on the back, the machine allows for connecting up to four monitors without issue. The connectivity options are well catered for, with the M.2 2230 Wi-Fi support card ensuring a powerful wireless connection beyond most other mini PCs. For those needing the reliability of a wired connection, there are two RJ45 2.5G LAN ports.
Like many of the best mini PCs we’ve tested, this machine, while powerful, is all about balance. Handling image and video files is perfectly possible, though it’s more suited for entry to mid-level work rather than professional tasks. However, the USB Type-C ports allow for storage expansion through external hard drives, and the data transfer rate for Premiere Pro and Photoshop is sufficient to keep up with workflow demands. The introduction of USB 4 would enhance data transfer and enable the use of eGPUs, but this would add considerably to the cost of this compact machine. Additionally, while 32GB of RAM is the baseline for video editing and is adequate in this system, it uses older DDR4 rather than the latest DDR5, but it handles video and image content well as long as video productions are simple and short.
Switching to gaming, most games run fine, with Portal 2 running smoothly. However, more recent games like Cyberpunk and Red Dead Redemption II require lower graphics quality—this is where USB 4 and DDR5 would have boosted performance, especially with the addition of an eGPU.
Considering the price, this mini PC has plenty to offer, and the i9 CPU, along with the RAM, storage, and generous cooling, ensures that the Minisforum NAB9 runs fast for extended periods. While it may not be the best choice for the latest games, it is a superb machine for everything else.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Price & availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Minisforum Venus NAB9 is widely available and can be purchased directly through the Minisforum website or Amazon.com. It is available in a variety of options; the 32GB, 1TB version reviewed here will set you back $509. Additionally, there is a barebones version available, allowing you to select your own SSD and RAM.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Design & build
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Minisforum Venus NAB9 sits in the mid-range when it comes to mini PC size, featuring a standard footprint and a slightly taller frame that accommodates the additional cooling required for the powerful Intel i9-12900HK CPU inside. The choice of case design helps keep the machine cool when working at full throttle, and the metal sides with vent slots and silver plastic top all contribute to giving this mini PC a slightly premium look and feel.
There are some nice touches to the design, such as the layout of the rear ports. The LAN ports take center stage, flanked by HDMI and USB ports on either side, USB Type-A on one side, and the power socket on the other. This arrangement makes it extremely easy to set up on a desk, with the ability to neatly arrange the cable layout into monitors, keyboards, mice, and accessories.
Likewise, the small selection of USB and audio ports on the front, along with the small power-on button, make plugging in headphones and other accessories convenient.
As the machine has a variety of configuration options, including barebones, it’s nice to see easy access to the inner workings. Accessing the SSD and RAM is simply a case of pushing down on the front of the top plate; it then clicks, releases, and can be removed. Inside, everything is clear and easy to access in case of a component swap-around or upgrade. One of the features that will appeal to anyone wanting to boost the standard 512GB or 1TB storage is that this machine can be upgraded to 2TB. If that’s still not enough, the lid of the machine is designed to hold a 2.5″ SSD with the screws and cables provided in the box, although the purchase of the SSD is separate. This means if you want to pop in an 8TB SSD, you can, and this connects through the SATA expansion cable. Likewise, the 32GB of RAM in the review machine can also be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB, which could be ideal if you are looking to use the machine for photo or video work.
As a compact business computer, the design is very neat and discreet, with the metal silver finish giving it an understated yet stylish look.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Features
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC is designed for business use, blending high performance with a sleek, compact form factor. If you wanted a portable business laptop alternative, this will adequately fulfil that role. At its core, the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor features a hybrid architecture with 14 cores and 20 threads, capable of speeds up to 5.0GHz. Combined with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, this setup provides ample processing power for office, multimedia, creative tasks, and moderate gaming needs.
Connectivity is a major feature of the NAB9, with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports enabling a variety of networking options such as ultra-secure firewalls and file storage servers. For convenience in wireless connectivity, the NAB9 includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 on a replaceable M.2 2230 card, which not only ensures a robust wireless connection but also future-proofs the unit to some extent for upgrades.
Monitor connection is another area where the NAB9 provides plenty of options. It supports up to four displays at 4K resolution and 60Hz, made possible by two HDMI and two USB-C ports.
Our review unit arrived pre-equipped with 32GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory (max 64GB) and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (max 2TB), both of which can be upgraded easily thanks to a user-friendly pop-up design of the top. There’s also the option to secure a larger capacity 2.5″ SATA drive into the lid to expand storage.
Cooling is critical and can often be an issue with the mini PC format; the NAB9 addresses this with an innovative cooling system that includes dual heat pipes, dual air vents, and a new active solid-state heat sink complemented by side cooling openings. Unlike some other mini PCs, the NAB9 does not include boosted graphics, so while it is powerful and capable of moderate gaming performance, the focus here is on the processing power for other uses.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks
Crystal Disk Read: 4805.93MB/s Crystal Disk Write: 3900.54MB/s GeekBench CPU Single: 10689 GeekBench CPU Multi: 2300 GeekBench Compute: 14636 PC Mark: 5872 CineBench CPU Multi: 12081 CineBench CPU Single: 1654 Fire Strike Overall: 5002 Fire Strike Graphics: 5350 Fire Strike Physics: 26384 Fire Strike Combined: 1851 Time Spy Overall: 1807 Time Spy Graphics: 1577 Time Spy CPU: 10625 Wild Life: 11983 Windows Experience: 8.3
The Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC’s performance is impressive, especially considering its compact size. This is primarily due to the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, which provides substantial processing power for a range of applications, from office productivity to creative media work. Minisforum has carefully considered the components used in this small machine, focusing on the essentials needed for a fast office machine rather than gaming. This does mean there is a compromise, with no DDR5 RAM, USB 4 ports, or higher-end graphics.
Starting with everyday tasks, the NAB9 handles Microsoft Office applications with ease, ensuring smooth operation across all Office apps without any noticeable slowdown. This performance is reflected in its PC Mark score of 5872, indicating strong general productivity capabilities with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
When it comes to creative software, the NAB9 manages processor-intensive tasks well, with Adobe Photoshop tasks like image manipulation and enhancement being handled efficiently. However, the absence of a dedicated GPU means it faces challenges with high-resolution graphic data in Adobe Bridge, a common compromise in mini PCs. Its performance in Adobe Premiere Pro is decent enough; editing 1080p footage is smooth, and even 4K footage remains manageable unless you push the machine to edit log3 quality footage, at which point it begins to falter.
This machine is ideal for businesses where some image and video enhancement is needed. Its power and cooling mean it can handle those demanding tasks with relative ease. It’s suited for footage captured on phones or using standard quality settings for images and stills before switching to RAW or Log formats.
For gaming, the NAB9’s limitations become apparent when dealing with graphically intensive titles like Red Dead Redemption II and Cyberpunk 2077 at native 4K resolution. While the device struggles at higher settings and resolutions, lowering the resolution to 1080p allows for a much better gaming experience, albeit at the cost of visual fidelity. This is corroborated by its 3D benchmark scores, with Fire Strike and Time Spy graphics scores of 5350 and 1577, respectively, indicating that while capable, it’s not intended for high-end gaming.
The device’s storage performance is fast, with Crystal Disk scores of 4805.93 MB/s read and 3900.54 MB/s write. This ensures that data transfer and loading times are exceptionally quick, which is beneficial for applications requiring frequent access to large files.
Benchmark scores in other areas further reflect the NAB9’s strengths and weaknesses. Its GeekBench scores show a strong single-core performance at 10689 but a lower multi-core score of 2300, suggesting it handles single-threaded tasks well but may lag in more intensive multi-threaded operations. Similarly, CineBench scores highlight good performance, especially in multi-core tests, which is crucial for tasks like video rendering and software compilation.
Overall, the Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 mini PC is a solid business-focused mini PC ideal for those whose work involves office applications, moderate use of the best video editing software and photo editors, and occasional gaming at adjusted settings. Its performance benchmarks in real-world applications highlight that the NAB9 balances compactness with capability, making it a great option for a variety of uses.
Should you buy the Minisforum Venus NAB9?
The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC excels as a business and creativity-focused system, powered by a robust Intel i9 processor and ample connectivity options. While it efficiently handles office tasks and moderates creative and video work, its gaming capabilities and the absence of the latest ports like USB 4.0 and DDR5 RAM might deter more tech-savvy users seeking cutting-edge specifications. Nevertheless, for professional environments and typical productivity tasks, it offers great value, ensuring high performance without the risk of overheating, thanks to its efficient design and cooling system.
The iPhone 16 Plus probably won’t be the most popular phone in the iPhone 16 line. In fact, based on past form it will likely be the least popular, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max probably set to take the top spot in sales, but this could still be an exciting handset.
Thanks to leaks and rumors we already have a good idea of what to expect from the iPhone 16 Plus, even though it probably won’t land until September. So below you’ll find everything we’ve heard so far, including the rumored release date, price, design, and specs.
We’re sure to hear plenty more rumors about this phone ahead of launch though, and we’ll be collecting them all here. As such, keep checking back if you want the most complete possible picture of the iPhone 16 Plus pre-launch.
Cut to the chase
What is it? The larger-screen alternative to the iPhone 16
When is it out? Probably September 2024
How much will it cost? Likely at least $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
iPhone 16 Plus: expected release date and price
The iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Likely to be announced in the first half of September
Should ship before the end of September
May cost around $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
Based on past form, the iPhone 16 Plus will almost certainly be announced during the first or second week of September – probably on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Pre-orders will likely open on the Friday, and the phone will probably ship on the following Friday, meaning that it will be in buyers’ hands before the end of September.
As for the price, the iPhone 16 Plus could cost a similar amount to the iPhone 15 Plus, which starts at $899 / £899 / AU$1,649. However, it could also cost slightly more, and there’s even a chance it will cost less.
We’ve also seen this design in leaked iPhone 16 prototype images, which you can see below. These show three designs that were apparently under consideration, of which the one in black is expected to launch, though all have vertical cameras.
The iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Reportedly a 12MP ultra-wide camera like last year
Probably the same 48MP main and 12MP selfie cameras too
Might be able to record spatial video
So far we haven’t head much about the iPhone 16 Plus’s cameras, but that’s probably because there might not be any real changes to them.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 16 Plus will have a 12MP ultra-wide camera, just like the iPhone 15 Plus does. They don’t mention the main snapper, but since that got an upgrade to 48MP last year, we wouldn’t expect further upgrades this year.
And nor do we expect any additional lenses, as leaks haven’t mentioned a third lens, and leaked imagery shows just two – so if you want a telephoto camera, you’ll probably have to pick one of the Pro models.
There’s no news on the iPhone 16 Plus’s front-facing camera either, but there’s a good chance it will be 12MP like last year, especially as even the iPhone 15 Pro Max only has a 12MP selfie camera.
There may be some upgrades to the camera software and functionality though, including the ability to shoot spatial video for use with an Apple Vision Pro. It’s speculated that the rumored move to a vertical lens arrangement is to allow for this.
iPhone 16 Plus: expected specs and features
The iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Rumored to have an A18 chipset
Could have 8GB of RAM
The battery might be smaller this year
There’s some uncertainty over what chipset the iPhone 16 Plus will have. The iPhone 15 Plus has the A16 Bionic, inherited from the previous year’s Pro models. So if Apple continues that pattern, then it would make sense for the iPhone 16 Plus to have an A17 Pro, which you’ll currently find in the iPhone 15 Pro line.
In which case, the iPhone 16 Plus could get a serious power upgrade over its predecessor – though it’s possible that there will be multiple versions of the A18. So, for example, the iPhone 16 Plus might get the standard A18, while the iPhone 16 Pro gets an A18 Pro. Either way though, this should be more powerful than the A17 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
This increase in RAM, storage, and power could in part be to help with AI, which Apple is expected to make a big play for this year, with major AI features likely to be announced as part of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 on June 10.
That said, the same sources say the other iPhone 16 models will have larger batteries than their predecessors; it would be odd if Apple would reduce just the Plus model’s.
A new study analyzing Google Play downloads of productivity tools has shown an overwhelming majority of mobile users turning to their smartphones to navigate their professional lives and schedule day-to-day tasks.
The report by SplitMetrics found the top apps in the business and productivity categories have amassed a staggering 4.7 billion and 55 billion downloads respectively. Microsoft’s LinkedIn leads the business category with a whopping 1.5 billion lifetime downloads, followed by video conferencing giants Zoom (1.1bn) and Microsoft Teams (426m), then OfficeSuite (195m) and Indeed (188m).
In the productivity category, it’s Google that leads the way. Google Drive has racked up an impressive 10 billion lifetime downloads, followed by Google Calendar (6bn), Microsoft OneDrive (4bn), Google Assistant (3bn) and Google Keep (2.7bn).
Productivity boosts all round
The study also reveals the apps that have delivered the most significant year-on-year growth. Lopay: Payments & POS achieved a 339% increase in the business section in 2023, followed by Etsy Seller (329%), JobSwipe (221%), Parcel Tracking – pkge Mobile (144%) and Shopify (83%).
PDF Reader – PDF Viewer experienced the biggest growth in productivity in 2023 with a 701% jump. It was followed by Notepad (457%), All Document Reader (431%), Google Tasks (29%) and Link to Windows (21%).
Thomas Kriebernegg, General Manager of SplitMetrics, said: “The data paints a clear picture. Tools that empower people to be productive and manage their work or businesses effectively are very popular. The rise of on-demand services, remote work, and mobile entrepreneurship is driving the demand for user-friendly, feature-rich business and productivity apps. While user acquisition costs may be higher in the business category, the high engagement and potential value users bring means there’s a significant market opportunity.”
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Another week, another Strands puzzle to try to solve. Today’s is of average difficulty… but the average here is hard compared to most word games, so you might want some help. I can provide that, in the form of some hints below, plus the answers and my commentary on today’s Strands.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Strands expert
Your Strands expert
Marc McLaren
NYT Strands today (game #64) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Signed, Sealed, Delivered
NYT Strands today (game #64) – hint #2 – clue words
What are some good clue words today?
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
• AGAIN
• DRAIN
• PACK
• PAIN
• SIZE
• GAZE
NYT Strands today (game #64) – hint #3 – spangram
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
• Open the box
NYT Strands today (game #64) – hint #4 – spangram position
Where does today’s spangram start and end?
• Start: right, 4th row
• End: left, 3rd row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #64) – the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today’s Strands, game #64, are…
LETTER
BILL
MAGAZINE
POSTCARD
INVITE
PACKAGE
SPANGRAM: SNAILMAIL
My rating: Moderate
My score: Perfect
Though this Strands puzzle is not incredibly hard, it does have a more difficult spangram than most. SNAILMAIL as a term is now relatively widely used, sure, but it still seems a lot more informal than we’ve come to expect from Strands.
Otherwise, it’s not too bad. I really struggled to find MAGAZINE – it just wasn’t something I thought of as an item that gets delivered in the mail – but POSTCARD, PACKAGE and LETTER were all pretty easy.
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Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Sunday 5 May, game #63)
GLOVES
RAKE
SHEARS
TRIMMER
TROWEL
SHOVEL
EDGER
SPANGRAM: YARDWORK
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s currently in Beta and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day.
It’s the start of a new week, but it’s the same old Quordle that’s now been going for 833 games. It’s the best and longest-running of the many Wordle clones, and I still play it every day. If you do too, you may not need my hints below; scroll to my commentary if so. But if you’re new to the game, or just find today’s Quordle to be particularly tough, read on for some help.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Quordle expert
Your Quordle expert
Marc McLaren
Quordle today (game #833) – hint #1 – Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #833) – hint #2 – repeated letters
Do any of today’s Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.
Quordle today (game #833) – hint #3 – uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today’s Quordle answers.
What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with?
• S
• G
• L
• R
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #833) – the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today’s Quordle, game #833, are…
A much easier Quordle today than yesterday – for me at least. I always say that, because the way you play may be very different from the way I do. But today, my three start words gave me the majority of the letters I needed, and made most of the quadrants easy to solve.
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Case in point: STAIN, for which I already had three green letters and two yellows. RELAY, where I had four yellows and one green, was not much harder. By the time I reached GENIE I already had the letters -ENIE – so no, that one did not challenge me too much. And that just left LEVEL, which I could hardly get wrong by that point.
The iFi GO Bar Kensei is another reminder that iFi knows precisely what’s what when it comes to headphone amps and DACs of all shapes, sizes and prices. More often than not, it’s among the leaders in any given market. And so it’s decided what the humble USB DAC/headphone amp needs is a bit of glamour to go along with performance. Hence, the GO Bar Kensei.
On paper and in the palm, it makes a lot of sense. The specification is extensive, the finish – all tactile Japanese stainless steel that catches the light – is unarguably upmarket. If you want to put an absolute rocket up the sound of your smartphone and enjoy ownership of a premium product as you do so, it would seem to be just the ticket.
And in practice, the GO Bar Kensei makes good on a lot of what it promises. It’s a deft, rhythmically adept and impressively spacious listen, able to retrieve a huge amount of detail and put it all into the proper context. It has plenty of dynamic headroom, and is able to apply its talents to any digital audio file no matter where you source it from.
It overplays its hand somewhat at the top of the frequency range, though – ‘brilliance’ is not always a positive when it comes to treble sounds, especially when there’s not the substance to balance it out. And there’s a periodic glitch in the way the GO Bar Kensei performs that sends an unpleasant burst of noise to your headphones at the start of a new file, too. Both of these things undermine the iFi somewhat when compared to the best portable DACs, and make it a fair bit less compelling than it otherwise would be.
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Released in March 2024
Priced at $499 / £449 / AU$769
The iFi GO Bar Kensei portable headphone amp/DAC is on sale now for $449 in the United States, £449 United Kingdom and in Australia, it will set you back AU$769 or thereabouts.
The world is not short of portable USB headphone amp/DACs, of course. What it is slightly shorter of is really quite expensive USB headphone amp/DACs, and shorter still of really quite expensive USB headphone amp/DACs that have gotten completely carried away with Japanese sword master analogies. So this iFi has quite a bit to prove…
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
32bit Cirrus Logic DAC
‘K2HD’ audio processing technology
Balanced and unbalanced outputs
The GO Bar Kensei is necessarily compact, but that hasn’t prevented iFi from cramming it with features.
On the inside, iFi has sourced components from companies as well-regarded as muRata, Panasonic, TDK and Tantalum. These all serve to facilitate a 32bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset that supports digital audio files of up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 resolution, with full MQA decoding on board too. The DAC uses a 16-core XMOS microcontroller to process the audio data received at the USB-C input.
And iFi has deployed technology derived from JVCKenwood too – ‘K2’ was originally developed to try and bring an ‘organic quality’ and ‘sound quality correction’ (JVCKenwood’s words, not mine) to digital recordings. iFi has breathed on it to the point that JVCKenwood asserts that it’s ‘the original ideal K2 sound’. Which is why, presumably, iFi has decided to refer to it as ‘K2HD’.
Further finessing of the sound is available via four digital filters and a couple of analogue processing modes, all of which will be familiar to anyone who’s paid any attention to iFi products released over the last few years. ‘Bit-perfect’, ‘GTO’ (which stands for Gibbs Transient Optimised, of course), ‘minimum phase’ and ‘standard’ are all, supposedly, able to make particular genres of music sound, well, more genre-ish. ‘XBass+’ intends to accentuate the lower frequencies, and ‘XSpace’ wants to expand the sound field.
No doubt you’ll investigate all of these options at your leisure. But no matter what your eventual preference(s), getting sound out of the GO Bar Kensei happens using either the 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced output at the opposite end of the device to the USB-C slot.
Features score: 5 / 5
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Rapid, detailed and spacious sound
Positive and dynamic attitude
Overplays its hand with treble sounds
The sound quality the GO Bar Kensei delivers is, I reckon, a game of two slightly lop-sided halves plus a bit of extra time. And everything I’m about to say applies no matter which of the many filter and/or processing options you deploy. It’s possible to fiddle around the edges of the iFi’s sound, but its fundamental character is always apparent.
The first of the halves centres on just how rapid, detailed, open and organised a performer the GO Bar Kensei is. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of David Bowie’s Low, a Dolby Atmos stream of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising or a 24bit/192kHz copy of Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – every time, the iFi extracts and contextualises a huge amount of both broad and fine detail. No occurrence is too felting or too far back in a mix to escape its attention – and as a result, the sensation that you’re getting a complete picture is always present.
It digs reasonably deep at the bottom of the frequency range, and controls the low end to the point that rhythmic expression is good and momentum is undeniable. The big, open and well-defined nature of its soundstage allows every element of a recording the space it needs to properly express itself, and it allows vocalists in the midrange to communicate explicitly. There’s real eloquence and directness to the way the GO Bar Kensei delivers a singer, a sensation of positivity that feeds into the overall idea of ‘performance’ and ‘unity’.
Dynamic expression is good too, whether it’s the shifts in volume and intensity that many recordings indulge in or the more subtle (but no less significant) harmonic variations in a solo voice or instrument. The iFi can be muscular when needs be, but it’s just as capable of being tender and delicate.
The second half concerns the way the GO Bar Kensei deals with the top of the frequency range. To put it bluntly, it’s altogether too confident where treble sounds are concerned – they’re overstated in every circumstance, and tonally they lack substance and body. The top end here is crashy and splashy, hard-edged and thin – and these unhappy traits are only compounded by increases in volume. If you pair the iFi with similarly treble-centric headphones then your teeth will constantly be on edge.
And there’s extra time, which has nothing to do with the way the GO Bar Kensei sounds but everything to do with the way it performs. On occasion, when one file ends and the next begins, the iFi will let loose a very short burst of utterly startling electrical noise, a sort of exclamation of white noise that is, of course, entirely unwelcome and obviously unintentional. It doesn’t happen every time, but it happens often enough. And it’s not as if it’s provoked by switching from one streaming service to another or anything like that – simply hitting ‘play’ on a playlist can goad it. As I say, this is by no means a constant – but in some ways, it’s even more upsetting because it doesn’t happen every time. It seems to happen (to me, anyway) more often when using iFi’s USB-C/Lightning connector attached to an iPhone than when using the USB-C/USB-C cable with a Samsung smartphone… but either way, I’m not a fan.
Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
65 x 22 x 13mm (HxWxD)
Japanese stainless steel
Very, very small user interface
At 65 x 22 x 13mm (HxWxD) the GO Bar Kensei is certainly pocket-sized, but at almost 66g it feels quite dense. The fact that it’s built almost entirely from Japanese stainless steel is probably to blame – but while it puts a little more strain on your pocket that most USB DACs, there’s no denying the iFi feels (and looks) like a premium product.
At one end of the stick there’s a USB-C slot, and at the other you’ll find the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. Along one side there are a few controls – a multi-function button that allows you to check out the various digital filters and analogue processing modes, a button each for ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ and the ‘IEMatch’ switch. This last has three positions: ‘off’, ‘3.5’ and ‘4.4’.
On the rear of the stick, etched into the steel surface and consequently only visible when a) very close, and b) in favourable light, are a strip of miniscule LEDs that let you know what’s what (if your eyesight is up to it) in terms of mode, file type and file size. And on the top surface, there’s a company logo and some Japanese characters reading ‘Kensei’ – which apparently translates as ‘sword saint’.
Design score: 4 / 5
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Usability and setup
(Image credit: Future)
Plug your source into the USB-C input…
Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm or 4.4mm output…
…and select your ‘IEMatch’ position
‘Setup’ is to overstate what’s required here. The GO Bar Kensei attaches to your source player via its USB-C slot (iFi provides short, good-quality USB-C/USB-C and USB-C/Lightning cables for this purpose) and to your headphones using either its 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced output.
Then you simply need to decide if you need to deploy the ‘IEMatch’ switch, and whether or not you enjoy the effect of the ‘XBass+’ and/or ‘XSpace’ settings – and that’s about everything. Audio equipment doesn’t get any more straightforward.
Usability and setup score: 5 / 5
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Value
Priced in line with rivals
Comparative to the cost of a digital audio player
(Image credit: Future)
It depends which way you look at it, really. The iFi GO Bar Kensei is among the more capable USB-sized headphone amp/DACs around – although it’s far from perfect – and is able to turn your smartphone into a far better source of music than it’s capable of being by itself.
But it costs the sort of money that can get you close to buying a very decent dedicated portable music player… but if you decide to spend the money on one of the best MP3 players instead, you have to take two phone-sized devices out with you… decisions, decisions…
Should I buy iFi GO Bar Kensei?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Packed with top components and next-gen K2HD tech.
5/5
Design
Built with premium Japanese steel to embody a ‘sword saint’.
4/5
Sound quality
Detailed and controlled audio that breaks away at the top end of the frequency range.
3.5/5
Usability and setup
A straightforward, simple setup that takes an instant.
5/5
Value
While it’s priced in line with rivals, the GO Bar Kensei does the cost the same as a digital audio player.
3.5/5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Also consider
How I tested the iFi GO Bar Kensei
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for a week
Used with iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23
Listened with Grado SR325x headphones
On and off, I spent maybe a week listening to the GO Bar Kensei. I used it with Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphones. I connected it to Sennheiser IE900 in-ear monitors via its 4.4mm balanced output and to a pair of Grado SR325x over-ears using its 3.5mm connection.
I used it while at home, on the street, and on the train. I mostly listened to music from TIDAL and Qobuz (because these streaming services are full of high-resolution content of MQA and 24bit/192kHz standard), and I checked out its various digital filters and analogue processing modes as I did so.
