Dolby Vision 2 debuts on Hisense TVs, but how does it work?

Around this time last year, Dolby Laboratories announced ‘Dolby Vision 2’, a new version of its proprietary HDR technology. It’s meant to make it easier to get the best TV picture quality in your living room, while preserving the creator’s original vision. Almost a year later, Dolby Vision 2 is here, arriving on several Hisense televisions before anywhere else. Meanwhile, Samsung is sticking with the open-source HDR10+ Advanced format. So, what does Dolby Vision 2 do differently compared to its predecessor?

Designed to bring out the best in modern TVs, Dolby Vision is a licensed high dynamic range (HDR) technology that, among other things, helps bring out an image’s contrast and colours. One of HDR’s core features is its ability to display bright highlights and deep shadows on compatible TVs without blowing out the rest of the picture.

Dolby Vision 2 builds on this foundation, adding more content-specific optimisations like ‘Authentic Motion’ and ‘Precision Black’. According to Chris Mayer, Hisense National Training Manager, the technology is meant to save you from drowning in settings menus.

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“Dolby Vision 2 delivers brighter, clearer and more lifelike picture, so you always see exactly what you’re supposed to see,” said Mayer. “It works automatically in the background to adjust the TV’s picture to suit what you’re watching, so content looks its best without having to change any settings.”

Mayer added that Dolby Vision 2 steps up “from primarily dynamic HDR into a more intelligent, content and environment-aware picture system”. In its original announcement, Dolby claimed that the updated HDR format uses metadata provided by the creator to adjust a TV’s image automatically based on several factors, including ambient lighting and the specific type of content shown.

Which Hisense TVs are compatible with Dolby Vision 2?

At the moment, several Australian Hisense TVs support Dolby Vision 2. This includes the brand’s new RGB Mini LED range, like the UR8S, and some of its ‘ULED’ TVs. TCL has also publicly backed Dolby Vision 2, but hasn’t confirmed when it’ll arrive on its TVs.

Here are the Australian Hisense TVs currently compatible with Dolby Vision 2:

• UR9 RGB MiniLED
• UR8 RGB MiniLED
• U85 ULED MiniLED
• U7S ULED MiniLED

Just to add another variable to the equation, each of these TVs supports what’s called ‘Dolby Vision 2 Max’. As explained by Dolby, some features are exclusive to the Max version of its new HDR format. Dolby Vision 2 Max requires more processing power, thus unlocking Authentic Motion, the ambient-light detecting ‘Light Sense 2’ feature, and a range of pro-level settings.

Image: Hisense.

Set to appear on other TVs later, Dolby Vision 2 (sans ‘Max’) still uses the latest image engine powering the HDR technology. It also supports ‘Content Intelligence’, the feature that uses a content’s metadata to adjust the picture scene-by-scene in a way that respects the creator’s intent.

Where is the Dolby Vision 2 content?

Here’s the kicker: Australians don’t have much access to Dolby Vision 2-native content. Overseas, Peacock, Canal+, and iQIYI have committed to streaming Dolby Vision 2 content, but no major local streamers are on board yet.

Fortunately, Dolby’s latest HDR format is backwards-compatible. Even if a piece of media doesn’t yet have Dolby Vision 2 metadata, existing content can still benefit.

“As Dolby Vision 2 continues to roll out, customers can expect to see more compatible movies, TV shows, live sports and other content becoming available in the coming months,” said Mayer. “Existing Dolby Vision titles can also benefit from Dolby Vision 2’s upgraded image processing on compatible TVs.”

As reported by TechRadar, much of the process for updating existing Dolby Vision content can be automated, making it easier for creators to get on board. However, features like Precision Black and Authentic Motion — the latter of which reduces judder without inducing the dreaded ‘soap opera effect’ — require a manual touch.

Image: Chris Button.

“That feature is so sensitive that we don’t generate that metadata, it has to be manually authored,” Dolby’s Jonas Klittmark told TechRadar.

Although sports and video games are also compatible, movies and TV shows are the main beneficiaries of Dolby Vision 2. Major streaming platforms, like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video, already support Dolby’s earlier HDR format. In other words, if you have a Dolby Vision 2-compatible TV, you can start putting the upgraded image engine to work.

For gamers, it’s a different story. Both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 use the open-source HDR10 format rather than Dolby Vision. PC is much the same, with minimal Dolby Vision support. Xbox Series X and Series S, on the other hand, are Dolby Vision-compatible across games and media playback. So, unless you’re an Xbox player, there isn’t much native support for Dolby’s HDR standard.

Dolby Vision 2 in action

In a nice quirk of timing, I’m currently reviewing the Hisense U7SAU, one of the models that received the Dolby Vision 2 update earlier this month. When booting up Dolby Vision-compatible content, the Dolby Vision 2 Max badge appears on the screen as the HDR mode kicks in.

Although I didn’t have access to any content that uses Authentic Motion or Precision Black, the settings menu showed a simplified approach to HDR. On the Hisense U7SAU, Dolby Vision 2 comes with four modes: Standard, Pro Reference, Custom, and Game. When playing the built-in demo footage, Game was inaccessible, but I could poke around the other modes.

Image: Chris Button.

When set to Standard, the customisation exists on a simple sliding scale. Dubbed ‘Picture Intensity’, you can set a value between minus five (the lowest) and five (the highest). To my eye, it looked like Picture Intensity adjusted the picture’s brightness, contrast, and colour saturation levels. By default, Standard looked a bit too vivid, but dialling the slider down produced an image I was happier with.

Image: Chris Button.

Comparing the peak Picture Intensity (left) to the lowest setting (right). Images: Chris Button.

Conversely, Pro Reference looked the best before any tweaks. It’s the closest thing to ‘Filmmaker Mode’, setting the colour temperature to ‘Warm 1’ and presenting a more natural-looking picture. Interestingly, Pro Reference doesn’t let you change the colour temperature, while Standard has no such restrictions.

Image: Chris Button.

Also, instead of Picture Intensity, Pro Reference gives you two separate sliders. One is for peak luminance, the other for minimum luminance. Otherwise, it’s less modular than Standard, likely to preserve the cinema-like reproduction. As its name suggests, Custom is more of an open buffet, but the philosophy behind Dolby Vision 2 is to simplify HDR, so I can’t imagine many people touching it.

It’s early days, and I’m keen to test Dolby Vision 2 with more content, but it’s a refreshingly simple way to customise HDR visuals. Now all it needs is broader support.

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Some of Motorola’s best phones are up to $500 off for Father’s Day

Motorola has kicked off its Father’s Day sale with some eye-catching deals, including big discounts on its flagship handset and foldable phones.

Until 9 September, you can grab up to $500 off Moto’s diverse range of phones at Australian retailers. Among the headline deals is $500 off the Motorola Signature and $400 off the Razr Fold.

When I reviewed the Motorola Signature earlier in the year, I said it provided one of the best camera systems on any Android phone around its $1,499 price tag. All four of its cameras are 50MP, including the impressive 3x optical zoom telephoto lens.

Image: Chris Button.

Offering some strong competition to the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Google’s Pixel devices, the Signature is Motorola’s most powerful phone. You can thank the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip for that, powering performance on par with other flagship phones.

I was also suitably impressed by the Razr Fold, Motorola’s first book-like foldable phone. Discounted to $2,399, down from its regular $2,799 price, it’s a decent alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Oppo Find N6.

Image: Chris Button.

Sporting a big 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, the Razr Fold lasts a long while on a single charge. Like the Signature, the Razr Fold also boasts a great set of cameras, capturing plenty of details and colour in each snap.

Also joining Motorola’s Father’s Day sale are the Razr 70 Ultra flip phone ($200 off), Edge 70 ($300 off), and the entry-level Moto Watch ($50 off).

On sale now, you can find the discounted range at the likes of JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman:

• Motorola Razr Fold: $2,399 (was $2,799)
• Motorola Razr 70 Ultra: $1,799 (was $1,999)
• Motorola Signature: $999 (was $1,499)
• Motorola Edge 70: $599 (was $899)
• Moto Watch: $149 (was $199)

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Sturdier and smoother Rode DS3 fits heavier microphones

Podcasters and audio professionals have another mic arm to choose from, with Australian company Rode releasing the sturdier DS3.

An upgrade from the previous model, the Rode DS3 fits mics and recording equipment up to 1.5kg (up from 950g). It also comes with adapters to fit 3/8″, 1/4″ and 5/8″ thread screws, working with a range of microphones, lights, and other accessories.

Like Rode’s previous desktop mic arm, this one doesn’t use a clamp. Instead, its base is weighted to keep it in place, with the added benefit of easier movement mid-recording. On top of that, the DS3 gains a ball head designed for smooth and quiet mic repositioning.

Based on the smoother movement and increased weight capacity, the DS3 looks like a decent upgrade. A black version is now available for $180 in Australia, with a white version to come later.

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XGIMI’s portable 4K projector is incredibly easy to set up

These days, having a projector in your home doesn’t mean completely overhauling your living room or finding space for a massive device. Modern projectors are much more portable, and the XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K is one of the more versatile examples going around.

Named as such for its sleek swivel-based design, the XGIMI Elfin Flip can be plugged in and projecting in just a matter of seconds. Depending on your available space, it can project an image up to 200 inches. Not bad for such a small device!

It’s a lot brighter than many other portable projectors too, beaming up to 1,600 ISO lumens. Years ago, you wouldn’t dream of using a projector anywhere other than a dark room. Today, that’s not so much of an issue.

The XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K costs $1,995 in Australia, and you can see how easy it is to set up on the GadgetGuy YouTube channel.

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GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro review: Beyond a pretty exoskeleton

8.1

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro might be the most out-there mouse I’ve ever used. With its metallic cage aesthetic, it looks like it’s from another planet. Strong sense of style aside, the Mercury M1 Pro keeps up with your gaming needs, too.

I’m not typically a sci-fi fan, but what GravaStar has created here is special. Maybe it’s the ‘Gunmetal Grey’ colour. Maybe it’s the RGB lighting. Maybe it’s the web-like frame that creates what can only be described as an exoskeleton-style body. I’m not sure exactly, but I know it all works together to create something hard to take your eyes off. It’s almost a shame that my hand covers it up when using it.

Images: Jay Marshall.

Table of contents

• Specifications and price
• Design
• Connectivity and lighting
• Performance
• Software and battery
• Who is the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro for?

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro specifications and price

Dimensions	124mm x 64.5mm x 39.5mm
Weight	88g
Connectivity	Tri-mode (wired/Bluetooth/2.4GHz wireless)
Sensor	PAW3395 optical sensor (26,000 DPI, 650 IPS acceleration)
Polling rate	1,000Hz (4,000Hz with the 4K receiver, sold separately)
Programmable buttons	5 customisable buttons with macro support
Battery	Up to 146 hours of gameplay
Price (RRP)	$169.99
Warranty	12-month limited hardware warranty
Official website	GravaStar

Design

There is no secret that a lot of the appeal of GravaStar products comes down to the styling. Specifically, the sci-fi or alien look they are so well known for. Now, I do love the skeleton frame design of the Mercury M1 Pro. The frame is created from lightweight magnesium allow which makes it both durable and lightweight. I am also a fan of the overall shape of the mouse. I tend to have a bit of a claw grip when using a mouse, and it seems to work well for that. I have read that other grip styles seem to work fine as well.

I also think there are some other key design features that may be easily overlooked. For example, the Mercury M1 Pro is an ambidextrous mouse. It’s symmetrical, making it a great mouse for left- or right-handers. Another great feature is that this mouse keeps your hand cooler than most. The skeleton-style frame allows for more airflow through the cutouts. As someone who typically gets a hot hand when gaming, this is something that is most welcome.

However, it’s not all positive. I think the frame is a little less comfortable than it could be, as my hand notices the ridges of the frame more. I guess it’s a bit of a tradeoff, sacrificing a little bit of comfort for more airflow and a cooler-looking mouse. I can live with that.

Image: Jay Marshall.

Overall, I like the weight and feel of this mouse. Coming in at 88 grams, it’s certainly still a lightweight mouse. Yet with its strong build quality and the sturdy feel of the magnesium alloy frame, it feels heavier than expected. We all have our preferences in terms of weight, with some liking an ultra-light sub-50g mouse for the ultimate agile feeling. I find a balanced device with some weight helps for accuracy and an overall more satisfying feeling. The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro seems to fit that category.

The Mercury M1 Pro also came with a few little extras. There’s a type-C changing cable, as expected, as well as a USB-A to USB-C adaptor. There is a set of replacement teflon feet pads in case your initial set wears out, and a set of non-slip pads. These are basically stickers to place on the main mouse buttons to give them a somewhat grippy feel. I have seen similar grip stickers before, yet these are not something you typically get with a mouse.

Image: Jay Marshall.

Connectivity and lighting

GravaStar gives you tri-mode connectivity with this mouse, including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth or USB connections. I always prefer wireless, as it’s the easiest and most practical for me. Another of the more prominent design features is the lighting. The Mercury M1 Pro has five different colour modes with GLOWSYNC RGB lighting with tones of flexibility. Choose your favourite RGB colour to match your PC setup, or have a play with the various colour modes. Either way, there is an option for everyone. I loved the single-colour breathing mode. It matches the alien style, and I think it makes the mouse feel more alive.

One little gripe I feel compelled to mention is that GravaStar included a sticker on the bottom of the mouse. The sticker was intended to be removable, and it was to indicate that the product will no longer be eligible for return once the protective film is removed. This sticker was not at all easy to remove. It left sticky residue on the underside of the mouse that would catch on my mouse pad. It took a considerable amount of time to remove with some household products. I would advise any mouse company to never add a sticker to the bottom of a mouse. This is in no way a design flaw of the product. It was just an oversight with the package, so I am not considering this when rating the Mercury M1 Pro.

Image: Jay Marshall.

Performance

There is no doubt that this mouse was built for gaming. Its specs reflect that in all areas. 26,000 DPI high-resolution sensitivity is fantastic, giving lots of flexibility to match any gameplay style. In terms of movement, the Mercury M1 Pro has you covered there as well. I would say anything above 400 IPS max acceleration is more than enough for human movement. The Mercury M1 Pro boasts a 560 IPS, meaning you will not outpace this bad boy.

I jumped into some games, including Overwatch, which is fast-paced and handy for testing gaming mice. The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro didn’t miss a beat. It was both smooth across my gaming mat and precise with its inputs. I didn’t notice my hand getting hot either, so I guess the cutouts were working. Overall, I used the mouse for four weeks, and I enjoyed my time with it.

Images: Jay Marshall.

I was a little confused and let down by the polling rate. Although it can have up to 4,000Hz polling, it does require a dedicated receiver ($39.99) that isn’t included. This means the product by default is only a 1,000Hz polling rate. I wouldn’t say this is a dealbreaker, and 1,000Hz polling is standard for a gaming mouse, but it’s certainly one area that this mouse could improve. If you are looking for a super high-end gaming mouse, these days there are options from 4,000Hz all the way up to 8,000Hz.

Software and battery

Some GravaStar products don’t use native software, and instead rely on a browser-based approach. This can be seen with the GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro keyboard I recently reviewed. Thankfully, for the Mercury M1 Pro, this isn’t the case. There is a dedicated software install, and it’s great. It has a simple-to-use interface with everything you would hope to customise at a click of a button. With the ability to change button configurations – of which you can have up to four – swapping between uses is a breeze. I left the mouse on the max option for me at 1,000 Hz report rate and played with the DPI to get it feeling right for me. I also had some fun changing up the lighting to match the rest of my gaming PC RGB.

There is nothing more annoying than having to charge your wireless devices over and over again. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case here. I was using the Mercury M1 Pro in wireless mode, giving it a battery life of 146 hours while gaming. That’s a long time! You can also get up to 200 hours using Bluetooth mode if you prefer. And with just 1.5 hours of change it will last up to 75 hours. No complaints from me about the battery life. This is a huge tick in my books.

Images: Jay Marshall.

Who is the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro for?

First and foremost, this is a gaming device. So its high-end build quality and decent polling rate align with competitive gamers. Then there are the aesthetics. Any sci-fi fanatic or lover of all things alien-looking will love the Mercury M1 Pro. Its unique design and customisable gaming features play right into your hand. Pun intended.

Frequently asked questions 

How much does the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro cost?

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro has an Australian RRP of $169.99.

What connectivity options does the Mercury M1 Pro support?

It offers tri-mode connectivity: wired USB, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless.

How long does the Mercury M1 Pro’s battery last?

Up to 146 hours in 2.4GHz wireless mode while gaming, or up to 200 hours in Bluetooth mode. A 1.5-hour charge is good for up to 75 hours of use.

Does the Mercury M1 Pro support 4,000Hz polling?

Yes, but only with the optional 4K receiver, which is sold separately. Out of the box, it runs at a 1,000Hz polling rate.

Is the Mercury M1 Pro suitable for left-handed users?

Yes. It has an ambidextrous, symmetrical design that suits left or right hands.

GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro is a bold-looking mouse that uses its exoskeleton design to keep your hand cool while gaming.

Features

7

Value for money

9

Performance

8

Ease of use

8

Design

8.5

Positives

Good value and build quality

Unique exoskeleton design

Battery life

Keeps your hand cool

Negatives

4,000 Hz receiver sold separately

Not the most comfortable at times

Annoyingly placed sticker took some effort to remove

8.1

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Foldable iPhone to take an iPad-inspired approach, reports claim

For years, Apple has built its hardware empire on clear silos. While there’s clear cross-device integration between the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, each one has its own identity and intended use case. However, recent reports suggest that the rumoured foldable iPhone is set to bridge the gap between Apple’s phones and tablets.

As reported by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to publicly announce its debut foldable phone during the week starting 6 September. Earlier in the year, he reported that the phone’s inner screen is “roughly the size of an iPad mini”. Similarly, the foldable iPhone will be able to show two apps simultaneously, much like other foldable phones from Samsung, Oppo, and Motorola.

On the surface, it seems like a deviation from Apple’s traditional approach. Even though the iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets rival laptops in terms of raw power, their apps don’t function in exactly the same way as corresponding Mac apps. It’s caused friction among the Apple faithful over the years, with some wanting an iPad Pro to take the place of their MacBook.

Despite the added multitasking functionality, the phone will reportedly still run on iOS, not iPadOS. At this stage, the foldable iPhone’s closest competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, featuring a similar passport-shaped design Apple’s device is widely tipped to use. Based on Samsung’s latest launch, people have flocked to the smaller form factor, news that’s sure to be encouraging for Apple leading into September.

Gurman’s latest report didn’t address the rumours circling the foldable’s launch date. There’s some speculation that it won’t launch at the same time globally due to supply chain challenges. However, until Apple confirms anything, it’s impossible to know for certain.

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xTool O1 Omni prints on materials galore, aligning it for you

Not that long ago, printing on anything but paper required going to a specialist printer and forking out a fair bit of money. Now, printing on textiles and fabrics is a more mainstream and affordable pursuit. For creative types, there’s a new all-in-one printer that might be worth a look: the xTool O1 Omni Printer.

Designed for various kinds of printing, including UV decals and fabrics, the xTool O1 Omni can put custom designs on all sorts of unconventional materials, like wood, glass, and metal. It looks like it does much of the alignment for you, using a built-in scanner to identify placed objects and print the correct scale, even if you place it at an angle.

As a result, you can print your own stickers, or print directly to blank phone cases, shirts, and a bunch of other materials. The printer is currently up for pre-order in three separate configurations, starting from $2,399 in Australia, with shipping scheduled for November.

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