Portable monitors have been around for years, but their importance skyrocketed during the pandemic. And with the continuation of remote and hybrid work positions, they’re going to be staples for the foreseeable future. But picking one isn’t as simple as it seems. At this point, almost every major PC maker has its own take on travel-friendly displays, with prices ranging from as little as $100 to nearly $1,000. So to help sort through the confusion, I tested out a bunch of options to put together a short list of the best portable monitors on sale today.
Things to consider before buying a portable monitor
Before you start looking at specific products, it’s super important to think about how and where you plan on using a portable display. Larger panels are great for home use where you may only need to move it or put it away when you have company over. Meanwhile, smaller screens are great for travel and whipping out at a coffee shop or shared workspace. But if you go too small, you may be adding extra weight to your bag without providing a ton of extra utility, especially if it lacks a good USB-C cable or mini HDMI for connectivity.
It’s also important to consider your typical workload, as artists may get extra value out of monitors with higher maximum brightness and wider color gamuts. Those who spend all day looking at spreadsheets won’t get as much value from more vibrant displays, but they may still benefit from having a basic second display for multitasking.
What to look for in a portable monitor
Aside from price and the size of the screen, some of the most important specs in a portable monitor include panel type, pixels per inch, brightness, refresh rate and connectivity. Most portable monitors use IPS LCD displays, which generally offer good viewing angles, strong brightness and good power efficiency. However, there are a few models sporting OLED screens that support wider color gamuts, which can be a major benefit for artists and content creators. Some budget models may use TN panels, as that can help cut costs and reduce energy consumption. That said, we generally try to stay away from those as they often have worse image quality compared to IPS screens.
For brightness, 300 nits is the lowest we recommend — anything less can make the monitor hard to use even in some indoor environments. Ideally, we look for screens that are closer to 350 or 400 nits and above for better accuracy and visibility.
Connectivity is also important because if you can’t easily hook your phone, gaming console, or laptop to a monitor, it becomes an oversized paperweight. Most travel displays include an HDMI port or USB Type-C port(or both), which cover the large majority of devices. It’s rare to find a portable monitor these days with only USB-A, since the majority of devices have moved over to USB-C. However, we also like models that support passthrough power over USB-C, which reduces the complexity of your setup and decreases the number of cords and adapters you have to carry around.
Finally, most portable monitors feature 60Hz refresh rates, which is fine for most use cases. However, there are a handful of models that go up to 120Hz or even 240Hz. Panels that fast are especially good for gaming, especially for those planning to bring a gaming console or gaming PC on the go.
Best portable monitors for 2024
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-portable-monitor-120050851.html?src=rss
Last year, Lenovo showed off a fantastically futuristic concept gadget called Project Crystal, which was the world’s first laptop to feature a transparent MicroLED display. But today, in what has become a tradition for Lenovo during IFA, the company is back with yet another demo notebook, this time equipped with a motorized rotating hinge.
Dubbed the Auto Twist AI PC, Lenovo’s latest concept looks almost exactly like a traditional clamshell when closed. However, with a simple voice command, its lid raises automatically and rotates into practically any position — even all the way around into tablet mode. While there is no official pricing, or even plans to bring the device to full production just yet, Lenovo says the Auto Twist is designed to provide enhanced adaptability, improved ergonomics and possibly better security. But for now, the company’s main goal is simply to see what environments or use cases might be able to best take advantage of a laptop with this kind of novel design.
Thanks to built-in object tracking, for example, the Auto Twist can move its display and follow people as they walk around a room, which could be very helpful when making presentations. It can also detect a person’s body, and possibly even their posture, before moving its display into the best position to reduce fatigue or strain.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Alternatively, the laptop can detect when it’s not being used and then close its own lid to prevent unwanted users from gaining access. And while the Auto Twist’s AI tag feels a bit spurious, Lenovo hopes the laptop will be able to do many of these things on its own or through simple natural language voice control (the laptop currently supports commands to transform into laptop mode, clamshell mode and more).
After seeing it in person, the most immediate use case that came to my mind was in POS (point-of-sale) payment terminals. Here, employees often have to manually flip a screen around so that the customer can see their total or add in things like a tip. Granted, the Auto Twist does seem like overkill in that situation considering how easy it is to rotate a screen around the old-fashioned way with your hands a basic hinge. And at least from what I saw, the built-in motor wasn’t quite as smooth as you’d probably want for commercial applications. But, it is an interesting idea with potential for high-end luxury outlets.
Then there’s just the fun of it. During my demo, I watched as the Auto Twist played a clip of a dancer as its motorized hinge attempted to make its display match the person’s movements. I also saw the laptop swivel its display horizontally to present an ultra-wide panoramic photo in a more engaging way. Additionally, while other bleeding-edge tech like laptops with foldable displays suffer from a ton of added weight and bulk, the rotating servo on Lenovo’s latest concept is relatively unobtrusive and there isn’t a huge impact on the device’s overall portability.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
So while it remains to be seen how useful the Auto Twist really is or what it might turn into down the line, I appreciate that Lenovo is still trying to come up with new ways to evolve the classic clamshell laptop.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/lenovos-auto-twist-concept-laptop-has-a-lid-that-can-swivel-and-bow-down-at-your-command-150022971.html?src=rss
For the first half of Android’s existence, Google was happy simply being in charge of the OS while other manufacturers built a massive ecosystem of devices. Things changed in 2016 with the launch of the original Pixel, a phone that married the company’s hardware and software designs. But even that combo wasn’t enough to immediately catapult Google’s flagship to the front of the pack. However, between the continued evolution of its devices and former major players like LG and HTC getting out of the game, Google has become the third-largest Android phone maker in the US, just barely behind Motorola.
Enter the Pixel 9, which sports a slick new design, a brighter screen, better cameras and even more sophisticated software tricks. In many ways, this thing feels like it best represents Google's vision for what a smartphone should be and it’s here to claim its title as the default Android handset.
Design and display
I usually hate making this comparison, but it’s hard to ignore that the Pixel 9 looks a lot like an iPhone. Similar to recent Apple handsets, the base ninth-gen Pixel features flat sides with rounded corners and a smooth matte finish. Its front and back panels are made out of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which when combined with the phone’s recycled aluminum frame results in a device that Google says is two times more durable than before.
The big difference though is the Pixel 9’s rear camera module. Gone is the edge-to-edge bar we’ve become familiar with over the previous three generations and in its place is a simple pill-shaped visor. Compared to Apple’s arrangement — which still looks like the top of a stove to me — Google’s design is the essence of simplicity. There are two lenses on the left and a flash on the right, with some additional components like a tiny microphone and a single-zone laser-detect autofocus system scattered throughout. Sure, it’s a bit tall and bulky, but because it largely spans the width of the device, it means the phone doesn’t wobble when you rest it on its back. Points to Google for a more elegant solution.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
In front, the Pixel 9 sports Google’s latest 6.3-inch OLED Actua display, which offers an even higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits (versus 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8). Granted, that’s a few hundred less than the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, but even when viewed side-by-side, you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference. As before, the Pixel 9 has a variable refresh rate that jumps between 60Hz and 120Hz to help save on battery while Google has tweaked little details like evening out the phone’s bezels so that they are the same size all the way around. Altogether, it’s an excellent display with accurate colors and rich tones. I’ve got to give Google credit, because over the past few years, Pixel displays have made major leaps to the point where they can now hold their own against both Apple and Samsung.
One final small but very welcome upgrade is a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner hidden beneath the Pixel 9’s displays. It’s even more reliable than the optical sensor used before and, in my testing, it’s unlocked the phone nearly instantly every single time.
Performance
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Google’s Tensor chips are often maligned for focusing more on efficiency and AI processing than general performance. But I think a lot of that noise comes from people who care more about benchmarks than how fast a phone operates in the real world. In my experience, the Pixel 9 and the Tensor G4 delivered everything I wanted with ample haste. Switching between apps happens in a flash, while scrolling feels incredibly smooth. Even relatively demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero ran well, with only the occasional hiccup. Unless you are really pushing it by running a bunch of super resource-hungry apps at the same time, the Pixel 9 can handle the stress.
New software and AI features
When Google introduced its big suite of AI-powered features on the Pixel 8 last year, it felt like the company was trying to live up to its own self-fulfilling prophecy on the proliferation of machine learning. But with the launch of even more AI-based tools alongside the Pixel 9, Google’s strategy is becoming much clearer thanks in large part to the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio apps.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The thing I like most about the Pixel Screenshots app is that it enhances the way people already use their phones. When you’re doomscrolling and you come across something fun or interesting, what do you do? You either share it immediately or save it for later, often by taking a screencap. That’s where the Screenshots app comes in. By using AI to analyze the contents of a pic, you can easily retrieve it later with a quick search.
My favorite use case is for recipes. Previously, I would find an interesting dish and leave it open in a browser tab, which always felt like a clunky workaround. But now, I can just screenshot it and feel confident about finding it in the future. And unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, Google’s Screenshots app only looks at the stuff you capture manually instead of automatically recording everything you do, so it feels less intrusive.
For those who want to create their own content, Pixel Studio lets you use AI to generate images by typing in a handful of prompts. It’s basically a free version of Midjourney built just for Google’s phones and I feel like I’ve only begun to explore its potential. It can turn people’s faces into cute little stickers that you can copy into pictures or give you inspiration on how to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Then there are a handful of smaller but still very useful tools like the Pixel Weather app, which features AI-generated summaries to help you plan your day. Instead of checking the hourly forecast and looking at every stat and figure, you can quickly read a couple of sentences to see when the UX index will peak or if there’s a surprise thunderstorm headed your way.
Meanwhile, other features like Gemini Live let you ask questions and bounce ideas off of Google’s most powerful AI assistant in a more natural way (you know, if you’re into that kind of thing). Phone conversations also sound better thanks to improvements to Clear Calling, which cuts down background noise. If you’re distracted or don’t feel like paying attention, you can use the new Call Notes feature to transcribe everything before giving things a closer look later. There’s even a Satellite eSOS feature that’s free for the first two years, which lets you call for help when you don’t have service. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to test it out myself, though for anyone who’s curious, Google offers a demo experience that’s slated to go live on August 22.
Cameras
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Superb image quality has long been one of the Pixel family’s calling cards and it’s getting even better on the Pixel 9 thanks to two new cameras. The main wide-angle lens features a new 50MP sensor while the ultrawide lens is powered by an updated 48MP cell, the latter of which can be used to shoot close-up macros.
In situations with good light, the Pixel 9 outperformed the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Colors were generally brighter and Google’s processing typically preserved more details. One of the most impressive examples was a backlit shot of a Transformer, where the Pixel 9 captured a photo with much richer hues and better focus while the S24U struggled, producing a shot with muddy colors and a surprising amount of noise.
At night, Google’s superb Night Sight mode reinforced the Pixel’s lead in image quality, capturing brighter and more well-exposed photos. The only time Samsung’s phone came out on top was in a single low-light shot of a flower, because even though the S24U’s pic was a touch oversharpened, it was still better than the overly soft result I got from the P9.
Of course, you can’t have a new Pixel with some fresh camera features to go with it. This time, we’ve gotten a range of improvements including Auto frame which uses AI to cleverly recompose images and fill in the missing parts where needed. Or you can use Reimagine to create more fantastical pics by replacing elements (foregrounds and backgrounds work best) with whatever you can think of. Panorama mode can also be used at night now and while it takes some practice to get the best results, even on my first attempt in a less-than-ideal location, I got a neat-looking shot of the NYC skyline.
If you zoom in, the results don't really hold up. But from afar, the Pixel 9's Reimagine feature can create some fantastical photos like this one with an AI-generated starry night.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Then there’s Add Me, which lets you take multiple group shots with different people holding the camera to create a single composite image with everyone in the shot. Now, no one has to be left out simply because they’re the designated photographer that day. It’s surprisingly easy to use and great for introverts like me who don’t want to ask a stranger for help. But you have to stay still or else things can get wonky. Perhaps the coolest thing about this feature is that you can also use it to clone yourself multiple times in the same image, which is a really fun, if unintended, use case.
My one gripe is that I wish Google had included support for Zoom Enhance on the Pixel 9. It would be really nice to have a tool to sharpen blurry or cropped photos available on the base model, especially since, unlike its more expensive Pro siblings, it doesn’t have a dedicated telephoto lens.
Battery life and charging
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Thanks to a larger 4,700mAh cell (up from 4,575mAh) and improved power efficiency, Google claims the Pixel 9 has 20 percent longer battery life than the previous model. But I found that it fared even better, lasting 27 hours and 32 minutes on our video rundown test. Not only is this the best we’ve seen from any Pixel to date, it also tops the OnePlus 12’s time of 26:40 for the best longevity of any phone we’ve tested.
Unfortunately, despite Google having just released a new 45W power adapter (sold separately), the Pixel 9’s wired charging speed remains the same at 27 watts. You also get Qi wireless support (but not Qi2) at up to 15 watts and reverse wireless power sharing when you want to help out a friend with a device that’s short on juice.
Wrap-up
For so many years, non-Pro Pixels have existed as an also-ran next to Samsung’s base Galaxy S phones, primarily for people who appreciate Google’s software wizardry and regular feature drops. But with the Pixel 9, Google has upped its hardware design while once again doubling down on what it does best. It has a gorgeous screen, class-leading cameras and a more refined appearance, plus more AI-powered tools than anyone else. Pretty good ones at that. You also get fantastic software support including seven years of OS and security updates.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Aside from a couple of omissions like no support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and Zoom Enhance, the Pixel 9 has everything you want and need from a high-end Android handset. Google’s software — which was already a major plus — is becoming a pillar of dominance. That said, owners will need to be more proactive about embracing these features to get the most out of their devices. AI still succumbs to hallucinations and errors (a lot of the new tools are still in preview phase), so many features remain far from foolproof. But the foundations for a wide range of powerful tools are at your disposal. At this point, the big question is, at least in the $800 price range, why buy anything else? In some respects, Google might even be its own biggest competitor, because for those who aren’t as enthusiastic about AI, you can save some money and get a Pixel 8a for $499. But for everyone else, while Samsung might still have a lead in total sales, the Pixel 9 should be the go-to flagship Android phone.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-review-the-go-to-android-smartphone-133005548.html?src=rss
What do you get when you make a game influenced by movies like The Running Man and Labyrinth, toss in a bit of flair from professional wrestling (the kind with squared rings, not circular mats) and then throw all that on top of a co-op 3D platformer with user-generated dungeon building? To be honest, I’m not quite sure, but that’s sort of what Amazon Games and developer Glowmade are going for with its next title: King of Meat.
Trying to balance elements from that many properties seems like an impossible task. But after I got a chance to play an early build prior to Gamescom, King of Meat’s world and presentation might be the best thing about it. The game is centered around the Komstruck Koliseum, which is a Battle Royale-esque arena that also serves as the stage for an in-world TV show. Your job is to fight through various stages while helping out your friends and keeping the audience entertained.
Amazon/Glowmade
This is where the WWE inspiration factors in because the audience isn’t simply there for the ambiance, it’s an actual game mechanic. Grabbing gems and beating up foes increases your multiplier, allowing you to earn more points and get higher ranks (like bronze, silver and gold). The better you do and the more bounties you complete (like killing a certain number of specific enemies), the more currency you get, which you can then spend on new weapons, costumes and special attacks called Glory Moves. There’s even an in-game announcer to help keep the hype up.
Stylistically, King of Meat feels like a mix between Fortnite and Castle Crashers (another inspiration for the title), but with a more outlandish and sinister bent. Weapon skins include Cthulhu-like tentacle swords or jagged 8-bit facsimiles while Glory Moves range from silly to shocking, like calling down a giant hoof from the sky or birthing a massive belch to blow enemies away. And behind this over-the-top, energy-drink-fueled facade, there’s a bit of evil lurking in the corners, hinting that the fictional megacorps such as KOMSTRUCT may not be what they seem.
Amazon/Glowmade
As for the gameplay itself, it’s a pretty typical hack-and-slash platformer. You have basic melee attacks using weapons like swords and hammers, a heavier charge-up move, specials and a handy long-ranged sidearm (I used a crossbow, but there’s much more to choose from). You also get a double jump and while there’s some light comboing between moves, from what I saw the game stops short of letting you do more complex things like air juggles. Sadly, this is one of my concerns with the game, because while I only had a chance to play a handful of early levels, it feels like the game’s combat and pacing underdelivers, at least when compared to its over-the-top presentation and visual design.
When playing co-op with four people, there were several times when I just had to stand around while waiting for more enemies to arrive. Jumping across platforms also didn’t feel as tight or responsive compared to a lot of other 3D platformers. And even in the heat of battle, I didn’t get the sense that switching between attacks was much more effective than simply mashing buttons. I also ran into a few bugs where I got stuck in a wall or an enemy disappeared, which prevented our squad from moving on to the next section. That said, this was far from a final build, so hopefully Glowmade can polish things up before release.
Amazon/Glowmade
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try out any dungeon building, which was a bummer since that’s meant to be a huge draw of the game. Out of the box, there will be a number of pre-made stages and a story campaign. But, similar to titles like Super Mario Maker, Glowmade is counting on users to create even more levels, with some of the lead developers saying “We want to reward players for being interesting.” Glowmade says first-party dungeons are built using the same tools players will get access to. This sort of reminds me of the Trackmania community, where even if you’re not the best racer, you can still make major contributions by creating fun courses, or in this case, dungeons. Cross-platform gameplay and dungeon building will also be supported, so you’ll have plenty of options for co-op.
Amazon/Glowmade
I still haven’t fully decided how I feel about King of Meat. It’s got an interesting premise and during my preview session, there were certainly moments where it felt like it was delivering on the spectacle while also scratching the grab-and-smash itch you tend to search for in hack-and-slash platformers. But at the same time, I wasn’t totally hooked either, possibly due to not being able to experience dungeon-building myself or not having a bigger arsenal of weapons and attacks to play around with. That said, since Glowmade’s founders previously worked at studios including Lionhead and Media Molecule and franchises like Fable and Little Big Planet, it feels like they should have the pedigree needed to properly bring King of Meat into the spotlight.
King of Meat will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox X/S and the Nintendo Switch, though Amazon and Glowmade have yet to set an official release date.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/king-of-meat-preview-a-monstrous-mash-up-of-a-co-op-platformer-183015893.html?src=rss
Last year, Google released the Pixel Fold — the company's first-ever phone with a flexible screen. But today at its latest Made By event, Google showed off a sequel. But don’t call it the Pixel Fold 2, because in addition to a revamped design featuring what’s being called the largest display of any phone on the market, it’s also getting a reworked name: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Now I must say, that moniker is a real mouthful. But the idea behind it was to ensure that people know the new Fold is part of the larger Pixel 9 family. That means this latest Fold has the same Tensor G4 chip, a similar design and all the AI features as the rest of the line. Plus a few bespoke additions made just for this device.
But before we get into that, let’s start with its design, which has made a pretty big shift from its passport-shaped predecessor. This time, Google opted for more traditional dimensions with the Pro Fold sporting a 6.3-inch outside display that’s almost identical in size to what you get on the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. And with a peak brightness of up to 2,700 nits for both inside and outside displays, it's basically just as colorful and vibrant.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Then on the inside, you get a flexible screen that measures a whopping 8 inches across, beating out rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (7.6 inches), OnePlus Open (7.82 inches) and Honor Magic V3 (7.92 inches). Its technical name is the Super Actua Flex display, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. For the Pro Fold’s chassis, Google has switched to a boxier design with a new steel hinge covered by an aluminum alloy and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in front and back.
Now I will admit I was a bit bummed out by the change in shape as I’ve really come to appreciate the original Pixel Fold’s wide front screen. However, after playing around with it, the Pro Fold’s dimensions are definitely growing on me. Plus, if you remember from my interview with Google’s design team, the purpose of the first Fold’s shorter and squattier design was to make the outside screen more usable than the long and skinny displays Samsung uses on the Z Fold line. And by using a screen that is the same size as the regular Pixel 9 on the Pro Fold, it’s clear that they’re still sticking to that mantra.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Google has also slimmed down the phone and is claiming that it’s the thinnest foldable you can buy today. That said, measuring 5.1mm thick when open or 10.5mm thick when closed, I believe it's a touch fatter than both the Honor Magic V3 (4.4mm/9.3mm) and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 (4.6mm/9.5mm). That said, if we’re only talking about models available in the US, I think Google's claim holds true.
Around back, there’s a big new camera module that holds a 48-MP main camera and a 10.8-MP telephoto cam with a 5x optical zoom, which look to be the same as what we got in last year’s phone instead of using the new sensors available on the main Pixel 9 models. But I haven’t been able to confirm that just yet. And finally, there’s a 10.5-MP ultra-wide camera.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
I’ve dinged Samsung in the past for saddling the Z Fold line with cameras that aren’t quite as good as what you get on the main Galaxy S family, and it looks like Google is doing something similar to the Pro Fold, which I don’t love. But seeing as how last year’s phone offers better image quality than what you get on the new Z Fold 6, it’s not quite as big of a deal.
Naturally, there are a ton of new features and photo modes too. There’s stuff like Add Me, which uses AR guides to help you take group shots so you don’t need to ask a passerby for help. There is also a new and improved Video Boost tool that works in the dark and supports high-resolution zooms. But my favorite addition is Made You Look, which puts a fun animation on the outside screen so you can get a nice shot of your kids or anyone else who might otherwise be slightly distracted. It even uses an algorithm to detect when someone is smiling, to make the animation move, which is just a really simple but effective way to get a true candid reaction during a posed photo. Google has also finally implemented the Zoom Enhance feature it teased back during the launch of Pixel 8.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
And of course, it wouldn’t be Google without a bunch of new AI features. For photos, there are a few new Magic Editor tricks like Autoframe that can recompose your shots, or Reimagine, which can replace things (typically the foreground and background of a shot) with anything you can put in the prompt box.
For more general use, there’s the Pixel Screenshots app which allows you to save screenshots and then later use AI to find specific images or more detailed stuff like concert dates. Alternatively, if you want to generate your own images from scratch, the new Pixel Studio app looks surprisingly powerful. Not only can you create subjects and backgrounds, you can also generate stickers of your friends, remove distracting objects, or put together things like party invitations using your custom artwork. There’s even a new Pixel Weather app that uses AI to write a quick summary of what’s going on that day.
But the ML-powered tools don’t stop there, because Gemini Live allows you to have more natural conversations with AIs, so you can get answers on a huge range of topics without needing to say “Hey” every time you think of a question. There are also several features I didn’t get to try such as the Pixel 9’s improved Clear Calling, Call Notes, which uses AI to create transcripts of a call, and Google’s new satellite SOS system, which lets you call for help even when you don’t have cell service. Lastly, Google has bumped up the amount of RAM in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold from 12GB to 16GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB of storage.
So while I’ve only had a short time with it thus far, I really like what Google is doing with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold — you know, aside from its clunky new name. In a lot of ways, Google is delivering what I wanted Samsung to do for the Z line. The Pro Fold is thinner than Z Fold 6 while also having a bigger main screen. And its cameras should be better too. Plus, thanks to Google’s lead in AI, we’re getting even more fun and useful tools for tweaking photos or remembering that cool pair of shoes you screenshotted weeks ago. Sure, Google still doesn’t have a real alternative to Dex mode or built-in stylus support. But for people who want a convertible phone with great screens, excellent cameras and powerful software, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is looking like a great follow-up to the original. Oh, and priced at $1,800, it costs $100 less than the Z Fold 6 too.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available for pre-order today with official sales beginning on September 4. It will be available in two colors: porcelain and obsidian.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-hands-on-a-clever-new-shape-and-even-bigger-displays-170058834.html?src=rss
With the new Pixel 9, Google is continuing its push for more AI-powered features while also developing a more durable design and addressing one of my longest-running requests: the addition of a more compact Pro model.
The new Pixel 9 family
Unlike previous generations, the Pixel 9 line will now be divided across three handsets. There’s the base Pixel 9 which features a 6.3-inch screen, the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL and the newest member of the family: the Pixel 9 Pro, which has all the same features as the Pro XL but in a smaller chassis with a 6.3-inch screen. In essence, the P9 Pro is for everyone who always wanted the extra telephoto camera you got on previous top-tier Google phones, but without the need to upgrade to a physically larger device.
The standard Pixel 9 will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
All three models are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip. However, when compared to the regular Pixel 9, while it has the same size screen, the P9 Pro’s display sports a slightly higher resolution (1,280 x 2856 versus 1,080 x 2,424) and better peak brightness (3,000 nits vs 2,700 nits). It also gets more storage size options (up to 1TB) and 16GB of RAM instead of 12GB like on the base model. However, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature the same 4,700 mAh batteries, so longevity should be quite comparable.
Updated styling
Now that we got that out of the way, we can look at the line’s updated design. Every model features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in front and back along with a boxier frame that Google claims is twice as durable as the previous generation. There are also a few small cosmetic differences such as a different color options (the most notable is peony on the Pixel 9 and rose quartz on the Pro and Pro XL) and a matte satin finish on the base model versus a shiny, polished treatment for the more expensive Pro phones.
From the front, it almost looks like Google is stealing a page out of Apple’s playbook, as both the Pixel 9 and iPhone 14 have similar silhouettes with flat sides and rounded corners. But everything changes when you flip the phone around. Gone is the camera bar that recent Pixels had become known for and in its place is a tall pill-shaped module that looks kind of like a visor. It’s almost like what an Among Us character would look like if you made one into a phone.
For 2024, Google's top-tier phone will be split into two models: the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro (left) and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL (right).
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
But more importantly, Google has upgraded the Pixel 9 line’s camera sensors with a new 50-MP main camera, a 48-MP ultra-wide that can also shoot macros and, for the Pro and Pro XL, a third 48-MP cam with a 5x telephoto zoom. Unfortunately, it was hard to get a good sense of how much image quality has improved during my short hands-on session, but I’d argue the biggest improvements are some of Google’s new camera features anyway.
This includes the debut of Zoom Enhance, which was originally teased back during the launch of the Pixel 8 but hadn’t been officially released until now. It takes soft blurry images and uses AI to increase both detail and sharpness. But the most impressive thing is that it seems to deliver on the TV show magic from series like CSI, where you can just press a button and suddenly a blurry pic becomes clear as day.
New software and camera features
In Google’s Magic Editor, there are two additions called Autoframe and Reimagine. The former relies on machine learning to analyze existing shots and recompose them to better highlight the subject or their surroundings while filling in the blanks similar to how the Content-Aware Fill tool works in Photoshop. Meanwhile, the latter can add new elements to a photo (it works best on foregrounds and backgrounds) simply by typing something in the prompt box. During our session, I replaced a road with a raging river with surprisingly good results.
There’s also the Add Me tool, which uses augmented reality guides to help you shoot two group shots with different people holding the phone before merging everything together. This means that everyone can be in the final image without needing to ask a stranger for help. And as an expansion of last year’s Video Boost tool, you can now shoot videos with up to 20x zoom or clips with up to 8K resolution.
But perhaps the most intriguing new software is two new exclusive standalone apps: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. Pixel Screenshots is very straightforward as it uses AI to analyze and search through all your saved screenshots so that you can easily retrieve information like reservations, things mentioned in a text or anything else. That said, unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, the Pixel 9 doesn’t create screenshots and save screenshots automatically, you have to do that on your own. This potentially sidesteps some of the more pressing security concerns, especially as everything in the Pixel Screenshots app happens on device.
The new Pixel Screenshots app on the Pixel 9 uses on-device AI to help search and organize all your screencaps.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Alternatively, for people who want to create brand new images, the Pixel Studio app uses AI to generate pretty much anything you can think of. You can even make custom stickers with your friends’ faces and combine them with other materials to create things like invitations.
Elsewhere, the Pixel Weather app features new AI-generated summaries of the day’s conditions, while updates to Clear Calling and the new Call Notes feature allow you to better hear and transcribe what’s being said. Finally, for more adventurous folk, Google’s Satellite SOS feature will allow you to text emergency services for help even when your phone doesn’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The service will be free for the first two years, though it remains to be seen how much it will cost after that.
Early impressions
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
All in all, the new Pixel 9 family isn’t a major departure from last year’s phones. That said, I think Google’s revamped designs look great and there are a ton of individual features and tools that seem quite powerful. So even if you might not have plans for all of them, stuff like Satellite SOS, Add Me or the Pixel Studio could make or break certain situations. Then you combine that best-in-class image quality, great screens with top-notch brightness. But the biggest ongoing development is how Google continues to build out its library of class-leading software and services. The Pixel is already home to powerful features like the Pixel Recorder, Call Screener and more, and now it’s getting support for Satellite SOS plus apps like the Pixel Studio, which is essentially a self-contained alternative to services like Midjourney. Year by year, it feels like Google is continuing to grow its lead in AI and software.
The standard Pixel 9 starts at $799 and will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL start at $999 and $1,099 respectively, and will be available in obsidian, porcelain, hazel and rose quartz. Pre-orders go live today with official sales beginning on August 22.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-and-9-pro-hands-on-a-smart-evolution-and-a-smaller-pro-model-170015733.html?src=rss
The Pixel Fold was Google’s first phone with a flexible display when it launched last year. And at its upcoming Made By Google event, we’re about to get a successor in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. So there’s no better time to check in on how Google’s original bendy handset has survived being my daily driver for an entire year.
The Pixel Fold doesn’t look like any other foldable on the market. It has a curvy polished aluminum frame with squatty dimensions that results in something shaped more like a passport than a traditional handset or Samsung’s long and skinny batons. When you open it up, you’ll find relatively chunky bezels and a big main display that sits in landscape orientation instead of portrait like practically all of its rivals. Around back, there’s an absolutely massive camera bar. But as I found out after talking to the phone’s designers, the opportunity to shape Google’s first foldable gave the team a blank slate to try new approaches. And I think the phone is much better off for it.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
That’s because even though its widescreen setup sometimes causes issues with apps and websites that expect portrait mode, it made sitting down with a movie much faster and more enjoyable. Meanwhile, its thick frame left enough room for Google to build a selfie camera into the phone’s bezel rather than taking up room on its main display. And even though its rear camera module is definitely bulky, it allowed Google to equip the Fold with sensors that are basically as good as those on a standard flagship Pixel (including a 5x optical zoom). That’s something Samsung still hasn’t managed to do for the Z Fold line, which continues to take a backseat in photo quality compared to an equivalent Galaxy S Ultra.
Granted, Samsung’s version still boasts a few features the Pixel Fold doesn’t get such as native stylus support and Dex mode, which offers a superior layout for multitasking. Plus, thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, it delivers slightly faster overall performance. However, I think Google largely makes up for that with better software including apps like the Pixel Recorder, Call Screener and Live Translate.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
All in all, despite being Google’s first foray into the category, the Pixel Fold is a very compelling device with a unique design, class-leading cameras and great displays — that’s pretty much everything you want in a big fancy flexible phone. That said, one thing I couldn’t properly evaluate in my original review was the phone’s long-term durability. To close the loop, here’s how it’s faring one year later.
Before we get in too deep, I should note that I’m pretty tough on devices. The Pixel Fold I’ve been using has been naked since the day I got it, simply because I don’t like cases. After all, companies like Google spend millions coming up with exquisite designs, so it seems like a shame to throw a cheap smock over everything. I also live with a toddler who doesn’t care about nice things, so he doesn’t think twice about batting the phone around when it's in his way. But even so, the Pixel Fold has held up surprisingly well.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
On its frame, there are a ton of scuffs and scratches all over along with some dents from being dropped. There are also a few scapes on its matte Gorilla Glass Victus back, but all of this is purely cosmetic. If you’re the type of person who gets jazzed up about wear and patinas on vintage furniture, you might even say the Pixel Fold is aging rather gracefully considering how much abuse it’s absorbed. Most importantly though, none of this damage has impacted the phone’s functionality.
That said, there is a small crack in the phone’s exterior display. But I want to be clear, that one is 100 percent my fault. While trying to potty train my toddler, I would often sit on a low stool near him in a bathroom with hard tile flooring. And often, because of how I was seated, the phone would slip out of my pocket. This happened countless times and I should have simply put the phone on a nearby changing table. But I didn’t, and about a month ago, it fell and hit the corner of its display, causing a small cobweb of fractures. Still, even with that blemish, the screen’s functionality is unaffected.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Naturally, I tried to get the exterior display repaired. Unfortunately, a representative at my local uBreakiFix (which is a Google-authorized repair center) told me that they didn’t have the required parts or the proper jig for a panel replacement. I was then told to contact one of the company’s main locations in Kearny, NJ, which did have the necessary materials and gave me a rough estimate (over the phone) of about four hours and $220 for the repair. Then, just to be sure, I took the Pixel Fold into Google’s flagship retail store in NYC for a second opinion, which resulted in a slightly cheaper ballpark quote of $180. Both prices are in the same range as what it would cost to replace a display on a traditional candybar-style handset, which is nice considering the added complexity of the Pixel Fold’s design. As for its main display, probably due in large part to the fact that it's protected by the rest of the phone when closed, it's remained pristine.
I’ve also dropped this thing in the sand, which scared the crap out of me since its IPX8 rating technically only specifies its level of water resistance (up to 5 feet for 30 minutes). Things got even more concerning when I tried to open it and was greeted by the distinctive sound of particles grinding somewhere inside. But after wiping it off and blowing in the hinge like it was an old NES cartridge, everything went back to normal. Perhaps the most impressive thing is that even after a year, there’s not a single hint of bubbling from the Fold’s factory-installed screen protector, which is something I’ve experienced on every one of Samsung’s Z Fold phones I’ve owned. And based on the searches I’ve done online, aside from a small handful of odd cases, I haven’t seen many complaints from other Pixel Fold users either.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
In a lot of ways, the Pixel Fold’s impressive durability is yet another sign that Google has been carefully watching the evolution of rivals like the Z Fold and studying it to see what aspects can be improved. Despite being the company’s first go at a phone with a flexible screen, the Pixel Fold definitely doesn’t suffer from a lot of the issues you typically get on first-gen devices. The one thing I might do differently in the future is to perhaps use a sleeve instead of a case to make the device a bit less slippery when it’s in my pocket.
My one gripe with the Pixel Fold’s design is that it never fully opens all the way. Granted, this is an incredibly minor complaint, but it looks awkward when the phone stops at 179 degrees, just short of being totally flat. During my initial review, I thought the phone’s hinge might relax over time, but it’s just as stiff as ever, which in all other situations is a good thing.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Regardless, for a type of device that many think needs to be treated with kid gloves, the Pixel Fold has proven that it’s a lot tougher than I thought. And while it seems Google has some significant design changes in store for the next model, I’m quite satisfied with what I’ve experienced thus far.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-fold-durability-report-one-year-later-more-durable-than-i-expected-133037946.html?src=rss
Despite being one of the first gaming handhelds from a major PC maker, ASUS got a lot right with the original ROG Ally. It offers better performance in a smaller chassis than Valve’s Steam Deck, but without a huge increase in price. And because it’s based on Windows instead of Linux, it delivers almost universal game compatibility. That said, issues like weak battery life and faulty SD card slots left plenty of room for improvement. So on the new Ally X, ASUS tweaked almost everything aside from its chip and display. But this time, what we’re getting is the fully armed and operational battle station that I wanted all along.
Design and display
From afar, it may appear like all ASUS did was switch the color of the Ally X’s chassis from white to black. But the second I picked it up, I noticed a lot of little changes including more pronounced grips, slightly taller face buttons and smaller paddles around back designed so that they’re harder to hit by accident. There’s also a brand new D-Pad which is a big improvement from the one on the vanilla Ally, though I’d still prefer a traditional cross or one of Sony’s pentagon-shaped arrangements.
On the inside, ASUS added stiffer springs to Ally X’s joysticks, making them tighter and more responsive. However, ASUS stopped short of switching to Hall Effect sensors like the ones on rivals like the Lenovo Legion Go. There’s also a third vent and a new fan system that improve cooling and airflow, though at full load, the back of this thing still gets pretty toasty.
But the best part is that even with all these changes and a handful of new components on the inside (more on those later), the Ally X isn’t much bulkier than its predecessor. The original ROG Ally weighs 1.34 pounds and measures 1.28 inches at its thickest while the Ally X comes in at 1.49 pounds and 1.45 inches. I’ve even been told by an ASUS representative that the Ally X fits in the original Ally’s official case, though I haven’t confirmed that myself, because, unlike the Steam Deck, you don’t get one bundled with the system.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Finally, there’s the Ally X’s 1080p display, one of two components that’s the same as on its predecessor. It has great brightness with a peak of around 500 nits (our review unit was actually a touch better at around 515 nits) and a variable 120Hz refresh rate. It’s pretty much exactly what you want on a system this size and in brighter environments, its black levels are so good that I’ve mistaken it for an OLED panel.
Performance
The other major component that hasn’t changed is the Ally X’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance improvements. That’s because ASUS massively upgraded the rest of its components with 24GB of faster LPDDR5X-7500 RAM (up from 16GB) and a larger 1TB M.2 SSD (up from 512GB). This time, ASUS even opted for a full-size 2280 module, so if you want to upgrade your storage down the line, you’ll have way more options than the smaller 2230 stick used in the previous model. Plus, and I can’t stress this enough, ASUS has also had extra time to polish the Ally X’s drivers. As we saw on the original, improved software support can make a big difference in performance, especially in a category that still benefits a ton from better optimization. And depending on the title, we’ve seen performance increase by as much as 5-10 percent, which is pretty significant considering its chip hasn’t changed.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 720p on high graphics, the Ally X hit 54 fps in performance mode and 64 fps in Turbo mode compared to 54 fps and 60 fps for the original. Meanwhile when playing Cyberpunk 2077, I saw even bigger gains with the Ally X getting up to 78 fps in Turbo mode versus just 69 fps for the vanilla Ally. This improvement seems to be due in large part to the Ally X’s increased RAM, which the handheld shares with its GPU. And unlike on a laptop or desktop with discrete graphics, the Z1 Extreme’s Radeon 780M doesn’t have its own dedicated memory.
But regardless of how it’s getting there, all these changes make the Ally X one of the most powerful handheld PCs on the market. That’s because while the Legion Go uses the same processor, it has 8GB less RAM, so in games, it generally lagged behind by three to five fps.
Software
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Windows-based gaming handhelds continue to be a bit clunky when you need to switch between various game launchers and menus, but ASUS has streamlined its Armoury Crate app to be more responsive and easier to use. It’s generally less buggy and better equipped to be a one-stop shop for aggregating all different games (and launchers) or quickly tweaking settings. Even with all that, though, it’s still less cohesive than Valve’s Steam OS. And despite recent improvements, I still ran into things like Armoury Crate interrupting what I was trying to do in Windows when it automatically boots up after a restart (which thankfully you can disable).
Battery life and ports
One of the biggest issues with the original Ally was its short battery life, which often lasted just an hour or an hour and a half at best. And when you have a system that needs to be plugged into a wall that frequently, it calls into question how good of a gaming handheld it really is.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
But on the Ally X, ASUS doubled battery capacity to 80Wh. Now it can easily game for at least two hours to two and a half hours (or more, if you don’t mind fiddling around with settings). And when you remember that the Ally X isn’t that much heftier than its predecessor, you have an even greater appreciation for how much extra juice ASUS managed to cram inside.
I also appreciate that ASUS replaced the proprietary XG Mobile connector on the original model with a second USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4. This means you can still plug in an external graphics dock if you want, while also giving you the flexibility to hook up all sorts of peripherals. This allows the Ally X to better serve as a portable desktop because you can plug in accessories like a mouse and keyboard without the need for external docks or dongles.
Wrap-up
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
While the Ally X isn’t a true 2.0 version of its predecessor, ASUS has addressed pretty much every complaint I had about the original and then some. Its joysticks feel tighter, its performance is better and battery life has essentially doubled. Even ASUS’ Armoury Crate app is easier to use, though it still hasn’t fully solved the issue of Windows feeling clunky on PC handhelds. And while it’s a touch thicker and heavier than before, those changes don’t impact its portability. ASUS also claims it has improved its RMA process to better support people who need servicing or repairs after numerous customer complaints. But it’s still too early to say if this has made a difference.
Really, the biggest hurdle for the Ally X is its price. At $800, it costs $150 more than the original Ally or the closest equivalent Steam Deck. For those who bought its predecessor, that could still make it a tough sell after only one year. I’d also argue that thanks to Steam OS, Valve’s handheld remains the more streamlined and easier-to-use option. But make no mistake, if you’re talking about the best PC gaming handhelds on the market, the Ally X sits at the top of the hill right next to the Steam Deck.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/asus-rog-ally-review-a-fully-armed-and-operational-handheld-battle-station-133043986.html?src=rss
Up until now, Google’s Chromecast line has been largely focused on making it easy to watch shows and movies on your favorite big screen. But with the new Google TV Streamer, Google finally has a proper set-top box for binging content that also supports a much broader range of smart home controls.
Design: From dongle to wedge
Coming just a week ahead of Google's upcoming Made By event, perhaps the biggest change for the TV Streamer is switching from being a simple dongle that hangs off your TV to a truly standalone device that lives on your media console. Google says its wedge-shaped design is meant to blend in easily with your decor when sitting in front of your TV so that it offers better reception for its included remote and other smart home devices (more on that later).
The Google TV Streamer will be available in two colors: porcelain white and hazel, the latter of which will be exclusively direct from Google.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Google has also given the Streamer TV a massive hardware upgrade compared to the Chromecast with Google TV from 2020, including a 22 percent faster CPU, double the RAM (4GB instead of 2GB) and four times more storage (32GB total). That might not sound like a ton, but considering that the previous model often ran out of space for downloading basic streaming apps, that’s a much-needed improvement. Streaming resolution caps out at 4K/60fps, though you do get support for HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio (when paired with Google Pixel Buds).
Furthermore, there’s an HDMI 1.1 jack, a powered USB-C port and a dedicated Ethernet slot for people who want peak bandwidth for streaming. Google also made the remote a touch longer while moving the volume rocker to the top and adding a customizable button that can be set to launch your favorite app, switch inputs or summon the new smart home control center. And just like before, there’s a built-in microphone and a button for summoning the Google Assistant.
Smart home: Becoming a proper device hub
Here's a sample of what the Google TV Streamer's new smart home control panel looks like.
Google
This brings me to the Google Streamer’s improved smart home capabilities. Not only does it support Matter, it also features a built-in Thread border router for easily communicating with the other devices in your house. On top of that, the TV Streamer is getting its own version of the Google Home panel (which we’ve seen on previous Pixel phones and Nest Hubs) so that it's easier to adjust things like smart lights while also giving you the ability to view feeds from your security cameras and video doorbells.
New AI features
Finally, it wouldn’t be a 2024 Google device without some new AI features. Thanks to Gemini, the TV Streamer can create custom recommendations based on the kind of content you watch and generate summaries, reviews or even season-by-season breakdowns for stuff you haven’t. There’s also an ambient TV mode that allows you to pull screensavers or memories from your Google Photos library. However, if you want something a bit more unique, you can also use AI to generate something fantastical. Meanwhile, if you lose the remote, you can ask the Google Assistant (not Gemini) to help you find it or you can simply press the dedicated button on the back of the box.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
So while I haven’t had much chance to dive into its features, with the new TV Streamer, at last it feels like Google has a significantly more capable smart home hub that’s also a true rival to the Apple TV 4K and other Android-based boxes like the NVIDIA Shield TV. The Google TV Streamer costs $100 and is available for pre-order today with official sales beginning September 24. It will be available in two colors: porcelain white and hazel, the latter of which will be available exclusively from the Google Store.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/the-google-tv-streamer-is-the-next-big-upgrade-to-the-chromecast-line-130034951.html?src=rss
When the Mustang Mach-E first hit the streets at the end of 2021, people were so up in arms about its name that it felt like you couldn’t have a serious discussion about the vehicle itself. How dare Ford tarnish the legacy of its iconic pony car with *gasp* a crossover SUV?! And an all-electric one at that. But now that Ford has had a few years to refine the platform, it’s a great time to take another look at what is still the company’s most engaging EV to date.
What’s new for 2024
Ford has made several tweaks and adjustments to the Mach-E over the past few years, like streamlining the UI for its infotainment system, offering a wider range of colors and switching to LFP batteries (lithium ferrophosphate) for the standard range model and NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) for extended range trims. But for 2024, there are a few additional updates such as a new rear motor (which Ford says was developed in-house) that deliver a touch more torque and slightly faster charging speeds. The 72kWh standard range model can now go from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes or around 36 minutes for specs with the larger 91kWh extended range battery pack. That’s about six minutes faster compared to previous model year vehicles.
The Mach-E GT now also receives Ford’s MagneRide suspension tech as standard. This feature was only available on the top-spec GT Performance Edition, which now exists as a Performance upgrade package (and is what I reviewed here), instead of being a full standalone trim. It offers an extra 100 pound-feet of torque and improved tuning. This year, there are yet more color options headlined by Eruption green and Ford’s optional Bronze appearance pack (which you can see in photos of our loaner vehicle), alongside a brand new Rally model. It features some exclusive design touches including a larger rear spoiler and a bunch of tweaks for better off-road performance and handling.
Finally, earlier this spring, Ford announced that its EVs in the US can use Tesla’s Supercharging network and created a program that provides one free adapter to Mustang Mach-E and Ford 150 Lightning owners. (Envision a giant USB dongle that allows Ford’s CCS charging ports to use Tesla’s NACS plugs. Starting in 2025, new Mach-Es will come with an NACS plug from the factory.)
Design: A family-friendly muscle car for the EV age
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
One of the biggest issues Mustang die-hards have with the Mach-E is that it represents diametrically opposed objectives. Muscle cars are supposed to be simple, low-slung affairs that are big on power and light on weight (and often practicality). But this thing has two rows of usable seats, a large cargo area and a curb weight of between 4,400 and 5,000 pounds depending on the spec. That’s about 1,000 pounds heavier than an equivalent gas-powered Mustang.
Factor in that the Mach-E has a frunk where the engine ought to be and you’re basically looking at something that sits on the complete other end of the spectrum from where Mustang landed when it first hit the roads back in the 1960s. And often, when a product is being pulled in multiple directions, it ends up stuck in the middle.
But on the Mach-E, Ford has artfully balanced nods to previous Mustangs while embracing a more accommodating crossover EV design. The car’s long hood and vertical taillights give it an unmistakable familial resemblance while the clever use of black panels on its roof, below its doors and elsewhere make the crossover look sleeker than it actually is. (Admittedly, they’re hard to see on a black car like the one I tested, but check out some other colors to see what I mean.) And in an ever growing sea of vaguely teardrop-shaped EV SUVs, the Mach-E stands out as a striking homage to a classic.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the Mach-E’s design is its door handles, or lack thereof. Instead, you get a button mounted on the pillar behind each window. In front, there’s also a small tab nearby you can pull to open, while in back, Ford expects you to simply grab the inside of the door when climbing in, because that’s what people tend to do anyway. And Ford is right. Buttons are good and don’t need any explanation. Plus, they’re a lot simpler than handles that have to pop out just so you can yank on them. Even my toddler (who isn’t even three yet) can open the doors by himself. Plus, they still deliver on the original purpose of getting rid of handles to reduce drag. It seems Ferrari agrees, because the Italian supercar maker opted for a similar tabbed design (albeit without the button) for the rear doors on the new Purosangue.
Another nifty feature inspired by the cars of yesteryear is the numeric touch controls on the driver’s side door. Just like the buttons on old Explorers, you can create a PIN that lets you unlock the car with a handful of taps. This lets you hide your keys inside the car if you’re at the beach or going on a hike and don’t want to risk losing them in the wild. It’s a bit of simple tech mixed with basic practicality that I wish more carmakers would support.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
That delicate blend between new and old continues inside as well. In the center of the dash is a large 15.5-inch touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. But unlike other EV makers (most notably Tesla), Ford stopped short of making everything so streamlined that it's hard to use. At the bottom of the screen, the touch buttons for the heated seats and temperature are frozen in place, so they’re always easy to reach. And then smack in the middle is a big control wheel that adjusts dynamically to handle whatever you need. By default, it handles volume, but if you touch something like the fan button first, you can simply twist the dial to increase or decrease the speed. It’s a wonderful blend between digital and analog controls that means you’re never more than two gestures away from turning something off or setting it to full blast.
It's endearing that Ford is so committed to its transitional philosophy between new and old that in addition to a built-in wireless charger, the Mach-E has USB-A and USB-C jacks positioned side-by-side. Usually, automakers just pick one and stick with it, sometimes resulting in cars saddled with only Type-A slots.
Meanwhile, over on the driver’s side, Ford skews a bit more traditional, where controls for the blinkers and wipers are just stalks. It’s a tried and true setup that makes the Mach-E feel immediately familiar, which is not something all EVs can claim. There’s even an on/off button for the car, which almost feels quaint in a time when so many electric cars let you just walk up, put your foot on the brake and go. But as I said before, buttons are good, so unless you really feel like tapping one is a drag, I don’t see an issue with Ford’s approach.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
As for the rest of the interior, it’s easy to tell that the Mach-E was built with expertise. There’s a nice mix of premium textures (with very little piano black trim to call attention to fingerprints) and no cracks or loose ends to speak of. The cabin is also very quiet, with not even a hint of an EV’s usual faint electric motor whine (unless you’re really gunning it). Compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Mach-E has a slightly higher seating position (as befits a proper SUV) and larger cargo area (29.7 cubic feet versus 27.2), with the trade-off being slightly less rear-seat legroom for passengers in the second row. That said, I’m six feet tall and there’s still plenty of room in the back for me. However, if you want to really maximize storage, Tesla’s Model Y beats out both with large cubby spaces throughout.
The one thing I wish Ford offered — even if it had been strictly an optional extra — is ventilated seats. It’s something you can get on other similarly priced rivals or even the F-150 Lightning. And as I was testing this during the peak of a heatwave, it would have been the cherry on top of an otherwise already solid interior.
Tech and infotainment: A big screen with a much-appreciated analog touch
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The Mach-E’s infotainment is powered by Ford’s Sync 4A system which is generally fine. You have all the basics for adjusting car settings, navigation and more. But most people are probably going to augment that with support for both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes the whole setup feel much more complete. Pairing was a cinch and connecting was fast enough that generally by the time I got into the car and put my seatbelt on, Android Auto was ready to go. From the main screen, you get a big window for mapping and some smaller panes for music and recent apps. In the settings, you can adjust things like the propulsion sounds or one-pedal driving, the latter of which I think is tuned perfectly for the Mach-E. It offers plenty of deceleration when you lift off but not so much that your head jerks around if you let it slow all the way to a full stop.
Meanwhile, thanks to the FordPass app, you get some additional controls on your phone, though things are a bit spartan compared to rivals like Tesla. All the basics are there like being able to lock the car, roll down the windows and activate the climate control remotely. But there are a lot of little things it can’t do too.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
There’s no option to see the view from the Mach-E’s cameras on your phone like on a Model Y, and you can’t even adjust individual climate settings. You can either let the car pick a temperature or let it default to whatever it was the last time you were driving. However, one thing the Mach-E offers that a Model Y doesn’t is a top-down 360-degree camera. That thing is a lifesaver when you need to squeeze into a tight space while parallel parking and should be a standard feature on every new car. I just wish Ford’s execution was a touch more polished, as it applies little black outlines around the car that add the tiniest bit of guesswork.
You can also use your phone as a key, which is great for anyone who doesn’t want to carry Ford’s egg-shaped fob around. But I wish Ford would steal another page out of Tesla’s playbook and let you use the car’s sensors as a built-in dash cam. All the necessary equipment is already in place and there are plenty of USB ports for anyone who wants to plug in an external storage drive.
Unfortunately, there are still a few infotainment menus like the one for Sirius XM radio that take too long to appear. In 2024, I simply do not understand how a minimum $40,000 car has a screen that’s occasionally slower than a smartphone. And while Sync and Android Auto/CarPlay are usually quite responsive, there are a handful of situations where the display can’t keep up.
Performance: Pony power
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Mustang or not, with a 0 to 60 time of just 3.3 seconds for a GT with the Performance upgrade pack, the Mach-E is seriously quick. And even if you opt for a more affordable Premium model with dual motors and AWD, you’re still hitting 60 in 5.2 seconds, which is more than respectable.
However, the real star of the GT’s kit is its MagneRide damping system. It makes the car feel more confident and planted in the corners. The downside is that it makes the ride even firmer, which is great when you want to really push the pace while maintaining control. But around me, where the roads exist in a superposition of being either freshly paved or filled with so many potholes you might as well be driving on the moon, you will feel every bump just a bit more. Regardless, compared to the bouncier feel from the standard suspension in Mach-Es with Select and Premium trims, I’ll take that extra bit of sporty rigidity every time.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The Mach-E also offers a few different performance modes: Whisper, Engaged and Unbridled, which roughly translates to relaxed, sport and full power. In Whisper, which I used the most for driving around town, the car is relatively chilled out. There’s still a lot of performance to tap into, you just have to be a little more deliberate with your foot before it arrives. But that’s just fine when you're out getting groceries and don’t want to crack all your eggs before you get home. Engaged offers a good balance between speed and comfort, and Unbridled doesn’t need much explanation. At this point, most people know that EVs can deliver peak torque at all times unlike cars powered by internal combustion. So while classic Mustang fans might not like to admit it, in the real world, the Mach-E is every bit as quick as its gas-powered predecessors. There’s a sense that there’s always excess power waiting to be unleashed and it's absolutely exhilarating.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
On the flip side, when you don’t feel like driving, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is among the best in the business. Granted, it’s a bit more restricted than something like Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot as its only available on approved highways. But according to Ford, that covers over 130,000 miles of roads across North America, so it wasn’t hard to find somewhere I could use it. And when it’s activated, you can just sit back and let the car do the work, which is a true stress reliever when you’re stuck in highway traffic.
BlueCruise neatly stayed in the middle of the lane without needing to bounce between the lines. When you want to change lanes, you can simply flick the blinker stalk in the proper direction and let BlueCruise do the rest. I also appreciate that when it’s on, the entire screen on the driver’s side display turns blue, so there’s no confusion about what’s going on. Meanwhile, the small sensor bank behind the wheels monitors your eyes to ensure you’re still paying attention. And when BlueCruise needs to revert back to good ‘ole adaptive cruise control, that’s really obvious too.
Range and charging: Underpromise but over-deliver
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The Mach-E offers between 250 and 320 miles of range depending on the spec, with the GT falling in the middle with 280 miles of juice. (Note: all GTs come standard with AWD and Ford’s extended range battery pack). Those figures are more than solid and pretty much the same as a Tesla Model Y (Ford’s long-range RWD model can hit 320 miles per charge, while the Model Y Performance delivers 279 miles).
However, I noticed that Ford’s in-car range estimates are on the more conservative side, but in a good way. It feels like the Mach-E engineers were living by the mantra of underpromising and over-delivering. That’s because unlike every Tesla I’ve driven — which often served up overly optimistic calculations before updating to more realistic estimates halfway through the trip — what you see on the Mach-E’s display is pretty much what you get. And especially for first-time EV buyers who might be suffering from range anxiety, this predictability makes for more confidence on longer journeys.
Earlier this year, Ford announced that it would give Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners a free CCS to NACS charging adapter.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
On the other hand, perhaps the Mach-E’s biggest weakness is its charging time, which lags behind almost all of its rivals even with the six-minute decrease for 2024 models. This is because it maxes out with 150kW DC fast charging compared to 250kW for a Model Y or 350kW on a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Granted, if you have the luxury of being able to install a charger in your garage, that difference might not be a big deal. But for those who regularly need to charge mid-trip, you’re looking at between 10 and 15 minutes of extra time spent plugged in compared to its rivals. So while it’s not a deal breaker, faster DC charging would be the biggest upgrade Ford could add to the Mach-E.
Still, even for me, who lives in the city and can’t charge in my building or the lot I rent when testing cars, it’s not that bad. There are at least six public chargers within a five-block radius, all of which are significantly closer than the nearest gas station. This makes it easy to recharge the car when needed, which probably won’t be very often unless you have a major commute thanks to the Mach-E’s above-average range.
Wrap-up
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
So is the Mach-E a real Mustang? Ford certainly believes so because almost every badge on the outside of the car is a Mustang logo instead of the classic blue oval. However, methinks the lady doth protest too much. I suspect Ford will never admit to attaching the Mustang name to the Mach-E in hopes of attracting buyers to its first mainstream EV. (I’m not counting the electric Ranger from the 90s.) But you know what? The Mach-E is a great name for a car in its own right and it represents an incredibly thoughtful marriage of Ford’s legacy with forward-thinking design. (Though if we’re borrowing inspiration from the past, I kind of wish Ford had revived the Thunderbird name instead).
Sure, it’s not quite as techy as a Model Y and I hope Ford will incorporate some of Tesla’s more advanced features into future vehicles (a UWB-based car key would be really nice too). But at the same time, the Mach-E is welcoming to all sorts of drivers, including folks who may have never driven an EV, while also delivering tight handling and spirited performance. And unlike an old-fashioned Mustang, its size and two full rows of seats means the whole family can enjoy it.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/2024-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt-review-a-thrilling-mix-of-pedigree-and-electricity-170015532.html?src=rss