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HTC Vive Focus Vision – Review

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The VR scene is more competitive than ever – Meta’s Quest headsets offer brilliant value, so what can HTC’s latest Vive headset do to justify its premium existence? HTC’s angle appears to be around picture and video quality, with boasts about lossless video passthrough from a capable PC, with the potential for mixed use, including some gaming. The Focus Vision has a familiar look with a shiny front panel that houses the main body of the headset, along with a three-strap system that lets you wear it snugly.

At the back of your head, there’s an adjustment dial to get that fit correct, along with a battery holder that both helps to balance the weight of the headset and lets you more easily swap in charged batteries. The headset’s main front section is peppered with cameras and sensors to enable its room-, hand- and motion-tracking, and you also get two controllers with buttons, a joystick each, a trigger and a grip button. The headset also has a few buttons on its exterior, including a volume rocker for its built-in speakers on each side, and a multi-purpose button that you’ll use to power it on and off. The headset is well-built, making it feel more premium than some cheaper options. It’s also comfortable enough to wear for an hour or more. Everything is included to use the Vive Focus Vision as a standalone headset, including the option to stream from a PC over Wi-Fi. We also had access to the Streaming Kit – which is a relatively straightforward array of wiring options that you can set up according to your PC and GPU.

Not the snappiest

The Vive Focus Vision uses the first-gen Snapdragon XR2 chip – the same one in the older Meta Quest 2, whereas the second-gen version of the chip is in the newer Meta Quest 3 and 3S. Those headsets are substantially cheaper than the Vive, which makes for a letdown hardware-wise – but it’s also related to HTC targeting this product at enterprise, where spec changes aren’t as fast. Another minor is that the headset still uses fresnel lenses, an older and less impressive implementation than the pancake lenses favoured by most of the competition.

An automated adjustment system accounts for the distance between your eyes pretty well, but it’s surprising to see another advancement ignored at this price. The Vision delivers an experience that almost exactly matches its aspects – some good and some mediocre. That resolution per eye (2,448×2,448 pixels) results in an impressive sharpness and clarity. If you have a gaming rig that can power some proper VR experiences then you can enjoy some amazing stuff, and that wide field-of view (120-degrees) also helps here. Immersion is no trouble, though, and we were also impressed by the built-in speakers. The controllers, meanwhile, are just as impressive as they were in previous Focus iterations, capable of fine movements and enough buttons to allow for intricate controls when desired. They both charge by USB-C, which is also handy.

HTC highlights its new eye tracking system, which we found impressive – and very easy to set up for the first time. It tracked glances really well, which makes us wonder why so few VR experiences actually use it. The same verdict goes for mixed reality, too, which again is one of the points HTC has made about the upgraded Vive Focus Vision. Its 16MP cameras do indeed offer a good view of the world around you whenever you need it, at the tap of a button on the headset, and it’s a step up from HTC’s previous work.

Without its charging cable, you’ll get just under two hours from it before it powers down, which is in line with HTC’s claims, but predictably shorter than Meta’s cheaper headsets. The Vive Focus Vision does have the option to swap in a charged battery pack without your headset turning off during the process, although you’d need to buy a spare to make this work. When the HTC Vive Vision Focus is good, it’s very good – and someone with a beastly PC would definitely find it an excellent pairing thanks to its lossless capabilities. However, we suspect that most people could almost certainly save a few hundred and get a headset that feels about 90% as impressive with less fiddling required. Overall, the Vive Focus Vision is an enjoyable headset to use and heavyweight VR enthusiasts happy to spend the cash will love this option.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹99,900
  • vive.com

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 – Review

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Bowers & Wilkins latest true-wireless in-ears, the Pi8,represent a big investment. Mind you, it wouldn’t be the first time a pair of its headphones has turned out to be worth every penny. The Pi8 have an extensive feature set, with Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. As well as the usual SBC and AAC codecs,
there’s compatibility with Qualcomm’s aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs too – which means that lossy 24bit/96kHz content and lossless 16bit/44.1kHz content can be received. So the Pi8
are ready to serve you lossless CD-standard audio quality wirelessly, just as soon as you acquire the device that can send it. Multipoint connectivity means the Pi8 can connect to two devices at once. And the charging case can also retransmit – so you can attach a source to the case’s USB-C slot using either of the USB-C or 3.5mm-to-USB-C cables provided and the case will send the content to the earbuds. You can, say, use your Pi8 to listen, wirelessly, to an in-flight entertainment system using the aptX Adaptive codec at a lossy 24bit/96kHz standard. The charging case, which is slim and compact, supports wireless
charging as well via its USB-C slot. Battery life is a reasonable 6.5 hours from the earbuds (with ANC switched on) with an additional 13.5 hours in the case, for a total of 20 hours. It’s good, but it’s not
amazing.
The earbuds themselves are ergonomic, and easy to wear for extended periods – four pairs of differently sized silicone eartips helps. There’s a capacitive touch surface on the top of each earbud, and from here it’s easy to control the broad playback and telephony functions. Voice-assistant interaction is swift and reliable. No matter which of the four available finishes you choose – Anthracite (black), Dove (white), Jade (green), or Midnight (blue) are your options – the combination of smooth design, premium
materials and impeccable build quality make for a satisfying ownership experience. At every turn, the Pi8 are a deft, informative and thoroughly entertaining listen. The DAC, amplification and DSD are all derived
from renowned specialist ADI. Sound itself is delivered via a couple of 12mm versions of the full-range Carbon Cone dynamic drivers originally developed for the high-end Px8 wireless over-ear headphones.
They’re able to organise even the most complicated recordings confidently, and lay them out on a big, coherent soundstage with plenty of breathing space for every individual element. Even if you’re
not delivering the best quality audio files, the Pi8 will always make the best of it. And their best is very good indeed.
At the opposite end they dig deep and hit hard, but have the control and insight to keep rhythmic expression convincing and offer plenty of variation to bass sounds. Noise cancellation is a hybrid system with a pass-through option, and there are three mics per earcup taking care of ANC, cVc
telephony and voice-assistant interaction. And the earbuds are IP54-rated, which means they should be perfectly fine in any realistic environment. Other earbuds feature more mics, but there’s no better call quality than the Pi8. By contrast, ‘a pretty good job’ just about covers the active noise-cancellation (ANC). Like every other pair of true wireless in-ears, the Pi8 cannot match the blanket of silence delivered by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but they’re a strong second-tier performer. Great sound, thorough specification, and unexpectedly swish design make the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 the most competitive true
wireless in-ear headphones from the brand so far.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹34,900
  • bowerswilkins.com


Dali IO-8 – Review

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The IO-8 are the Danish brand’s third set of wireless over-ear headphones. At a premium C60,000 they nestle between the more ‘affordable’ IO-6, and the flagship IO-12 cans. At this price point, there’s strong competition from other luxury headphone brands, so how do they stack up? One feature that’s immediately worth flagging: these headphones can be used wirelessly, of course, but they can also function as hard-wired headphones even if they’re switched off or if their battery is flat. Dali provides a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable for this purpose, along with a USB alternative, in a compact travel case. Mind you, it will be negligent of you to let the IO-8 go flat. Battery life is a very decent 30 hours with ANC switched on, and an even better 35 hours if you turn it off – and from flat to full takes a shade under two hours. Better yet, you can charge the headphones via USB-C at the same time as listening via a hard analogue connection. That sound is delivered by a pair of big (50mm) full range free-edge paper cone drivers that are good for a frequency response of 10Hz-43kHz. When it comes to active noise-cancellation (ANC), the usual ‘on/off/transparency’ settings are available, but Dali is adamant it’s not looking for class-leading noise reduction, with what it rather self-consciously calls its ‘Audiophile ANC’. The IO-8s will deal with much of the external hubbub that might otherwise distract you from the sound your headphones are making, without impacting their audio characteristics.

They enjoy persuasively naturalistic tonality, and their frequency response from the bottom-end to the top is smooth and even. At the top-end they attack with real purpose, offering ample bite and crunch – but never threatening to get unruly or in any way out of hand. There’s shine to treble sounds, but not even a hint of hardness – instead, there’s substance to balance out the brilliance. The midrange communicates eloquently, which allows vocalists of all characters and all abilities to express themselves in full. Detail levels are as high here as they are everywhere else in the frequency range. Leave the EQ setting at ‘hi-fi’ and the low-frequency response is deep, properly shaped, nicely varied and confidently controlled. The ‘bass’ option simply hits a little harder and demands a little more prominence. Switch to a wireless connection via Bluetooth and all of the above, broadly speaking, still apply. There’s a predictable, though fairly minor, drop-off in detail levels, of course – but the IO-8 remain an expansive, informative and entertaining listen when heard this way.

The IO-8 are understatedly good-looking headphones and concealed inside the headband is the adjustment mechanism, with plenty of adjustment available, and nicely judged resistance, so getting comfortable inside the IO-8 is no problem even for the smaller-headed. On the left earcup are a couple of mic openings and that 3.5mm analogue input, while on the right there are a pair of mic openings and touch controls on the surface of the earcup for controlling playback. Around the edge of the earcup are the physical buttons that handle the EQ duo of choices, power on/off/Bluetooth pairing and ANC on/off/ transparency. Proof that a brilliant pair of headphones doesn’t rely on an exhaustive feature-set, the IO-8s are highly recommended – most importantly, the balanced, insightful and endlessly entertaining sound they make

Pricing and Availability

  • Rs59,900
  • dali-speakers.com

BenQ TK710STi projector – Review

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WORDS APURVA CHAUDHARY

The BenQ TK710STi represents an exciting evolution in the gaming projector space, bringing laser technology to a more accessible price point while maintaining the performance that gamers demand. The TK710STi maintains BenQ’s characteristic clean industrial design with a white and gray color scheme that would look at home in any modern setup. At 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs), it’s surprisingly portable for a laser projector, making it viable for gaming sessions away from home. The build quality is solid, with no creaking or flexing in the chassis. As a short-throw projector with a 0.69-1.0 throw ratio, the TK710STi offers flexible placement options. The inclusion of both vertical lens shift (±10 degrees) and 1.3x zoom provides good setup flexibility. I particularly appreciated the comprehensive keystone correction (±30° horizontal and vertical) for those situations where perfect alignment isn’t possible. Gaming experience, this is where the TK710STi truly shines. The input lag numbers are impressive. In real-world gaming, these numbers translate to an incredibly responsive experience. I tested the projector extensively with multiple consoles, and each showed distinct advantages.

 The Switch performed exceptionally well, with Nintendo’s vibrant art style really popping on the TK710STi. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate felt incredibly responsive at 1080p/60Hz. The dedicated gaming modes (RPG and FPS) are thoughtfully tuned, with FPS mode providing excellent visibility for competitive gaming while RPG mode emphasizes color and contrast for more cinematic experiences. The 3,200 ANSI lumens from the laser light source provide ample brightness for both gaming and movie watching, even with some ambient light present. The 0.65-inch DLP chip with XPR technology delivers true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), and the image is impressively sharp. Color performance is solid, with the projector covering 95% of the Rec.709 color space. The HDR implementation, while not class-leading, provides a noticeable improvement in contrast and dynamic range when gaming with HDR enabled.

Unlike the standard TK710, the TK710STi comes with BenQ’s QS02 Android TV dongle included in the package, providing access to streaming services and smart TV functionality. The connectivity options are comprehensive: 2x HDMI 2.0b ports with HDCP 2.2, RS-232 control port, audio output and USB Type-A (5V/2.5A power supply). The eARC support is particularly welcome for those with modern audio setups, allowing for high-quality audio passthrough including Dolby Atmos. The built-in 5-watt mono speaker is serviceable for casual use but falls short for serious gaming or movie watching. It’s loud enough for basic needs, but you’ll want to use the audio output for any serious gaming or movie sessions. The TK710STi positions itself as a premium option in the short-throw gaming projector market. The combination of laser technology, low input lag, and true 4K resolution makes it a strong contender for those seeking a gaming f irst projector that can also handle movie duty admirably.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹359,000
  • benq.com

OnePlus 13R – Review

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Words – SRINIVASAN S

The OnePlus 13R is the latest addition to OnePlus’s lineup, aiming to strike a balance between premium features and affordability. Designed for power users who demand performance without breaking the bank, the 13R promises to deliver a flagship-like experience. The OnePlus 13R arrives in a sleek, minimalist box that reflects the brand’s signature style. Inside, you’ll find the phone, a Type-A to C cable, a 80W SuperVOOC charging adapter, a SIM Tray Ejector tool, and a grippy, charcoal grey protective case. Right out of the box, the13R feels premium with its matte glass back. The phone is slim (0.80 cm) lightweight (206 grams), and comfortable to hold (7.58 cm width) making it ideal for one-handed use.
The 6.78-inch 1.5K 120 Hz ProXDR display is a visual treat. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness is more than sufficien t for outdoor use. The near bezel-less design adds to the
immersive experience, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos. The OnePlus 13R sports a sleek, modern design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The camera module is neatly integrated into the back, giving the phone a clean and polished look. The alert slider, a signature OnePlus feature, makes a return, allowing you to quickly switch between sound profiles.
The phone feels sturdy and well-built, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. This makes it durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, giving you peace of mind in various environments. At the heart of the OnePlus 13R is the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth, lag-free performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or running demanding applications. During our testing, the phone handled everything we threw at it with ease. Games ran smoothly at high settings, with no noticeable frame drops. The advanced cooling system keeps the phone from overheating, even during extended gaming sessions.
The phone runs on AI-powered OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. Features like Zen Mode, customizable always-on display, and seamless app transitions
enhance the overall user experience. The software is snappy and responsive, making navigation a breeze. The OnePlus 13R features a triple-camera setup, headlined by a SONY LYT-700 50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). The 50MP Wide Camera with 8MP Ultra Wide camera,
50MP Telephoto camera and 16MP Front camera offer versatility for different shooting scenarios.
In daylight, the primary camera captures stunning photos with excellent detail, dynamic range, and accurate colors. The ultra-wide lens is great for landscapes and group shots, though there’s some
distortion at the edges. The macro sensor is a fun addition, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subjects. Low-light performance is impressive, thanks to OnePlus’s Nightscape mode. Photos taken in dimly lit environments are bright, detailed, and relatively noise-free. The 16MP front-facing camera takes sharp selfies and handles video calls with ease. On the video front, the 13R supports 4K recording at 60fps, with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensuring smooth footage. The
results are crisp and vibrant, making it a great choice for content
creators.
The OnePlus 13R packs a 6000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. Whether you’re streaming videos, gaming, or browsing the web, the phone has enough juice to keep up with your demands. The highlight, however, is the 80W SuperVOOC charging. With the included adapter, the phone goes from 0 to 100% in just under 25 minutes. This is a game-changer for users who are always on the go and don’t have time to wait around for their phone to charge.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹42,999 onwards
  • oneplus.in