Cine Jio Premium La plataforma lanzó silenciosamente el plan anual, un mes después de que el servicio de streaming propiedad de Viacom18 introdujera un plan de suscripción mensual que proporciona acceso a vídeos con una resolución de hasta 4K sin anuncios (excepto deportes y eventos en vivo). El costo del plan anual es más económico que los que ofrecen los servicios de la competencia, así como el plan premium original que ahora está descontinuado. Mientras tanto, la oferta de lanzamiento reduce en un 50 por ciento el precio de la suscripción anual recién lanzada.
El sábado, la plataforma de streaming confirmó la llegada del nuevo plan y Cine Geo El sitio web ahora ofrece un plan anual premium a Rs. 599. Como parte de la oferta introductoria, los clientes pueden aprovechar un descuento del 50 por ciento que reduce el precio de la suscripción a Rs. 299. Una vez finalizado el primer ciclo de facturación de 12 meses, la plataforma cobrará el importe total a los usuarios.
Según el sitio web de la compañía, el plan anual JioCinema Premium ofrece los mismos beneficios que el plan mensual (transmisión de video sin publicidad que incluye contenido premium) HBO, Paramount, Peacock, Warner Bros. – Resolución 4K, en un solo dispositivo. Los usuarios también pueden descargar y ver contenido en sus dispositivos para verlo sin conexión.
Vale la pena señalar que los tres planes de transmisión ofrecerán transmisión sin publicidad, pero continua. Premier League india (IPL) Los torneos de críquet, otros deportes y eventos en vivo seguirán incluyendo anuncios.
A su precio actual de Rs. 299, el plan Premium Anual ofrece una relación calidad-precio mucho mejor que el plan Premium Mensual, y este último se renueva por Rs. 59. El nuevo plan anual premium también es mucho más barato que la opción de suscripción anual anterior, que tenía un precio de Rs. 999, y se detuvo el mes pasado.
El mes pasado, JioCinema presentó la suscripción Premium Family a Rs. 149, con una oferta introductoria que reduce el precio de la suscripción a Rs. 89 durante el primer mes. No hay información sobre si la empresa planea ofrecer una versión anual del plan de suscripción Premium Family.
Incluso en Rs. 59, la suscripción mensual a JioCinema sigue siendo más barata que netflix, Estrella de Disney+Y Video Amazon Prime. El plan solo móvil de Netflix comienza en Rs. $149 por mes Tanto Disney+ Hotstar como Amazon Prime Video cobran a los clientes una tarifa de suscripción mensual de Rs. 299, mientras que el costo anual de ambos servicios de transmisión es de Rs. 1.499.
Los enlaces de afiliados pueden generarse automáticamente; consulte nuestro sitio web Declaración de ética Para detalles.
Diseñada en Japón, la computadora portátil Vaio SX12 es una máquina potente y liviana impulsada por una selección de 13.a generación. Corporación Intel Procesadores centrales.
Pero eso no es todo: tiene una pantalla HD de 12,5 pulgadas (1920 x 1080) y pesa (desde) 899 gramos, por lo que es liviano y portátil, y viene con una batería de 53 Wh que promete 10,5 horas de uso al reproducir clips de video. y hasta 29,5 horas en ralentí.
Está disponible en una variedad de colores, incluidos Urban Bronze, Soft White, Rose Gold, Soft Black, Soft Red y Bright Silver, y si estos no son lo suficientemente elegantes para ti, también hay una versión completamente negra que está a la altura. nombre Si bien tiene un cuerpo completamente negro, incluido el logotipo en la parte superior, las teclas e incluso el fondo de pantalla de Windows. Este modelo también ofrece un mayor rendimiento que la versión normal.
NanoSIM y eSIM
El Vaio SX12 funciona con (hasta) un procesador Intel Core i7-1360P, con hasta 32 GB de RAM LPDDR4X (integrada, por lo que no se puede ampliar) y hasta 2 TB de SSD de cuarta generación de alta velocidad. La edición completamente negra mejora las especificaciones y viene con un procesador i7-1370P más potente (exclusivo de esta edición).
La computadora portátil Vaio recientemente actualizada tiene una cámara HD y una selección de puertos, incluidos 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, USB tipo C y USB 3.1. También hay un puerto VGA, una adición incongruente que a menudo encontrarás en las computadoras portátiles japonesas.
Es compatible con Wi-Fi 6E y Bluetooth 5.1 y, para los profesionales que viajan mucho, tiene un truco que no encontrará en ningún otro lugar. Viene con una ranura nanSIM para WAN inalámbrica, pero también puedes optar por nanoSIM y eSIM. Con esta última opción, necesitarás tener un contrato eSIM con tu proveedor de servicios de antemano.
El Vaio SX12 comienza en 217,800 yenes en Japón ($1,400 USD), pero Vaio solo vende el SX14 más grande en los EE. UU., por lo que tendrás que probarlo. Amazonas O eBay si quieres comprar uno. Alternativamente, puede comunicarse directamente con Vaio con respecto al envío. exterior.
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Esta moderna aplicación de podcast se sincroniza con todo el ecosistema de Apple por menos de $40. Foto de : Cult Mac Deals
ciertamente, Aplicación Apple Podcasts Gratis. Pero también es un tipo básico. Si estás obsesionado con los podcasts, definitivamente disfrutarás de una aplicación alternativa a los podcasts como Player FM. Ofrece funciones avanzadas como personalización, organización y búsqueda personalizada. También puede comprimir automáticamente los episodios descargados para ahorrar espacio en sus dispositivos, sin comprometer la calidad del audio.
Player FM: tu nueva aplicación de podcast favorita
Con las funciones premium de Player FM, nunca te quedarás sin cosas para escuchar. La aplicación facilita la búsqueda y organización de podcasts. La función de ahorro de espacio significa que puede descargar más episodios de podcasts que nunca a su dispositivo para escucharlos sin conexión.
Funciones premium para verdaderos fanáticos de los podcasts
Estas son las características del plan iOS Premium, directamente desde el sitio web de Player FM:
Ahorro de espacio: Comprime automáticamente los episodios descargados y ahorra espacio.
Relájate y duerme: acceda a una lista seleccionada de sonidos relajantes.
Iconos de aplicaciones personalizados: personalice su pantalla de inicio con íconos únicos.
Compatible con iPad y Apple Watch: Experiencia de aplicación mejorada en todos los dispositivos.
Escucha sin publicidad: Concéntrese en sus archivos de audio sin interrupción.
Sincronizar múltiples dispositivos: sincroniza listas de reproducción y reproduce sin problemas en todos los dispositivos.
Organización avanzada: utilice listas de reproducción, marcadores y el editor de temas para una experiencia personalizada.
trae turbo: Reciba actualizaciones y notificaciones anticipadas.
búsqueda personal: encuentre fácilmente episodios en sus suscripciones y listas de reproducción.
Ahorre en esta aplicación de podcast altamente recomendada
La aplicación de podcasts Player FM mantiene actualmente una calificación de 4,7 sobre 5 en la App Store. Esto es después de más de 4.000 reseñas. “Ninguna otra aplicación de podcast tiene todas las funciones que quiero, y la tarifa premium vale la pena dado lo mucho que he usado la aplicación a lo largo de los años”, escribió un usuario.
The Razer Blade 14 (2024) continues to impress as a gaming powerhouse in a remarkably compact form.
It remains largely unchanged in design from its predecessor, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, considering it has long been my top pick for the best gaming laptop going, and this latest refresh makes a compelling case for keeping that title.
Starting with its design, the familiar all-black CNC-milled aluminum chassis is both eye-catching and sturdy, with a weight that reinforces its premium build without sacrificing portability.
Performance-wise, the Blade 14 is more formidable than ever, thanks to its updated AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and the choice between Nvidia RTX 4070 and 4060 GPUs. This setup handles everything from intense gaming sessions to demanding creative workloads with ease, supported by a cooling system that, while noisy, effectively manages heat even during extended use.
The display is another highlight, boasting a 2560×1600 resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate. It delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals, making it a delight for both gaming and multimedia consumption. However, it does fall short of some competitors when it comes to brightness and HDR support.
Keyboard and trackpad functionality are excellent, providing comfortable typing and precise control. Razer Synapse software remains a useful tool for tweaking performance settings and personalizing the RGB lighting to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, offering about 10 hours of light use and significantly less during gaming or high-performance tasks. Port selection is adequate, though the lack of an Ethernet port might irk some users.
Overall, the Razer Blade 14 (2024) is an excellent, if expensive, choice for those who need a powerful, portable laptop that can handle almost anything thrown its way.
Razer Blade 14 (2024): Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
How much is it? Starting at $2,199.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,999
When is it available? It is available now.
Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia
The Razer Blade 14 (2024) is available now globally, starting at $2,199.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,999 for the base model with an RTX 4060 GPU and 16GB RAM. You can opt for my review configuration, which gets you an RTX 4070 and 32GB of RAM for $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$5,199, and honestly, this is the configuration to get. You’re already spending north of two grand, so there’s no reason to settle for an RTX 4060.
Still, this pricing does put it on the higher end of the 14-inch gaming laptop market, particularly when compared to alternatives like the Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 or HP Omen Transcend 14, both of which start at a lower price point. There is also the Razer Blade 14 (2023), which is still available for a lower starting price on Razer’s website right now.
Given where 14-inch laptops are right now, this is easily one of the most, if not the most, expensive 14-inch laptop that isn’t called the MacBook Pro. So, if you’re really concerned about your budget, then the 2023 Blade 14 is likely a better bet since other than the processor and the extra RAM, there isn’t much difference between the two Blade 14 models.
Razer Blade 14 (2024): Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell – Column 0
Razer Blade 14 (2024) Base Config
Razer Blade 14 (2024) Review Config
Razer Blade 14 (2023)
Price
$2,199.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,999
$2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$5,199
$1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,887
CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPU
Nvidia RTX 4060
Nvidia RTX 4070
Nvidia RTX 4070
RAM
16GB DDR5
32GB DDR5
16GB DDR5
Storage
1TB PCIe SSD
1TB PCIe SSD
1TB PCIe SSD
Display
14-inch QHD+ 240Hz, 2560 x 1600p, up to 100% DCI-P3, Factory calibrated, Calman Verified
14-inch QHD+ 240Hz, 2560 x 1600p, up to 100% DCI-P3, Factory calibrated, Calman Verified
14-inch QHD+ 240Hz, 2560 x 1600p, up to 100% DCI-P3, Factory calibrated
Ports
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A , 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports with Power Delivery and Display Port 1.4, Charging supported with 20V USB-C chargers with PD 3.0 (100W), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Power port, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A , 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports with Power Delivery and Display Port 1.4, Charging supported with 20V USB-C chargers with PD 3.0 (100W), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Power port, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A , 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports with Power Delivery and Display Port 1.4, Charging supported with 20V USB-C chargers with PD 3.0 (100W), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Power port, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack
Battery
68.1 WHr
68.1 WHr
68.1 WHr
Dimensions
12.23 x 8.97 x 0.70 ins | 310.7 x 228 x 17.99mm
12.23 x 8.97 x 0.70 ins | 310.7 x 228 x 17.99mm
12.23 x 8.97 x 0.70 ins | 310.7 x 228 x 17.99mm
Weight
4.05 lbs | 1.84kg
4.05 lbs | 1.84kg
4.05 lbs | 1.84kg
Razer Blade 14 (2024): Design
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Gorgeous finish and solid build
Mercury silver colorway is stunning
Mercury silver colorway costs substantially more
Razer’s commitment to premium materials and build quality continues with the Blade 14.
Its chassis, crafted from a single block of aluminum, offers a sleek, durable feel with a weight that is reassuring yet portable. The design mimics the minimalist, professional aesthetic of modern ultrabooks, which might deceive some into underestimating its gaming capabilities.
The display, a speedy 240Hz QHD+ IPS panel, sports up to 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with Calman verification for vivid, fluid-looking visuals, while the 3ms response time will make sure that the display is about as responsive as you’ll find without going for mini LED or OLED panels.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The body of the Blade 14 is very reminiscent of the MacBook Pro 14-inch, though turning the laptop over, you’ll find two intake fans to help keep the components cool. Of course, fans produce noise, and under load, this laptop can get rather loud. You do have some control over this though through Razer’s Synapse software.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Razer’s THX audio is another standout feature of the laptop, thanks to its top firing speakers, but this does cut back on what keyboard space is available for everything else, and on a 14-inch laptop, typing space is at a premium.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Typing on the Blade 14 is still a pleasure, and the keys are adequately spaced and have a great feel to them, even after typing for several hours.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Finally, there are a good number of ports, including two USB-A and two USB-C ports, the latter of which allow for power delivery and features DisplayPort output for a second screen.
Razer Blade 14 (2024): Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Best-in-class performance for a 14-inch laptop
RTX 4070 GPU is powerful enough to handle just about any game
For the price, there are more powerful gaming laptops out there
While the aesthetic appeal of the Razer Blade 14 is undeniable, at the end of the day, this is a gaming laptop, and so you’re going to want it to perform at the highest level possible, especially considering the investment you’re making in this device.
Fortunately, the Blade 14 delivers outstanding performance thanks to its Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and RTX 4070 GPU, leveraging both to get the most frames per second of any 14-inch laptop we’ve tested this year so far.
Despite its size, the laptop’s cooling system manages heat relatively well, although it can get quite loud under load. The high-performance components do not throttle significantly, which is impressive given the limited space for air circulation and the fact that the GPU can be pushed to 140W, making this the most powerful RTX 4070 laptop you’re going to find right now (something backed up by my testing data).
In the end, you’re going to want this laptop to game at its best and possibly transition into a mobile workstation for high-end design work or content creation on a regular basis. It will certainly be able to swing that with ease, especially if you opt for the Mercury colorway, which gives the Blade 14 something of a distinguished look about it that won’t be out of place in meetings.
Razer Blade 14 (2024): Battery life
Decent enough battery life with light-use
The 140W GPU drains the battery quick
Relatively fast charging
Battery performance is solid, with Razer promising up to 10 hours of power life — under the right settings, of course. However, like most gaming laptops, intense gaming sessions will drain the battery very quickly, though the laptop does supports fast charging that’ll get you up to 80% in an hour.
Unfortunately, it does seem to get less battery life than its predecessor, and it’s battery performance is the only metric where this average falls below the 14-inch class average in our tests.
That said, the power brick is portable enough, and the Blade 14 itself is more than capable of hopping from power outlet to power outlet if needed thanks to its slender build and lightweight construction.
Finally, this is a gaming laptop, after all, so if you’re hoping for all-day battery life, there isn’t a gaming laptop out there that will give it to you, so it’s hard to knock off too many points here.
Should you buy the Razer Blade 14 (2024)?
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Razer Blade 14 (2024) Scorecard
Value
While not the most expensive gaming laptop out there, the Blade 14 (2024) has been and is a premium device.
★★★☆☆
Design
The design, though not really different from last year’s model, is still unmatched in a gaming laptop.
★★★★★
Performance
There are more powerful laptops, but only the Blade 14 can give you this kind of performance in such a portable package.
★★★★★
Battery Life
Given that the Blade 14 (2024) is a gaming laptop, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of battery life, but it’s slightly down from last year’s model.
★★★☆☆
Total
The Razer Blade 14 (2024) easily the best gaming laptop I’ve reviewed so far this year, and it’s very likely to hold onto that title for a long while yet.
★★★★☆
Buy the Razer Blade 14 (2024) if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider
If my Razer Blade 14 (2024) review has you considering other options, here is another laptop to consider:
How I tested the Razer Blade 14 (2024)
I spent the better part of three weeks with the Razer Blade 14 (2024), using it as my everyday laptop for work, content creation, and gaming in the evenings.
In addition to its real world use, I also ran our standard battery of benchmarks on the device, including synthetic, creative, gaming, and battery benchmarks.
I’ve been reviewing gaming laptops for nearly half a decade, and have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. I am also a lifelong gamer, so I’m better positioned to judge the merits and value of this laptop than many in the industry.
With users across the world accessing Chrome on their mobile and workplace devices, and across different software versions and platforms, the company says Chrome Enterprise Premium provides a number of tools to make sure this access remains secure at every level.
Chrome Enterprise Premium
“Browsers are more than just a portal to the Internet: They are the new endpoint where almost every high-value activity and interaction in the enterprise takes place,” Parisa Tabriz, VP, Chrome, Google, noted in a blog post.
“Authentication, access, communication and collaboration, administration, and even coding are all browser-based activities in the modern enterprise.”
The company says its launch builds on the initial suite of services offered in Chrome Enterprise, which provides a number of management tools for IT and security teams.
However there will also be a few new additions, including extended enterprise controls allowing companies to enforce policies, manage software updates and extensions to align with their in-house rules. Boosted threat and data protection will allow for stronger data loss prevention and anti-malware toools, with AI-boosted anti-phishing also on offer.
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The platform, which can integrate with other Google and third-party security solutions, will also allow for greater insights and reporting when it comes to security, including event reporting, device reporting, and forensic capabilities for enterprise-wide visibility.
There will also be support for scaling context-aware access controls for web applications, allowing for continuous zero trust access to SaaS and web-based apps.
Once dubbed the ‘Tesla of hair dryers’, the Zuvi Halo has gained a cult following across social media, as well as winning multiple accolades from industry experts – including being named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions.
Instead of relying on hot air to dry hair, the Zuvi Halo uses a combination of targeted air flow with ‘safe infrared light energy’ to dry the water on the hair’s surface. Said to have been inspired by the way the sun evaporates rainwater, it promises to boost hair hydration by 109%, shine by more than a third, and hair strength by 9%.
The Halo offers five drying modes – Care, Fast, Soft, Style and Cool – and, depending on the mode you select, each adjusts the air speed and the intensity of the infrared light to suit different needs. For example, Fast prioritizes speed, while Care prioritizes hair health. Soft is best for people with sensitive scalps; the Style mode is designed to be used with Halo attachments, and Cool helps to set your style.
(Image credit: Future)
You can’t manually adjust the heat or speed settings to suit your specific hair, and this limits the level of control you have. However, there are three attachments available for the Halo: a Styling Concentrator, a Diffuser and a Gentle Air attachment, which add a degree of control and versatility.
Making a decision over which mode to choose can be confusing; the Halo isn’t as intuitive or easy to use as the majority of hair dryers. I always opted for the Fast mode because, for me, saving time is a priority. I found that my hair was frizzier and more unwieldy having used the Soft mode, and Care mode didn’t dry as quickly as I’d like. Yet all of the modes were noticeably faster at drying my hair than with my regular Revlon One Plus, and my GHD Helios.
The plus side is that this cuts down on styling time, especially in the morning. The down side is that I seemingly had to sacrifice shine in order to benefit from the speed. I often had to resort to using straighteners to calm the frizz and flyaways. Aside from adding time to my routine, this counteracted the stated hair health benefits of using the Halo. The finish was also in stark contrast to the brand’s claims.
(Image credit: Future)
That’s not to say I wouldn’t recommend the Zuvi Halo hair dryer. After three weeks of use, my hair health was noticeably improved. Once I’d become more familiar with the outcomes of the various modes, I valued the fact that I didn’t have to mess around with different heat and speed settings. Plus, there’s something novel and futuristic about the Halo dryer that sets it apart from the crowd, in a good way. In the many years I’ve been testing the best hair dryers, it’s rare for a product to surprise me in the way the Halo did.
It’s just a shame that all of this next-level technology pushes the price of the Halo beyond the reach of so many, in addition to the fact that, for the price, the Halo isn’t perfect.
Zuvi Halo hair dryer review: price & availability
$349 / £329 for Halo + 3 attachments
$329 / £309 for Halo + 2 attachments
The Zuvi Halo is available in two bundles. You can buy the Zuvi Halo hair dryer plus all three attachments – the Diffuser, Styling Concentrator and the Gentle Air attachment – for $349 / £329. Alternatively, if you don’t need the Diffuser, you can buy a smaller, two-nozzle bundle for $329 / £309. It’s not possible to buy the hair dryer on its own.
Price-wise, the top-end Zuvi Halo bundle puts it on a par with the Dyson Supersonic. However, the Dyson ends up being better value for money because it ships with five attachments by default. This includes versions of the three attachments sold with the Zuvi Halo – Diffuser, Styling Concentrator, and Gentle Air attachment – plus a Wide-tooth Comb and Flyaway attachment.
The Halo is available in the UK, US, Canada and across Europe, and is sold directly from the Zuvi Life website. You can also buy it from Target in the US, and QVC in the UK.
Zuvi Halo hair dryer review: design
Four preset modes + Cool shot
Faux leather handle feels premium
Bulky attachments
If the price doesn’t draw comparisons with the Dyson Supersonic, then design of the Zuvi Halo will – certainly at first glance. The Halo has a short, circular barrel and long handle. It measures 9.9 x 3.3 x 3.8 inches (254 x 84 x 98mm) and weighs 1.2lbs / 546g without any nozzles attached.
(Image credit: Future)
At the front of the barrel is an air outlet surrounded by a circular pane of glass, behind which sit the infrared LEDs. At the rear of the barrel is the filter inlet, which is positioned above the four main mode icons. These modes are:
Care: Balances speed with optimizing your hair health
Fast: Prioritizes speed
Soft: Reduces airflow and uses less light, for people with sensitive scalps
Style: For use only with the attachments – airflow plus direction and intensity of light adjusts according to the nozzle attached
Cool: Sets the style and adds shine
The Mode selection button and the Power switch sit further down the handle. Select a mode, and you’ll see a small white LED light up below the corresponding button to show you it’s currently selected.
As well as enabling you to toggle through the main modes, the Mode selection button also doubles up as Cool shot button on pressing and holding it. At the end of the handle is a 2.7m cord.
(Image credit: Future)
Unlike the majority of plastic dryers and stylers, the Halo is made largely from metal, with faux leather on the handle. This gives the hair dryer an extremely premium feel while also making it easy to grip. The white colorway and iridescent nature of the infrared lights also make the Zuvi Halo one of the most stylish hair dryers I’ve used.
Zuvi Halo hair dryer review: performance
Fast drying times
Difficult to determine the best mode
Mixed styling results
To test the Zuvi Halo, I trialled each mode in turn repeatedly for a month, taking note of the time it took the hair dryer to dry hair, the resulting smoothness and shine, and how hair felt overall after use.
Not surprisingly, the quickest mode was Fast mode – although it wasn’t as speedy as I’d hoped. On this mode it took the hair dryer 5 minutes 50 seconds to take my long, thin, naturally wavy from wet to dry. And while my hair felt more voluminous than normal when drying with a hair dryer (as opposed to a hot brush), it felt rough and looked frizzy. In fact, my hair looks less frizzy when I let it dry naturally. A quick look at some online reviews has found that I’m in the minority in this regard; but since it was a common occurrence throughout my review period, rather than a one off, it could just be that this particular hair dryer just doesn’t suit my hair.
(Image credit: Future)
Next up was Care mode. This produced a much better finish than Fast mode; my hair was smoother without losing volume, but it took almost 45 seconds longer to get my hair from wet to dry.
Soft mode lived up to its name, leaving my hair feeling soft and healthy; but again, frizz and flyaways were an issue, not to mention it took around 8 minutes to complete styling.
(Image credit: Future)
The Zuvi Halo’s best results were in Style mode with the Styling Concentrator attached. It took slightly longer than Fast mode to style my hair – 6 minutes, on average – but the extra time paid off because my hair was left feeling both softer and smoother. The Diffuser worked well at setting my curls without leaving them looking frizzy. I didn’t quite see the need for the Gentle Air attachment, though, considering the Soft mode adequately reduces both speed and temperature; it worked well, but seems unnecessary.
(Image credit: Future)
Although the Zuvi Halo hair dryer looks bulky, especially with the nozzles attached, it’s surprisingly lightweight. In addition, the shorter barrel makes it easy to move around the head; even taking account of the longer drying times across the board, my arms never ached in use.
In terms of noise, the Zuvi Halo is one of the quietest hair dryers I’ve tried, even on Fast mode. The highest decibels it recorded throughout my review period was 78 decibels on Fast mode. I could easily hear my music, and have a conversation with my son while drying my hair, which is rare.
Google wants to push its Chromebook laptops a little upmarket and to do that it’s pairing up with several big brands. The latest member of this initiative is the new Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, an Intel-powered 14-inch model.
Google is calling this new class of devices “Chromebook Plus” and it’s a little like Intel’s Evo standard. The idea is to dictate some minimum standards of performance and features to ensure a certain level of user experience. That applies to both hardware and software.
On the hardware side, that means at least an Intel Core i3 chip or an AMD Ryzen processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 1080p screen. This Asus laptop meets all that with its Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, 8GB of DDR5 memory, 256GB of UFS storage, and a 14-inch 1080p screen.
As for software, Google builds its Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps into the OS, so they all work without needing an internet connection. Meanwhile syncing both to and from Google Drive works seamlessly. Google has also built in some extra features, including webcam enhancements like background blurring and noise cancellation that work at the OS level – and will therefore work natively with any video calling platform.
(Image credit: Future)
You can, of course, run most Android apps from the Google Play Store too, though the lack of a touchscreen can be problematic for apps designed to run on smartphones. More broadly, Google is making a few AI-related claims about these Chromebook Plus machines. But the hardware is nothing special in that regard, so that’s a bit of a stretch.
Anyway, as a physical specimen, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34’s all-plastic chassis feels mostly sturdy barring a slightly bouncy keyboard bed. The styling is pretty bland and the screen bezels are hardly minimalist. It’s not exactly ultra-thin or ultra-sleek, either, and there isn’t much about the design that communicates the intended upmarket vibe.
Overall performance is reasonable from the Intel chip. But this remains an entry-level device in performance terms and we can’t help thinking that Chromebooks are better suited to more efficient and cheaper ARM-powered CPUs.
It’s worth noting that only the highest spec model comes with a proper M.2 SSDs. Our test system was specified with generic flash storage. And of course, the usual ChromeOS limitations that apply to all the best Chromebooks remain for those who want to run Windows applications. All of which makes this a worthy enough device that offers reasonable value. But it’s not cheap enough to be truly compelling.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $394.99 / £429 (about AU$610)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK but not yet listed in Australia
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 looks like good value compared with similarly-specced Windows laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. It meets the Chromebook Plus required specifications at a pretty appealing price – but the lack of touchscreen functionality is conspicuous compared to some alternatives, like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714.
Notionally, you’re getting better performance than most similarly priced Chromebooks. But in practice, it’s debatable how much CPU grunt matters on a device like this, and a Chromebook with a lesser CPU but a touchscreen and sleeker design like Asus’s own Chromebook Flip series will arguably be preferable for many users.
(Image credit: Future)
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Specs
While this is the only configuration currently available at the time of writing, Asus will be offering several other CPU, SSD, memory, and screen options. You will be able to upgrade to 10-core Intel Core i5 and i7 chips, a touchscreen, and up to 512GB of storage. However, the most significant option is arguably 16GB of RAM. That will come in handy for anyone who likes to open lots of browser tabs or indulge in heavy multitasking.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll need that 512GB storage upgrade to get a proper M.2 SSD. The 128GB and 256GB options make do with generic UFS flash drives with much lower bandwidth. Of course, any of these upgrades will add to the price and arguably detract from the appeal of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, which majors on price.
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Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Price:
$394.99 / £429 (about AU$610)
CPU:
Intel Core i3-1215U
Graphics:
Integrated Intel Iris Graphics
RAM:
8GB DDR5
Screen:
14-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 250 nits, 45% NTSC
Storage:
256GB UFS
Ports:
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C support display / power delivery, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Wireless:
Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Camera:
1080p
Weight:
1.44 kg (3.17 lbs)
Dimensions:
32.6 x 21.4 x 1.87 cm (12.9″ x 8.4″ x 0.74″)
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Design
Slightly generic design
Sturdy build quality
Good connectivity
The whole point of Google’s Chromebook Plus standard is to deliver a new class of devices that can compete directly with full-feature Windows laptops. It’s a premium alternative to cheaper Chromebooks.
However, in design terms, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has a pretty bland and basic aesthetic. The plastic chassis is sturdy enough, though the keyboard bed is a little bouncy. But the relatively large screen bezels and slightly boxy chassis don’t make for a terribly slick or contemporary vibe. That design also means that this 14-inch laptop isn’t especially compact, though at 1.44 kg (3.17 lbs) it is reasonably light for a 14-incher.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Still, with two USB-C ports, two USB-A sockets, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio, connectivity is reasonable. More of a highlight is the integrated 1080p webcam. It’s a definite step above most laptop webcams, even on much more expensive machines. It also has a physical shutter for guaranteed privacy.
That said, the webcam doesn’t support facial recognition and there’s also no fingerprint reader, so security is password-based. It’s worth noting that this is a conventional laptop with no touchscreen functionality as reviewed, nor a 360-degree hinge. We’re back to that basic vibe, again.
The trackpad is reasonably proportioned and there’s nothing conspicuously wrong with the overall design. But the vibe is slightly dated and dreary. All of this means it’s hard to get excited about the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 just based on its looks. If worthy and workmanlike is your thing, this Asus delivers. But if you’re expecting Google’s new Chromebook Plus platform to automatically translate into something slick and premium, you’ll be disappointed.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Performance
Intel CPU gets the job done
Screen and webcam are both decent
Google’s AI pretensions are just that
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Benchmarks
Here’s how the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Geekbench 5: 1,458 (single-core), 4,507 (multi-core) Mozilla Kraken (fewer is better): 476ms JetStream 2 (higher is better): 242 Octane 2.0: 83,372 WebGL Acquarium 30,000 fish: 45fps TechRadar battery life test: 10h 21m
Thanks to a proper Intel Core CPU, albeit the fairly lowly Intel Core i3-1215U with two Performance cores and four Efficient, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has the basic performance to take on full-feature Windows laptops. The question is whether it matters.
Google is promoting the offline capabilities of these Chromebook Plus devices, promising double the performance of typical low-cost Chromebooks. Google even makes a pitch for these devices as content creation machines, including video editing.
But that’s pretty unrealistic, as is the AI narrative Google is attaching to these Chromebook Plus laptops. The Intel CPU is decent, to be sure, but it doesn’t have any particular AI capabilities since it lacks a dedicated NPU. So, any remotely significant AI work will be done in the cloud.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s also worth noting that if you’re the sort of web browser that likes to have a zillion tabs open, this 8GB model won’t cut it and you should opt for the 16GB upgrade which should be available soon. As I noted earlier, you’ll need to upgrade to 512GB of storage for a proper M.2 SSD as opposed to the generic UFS flash storage in this model.
But short of running out of RAM, general system responsiveness is good. Realistically, most people will use a laptop like this for web browsing and web apps, plus some content consumption. And they’ll find it’s well up to the task.
As for the 14-inch display, it offers decent working space thanks to 1080p native resolution. Brightness is decent at 250 nits, and the colors are reasonably vibrant. But compared to, say, a typical tablet, it’s nothing special for image quality or pixel density. The integrated speakers, meanwhile, are pretty terrible. The volume levels are OK, but the sound quality is horribly thin.
That said, one of the better hardware features is the 1080p webcam. It has much better image quality than most laptops, even far more expensive machines. It also benefits from operating-system level processing, including background blur and noise cancellation, which can be applied to any video calling or conferencing application.
Overall, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has the basic grunt to take on lower-cost Windows laptops thanks to its Intel CPU. But given that Chrome OS will run just as happily on a cheaper and more efficient ARM CPU, it’s hard to see the logic in paying the Intel premium.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Medium-sized battery
But decent light-usage battery life
At 50Whrs, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 doesn’t have the biggest battery. Nor do Intel CPUs have the best reputation when it comes to operating away from a wall outlet. But perhaps thanks to the efficiency and minimal bloat of the Chrome OS operating system, battery life in light usage is decent, with over 10 hours of movie playback possible.
You’ll get a lot less than that if you put any real amount of load on that Intel CPU, so bear that in mind if you’re planning to run demanding software. But given the modest price point, the battery life is in line with expectations.
Should you buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?
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Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Asus has hit Google’s Chromebook Plus spec at a very reasonable price, even if the device itself doesn’t feel upmarket.
4 / 5
Design
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is well built and has a good webcam, but the design it a bit boxy and dated.
3 / 5
Performance
An entry-level Intel CPU provides all the performance required for this type of device, but an ARM chip might have made more sense.
3.5 / 5
Battery life
Despite the modestly proportioned battery and an Intel CPU, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34’s battery life can hit 10 hours.
4 / 5
Total Average
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a worthy and well priced but unexciting take on Google’s new Chromebook Plus standard.
3.625 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Also consider
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Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Price:
$394.99 / £429 (about AU$610)
$650 (around £530 / AU$955)
$699 / £599 (about AU$980)
CPU:
Intel Core i3-1215U
Intel Core i5-1240P
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Graphics:
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM:
8GB DDR5
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
Screen:
14.0-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), 250 nits, 45% NTSC
16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 120 Hz
13.5-inch, 2256 x 1504p (3:2) LCD Touchscreen
Storage:
256GB UFS
512GB SSD
256GB PCIe SSD
Ports:
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
2 x Type- C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x combo jack, 1 x HDMI 2.0
2 x USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x microSD
Wireless:
Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Wireless Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.2
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Camera:
1080p
720p
720p
Weight:
3.17 lbs (1.44 kg)
3.75 lbs (1.70kg)
3.20 lbs (1.45kg)
Dimensions:
32.64 x 21.43 x 1.87 cm (12.85″ x 8.44″ x 0.74″)
14 x 9.8 x 0.84 inches (355.6 x 248.9 x 21.3mm)
11.8 x 9.3 x 0.67 inches (299.72 x 236.22 x 17.01mm)
If our Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider…
How I tested the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Used for a week in place of my usual laptop
Office work, general web use, Android apps, media playback
Ran the Techradar benchmark suite
I spent a week with the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 giving it full reign over my Google account and running all my usual apps from web browsing to photo editing. Of course, there was a spot of YouTubing and Netflixing, too, plus our suite of more formal benchmarks. I also tested the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34’s battery life for both general usage and light content consumption off the mains.
Along with assessing objective performance, the aim was to get a feel for how this Chromebook stands up as an all-round replacement for a conventional Windows laptop. Just how does Google’s Chromebook Plus standard stack up?
The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds give a fantastic first impression. The eye-catching RGB-on-black aesthetic of both the earbuds and the charging case lend them a premium feel. That goes for overall audio quality, too, where there’s an impressive level of detail that you won’t often find even among the best gaming earbuds. As such, we can highly recommend them as a strong alternative to the likes of the Sony Inzone Buds or the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed.
That said, there are some missteps in terms of both design and performance. Despite coming with rubber tips of varying sizes, there’s a lack of comfort that makes the Speednova buds not best suited for longer sessions of play. They’re also not particularly great for multiplayer, with middling directional audio and some rather tinny voice quality. These could admittedly be dealbreakers when considering the earbuds cost $199.99 (and they’re yet to launch in territories beyond the US).
However, if you typically stick to single-player games or just want a rich music-listening experience, you’ll find that the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds seriously excel in these areas.
Design and features
(Image credit: Future)
The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds come packaged in a smart little box that offers all the essentials. You’ve of course got the earbuds housed in their charging case, alongside three different pairs of tips of varying sizes, a USB 2.4GHz dongle, and a USB-C cable for charging.
The charging case itself might just be my favorite among the more premium earbud offerings. The outer shell only bears the ROG logo and a light strip to indicate charging. Opening it up reveals another ROG logo, this time illuminated by some lovely RGB lighting. The buds themselves also share this RGB logo effect, and they, along with the case, are built from sturdy, high-quality plastic.
Unfortunately, the buds don’t feel particularly great in the ears after a long period of time. I tested each of the three tip sizes (small, medium, and large) over extended sessions and there wasn’t much of an improvement to overall comfort. Your mileage may vary here, of course, but I did have to take them out after one to two hours of use and swap back to my wireless gaming headset instead.
There’s quite a lot of touch-based functionality to the earbuds, too. A single tap of either bud will either play or pause audio – but doing this during a call will mute your microphone. Other functions include double-tapping to toggle active noise canceling (ANC) or a quadruple press to adjust volume. There’s a lot here, but it’s all thankfully very responsive.
Performance and battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Unfortunately, the buds’ level of comfort – or lack thereof – is a real shame, because the audio quality presented by the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds is exceptional. The high-quality soundscape is bolstered by the use of Dirac Opteo technology which provides enhanced sound that’s able to really hone in on those finer details. This allows for overall much richer, detailed audio seldom heard in other gaming earbuds.
This was especially clear in busy single-player games like Rise of the Ronin. Here, the buds brought the bustling, winding streets of Yokohama and its various districts to life by enhancing background NPC chatter and ambient sounds, all without drowning out the wider soundscape. The in-depth sound of Tetris Effect: Connectedwas another highlight here, and I was super impressed with just how well the earbuds were able to catch even the subtlest details of the game’s remarkably layered soundtrack. In short, the Speednova earbuds allowed for an impressively immersive experience.
However, it is worth noting that the heightened audio quality provided by Dirac Opteo is only available via 2.4GHz connection. Over Bluetooth, while audio is still serviceable, noticeably flatter overall. The trade-off here, then, as you might expect, is that Bluetooth connectivity is much easier on the Speednova’s battery life. According to Asus, you’ll get up to 46 hours from the charging case via Bluetooth 5.3 here, and that’s with active noise canceling and RGB effects switched off.
You can expect this number to be roughly halved with these effects enabled, as per the description on the Speednova’s product page. And in my experience, I found this to be largely true if a bit on the generous side. On average, the earbuds themselves carry anywhere between 6-12 hours of charge based on the combinations of features enabled. Though, mostly opting for a 2.4GHz connection, I found a single charge to carry around 4-5 hours with RGB disabled and ANC switched on.
Unfortunately, the buds fall short of being absolutely perfect due to lackluster multiplayer performance. Directional audio isn’t the best here, and certainly not up to the level of some of the best PS5 headsets which are better able to hone in more accurately on footsteps and distant vehicles, for example. The built-in microphone is also lacking, rendering my voice with a pretty tinny register with an overall lower quality than some much cheaper buds on the market like the SteelSeries Tusq.
Should I buy the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds?
(Image credit: Future)
Despite some issues with comfort and call quality, the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds are among the most impressive when it comes to sheer audio quality, largely helped by the fantastic Dirac Opteo technology. If you’re after something for immersive single-player experiences or are something of an audiophile, these buds come highly recommended.
Buy them if…
Don’t buy them if…
How we tested the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds
I tested these earbuds for nearly two weeks across many of the best PS5 games, as well as titles on PC and Nintendo Switch. To put the earbuds through their paces, I largely elected to test them with all features enabled, including Dirac Opteo audio via 2.4GHz connection and active noise canceling.
The buds shone in single-player titles, and I found it very hard to pull myself away from titles like Rise of the Ronin, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomas a result. While I did find the battery life to be rather inconsistent based on the number of features enabled, I eventually chose to disable the RGB effect to squeeze a couple more hours of use out of them before needing to charge them up again.
After unveiling a range of XPS laptops at CES, Dell introduced ten new Latitude laptops at MWC 2024, including a new 7350 variant. Weighing from just 2.18lb (0.989kg), it’s available as a laptop or a 2-in-1 (with a detachable model arriving soon). As expected from Dell, you can customize its configuration to suit your needs.
Beneath its sleek River Blue magnesium chassis, the Latitude 7350 is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 135U processor. If you need more power, you can upgrade to a Core Ultra 7 165U (Core Ultra 5 125U is also an option).
The Latitude 7350 comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM running at 6400 MT/s, with the option to upgrade to either 32GB or 64GB, depending on the CPU you choose.
Choice of displays
For storage, it comes with a 256GB M.2 2230 TLC PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with the option to upgrade to 512GB or 1TB.
If you prioritize a lightweight device, the ultralight 13.3-inch FHD+ screen (1920×1200), available in touch and non-touch versions, will be the choice for you. However, there’s also a 2-in-1 Touch QHD+ (2560×1600) option, as well as Laptop Touch FHD+ and Laptop Non-Touch screens to choose from.
The Latitude 7350 comes with either Windows 11 Pro or Home (as with most new PCs the keyboard sports a Copilot key), and includes an FHD or optional FHD IR camera.
In terms of connectivity, the Latitude 7350 features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with Power Share, an HDMI 2.1 port, and two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. An optional contacted SmartCard reader is also available, but only with the heavier Titan Gray aluminum chassis.
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The base configuration for the laptop starts at $1,809. The Latitude 7350 detachable model is expected to arrive Q2.
The Emma Premium Pillow is a foam pillow that contains three inserts. One side is a firm, ‘ThermoSync’ foam designed for hot sleepers, the other is a softer foam, and there’s a layer in the middle that can be removed to adjust the loft to suit your frame and sleep style.
I haven’t been able to sleep on it yet, but I did get a chance to poke, prod, and lie on it during a visit to the Emma HQ. In this hands-on review I’ll go through my first impressions, who it might suit, and how it compares to the rest of the best pillows on the market.
The overall feel is one of firm, uniform support. The two sides do feel different: the ThermoSync side is a little firmer and slower moving; the other side is a little softer and bouncier. However, neither side is particularly plush, so this isn’t the right choice if you want a pillow you sink into.
I was impressed with my first impressions of the cooling properties. It’s not possible to assess temperature regulation properly without sleeping on a pillow, but I’ve also tested this ThermoSync foam more thoroughly for my Emma Premium topper review and was impressed with the cooling there.
(Image credit: Future)
With all inserts inside, the loft is high – I suspect too high for most situations. However, the inside sections can be removed to lower the loft, which means it could theoretically suit anyone, from a broad-shouldered side sleeper to a petite back sleeper.
Price-wise, we’re in the premium bracket here. While the adjustability, along with extras like a 30-night sleep trial, help justify that price, there are plenty of lower-cost options that tick similar boxes if it’s out of your budget. Read on for my full Emma Premium Pillow hands-on review.
Emma Premium Pillow review: price & value for money
Premium price bracket
RRP of £115 for standard size
Free delivery, 2 year guarantee and 30-night trial
At £115, the Emma Premium pillow sits firmly in our premium price bracket. The extras do help amp up your value for money – you’ll get a 30 night sleep trial, for instance. Trials are common with mattresses but rare for pillows. There’s also free delivery and a two-year guarantee.
Still, there are plenty of cheaper, great quality alternatives, which makes the pricing here a little hard to justify. If foam pillows are your thing, our top-rated Rem-Fit 500 Cool Gel pillow is typically around half the price, and the Levitex Sleep Posture pillow is a fair bit cheaper too.
(Image credit: Emma)
Emma Premium Pillow review: design & materials
3 foam layers, including one cooling foam and one softer foam
Layers can be removed to adjust height
Removable ‘UltraDry-Plus’ cover
The Emma Premium Pillow is an all-foam design with three internal layers. On one side is grey ‘Premium ThermoSync’ foam, which is designed to be cooling. The other side isn’t specifically temperature regulating, and it’s softer than the ThermoSync foam, for those who prefer a more plush feel. Sandwiched between the two is a layer of ‘HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Foam, which is really just there for extra height.
The idea is that you can flip the pillow to give different feels and functions, or remove layers to adjust the height.
(Image credit: Emma)
On the Emma website, these foam layers are shown in individual casings, but on the pillow I tried out, these were absent – it was just the bare foam. We’ve noticed inconsistencies with these protective casings when testing other Emma Pillows; it seems to be a bit of a lucky dip whether you get them or not. When they’re not there, I think the bare foam feels a little too delicate, and if you were taking the foam inserts in and out, I’d be concerned about them getting damaged, or snagged in the zip.
(Image credit: Future)
The whole thing is wrapped in a cover made from ‘UltraDry-Plus’ fabric, which is 98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent elastane). It looks and feels like the fabric used on Emma’s mattresses, and my opinion is that it’s fine and functions well, but doesn’t seem especially luxurious. The cover can be zipped off and washed at 60C, which is hot enough to kill dust mites. The interior foam layers can’t be washed, but that’s standard for foam pillows.
(Image credit: Future)
Emma Premium Pillow review: comfort & performance
Very high loft with all inserts inside
Both sides really quite firm (although soft side is a bit more plush)
ThermoSync foam is cool to touch
The idea is that you can flip this pillow to give two different feels, thanks to the different foam layers. So let’s start with the grey ThermoSync side. I judged this to be a really firm foam. Concentrated pressure – for example from an elbow – went in easily, but if I pressed my whole hand (or head) against it, I struggled to make much of an indentation.
The feel is fairly responsive; you won’t sink into it, but it does take a moment to return to its original shape once pressure is removed. This side was a bit too solid for my preferences.
However, I was more impressed with the temperature regulation properties. There are lots of claims made about cooling foams, but Emma’s ThermoSync really seems to work. The surface of the foam actually feels cool to the touch, and beneath my head on when I lay on it in the Emma showroom. The real test of this is to sleep on it, of course, but I’m optimistic based on what I saw during my hands-on time with this pillow, and also based on my time reviewing the Emma Premium topper, which uses the same foam.
The other side doesn’t have these thermoregulating properties and promises a softer feel. The difference in firmness is noticeable compared to the grey side, although I’d still consider it to be medium-firm – don’t expect something ultra-squishy. It’s also springier and more responsive than the other side. When you remove pressure, it returns to shape immediately.
There’s nothing on the cover to indicate which side is which, so you’ll need to figure it out based on touch, or unzip the pillow to peek inside.
(Image credit: Future)
With all three foam inserts in place, this is a high-loft pillow. I found it far too high when lying on my back and stomach, and also too high for side sleeping. For context, I’m 5ft 8, not especially broad shouldered, and I tend to just sleep with one pillow. Broad-shouldered side sleepers might need a pillow of this depth for proper support, but I suspect most people will want to take the central insert out to get it to a comfortable height. The fact that this pillow is easily adjustable is a win, though.
Because it’s foam, it doesn’t need re-plumping, and should provide consistent support all night.
✅ You sleep hot: The ThermoSync side of the Emma Premium pillow shows a lot of promise when it comes to keeping the sleeper cool. That’s not the case with all foam pillows.
✅ You prefer a firmly supportive pillow: Although one side is a little plusher than the other, the overall feel here is of firm, consistent support.
✅ You’re a broad-shouldered side sleeper: With all the foam inserts in place the Emma Premium pillow is pretty tall. It can be adjusted to make it suitable for different body frames and sleep positions, but should appeal in particular to those seeking a chunky pillow.
Don’t buy it if…
❌ You prefer a squishy pillow: One side of the Emma Premium is softer than the other, but neither is particularly plush. Something like the REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow has more give, and you still get those cooling features.
❌ You prefer a traditional pillow: Moulded foam isn’t for everyone. If you want a plump-able pillow, check out the Emma Premium Microfibre pillow, which is filled with down-alternative stuffing. You can still remove inserts to adjust the height.
❌ You’re on a budget: If the (admittedly high) price tag is a bit much, there are plenty of cheaper options that offer similar features and cost less. Our best pillow guide is a good place to start.
