When SteelSeries brought the Arctis Nova Pro gaming headset to market, it was immediately lauded as being one of the best. It oozed premium quality at all levels, and still holds up remarkably well today. Now, SteelSeries is back with a sequel, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a headset that expands the audio quality and device compatibility.
A premium bit of kit at $879, it’s clearly aimed at the most hardcore multiplatform gamers. Via its DAC, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni can connect up to four audio sources simultaneously, letting you quickly switch between devices — similar to other gaming headsets, like the Logitech G Astro A20 X. This control unit houses three USB-C ports, and line-in and line-out jacks, plus you can connect mobile devices via Bluetooth.
SteelSeries’ DAC then connects to the Arctis Nova Pro Omni wirelessly using 2.4GHz technology. The Hi-Res Wireless Certified headset can transmit 96kHz, 24-bit audio, with 40mm Neodymium Magnetic drivers powering the sound. SteelSeries also describes the retractable omnidirectional microphone as “broadcast-quality”, something not many gaming headsets can lay claim to.
The DAC can adjust audio while connecting to multiple devices simultaneously. Image: SteelSeries.
For gaming on the go, the high-end headset includes active noise cancellation (ANC). SteelSeries claims the ANC blocks out “up to 40 per cent more background noise” than headsets from competing brands, which is a lofty claim. It goes even further, saying the mic gets rid of up to 96 per cent of surrounding noise. If that turns out to be true, it means noisy housemates or public transport commutes won’t interfere with your gaming sessions or phone calls.
SteelSeries also includes two batteries, so you can always keep one on charge, which is a nice touch.
More headsets and gaming mice
Not everyone is in the market for a near-$900 gaming headset — SteelSeries seems to be aware of that fact. Alongside the Pro Omni, the peripherals brand also recently launched the $429 Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 headset in Australia.
It’s still pricier than the more budget-friendly Arctis Nova 5, but the second-gen Nova 7 adds a midpoint before you start spending top-of-the-range money. Compared to the first-gen headset, the new model sports up to 40 per cent more battery life, totalling up to 54 hours of use.
Fancy a fun colour? The updated Nova 7 comes in a nice shade of pink. Image: SteelSeries.
The Nova 7 Gen 2 also supports concurrent 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, letting you chat on the phone while playing on PC or console. While not Hi-Res like the Pro Omni, the Nova 7 uses similar Neodymium Magnetic Speaker driver technology to produce a spatial audio effect.
Rounding out the recent SteelSeries announcements is the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse. At 68g, it’s extremely light, while still including gamer flourishes like customisable RGB lighting. It supports both 2.4GHz, via an included USB-C dongle, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 4K polling rate, 1.2ms click response time, and a 26K optical sensor.
It wouldn’t be a gaming mouse without some RGB lighting. Image: SteelSeries.
SteelSeries estimates the mouse’s battery life as lasting up to 200 hours when used with Bluetooth, or 120 hours with 2.4GHz. Fortunately, you don’t need to replace batteries; the new Aerox 3 plugs in to recharge. It costs $229 in Australia, aimed at those who take their gaming seriously.
It’s something of a novelty when a renowned camera brand announces a new camera that isn’t video-focused. While the new Sony Alpha 7R VI DSLR can shoot video, it’s still being billed as a photography camera.
Considered a step up from the $4,699 Alpha 7 V that launched last year, the $6,999 Alpha 7R VI specialises in high-res photography. Equipped with a 66.8MP full-frame, fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor, Sony’s new mirrorless camera is big on clarity.
With a new BIONZ XR2 engine in tow, Sony claims the camera produces a 5.6-times faster sensor readout than the Alpha 7 V model. Because of this, the Alpha 7R VI can shoot more still frames continuously, up to 30fps.
Supporting this faster shooting is what Sony calls “Real-time Recognition AF+”, an autofocus that tracks subjects via “skeletal-based human pose estimation”. That doesn’t mean your photos will show people’s skeletons, sadly, but it does potentially mean fast focusing on moving subjects, especially during sports.
To help keep things steady when shooting fast-moving subjects, the Sony Alpha 7R VI includes five-axis optical image stabilisation. At the centre, it produces as much as 8.5 stops of stabilisation, while it reaches up to seven stops on the sides.
When shooting video, the Alpha 7R VI can record in up to 8K at 30p. Dial down the resolution, and you can shoot in 4K at either 60p or 120p.
Joining Sony’s latest camera is a whopper of a new lens: the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS. Compatible with E-Mount Alpha cameras, including the 7R VI, this new lens can hold a constant f/4.5 aperture at all focal lengths. It also includes built-in stabilisation, as well as tapping into any in-body stabilisation.
Unsurprisingly, considering the technology it uses, the lens comes in at a pricey $7,399 in Australia. It’s the sort of glass that you’d use for sports photography, snapping photos of wildlife, and anything that requires zooming in from a distance.
Both the new Sony camera and lens launch in Australia this month.
After months of speculation, rumours, and industry whispers, DJI has lifted the lid on the Osmo Pocket 4P, a dual-lens version of its popular portable gimbal camera.
DJI didn’t specify much in the way of specifications or exact technology. Being at Cannes, the focus was more on the type of filmmaking the brand hopes to augment. More natural-looking skin tones and “cinematic depth” were some of the selling points, alongside “improved zoom functionality”.
DJI described the Pocket 4P as wielding a “next-generation imaging system”, without getting into much detail. Both the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 use a large one-inch sensor, which looks to be consistent with the 4P.
Much of the appeal of the Osmo Pocket series is its built-in gimbal technology contained within a small form factor. Using three-axis mechanical stabilisation, it helps keep shots steady while locked onto a subject.
Before DJI officially confirmed the Osmo Pocket 4P, its rival, Insta360, shared its Leica-powered Luna gimbal cameras, including a dual-lens model. Insta360 teased optical zoom as being a major drawcard for the premium model, although it didn’t specify how far the zoom goes. Based on this, it’s likely that DJI’s dual-lens model will also include some form of optical zoom.
Aussies keen for a colour digital notebook-slash-ereader won’t have to wait much longer, with Amazon bringing the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft to local shores.
It’s part of a new range of three Kindle Scribe models that originally launched in the US last year, and are now making their way to Australia. As Amazon puts it, the new models double as an “AI-powered notebook” as well as showing your digital book library.
Joining the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is an upgraded base version of the Scribe, along with a cheaper variant without a front light. Amazon’s new colour-compatible Scribe follows last year’s debut of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. According to the company, the new Kindle Scribe uses a “new rendering engine”, helping produce colours meant to be “soft and easy on the eyes”.
All three Scribes have larger 11-inch displays, up from the previous generation’s 10.2-inch design. They’re thin too, weighing 400g and measuring 5.4mm thin. Amazon also says the ereaders benefit from 40 per cent faster writing and page turns, likely the result of faster processors and upgraded software.
All models ship with a pen to use for note-taking, annotations, and general doodling. In addition to books, the Scribes are also compatible with PDFs, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and OneNote integrations. As for the AI features, Amazon lists the likes of searching between notes, summaries, and follow-up questions as the main tools at your disposal.
Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft price
Amazon’s base Kindle Scribe Colorsoft model comes with 32GB of storage and costs $999 in Australia. There’s also a 64GB model available for $1,099. Alongside it, the revised core Kindle Scribe costs $849 for 32GB of storage, while the 16GB model without a front light costs $699.
There is no shortage of cameras these days, including the ones attached to the rectangular slabs we carry in our pockets all day. For something a little more heavy-duty, there’s little better feeling than shooting with a DSLR. To give creators another camera option, Canon has announced the EOS R6 V.
Positioned between the EOS R6 Mark III and the EOS C50, Canon’s new $3,599 camera is considered a step up from its entry-level range. It’s designed to be a more versatile video-ready DSLR before you start spending more on Canon’s Cinema cameras.
Looking at the specs of the Canon EOS R6 V, it’s clear that this is a video camera, first and foremost. Its sensor supports up to 7K RAW footage at 60p, with the option of 4K at 120p for slow-motion footage. A full-frame camera, the EOS R6 V also enables open gate recording, using the sensor’s full width, meaning you can edit both 16:9 and 9:16 videos using the same footage.
This flexibility between horizontal and vertical video also extends to the camera’s interface. The screen adapts to vertical recording, with a front-positioned recording button to help creators record themselves. Canon also made sure the camera is compatible with the brand’s vertical tripod grip, including a1/4-inch screw mount.
There’s also a built-in fan, helping keep the camera cool during longer recording sessions. In-body image stabilisation is also included, providing a steady hand while shooting on the go.
Alongside the Canon EOS R6 V is a new kit lens: the RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ. Built with an internal power zoom, optical image stabilisation, and a f/4 aperture at all focal lengths, it’s made to complement Canon’s latest video-first camera.
Canon EOS R6 V price and release date
By itself, the lens costs $2,199 in Australia. When bundled with the EOS R6 V, the package costs $5,399. As a limited-time-launch promotion, the camera, plus the kit lens bundle, comes with a set of Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 microphones, which normally costs $340 when bought separately.
Combining 4K resolution with a wealth of first-person shooter-friendly features, the Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor offers a tactical advantage to gamers on a budget.
There was a time when gaming monitors focused solely on high refresh rates and low response times, especially when it comes to handling the fast-paced action of first-person shooters.
These days, gamers still care about such things, but they’re no longer prepared to make major sacrifices when it comes to aspects of picture quality such as resolution, colour accuracy and contrast.
If your budget won’t stretch to OLED, IPS gaming monitors have come a long way and offer great value for gamers looking for a step up in image quality.
At 27 inches, the Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor hits the sweet spot between delivering screen immersion and hogging desk space.
It’s built around a Super Speed In-Plane Switching (SS IPS) display, a technology optimised for high-performance gaming monitors by combining the colour quality of traditional IPS panels and the high-speed response times of traditional Twisted Nematic (TN) panels.
It boasts 3840 x 2160 pixel 4K (Ultra HD) resolution with a 160 Hz refresh rate, or a super-smooth 320 Hz refresh rate when dropping back to 1920 x 1080 pixel (Full HD) resolution.
Interestingly, the monitor has a programmable button that can fast-switch between the two resolutions, depending on whether resolution or refresh rate gives you the winning edge. Gigabyte calls it “tactical dual mode”.
Looking up from below, the Gigabyte G27U’s four-way rocker/power switch and programmable button are in easy reach. Image: Adam Turner.
The panel also offers a low 1 ms Grey-To-Grey response time – the gold standard for modern gaming – meaning the pixels can change colour quickly to minimise motion blur during fast-paced action
It also delivers 350 cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio, the latter of which falls short of OLED when it comes to revealing the finest details in the brightest highlights and deepest shadows.
When it comes to desk space, the monitor’s six-sided base plate is 190 mm deep and 250 mm across at its widest point. Plus, it’s less than 2 mm thick. This ensures it’s small enough to fit comfortably on even a modest desk, plus the entire unit is also surprisingly light, considering its size.
A small, slender footprint ensures the Gigabyte G27U doesn’t hog too much desk real estate. Image: Adam Turner.
The stand is height-adjustable by 130 mm, sliding nicely to sit between 22 and 152 mm above the desktop. You can also swivel the screen 15 degrees left or right, and tilt it forward 21 degrees or back 5 degrees.
As an added bonus, you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees clockwise to portrait mode, which is handy for multi-display set-ups but perhaps not all that useful for gaming.
Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor specifications and price
Display size
27 inches
Display resolution
3840 x 2160 pixel (Ultra HD)
Display technology
Super Speed In-Plane Switching (SS IPS)
Refresh rate (Max)
160 Hz (Ultra HD) / 320 Hz (Full HD)
Contrast
1000:1
Brightness
350 cd/m2
Display Colours
1.07 billion
Color Saturation
95% DCI-P3/ 122% sRGB
Response Time
1 ms GTG
Viewing Angle
178°(H)/178°(V)
Pixel Pitch
0.1554 (H) x 0.1554 (V)
Connectivity
2 x HDMI 2.1 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 1 x USB 2.0 Downstream port (Firmware updates only) 1 x Earphone Jack
When it comes to connectivity, the Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor features two HDMI 2.1 video ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 – enough to do justice to high resolutions and frame rates. You’ll also find an old-school 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The ports face downwards at the back of the monitor, so that 90-degree pivot comes in handy when hooking things up. Gigabyte includes a power and DisplayPort cable in the box, but the stand doesn’t make any allowances for cable management.
Unlike more expensive monitors (like the Gigabyte G27UP), the Gigabyte G27U lacks a USB hub or built-in KVM switch, which would let you plug USB desktop peripherals into the monitor. Instead, it features a single USB-A port at the back solely for firmware updates.
When it comes to gaming-friendly features, the Gigabyte G27U supports Adaptive Sync in the form of FreeSync and G-Sync, to synchronise the refresh rate with the GPU’s real-time frame rate.
Gigabyte’s Aim Stabiliser Sync works in conjunction with Adaptive Sync to further reduce motion blur and eliminate screen tearing. Smart OD overdrive dynamically adjusts the voltage applied to the pixels to reduce ghosting and white trails.
In a nod to SS IPS’ contrast shortcomings compared to OLED, Black Equaliser mode enhances visibility in dark scenes by increasing the brightness of shadows and dark areas without overexposing bright areas. Night Vision goes a step further by switching to a thermal-style monochrome view.
Night Vision in action on the Gigabyte G27U. Image: Adam Turner.
On top of all these efforts to optimise image quality for gaming, Gigabyte also includes several ‘Game Assist’ features, such as overlaying on-screen timers, counters and a choice of custom crosshair overlays.
Monitor overlay crosshairs on the Gigabyte G27U. Image: Adam Turner.
The programmable button can be used as a shortcut to quickly enable any of these Game Assist features. Using more than one at the same time requires diving into the monitor’s menus. Fiddling with the rocker switch to access these features, along with all the monitor’s settings, is less than intuitive at times.
The Gigabyte G27U’s main on-screen menu with access to Game Assist. Image: Adam Turner.
Keep in mind, competitive advantages such as crosshair overlays and night vision are considered cheating in some circles. Relying on monitor hardware rather than third-party software is more likely to render them undetectable by standard anti-cheat systems, but there are no promises. So it’s up to you to use them responsibly.
Who is the Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor for?
The Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor doesn’t force you to choose between higher resolution for visual quality or higher refresh rates for a competitive edge. That makes it an attractive monitor for those who like enjoy visually-rich AAA titles, but also need the benefits of 320 Hz for fast-paced competitive games.
Opinions on ‘Game Assist’ features vary, especially in first-person shooters, but feel free to ignore these features if you want to retain the moral high ground.
Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor
Switching between ultra-high resolution and ultra-high refresh rates, the Gigabyte G27U gaming monitor aims to be all things to all gamers.
Once you buy a portable power station and start using it, you realise just how versatile these power supplies are.
You also start to think: wouldn’t it be nice if the power station could do this too?
Spoiler alert, I reckon the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is one of the most versatile units in the market. There’s a lot it does right, including a lot of my ‘nice to haves’ in a portable power station, making it incredibly convenient.
My wishlist of portable power station capabilities
After owning and testing many power stations, here is a list of what I would want in a power station:
Power output exceeding 2,400 watts.
Capacity of at least 2,000Wh.
Remote control of the power station.
Uninterrupted power supply (UPS).
Connectivity to many different types of devices.
Timing to charge or power based on energy costs.
Why 2,400W? This means I can run any device that you can plug into a standard power outlet. If this wattage is higher again, you could run a kettle and a toaster simultaneously.
Watt-hours (Wh) refer to the battery’s size and will determine how long it lasts. A high-wattage device will drain your battery faster. A hair dryer left on for 40 minutes will drain a 2,000Wh battery, but if you ran a camping fridge, some lights, and recharged your phone a few times, you could get a whole weekend camping without needing to recharge the power station.
Controlling your power station remotely, including the ability to monitor usage and turn circuits on and off, is a big advantage. This could be from your sleeping bag or whilst out and about with your power station at home. Look for an app with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Uninterrupted power enables the power station to cut in during a power outage. Use it at home to keep critical appliances running, like a fridge, a fish tank, or a CPAP machine.
Different devices have different connection types, so having a power station that caters to all of them is important. Ensure you have a USB-C outlet with at least 100W to power a laptop and a reliable 12-volt high-amperage outlet, rather than a cig outlet, ensuring constant power for your 12-volt needs.
Then there’s the benefit of choosing when your power station recharges. A power station can save electricity by charging when power is cheap and using it when power is expensive. This is a part home battery alternative without the cost.
Your needs will, of course, be different, but this list gives you possibilities that you should consider.
EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus features
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus is a 3,000W switchable-load AC-output power station with a 2,048Wh battery and an Anderson port. The only accessory it comes with is a power cord. I would have liked to also see a solar power cable in the box.
AC and USB outputs on the front. Image: Angus Jones.
Having a rated output of 3,000W and a surge of up to 6,000W for a few seconds, you will have no issues starting a motor or powering anything that you can plug into a standard 10A socket. Look at the label of the appliances you want to run for the wattage figure. Add up everything you want to run at once, and as long as the total is below 3,000W, you are good to go. EcoFlow has an advantage here as most portable power stations in this class are rated at 2,400W.
Another ace up EcoFlow’s sleeve is that the four power points are divided into two circuits, each of which can be switched on or off separately. This can be done either via a button on the app, at predetermined times or charge states. For example, you could run a fridge on one circuit and a Starlink on the other, which switches off whilst you sleep. In the event of a power outage in this same example, it turns the Starlink off to preserve power for the fridge.
Power inputs and DC outlets on the rear. Image: EcoFlow.
On the DC side, you have a standard cigarette outlet rated at 10A, as well as an Anderson outlet capable of supplying 12.6 volts at up to 30 amps. Note, this Anderson is a mini Anderson plug, so you will need to purchase a mini Anderson-to-Anderson cable for around $20-30 to integrate with standard 4WD and caravan applications. Having a reliable DC output makes this a great alternative to custom 12-volt 4WD installs.
Mini Anderson-to-Anderson cable. Image: Angus Jones.
With the trend toward USB-C, this unit is well-equipped with three ports — two 45W and one 140W — letting you power a laptop. For those still requiring a USB-A socket, there is one port capable of up to 18W.
The battery has a capacity of 2,048Wh, which is enough to run an angle grinder for two hours, a 200W fridge for three days, a hair dryer for 60 minutes, or recharge a smartphone hundreds of times, all individually. To recharge the battery from a wall socket, you can go from empty to 80% in 47 minutes. In your car, you can purchase an optional alternator charger to fully charge your battery in a little over two hours. You can use a cig charger, but this would take up to 24 hours.
Solar charging is popular with campers, and although the Max can take up to 1,000W from two solar inputs, that is a lot of panels. A 400W panel would be the sweet spot to keep your battery charged with all-day solar.
Optional expansion batteries can also be purchased that plug into your power station to increase its capacity up to 10 kWh, a fivefold increase.
The power station has many safety functions that will shut it down in the unlikely event of a problem, and it is very safe to keep inside your house or caravan. If running a load of less than 600W, it will be quieter than the ambient noise in a library. Those with critical loads, like a CPAP machine, can use the Max as an uninterrupted power supply, which switches over so fast that a PC will keep running.
The EcoFlow can be controlled from the unit itself with a master on/off button and two AC on/off buttons, one for each circuit. Unlike other power stations, this one has no buttons for DC/USB loads; instead, they are on when the power station is on.
The real flexibility that EcoFlow is known for in controlling and monitoring the power station comes via the app. Here you can limit charging speed, control when the power station charges or when AC1, AC2 or DC is active. You can reserve power for emergencies and prioritise one AC load to keep it running, ensuring continuity (e.g. keeping a fridge running).
EcoFlow app. Image: EcoFlow.
For example, you can take the power station camping and turn off your Starlink power from your sleeping bag to conserve power. At home, you could program your power station to prioritise charging from solar panels or to charge when grid power is cheap. You could then use the stored battery power to power, say, your TV at night to save power.
In my car, I have a 12-volt fridge that can run from a cigarette lighter in a power station, but the connection can become loose over bumps in the road, and your fridge stops working. Having the Anderson plug will give you peace of mind, whilst you still have battery power, you still have cold beer.
Speaking of cars, I previously looked at the 800W alternator charger in my review of the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus. This makes a massive difference with your power replenished after only a few hours of driving. EcoFlow has recently launched a new model capable of 1,000W when combined with solar.
At 24kg, the box is not light but is liftable and portable enough, especially with two people, to make it useful at home, work and play.
Who is the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus for?
If you want a power station that ticks all the boxes, you should definitely put this EcoFlow on your list of considerations. It shines at running more appliances at once and separating AC loads. Equally, having an Anderson mini plug, even if you will need to source an adapter cable, is useful to ensure a reliable 12-volt supply.
If you want extra control over when and how the power station operates, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus offers full customisation. The Max will give you power when you need it away from home, whilst giving you power security at home. It can even be used to shift mains usage to save you money.
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EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus meets a lot of my wishlist items for a portable power station, combining convenience and capacity in one package.
