BURO Gadget Guide: 4 Noteworthy gadget releases from April 2024

Another month has passed and we’re back with another update to the BURO Gadget Guide! As always, this guide is how we keep you updated on the best and most notable new tech we think you’ll love. In this edition, we introduce you to Leica’s latest SL3 camera, Samsung’s groundbreaking Smart TV, and other sleek gadget releases from April 2024.

LEICA SL3

Leica’s iconic SL-system was first introduced in 2015 and went on to take the photography and videography worlds by storm. This month, the brand released its newest mirrorless full-frame system camera, the SL3. Developed with the needs of professional photographers in mind, the Leica SL3 is a versatile camera that brings together technology, design, ease of handling, and craftsmanship.

The BSI CMOS is the full-frame sensor that powers the Leica SL3 with its Triple Resolution Technology. It records raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 megapixels. The dynamic range has been given an upgrade too, expanding up to 15 f-stops, while the ISO range spans from 50 to 100,000. On top of that, the SL3 is also equipped with a triple threat of an autofocus system with phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (Object Detection AF), and contrast recognition (Contrast Detection AF). To top it all off, intelligent subject recognition on the SL3 supports the photography of dynamic scenes. With all these features, you can depend on the camera for photos of unparalleled quality and detail in all light conditions. 

With the SL3, you are able to use all lenses from Leica’s camera systems with its lens bayonet, which is based on the L-Mount standard. Meanwhile, the EyeRes viewfinder presents a crystal clear image of your subject with up to 120 frames per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. With that, you will have total control over the exposure and composition of your photos before capturing them. To make things even easier for you, its three-inch touchscreen is tiltable for your easy viewing. 

When it comes to video recording, the SL3 doesn’t skimp on quality either. It takes videos with a resolution of up to 8K. The new Maestro-IV processor with L2 technology also comes into play as it is able to handle the large amount of data without compromising on performance and colour.  As for the user experience, the Leica SL3 is lighter, more compact, and comes with a new user interface system that is aimed at enhancing your comfort and navigation of the camera. Its button layout, grip, and overall design have been given a facelift, alongside an updated icon and menu design. You can also connect to the Leica FOTOS app with the camera’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. 

Price: RM36,400

Availability: It is now available globally at all Leica stores, the Leica online store, and authorised dealers.

SAMSUNG 85″ NEO QLED 8K QN900D SMART TV 

Just as it breaks ground with its introduction into the mobile AI era, Samsung has also debuted its brand new line of disruptive AI-driven TVs with its Neo QLED series. The Neo QLED 8K QN900D is the flagship model, which comes with a powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 processor. It features a Neural Processing Unit that performs twice as fast compared to the previous models and has 512 neural networks—an upgrade from the previous 64. 

Your movie nights are never going to be the same with this TV. Using AI-driven picture technology, the Neo QLED 8K QN900D—along with the other TVs in the series—ensure crisp images with stunning detail regardless of the input source. With 8K AI Upscaling Pro, the images of your favourite movies and TV shows can be boosted to closely match 8K resolution. On top of that, AI Motion Enhancer Pro makes actions on screen appear smoother and clearer, while Real Depth Enhancer Pro adds depth to every scene. 

The AI features continue with its sound technology that delivers accurate and high quality audio. Active Voice Amplifier Pro extracts dialogue from background noise so conversations are always heard, whereas Object Tracking Sound Pro enhances your overall audio experience by syncing the sound with on-screen displays.

Lastly, Adaptive Sound Pro adjusts the TV’s audio to fit your room’s acoustics, customising your listening experience. Rounding off your viewing experience are its Infinity air stand and ultra-slim Infinity screen design. The stand was created to make you feel like you’re watching a screen that floats in mid-air, whereas the ultra-slim profile and shrunken black edges allow for a more immersive viewing experience. 

Price: RM41,799 (85-inch) | RMRM 27,499 (75-inch)

Availability: Pre-orders are now available via the official Samsung website or authorised dealers. 

SONY ULT WEAR HEADPHONES

Earlier this month, Sony announced its Ult Power Sound series, designed for music lovers who love a deep sound and clear bass. Included in the lineup is its latest pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones dubbed Ult Wear. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill headphones. They are built with your bass-loving soul in mind, complete with Ult Power listening modes for you to be instantly transported to your favourite music festival. Ult1 mode delivers deep, low-frequency bass, whereas Ult2 provides a powerful and heart-thumping bass. 

The Ult Wear headphones are powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V1—which you will also find in Sony’s 1000X series headphones—that delivers improved noise-cancelling capabilities, while using less power. On the other hand, the headphones’ driver unit was specifically designed for the Ult Power Sound series and brings with it unparalleled bass and crisp audio detail. To complete your immersive listening experience, its Dual Noise Sensor technology works with its processor to shut out any outside noise and fully engulf you in the sounds of your music. 

Wearability was also at the forefront of the design process as the headphones feature soft ear pads with more space around the ears. They also come with a carry case and can be folded for ultimate portability, making them great for daily wear. The headphones can function for up to 30 hours with noise-cancelling on and up to 50 hours with it off. With just a speedy three-minute charge, you’ll get an extra 90 minutes of listening time for your days on the go. As for connectivity, the Ult Wear headphones can be paired with two devices simultaneously—thanks to its Multipoint Connection function—via Bluetooth.

Price: RM899

Availability: Shop the headphones on the official Sony website.

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM SPORT

Also new in the realm of sound, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport was released this month for those who love to stay active while not compromising on audio quality. Optimised for fitness, the earbuds come with both a photoplethysmography heart rate sensor and a body temperature sensor that can relay data to your fitness apps and devices, including Strava, Apple Watch, and Peloton. 

Its acoustic relief channel minimises distractions from the sounds of your footsteps and breathing, but balances it with a semi-open design for natural environmental awareness. Other features that adapt your listening experience to your surroundings include its transparency mode, anti-wind mode, and adaptive noise cancelling. You’ll also be enjoying Sennheiser’s best sound quality in a sport earbud with its new acoustic system, featuring a redesigned transducer.

When wearing the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, you won’t have to worry about water or sweat damage thanks to its IP55-rated acoustic design, a shock-proof chassis, and clog-resistant ear tips. The comfortable fit will also ensure that the earbuds stay in your ears during any workout however rigorous it may be. Its IP54-rated carrying case stores up to three additional charges, so your playback time quadruples to 24 total hours from an initial six hours. Engaging its quick charge feature will also provide up to 45 minutes of battery life after just 10 minutes of USB-C charging. 

Price: RM1,699

Availability: Available now on Sennheiser’s official website or at authorised dealers. 

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