The Status Audio CB-1 headphones' generic looks don't do justice to their audio quality. Frankly, after not being overly impressed with the company's HD2 premium over-the-ear consumer headphones, we almost passed on reviewing the CB-1s. That would have been a mistake.True to the company's claims, the closed-back, over-the-ear headphones sound flat or neutral, which is typically what you want for studio work. They're well balanced, making them a good choice for listening to a wide variety of musical styles. Also, their neutrality allowed me to use them all day without fatigue. For their $79 cost (about £55 or AU$110), I doubt you'll be disappointed.View Full GalleryThe Status Audio CB-1 over-ear headphones are comfortable and feature a rare lack of branding. That said, if you're used to consumer headphones that pump up bass or accentuate vocals, the CB-1s might sound dull. Similarly, the Audio-Technica M50x, one of our favorite monitor-style headphones, have brighter, more detailed audio with tighter bass. The CB-1s just don't seem to seal out as much external noise as the M50x, either. Basically, in this category the M50xs are a better choice for the extra cost (they run about $120). If you don't want to spend more, the CB-1s are a safe bet, and better than the comparably priced Audio-Technica M30x in sound and build quality.There is no hint of company branding on the headphones, and although that's completely intentional, it doesn't help them look any less generic. They are comfortable, due in part to the hefty ear pads that are slimmer at the front and get wider at the back, so they hug the curve of your head. The headband is also well padded and I had no problem wearing these headphones hour after hour.The left ear cup has the cable input and Status Audio includes a coiled cable and an extended-length straight cable as well as a 1/4-inch adapter (but sadly no storage case or bag). Just make sure you twist and lock the cable in place or you'll likely get some static from not having a solid connection. Unless you're really looking for a flashier design or are willing to pay more, the Status Audio CB-1 headphones are a very good bargain.
Virtual Reality is going to be the big growth area in 2016 as far as consumer tech is concerned, with Sony's PlayStation VR and HTC's Vive already generating an incredible amount of hype. However, the company largely responsible for the public's renewed interest in the concept is the Facebook-owned Oculus, whose Rift headset has undergone some revisions since being crowdfunded via Kickstarter in 2012. In addition to Rift, Oculus has also teamed up with Samsung to create a scaled-down version of its product dubbed Gear VR, and this could potentially be the device which really pushes the technology into the mainstream.
LAS VEGAS -- Hybrids come in many shapes and sizes as PC makers struggle to figure out the best way to combine the practicality of a laptop with the potability of a tablet. Some have screens that bend over backward, others detach their displays, and still others slide or swivel their screens around.
In 2014 Apple finally gave us an iPhone which offered a display to rival its Android flagship counterparts, while enabling you to really take advantage of the apps, games, movies and TV shows in its expansive libraries.
In my mind, there are two things that a Nexus-branded phone is supposed to do, and the Google Nexus 6P does them both very well. First, it's meant to showcase the very newest Android software. Check! (So does the cheaper, smaller LG-made Nexus 5X.) Second, it should package together very capable hardware for a lower sticker price than more familiar brand-name competitors. Yep, that it does. (See our pricing chart below.)
And then the weighty, 5.7-inch Nexus 6P goes further. It adds a metal frame (a Nexus first!) and a crisp, high-resolution display; a spot-on fingerprint reader; a capable 12-megapixel camera; and strong stereo speakers. It also introduces China-based Huawei, which made the phone, to a whole new audience of people, Google's Nexus fans. (Although I have to say, this breakthrough, while significant for Huawei, is only a passing curiosity for a buyer who's focused on finding the right handset.)
LG phones often play it safe, but this modular G5, which lets you swap out some parts, is all risk. I love the innovation -- no other company has gotten this far with a modular phone -- but unfortunately the device falls short on execution.
Swapping out parts means you turn off your smartphone each time, and there just aren't enough modules right now to make this truly captivating. (LG is selling two components, but they don't pique my interest all that much.) Maybe if there were more inspired modules, and more partners on board lining up cooler add-ons -- I love the idea of a swappable camera lens, for example -- I could be more excited about the G5, or at least more forgiving of its growing pains.
But it's not all bad news. Forget the modules and the device is the best handset with a removable battery, which is becoming a rarity in the phone world. Its aluminium build looks and feels great, and the two cameras on its back are a pleasure to use.
View Full GalleryThe Status Audio CB-1 over-ear headphones are comfortable and feature a rare lack of branding.
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