Monster Elements review: Bass by the bucket load

In a world where headphones are worn almost like jewellery, rather than be fine examples of craftsmanship and audio balance, it’s no surprise to see brands like Monster take advantage.

The company’s latest wireless offering, the Elements over-ear, is so bling even Mr. T would think twice before adorning his neck with them. However, the big question is whether or not the quality of these headphones – in both design and sound terms – can match the ostentatiousness. 

Monster Elements review: Design

Monster has a reputation for building big, plastic, inelegant headphones – and the latest wireless Elements set don’t do anything to go against that trend.

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These are chunky headphones built almost entirely from plastic and PVC. Most available finishes are chromed – whether that’s the silver, gold, rose gold or platinum black – meaning a shiny faux metallic appearance. They’re hardly the most premium looking cans we’ve tried.That said, the plastic does mean the earphones are relatively lightweight and easy to wear.

Unlike other companies – like Audio Technica who try to use plastic, but in a more stylish and thoughtful manner with good fixtures and hinges – the Monster earphones are rattly, and creak a lot when being handled. The hinges, which can fold inwards to stow the headphones away, also click loudly, as do the adjusting arms when shortening or lengthening them to fit your head.

Hardly the quality of experience we expect from a £300 pair of headphones.

As an “A+ for effort” the earcups pivot upwards away from the ears, just in case you need to have one ear uncovered while listening to audio. Call this “DJ mode”. Sadly, like the rest of the build, it feels almost as though you’d break the headband when attempting to swing the earcup around.

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Despite this, the perfectly circular ear-cups are padded with a generous layer of memory foam stuffed inside a leather-ish ring and offer a comfortable feel.

The same can’t be said of the rubber coated padding on the headband, though: it’s decidedly uncomfortable when sitting on top of your head. It’s not as forgiving as a soft leather lining might be.

From a purely design-focused perspective, if you’re looking for fashionable headphones that you might see adorning your favourite sports person’s neck, then these are ideal. If you want something better made, or more subtle and attractive, there are plenty of other options out there for the same price point.

Monster Elements review: Features

While the design may leave a lot to be desired, the feature list on the Monster Elements earphones is certainly worthy of attention.

Firstly, these are wireless and use Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX technology to ensure the connection is reliable and consistent. In our testing, they performed well and didn’t cut out at any time. In fact we had to walk two rooms away before the connection started showing signs of cutting out.

If the battery dies, or you just prefer the zero-latency qualities of using an old-school wire, you can use the included 3.5mm audio cable, or a micro USB to micro USB cable.

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Just above the right ear cup, at the base of the headband, there’s a touch-sensitive panel. You can play or pause with a single tap, skip forwards by double-tapping or change the volume by swiping up or down.

We didn’t find this to be a very reliable experience. Often times we’d double-tap to skip, and have to do it multiple times before it was picked up. Other times, it misunderstood the gesture as a swipe upwards, then adjust the volume instead. Clearly the capacitive sensor isn’t as accurate or sensitive as it should be. Or, perhaps is too sensitive.

Another downside to these controls is that none of them work when you’re plugged in using an audio cable. They only work when the headphones are connected by Bluetooth.

One element that is superb with the Monster headphones is battery life. We listened to at least three or four hours of music a day over the space of a few days, and there was still barely a difference in the available capacity. Monster claims you can listen to more than 24-hours of music on a single charge, and we’re inclined to agree.

Monster Elements review: Sound

If you like bass in bucket loads, you’ll be pleased the level of low-end is about as ostentatious as the shiny chrome finish. In that way, these really are Monster headphones with the sound you’d expect.

The advantage of having so much bass response at your disposal is that music of all kinds feels really full and immersive. It’s especially desirable listening to bass-heavy dance or R&B tracks, yet equally welcome folky ballads from the likes of Foy Vance.

Other times that much bass is about as comfortable as pressing your ear directly against the skin of a bass drum.

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The obvious disadvantage is that with so much emphasis on the bass leaves the other frequencies feeling lost and a little muddied. You can still hear the highs and mediums, but they don’t ring out and aren’t given prominence.

Apart from using your music app’s built-in equaliser (if it has one) you can change the sound profile by switching between “Natural” and “Club” modes by double-clicking the single multi-function button on the base of the right earcup. This basically switches between “lots of bass” and “even more bass”. 

With all that said, the aptX Bluetooth connection and support for High Res audio quality means you could still hear the fine details in your music – if you’ve got the file quality and a capable output device.

Verdict

If your preference is to have loud and pumping low-level bass then the Monster Elements delivers that in bucket loads. Likewise, if you like to wear big, shiny headphones around your neck like your favourite athletes, these over-ears certainly fit that profile too.

However, with a build quality as plastic as it is and audio output that’s unrefined, it’s hard to recommend these Monster headphones – especially at their £300 asking price.

Overall, there are plenty of other options out there with a similar or better experience at lower prices… you just won’t get the Monster logo. But if the battle is on with Beats then it ought to be an epic showdown.

Google Chromecast: How to set up Chromecast and get started with it

So, you finally caved and bought a Chromecast.

It’s not exactly a big splurge, but some of you may have been putting it off because it seems complicated to figure out and set up. Well, that isn’t the case. The whole purpose of Google’s HDMI dongle is that it’s suppose to be easy; easier for you to take a YouTube video on your phone, or a Netflix stream on your tablet, or a web browser tab on your computer, and wirelessly send it to your TV so you can see it on a big screen.

To help you make use of Chromecast’s abilities sooner rather than later, Pocket-lint has detailed everything you need to know, including how to set it up and get started with it in no time. We’ve even discussed in more detail what the device is and what can do. But we’re only focusing on Chromecast, which is for TVs, and not on Chromecast Audio, a different version of Chromecast for speakers.

What is Google Chromecast?

Google launched the first Chromecast in 2013. It’s an affordable HDMI dongle that lets you wirelessly “cast” content to a television. It basically makes most TVs smart. Then, in 2015, Google launched Chromecast 2. It’s faster, more responsive, and just as affordable. And it arrived with an updated Chromecast app that serves as a one-stop shop for finding compatible apps and specific content across those apps.

In 2016, Google introduced Chromecast Ultra, which works identically to its predecessors but uniquely offers the ability to cast 4K streams. Google also offers an Audio version of Chromecast. Unlike the video-focused versions, it lets you wirelessly “cast” audio to speakers. That means your old speakers will essentially be turned into modern day speakers capable of playing music streamed from your smart devices.

For more information on Chromecast, check out these guides:

• Chromecast 2 review: Make any TV smart, effortlessly
• What is Google Cast for Audio?
• Chromecast now has a guest mode: Here’s how to turn on the feature
• What is Google Chromecast and why should you care?
• Roku Streaming Stick vs Google Chromecast
• Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Google Chromecast vs Roku Streaming Stick
• What is Google Chromecast and why should you care?

How does Chromecast work?

With Chromecast, you can send (aka “cast”) movies, TV shows, photos, and websites from your computer or mobile device to your TV. Simply tap the Cast button in the Chrome browser on your computer, or tap the Cast button from a Cast-enabled app such as YouTube on your mobile device, and the content will instantly appear on your big TV. Visit this Google page to browse the thousands of apps and sites that support Chromecast.

You can cast movies, TV shows, and photos from Cast-enabled apps on Android smartphones, Android tablets, iPhones, and iPads. You can also cast entire sites or tabs from the Chrome browser on Windows desktops, Windows laptops, Mac desktops, Mac laptops, and Google Chromebooks. There’s no remote required. To manage your Chromecast devices, simply use the Google Cast app or Google Cast browser extension.

Visit this Google page to see what else you can do with Chromecast.

What does Chromecast require?

You need the following in order to use Chromecast:

• A TV/display with an HDMI input
• Access to an open power outlet or open USB port on your TV/display
• Access to Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4G network for Chromecast first generation or Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4/5G network for Chromecast second generation and Chromecast Ultra)
• Google Cast mobile app on a compatible Android device or iOS device
• Chrome browser on a compatible Windows computer, Mac computer, or Chromebook computer

How do you set up Chromecast?

set up your Chromecast

• Chromecast (first generation): Plug one end of the USB power cable into your Chromecast and the other end of the cable into the power supply and then into a nearby power outlet. If you do not have access to an open outlet, you can also power your Chromecast by plugging the USB power cord directly into an open USB port on your TV. From there, plug your Chromecast into any open HDMI input on your TV.
• Chromecast (second generation and Ultra): Plug one end of the USB power cable into your Chromecast and the other end of the cable into the power supply. From there, plug your Chromecast into any open HDMI input on your TV, and plug the power supply into an open outlet.

Once your Chromecast is plugged in and powered, you should see the Chromecast home screen on your TV. If you do not see it, use the input or source button on your TV’s remote to change the input until you see the Chromecast home screen.

set up your mobile device

On your mobile device, tablet, or laptop, download the Google Cast app. Then, follow the app’s set up instructions (also available here). The app will automatically find your Chromecast and prompt you to connect it to the same Wi-Fi network connected to your mobile device. It’s important that your Chromecast and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you cannot cast from your mobile device to your TV.

You will also see an option to name your Chromecast, which is handy if you have multiple Chromecast devices and want to cast to a specific one. If you’re having difficulty setting up your Chromecast through the Google Cast app, contact the Chromecast Support Team for more assistance.

set up your Chrome browser

First of all, make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome by navigating to Settings > About Google Chrome. Then, update your Chrome browser to the latest version. If you’re having trouble, here’s how to update Chrome. Once that’s done, navigate to chromecast.com/set up from the Chrome browser to set up Chromecast for your computer. Alternatively, install the Google Cast extension for your Chrome browser.

Both options will automatically find your Chromecast and prompt you to connect it to the same Wi-Fi network connected to your computer. It’s important that your Chromecast and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you cannot cast from Chrome to your TV. If you’re having difficulty setting up Chromecast on your computer, contact the Chromecast Support Team for more assistance.

How do you cast with Chromecast?

Cast from your mobile device

Open a Cast-enabled app. In the corner, tap the Cast button, then tap the Chromecast device you’d like to cast to, and wait for the content to appear on your TV. When you’re connected, the Cast button will turn colour. You can also cast your Android screen to your TV. Simply open the Google Cast app and tap the navigation drawer. From there, tap the Cast Screen button and select your Chromecast device.

Cast from Chrome on your computer

There are several ways to cast content from the Chrome browser on your computer. First, go to a cast-enabled site like youtube.com or netflix.com, then click the Cast icon in the bottom right corner of the video player, and wait for the site to appear on your TV. Alternatively, navigate to the Chrome Settings menu in the Chrome toolbar, then click”Cast…”, and choose the Chromecast device you would like to cast to.

You could also open a tab in Chrome browser, then right click on the webpage, and click Cast. Although it’s not required, you can install the Google Cast extension in order to get the Cast icon in your browser toolbar. From there, simply click the icon, then choose the Chromecast device you would like to cast to, and wait for the contents of your tab in Chrome to appear on your TV. This FAQ page has more info about casting tabs.

Want to know more?

Visit this FAQ page to learn more about casting from a Cast-enabled app versus a Chrome tab. Also, Pocket-lint has a guide on 10 ways to enhance your Chromecast streaming experience.

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 with curved edges, 2K screen and iris scanner to launch on October 25

Chinese manufacturer of affordable smartphones Xiaomi, has confirmed it will be unveiling the new Mi Note 2 in a live stream from Beijing on October 25 at 7am UK time. The invite confirms the phone will have two-sided dual curves, which while we don’t know exactly what that means, sounds promising.

But what other features will the Mi Note 2 come with? Pocket Now has shared what look like legitimate Xiaomi presentation slides, picked up by Chinese media site Weibo. The slides point to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, putting it firmly on par with the other flagship phones we’ve seen this year.

There’s also a slide that appears to confirm an iris scanner, likely to work in a similar way to the one found in the now-deceased Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Pocket Now also says the Mi Note 2 will get a 5.7-inch 2K display, dual 23- and 12-megapixel rear-facing cameras, 3D touch actions and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded in the glass screen, like the one found in the Mi 5s.

• Xiaomi’s new smartphones feature embedded fingerprint scanners and dual lens cameras

For thos specs, you’d expect the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to cost somewhere in the region of £600-£700, but Pocket Now says the device will likely go on sale for around 3000 Yuan, or $445. There’s no word on official pricing or worldwide availability, but we’ll be making sure we tune in to Xiaomi’s live stream to find out all the details.

What is HBO Go and how do you watch it?

Everyone knows what HBO is… but it can get confusing when people start talking about HBO Go.

But it’s really not that complicated. To help you understand what HBO Go is and how to use it, Pocket-lint has explained everything you need to know about the free streaming service in this complete guide. We’ve even detailed how it’s different from HBO Now and HBO On Demand.

What is HBO Go?

You can only use HBO Go if HBO is part of your cable package through a participating TV provider (such as Time Warner, etc). It’s a free streaming service available on a variety of devices for people who subscribe to HBO. It provides on-demand access to most of HBO’s library, including popular series, films, specials, and original content. It doesn’t offer live TV, but new content is typically available within minutes after the live broadcast.

How much does HBO Go cost?

HBO Go is free to use. But it requires an HBO subscription (which isn’t free) through a participating TV provider..

What is the difference between HBO Go and HBO Now?

If you’re a cord-cutter who doesn’t want to deal with a TV provider, you can use HBO’s HBO Now app. It’s a standalone streaming service that costs $15 a month. Like HBO Go, you will get on-demand access to all original content, as well as popular series, films, and specials on HBO. HBO Now also doesn’t offer live TV, but new content is typically available within minutes (or sometimes up to an hour) after the live broadcast.

• HBO Now hands-on: A true cord-cutting experience at last

What is the difference between HBO Go and HBO On Demand?

HBO On Demand only gives you access to 150 hours of HBO. And it’s not the full library of series , films, and specials. HBO On Demand is available through your TV provider, so if you’re an HBO subscriber, you can access it with a click of a button on your remote. No extra equipment, app, or installation required. HBO on Demand is not available to satellite customers, and the cost varies depending on your TV provider.

How do you sign up for HBO Go?

First of all, if you don’t have an HBO subscription, go to HBO.com/order to purchase one through a participating TV provider. Once you have a username and password for your TV provider account, you can sign in to HBO GO. When you’re all set, go to HBOGO.com on your computer, and in the upper-right corner, choose Sign In. Alternatively, open the HBO GO app on your mobile device, and choose Sign In.

From there, follow these steps:

Choose your TV provider or college from the list of providers.
Enter the username and password for your TV provider account.
Enter an HBO GO ID (this is a unique name for your HBO GO profile).
Enter your email address and ZIP code (these fields are optional).
Choose Save.
Now you’re ready to use HBO Go.

Does HBO Go support TV provider sub-accounts?

Yes. Some TV providers let you create sub-accounts, so that other members of your household can access your TV provider account, but each account has its own TV provider username and password. This way different members of your household can have their own HBO GO watchlist and and parental controls. Contact your TV provider to see if it offers sub-accounts with HBO Go.

How do you watch HBO Go?

To watch HBO Go, you need a compatible device. You can sign into your HBO Go account through your web browser on a computer, or you can sign into the HBO Go app, which is available for select compatible devices (listed below). You’re allowed to use HBO Go on multiple different devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams is limited. You will get an error notice if you exceed the limit.

• Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets
• Android phones, Android tablets, and Android TV
• Google Chromecast
• Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
• All Roku players
• Samsung Smart TVs
• TiVo
• Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox One

What broadband speed do you need for HBO Go?

HBO said HBO Go streams video at the “highest quality possible”. A high-speed connection with a minimum download speed of 3Mbps is required. f the network bandwidth is too low or falls below 3Mbps, you might get a lower resolution video or only audio playing.

Does HBO Go offer parental controls?

Yes. Parental controls limit which HBO Go shows and movies can be watched based on movie and TV ratings. You can set the maximum rating for both movies and TV shows. For instance, you can set the maximum allowed rating to PG-13 for movies and TV-PG for TV shows. You can enable Parental controls via the HBO Go website or HBO Go mobile app. Visit HBO Go’s Help center for further instructions.

What is Watchlist and Continue Watching?

Watchlist

HBO Go’s Watchlist ets you add shows and movies that you’d like to watch in the future. To add an item to your watchlist, click “+Add” from the HBO Go website or select “Add to Watchlist” from your mobile device, connected device, or game console. To see what’s on your watchlist, navigate to Watchlist from the HBO Go website, connected device, or console, or tap Watchlist under the Menu button on your mobile device.

Continue Watching

When you watch a video, HBO Go keeps track of your progress, so it lets you stop watching, then return to the video, and resume where you left off. Videos that you partially watched are automatically added to your Continue Watching list.

Where is HBO Go available?

HBO Go is only available in the US.

The SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset delivers tournament-grade audio worthy of any pro gamer (39 per cent off)

When you’re in the thick of an online match, you can’t afford to get distracted by outside noise.

That’s why the SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset is a competitive gamer’s best friend. Delivering tournament-grade audio, this headset lets you focus on the sounds of the game while tuning out outside chatter. For a limited time, Pocket-lint readers can get it on sale for just £76.12 [$99 USD].

Boasting Dolby Technology and high-grade components like Mylar film, the SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset is custom-built to produce crisp audio. From your teammate’s directions to your foe’s approaching footsteps, this headset is designed to pick up important audio cues.

The SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset also features double enclosure technology. No matter what’s going on outside your game, this headset creates powerful noise isolation to make sure the sounds of the game are the only things you hear.

What’s more, this headset comes with a retractable microphone. That way, you can communicate with your teammates when you need to and tuck it away when you don’t. Combined with the headset’s noise isolation capabilities, this makes for crystal clear communication.

The SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset normally retails for £126, but Pocket-lint readers can save big for a limited time. Now, you can take nearly 40 per cent off its normal price and get this headset on sale for only £76.12 [$99 USD].