Colorful Kindle, DJI Action Cam, and More Tech Highlights

My colleague Cherlynn Low may have inadvertently cursed us with her mention of a slower-than-usual October, as the final week of the month turned out to be bursting with exciting tech news, particularly from Apple. This surge of activity sets the stage for a flurry of reviews as we approach the end of the year. This week, we had the opportunity to test Amazon’s eagerly awaited color E Ink ereader, a new DJI action camera that stands as a formidable rival to GoPro, and Google’s latest streaming device for your TV. Below, you’ll find a concise summary of our comprehensive reviews from this week, along with an exciting glimpse of what’s ahead in the post-Halloween rush.

Comprehensive Review of the Kindle Colorsoft: Amazon’s First Color E Ink Reader

by Valentina Palladino

After years of user requests for a color E Ink option, Amazon has finally delivered with the Kindle Colorsoft. This device successfully bridges a significant gap in the company’s ereader offerings, featuring rapid performance and a variety of user-friendly conveniences. However, its $280 price tag may deter some customers, and the display does have a blue tint when the warm light is turned off, which could impact the reading experience. Additionally, while the text quality isn’t as sharp when reading in black and white, this model shines in areas such as graphic novels and material that truly benefits from a vibrant color display. Valentina emphasizes, “Although it’s late to the color E Ink party, the Kindle Colorsoft stands out as a premium ereader that delivers an exceptional experience in both color and black and white.”

In-Depth Review of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: A Game Changer in Action Cameras

by Steve Dent

DJI

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro emerges as a formidable contender in the action camera market, finally providing a worthy alternative to GoPro and Insta360 with features like exceptional battery life and impressive image quality.

Pros

• Unmatched battery life for action cameras
• Impressive performance in low light conditions
• Innovative subject tracking feature enhances usability
• Compatible with DJI Mic 2 for superior audio
• Built-in memory ensures ample storage

Cons

• Oversaturation of colors in some shots
• Video quality is not as sharp compared to competitors

$349 at Amazon

Steve Dent, our camera expert, rigorously tested the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro to determine if DJI has successfully challenged established brands like GoPro. The verdict is a resounding yes; this new model boasts the best battery life in its class, coupled with impressive low-light performance, advanced subject tracking, and built-in memory for seamless operation. While the color quality and video sharpness could be improved, DJI has undoubtedly raised the competition’s stakes with this release. Steve highlights, “It’s one of the best action cameras I’ve used, offering battery life that outperforms rivals, a robust waterproof design, and complete compatibility with DJI’s Mic 2. If low-light performance is essential for your adventures, the DJI Action 5 Pro should be your go-to choice.”

Detailed Review of the Google TV Streamer: The Smart Choice for Streaming

by Amy Skorheim

Google/Engadget

Even though the Google TV Streamer is missing a few features that might justify its higher price point, it stands out as an impressive device that seamlessly integrates speed, a visually appealing interface, and smart home control functionalities.

Pros

• Outstanding interface efficiently organizes content across various streaming platforms
• Sleek design with an intuitive remote control
• Fast app switching and loading times enhance user experience
• Smart home control features add versatility and convenience

Cons

• Pricing is double that of its predecessor
• Lacks support for modern Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, limiting future capabilities
• HDMI cable required for setup is sold separately</