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  • Laptop Look Out: Macbook Pro Updates

    Laptop Look Out: Macbook Pro Updates

    Today Apple has updated its 13-inch and 15-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pros today with Intel’s latest eighth-generation chips. In addition to the processor up grades they are also offering up to 32GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD storage. Boom, hair officially blown back. Wait, just how much are these gonna cost me? With the standard models of Apple’s laptops will cost about the same (starting at $1,799 for the 13-inch model or $2,399 for the 15-inch model). The updated MacBook Pro, brace your self, can set you back a massive soul crushing $6700 big ones.

    Is it Worth it?

    Considering the $7000 Mac Pro I purchased earlier this year with 2.7GHz 12-core processor, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The new MacBooks only have half that power for the same price. Is it still a lot to pay for a computer? Most Definitely. But it’s worth remembering that the extra price is for optional hardware, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether or not to pay the cost. For comparison sake, the top  $2599 Alienware’s 15 inch laptop with 8th gen I9 and 16gb of RAM is a viable option at a fraction of the cost.

    What Else is New for The 2018 Macbook Pro

    Thanks to a T2 chip, which showed up previously in the iMac Pro, you can now summon Siri by simply shouting at your machine. Previous MacBook Pros required you to click a button, but now Siri is hands-free. The display isn’t getting any kind of resolution bump (or a touchscreen), but it does now have Apple’s alternating display temperature function, called True Tone, which means additional sensors have been built into the laptop. It has the same Touch Bar and Touch ID capabilities as previous models.

    The Final Thought

    Apple will sell Macbook Pros. The focus on the high end Macbook Pro are the design professionals and rich kids with their parents credit cards. Its nice to have those options and specs but no real commercial need for a few more years. Other wise very solid Macbook Updates and will keep them in the front of the best laptop line for a while.

  • Moviepass Updates

    Moviepass Updates

    MoviePass has revolutionized the Theater and Movie industry in the last year. From a mere 20,000 subscribers last summer to just tipping in at over 3 million in a year. This isn’t a good idea or novel service. No this is a revolution to a tanking industry. For years where have heard movie studios complain that people aren’t opting in for theaters instead utilizing their home theater system and attendance is down. Well now 3 million people are subscribe to unlimited trips to the movie theaters. The Tides are changing and Moviepass is leading the way.

    We have all heard the stories that Moviepass is failing. Its going broke and its not a sustainable venture. This will blossom, Movie theaters and studios are going to have to vi for movie passes 3 million theater goes. Concessions will be made, and also consumed. This will bring about a surge of independent movies that 3 million people will go to just because they can.

    We know hates will hate, and much like Mel Gibson, Moviepass poses a threat to the age old movie business. Well adapt or die. With each change or update we see a slew of bad media. Lets take a quick look that Moviepass’s latest subscription changes

    MoviePass Surge Pricing.

    MoviePass told customers that its Peak Pricing model will trigger whenever there is a lot of demand for a movie or showtime. For example, a subscriber who wants to see a popular evening showing of the latest “Avengers” movie might be warned by the MoviePass app that he or she will have to pay a few extra dollars to book a ticket.

    Moviegoers will also be told when a particular showtime does not yet have an added fee, but is growing in demand and could have one soon, according to an email sent to customers.

    We have yet to see what these price hikes will be but they don’t scare me. Moviepass is saving me a lot of money we can all spare a few bucks back if urgency to see a movie hits.

    “Peak Pricing goes into effect when there’s high demand for a movie or showtime,” MoviePass told subscribers. “You may be asked to pay a small additional fee depending on the level of demand. You can avoid the surcharge by selecting a different showtime or movie. Over the coming weeks we’ll also be introducing Peak Pass, which will allow you to waive one peak fee per month.”

    Bring a Friend and Premium IMAX and 3D Movies

    The company is also planning to roll out two new features later in the summer: a bring-a-friend option, which the company has been toying with for some time, and a premium price option to see movies in IMAX or Real 3D.

    With bring-a-friend, there will be an option on the app for  subscribers to add a ticket for a moviegoer who doesn’t have MoviePass. That added ticket will cost “somewhere near the retail price of the ticket,” Lowe said. The app will allow the MoviePass user to choose a seat for both people if assigned seating is available in a theater.

    The Final Thought

    I have just one last thing to say for all you opportunist, Helios and Matheson Analytics, Moviepass parent company is trading at just  $0.18 per share today. Moviepass will pop, just like the popcorn at the theater.

  • SmartHome Automation and the 5 Gadgets you Need

    SmartHome Automation and the 5 Gadgets you Need

    We all have dreamed of the day when in George Jetson style all the devices in your life could connect to the internet. No im  just talking about computers and smartphones, but everything: clocks, speakers, lights, door bells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils. All of it.  Then we need those devices to communicate to each other, send you information, and take your commands. It’s not science fiction or a crazy 60’s cartoon,  it’s the Internet of Things (IoT) and SmartHome Automation, and it’s glorious.

    SmartHome Automation is exactly what it sounds like: digitally enabling everything from window shades to pet feeders—with a simple push of a button or a shout of your voice. Some activities, like setting up a lamp to turn on and off at your whim, are really cheap and easy. Then we have things like advanced surveillance cameras that are a bit trickier and require a more serious investment of time and money.

    Lets take a Look at some of the latest and greatest in home automation.

    1. iCamera Keep Pro

    The iCamera Keep Pro from iSmartAlarm ($199.99) is a full-featured home security camera that not only works as a standalone device, but can be incorporated into an iSmartAlarm DIY security system. The camera is full of useful features including a powerful 1080p image sensor, motion and sound detection, mechanical pan and tilt, time-lapse and event-triggered video recording, and a motion-tracking feature that allows the camera to follow a person around the room. Throw in free cloud storage, an SD card slot for local storage, and support for IFTTT integration, and you’ve got a killer indoor security cam.

    2.Phillips HUE

    One thing that you might want to do as soon as you decide to make your home a smart home is switch out the light bulbs – something easier said than done considering how many different options out there. Of them all, however, we think the best smart light bulbs are Philips Hue range of smart bulbs.

    If you opt for Philips Hue bulbs, you will need to get the Philips Bridge, which is kind of like a hub for your lights. The advantage, however, is reliability, and the fact that the system is compatible with a range of different standards and home control systems including Apple HomeKit, Nest and Samsung SmartThings.

    3. iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug

    While there are great smart replacements for many devices, a much simpler option is simply using connected plugs in your power outlets. Doing so will give any device that plugs into a power outlet basic smart features like the ability to turn the device on and off, or the ability to monitor the device’s power usage.

    There are quite a few smart plugs out there (seriously, so many), but the best is the iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, and works with HomeKit, Nest and Wink – so it should play nice with your other smart home devices.

    4. The Wink Hub 2

    One device to rule them all, the Wink Hub 2 works with devices that use Z-Wave, Zigbee, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It is also for the future. That includes just about everything in the smart home spectrum, from Philips Hue lighting and the Netgear Arlo camera, to Google Home. It’s the most reliable, widely supported hub we’ve tested.

    5.Haiku Home L Series 52-inch Indoor/Outdoor WiFi Enabled White Ceiling Fan with LED Light

    This smart ceiling fan is compatible with Alexa for a fully voice-controlled cooling system. It has been specially tested to ensure that it won’t rattle, click, or wobble and features an integrated LED light. Easily control settings via the included remote or mobile app. Add in a smart Thermostat and just tell your house what temperature it should be. Nice.

     

    The Final SmartHome Automation Thought

    We have gone over and over this a dozen times, SmartHome Automation functionality is the kitchen remodel of the 21st century. All these devices are relatively inexpensive but can really boost the value of your home. Besides the value they can great increase your enjoyment by making your life easier and much more relaxing. Try not to relax with the Hues orange glow light setting after supper, I dare you.

  • Tech Throwback: The IBM PC Personal Computer

    Tech Throwback: The IBM PC Personal Computer

    I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. Im going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today we have The Original IBM PC.

    IBM Personal Computer, also known as the IBM PC . While it wasn’t the first computer that didn’t have to be housed in a separate room. It was the first to be built and consecrated by Big Blue itself, legitimizing the whole concept. It was created by a team of engineers and designers in Boca Raton, Florida, in the early 1980s. The rest, as you know, is history.

     

    International Business Machines (IBM), one of the world’s largest companies was up to something and we all just knew it.  In the late 1970s the new personal computer industry was dominated by the Commodore PET, Atari 8-bit family, Apple II, Tandy Corporation’s TRS-80, and various CP/M machines. With $150 million in sales by 1979 and projected annual growth of more than 40% in the early 1980s, the microcomputer market was large enough for IBM’s attention.

    In 1980 and 1981 rumors spread of an IBM personal computer, perhaps a miniaturized version of the IBM System/370. The IBM Personal Computer (“PC”) was not as powerful as many of the other personal computers it was competing against at the time of its release. The simplest configuration has only 16K on-board RAM and uses an audio cassette to load and save data – the floppy drive was optional, and a hard drive was not supported.

    A basic system for home use attaches to an audio tape cassette player and a television set (that means no floppy drives or video monitor) sold for approximately $1,565. PC-DOS, the operating system, was not available on cassette, so this basic system is only capable of running the Microsoft BASIC programming language, which is built-in and included with every PC.

    Powering Back Up the IBM PC

    Im not sure what I was expecting. I remember being bored using my Dads and it didn’t really do anything cool. That didn’t stop me from entering any number of absurd command in the command prompt. I spent the next 15 mins repeating this childhood obsession. C:>Cancel School, C:> Where are my shoes?, C:> PRINT Money. C:> Make Robot. That was fun..

    Now its on to Leather goddess of Phobos. It was the only game I could remember and Im not sure why my parents let me play it. Its been a long time since i played one of these text adventure games. They seem to be gaining some hipster popularity back after Ready Player One. I forgot how tedious and boring not to mention for the spelling impaired annoying. But Basic, there is always Basica. This I still enjoy, creating and problem solving on a high level for a basic out put.

     

    The Final Thought

    I learned a lot about progress in my time with the IBM PC, both in 1986 and now. Its fascinating to see how far we have come in a very short amount of time. The IBM wasn’t the best option for a PC at the time, it lacked some of the innovations The Commador and HP’s had. This IBM PC’s success sparked my generations programmers to get us here. This is the computer all us kids got our hands on and that makes it special.

  • New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    New Galaxy Watch and What We Know

    The Samsung Gear was lackluster and not a commercial hit. The adoption in comparison is dismal to the iWatch’s success. Samsung is looking to change that with its next Galaxy Watch. While its name, its OS, and its features are pretty much still in flux, which, at the very least, makes it sound a bit more exciting.

    What We Know

    Very little Im afraid. There have not been alot of details released yet. Lets start with what we know. It will be round for starters, they will not be adapting to Apples square face. Bixby will be a huge and integral part of this watch.Although Bixby has been out for more than a year now, Samsung’s homegrown AI assistant has not descended on any of the current smartwatches. That will change with the Galaxy Watch. Oh yeah,  Presumably we also have a name, ,A registered trademark on “Galaxy Watch” has been leaked.

    Its Safe To Assume

    While we don’t have any confirmation its safe to assume the next line in the Galaxy Watch will be a big upgrade from previous models. For it to compete with the legendary and most popular watch on the planted, the iWatch, it will have to be something special. Look for vast strides in the ai and voice control aspect. Bixby will do things Siri just cant and hasn’t even though of yet. It will be much easier to use and that in turn will give this the commercial appeal all of android is been lacking since the dawn of time, or 2010.

    What Would Be Cool in the Galaxy Watch

    This is the part of these articles I like the most. This is where we get to throw in all the stuff my little heart could desire in a new Galaxy Watch. What do I want, I want battery. Battery Life, I can not stress this enough. A watch I  don’t have to worry about charging for a week. Use that cool Rolex kinetic energy technology they have been using since the beginning of watches to recharge my smartwatch. A big face, 52-54mm. Make is glorious and a true fashion and status statement, like a watch should be. Holograms? ummm yes please. a bit better speaker, just to make taking a phone call on your watch actually viable. Last but not least, lets change Bixby to Sam. Sam, short for Samsung seems like a friendly guy I would like to chat with. The name is also very gender neutral and could easily pair with a nice female voice.  Plus we get the added feeling of being Dick Tracy and talking to Sam back at the station.

    The Final Thought

    Whats left to say? Well plenty. We will have more solid info when these details emerge. My industry sources tell me look for a Note release in late Aug for this new Galaxy Watch.

  • Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Apple Music Control Update for Sonos Speakers

    Finally. Finally, Finally. Up until now when using our Sonos Speakers you had to use the Sonos app to control the music. The app was not as intuitive, extensive or as viable as the iTunes music app built in to you phone. You had to create your playlist through the Sonos app and it was clunky and not very easy not to mention you couldn’t load existing playlist in. Well now out troubles are over. Sonos has announced the AirPlay 2 has arrived. This makes compatible Sonos speakers the first third-party AirPlay 2 speakers to hit the market, and support is being added retroactively through a free software update.

     

    Whats This Mean Really For Your Sonos Speakers

    Yes, this means you can use Sonos speakers to play audio from iTunes on the Mac and all iPhone and iPad apps including Music, TV, YouTube, and Netflix. Sonos speakers can also be used for multi-room audio playback with HomePod and Apple TV, and Siri can control Apple Music and Podcasts playback from iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV. Great right?

    We are told AirPlay 2 works with the newest Sonos speakers (recognizable by their touch controls instead of hardware buttons) which includes Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbase, Sonos One, and the second-gen Sonos Play:5. Sonos customers can update compatible speakers through the software update section of the Sonos controller app today. For iOS users, start by updating the Sonos controller app in the App Store, then look for the new software update within the Sonos app for compatible speakers.

    The Final Thought

    While I got very excited for this at first. I soon realized all my Sonos Speakers are not going to be compatible. Tear. I have been hesitant to grab the Homepod because of my existing 4 speaker Sonos system. Now a change may soon be in order.  I like the group playlist functionality of Sonos that you cant get really get anywhere else. When I throw a dignified cocktail party everyone can sync in and que up songs or add to the party’s playlist. This adds a social element I have truly come to enjoy. Now I have convinced myself, my Sonos system will get a overhaul.

  • Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s Number 1 App Review: Pokemon Quest

    Beau’s App series. Each week, I install whatever is the No. 1 bestselling app on the iOS or Android store and review it, to save you the effort in case it’s total waste of life. This week a game called Hole.io is still in the top spot but out of now where Pokemon Quest has jumped to the number 2 spot so today we will look in on the number 2 app.  Why isn’t it No. 1? not sure, its a very simple and basic game but it’s free. So let take a look and see what has this game rocketing to the top of the charts.

    Pokemon Quest

    There has been some hype and anticipation following the announcement of the latest game in the Pokespere. The last Pokemon game Go was a spectacle the likes of which we had never seen in the gaming world before. The first vidoe game bubble?

    Pokemon Quest is a free-to-play action-adventure game in the Pokémon series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Pokémon Quest features a blocky, voxel-style design similar to Minecraft. The game is set in Tumblecube Island, featuring cube-shaped Pokémon called “Pokéxel”. The Pokémon featured in the game are from the original lineup from the Kanto region in Pokémon Red and Blue. In the game, players control the base camp and the pokémon team. The player’s main task is to complete all the levels on the island, beating the wild Pokémon. The game process can be divided into four parts: base camp management, storyline, the Pokémon‘s training and the attraction of a new ones.

    Taking a left-turn from their typical animation style, the pokémon in Quest have been transformed into cube versions of themselves and inhabit a brightly colored — also 90-degree angled — terrain called Tumblecube Island. After choosing a pokémon companion to begin your quest, trainers are tasked with exploring the island for hidden treasure

    Getting Started

    You start off by selecting your first partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, or Eevee. Not sure the effect of your choice will have on the game but i choose Eevee because hes the cutest. you’ll attract new Pokémon to your team by cooking. You can cook by tapping the pot located at the center of your camp and selecting ingredients. The dish you create will determine which Pokémon you’ll attract and how many stages you’ll need to take on before it’s done cooking.

     

    Yes you can evolve Pokémon. All Pokémon that evolve in Pokémon Quest do so by reaching a certain level. There are two different ways to do this. One is by training, which involves sacrificing other Pokémon (don’t worry; they won’t die, they’ll just leave your team) to improve another. Think of it like a support group. Up to four Pokémon can be used to improve another.

    The other way is by using Power and Move Stones that you obtain through Expeditions. Each Pokémon has a Power Charm grid, which holds Power and Move Stones. As the Pokémon levels up, more slots open up.

     

    The Final Thought

    Just scratching the surface of this one and there is alot to this game. It is not the average time killing mindless tap app. I realized it is way to in depth for a app review. Im going to dig a little deeper into this game and for all of you Pokemon fans I highly suggest giving it a download. No this wont have the explosion and bubble pop the last Pokemon game had, that was something of legend. This will still be a very popular game and my define 2018 in itself.

     

  • Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Verizon’s Unlimited Internet Scam Breakdown

    Due to some massive fraud and outright lies to their customers, Verizon has to update their unlimited plans. They have some how managed to sell consumers 4G LTE service at the most expensive price rates in the industry while limiting them to dial- up internet speeds. For those of you to young to remember what dial up speeds mean its internet speeds of 56kbps. For comparisons sake the official legal speed requirements to have a mobile service labeled 4g is 4 Mbps. Nearly 900 times what Verizon is reducing its ” Unlimited” customers cellular service to. Now we get a price increase to combat the options to Verizon’s Unlimited internet ruse.   Let’s take a dive in to  how the Big Red Machine is  dividing up “unlimited” and reserving the most useful features and the best speeds for the more expensive tiers.

    Go Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data, but at any time, your service might be temporarily slowed down in favor of other customers when the network is busy or “congested.” Mobile hotspot speeds are restricted to just 600kbps. Video streaming off Wi-Fi is limited to 480p.

    $75 single line / $130 for two lines / $150 for three lines / $160 for four lines

    Beyond Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 22GB of usage in a month. The mobile hotspot feature offers full LTE speeds until you hit 15GB of usage. Video streaming is limited to 720p.

    $85 single line / $160 for two lines / $180 for three lines / $200 for four lines

    Above Unlimited: You get Verizon’s Unlimited data free of potential slowdowns until you pass 75GB of usage in a month. Which is probably a ceiling you’ll never hit. Hotspot is full speed LTE until 20GB of usage. Video, even on the highest plan, is still limited to 720p. Each month, Verizon tosses in 5 TravelPasses (good for 4G speeds until you cross 512MB of daily usage) that work in over 130 countries.

    $95 single line / $180 for two lines / $210 for three lines / $240 for four lines

    Verizon charges an extra $10-per-month fee if you want to stream 1080p video on your smartphone. This add-on is only available to Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited customers.

    The Final Thought

    I have personally experienced the slow down, nay, collapse of the mobile service that I pay a premium price for. In a recent trip to the movies to see American Animals my internet speed was metered to the point of not being able to load a single fandango web page.

    I ran a speed test to reveal my internet speed had been reduced to  .03 Mbps. While  I wish i could say this was a extremely rare case and I was in the middle of the Daytona 500. I was not, just  a random Tuesday at off peak times. This seems to be the norm rather then the exception. Looks like ill have to fork over another $20 a month, per line, to get the service they originally roped me into.

    I wish we could blame this on net neutrality but they have been playing this game long before it was legal again.  I guess ill just be another one of Verizon’s massively duped customers.

  • Microsoft’s Andromeda Can Fold Our Lives

    Microsoft’s Andromeda Can Fold Our Lives

    Microsoft’s dual-screen Andromeda computing device, which is understood to launch and explode the pocketable PC has been gather rumors for months like a snow ball. While not much is solid we know this will collaborate the mobile space with the laptop PC power.  Now, according to recently leaked internal emails, we are learning that Microsoft’s Andromeda is a “new and disruptive” device that will be part of the company’s Surface hardware family.

    What We Already Know

    Microsoft says “It’s a new pocketable Surface device form factor that brings together innovative new hardware and software experiences to create a truly personal and versatile computing experience,”. Microsoft’s Andromeda could become the ultimate convertible computing device. It will have the capability to transform into any one of five form factors depending on usage. While today’s convertible notebooks with 360-degree hinges can only be used in up to three usage modes, Andromeda can transform between closed, flat, convex, concave, and full modes.

    Microsoft’s Andromeda is  a unique and innovative response to the massive and putrid disaster that Windows mobile and its terrible devices have become to be.  Microsoft commented on what this foldable surface could be by saying  “It will blur the lines between mobile and stationary computing,”. Microsoft is tentatively planning to release Andromeda in 2018. They also noted similar devices from some of Microsoft’s top OEMs to “follow afterwards.”

    We have know for years that Intel is also working on similar dual-screen devices. Its said  that it will eventually exploit and embody Microsoft’s software break through with Andromeda. Intel has already created prototype devices with dual displays and electronic paper displays s.  Asus and Lenovo are creating devices that are inspired by Intel’s own concepts. I can say with the ut most certainty one device will be available later this year.

    The Final Thought

    The pictures of Microsoft’s Andromeda paint a much better vision then I can with words. Mark my words thought, his is the future being developed today. The 20’s, the 2020’s,  will roar once again with the foundation this foldable tech will bring. Our future will hold just one device, a tablet, laptop, smartphone, TV and massive desktop in one pocket.  I’m excited the tech of my 40s could finally be the consolidation I’ve always desired. Now I’m getting very excited for this next decade. One device to rule them all…..

  • Sonos Beam, The Answer to the SoundBar Problem

    Sonos Beam, The Answer to the SoundBar Problem

    The Sonos playbase sound bar had its problems. It was large, unsightly and looked like it belonged in the low rent apartment of a Best Buy employee. Sonos is now fixing this with the Sonos Beam. The latest in the Sonos family of speaker includes Alexa — and promises Google Assistant support — and it improves your TV sound immensely. Designed as an add-on to your current TV, it can stand alone or connect with the Sonos subwoofer and a few satellite surround speakers for a true surround sound experience. It truly shines alone, however, thanks to its small size and more than acceptable audio range

    The Great

    • Great Design
    • Terrifically Priced
    • Elegant Size
    • Big Amazing Sound

     

    The Not

    • Lacks pop on Sound Effects in Movies

    The Conclusion

    The Sonos Beam is the best sounding, best looking soundbar you can buy for $300. Its a great way to get started on your Sonos collection and start the ultimate home filling speaker system.

     

    The Design

    No metal grill on this Sonos, surprisingly it sports a e wrap-around cloth grille of the Beam . You know, the ones most commonly associated with the company’s ultra-budget competition. Yes its a bit of a  surprise on a Sonos product. Yet, the speaker retains a Sonos look with its plastic top and the touch control panel that debuted on the One. The pill-shaped Beam is smaller than most other sound bars at just 25.6 inches wide by 2.7 inches high and 3.9 inches deep (68.5 by 651 by 100 mm). You can get it in black or white. Unfortunately, the Beam doesn’t include a wall bracket in the box, but the company will sell you one for an extra $59.

    The Beam is two feet long and three inches tall. It comes in black or white and is very unobtrusive in any home theater setup. Interestingly, the product supports HDMI-ARC aka HDMI Audio Return Channel. This standard, introduced in TVs made in the past five years, allows the TV to automatically output audio and manage volume controls via a single HDMI cable.

     

    The Sound

    Not surprisingly, the Beam sounds pretty great too, though not quite at the level of the Playbar or Playbase. The soundstage is wider and the bass reaches lower on both of those models, especially the Playbase, but they’re both significantly larger and more expensive. For its part, Sonos recommends the Beam for small and medium-sizes rooms, where these disadvantages are minimized.

    The Sonos Beam does have some liabilities. Ive noticed with the soundbar by itself, it lacks sound and misses on sound effects. Mostly in high action movies with alot of explosions the Beam seems to sound flat, almost like it is dimming down the boost in sound. Im not entirely sure if this is a noise reducing functionality or a issue with the Beam itself> However when paired with other Sonos speakers they seem to fill the air and pick up what the Beam seemed to put down.

     

    The Final Thought

    With this low cost, High quality soundbar the Sonos Beam will be picking up a lot more customers and putting them in the Sonos sound world. Much like potato chips, when it comes to Sonos speakers, you cant stop at just one.