Reviews
Is The Blackvue DR900X-2CH Worth it? In Depth Review
Blackvue, a well-known South Korean manufacturer, debuted their most advanced dashcam in 2020, the DR900X 2CH. This model replaces the previous generation of DR900S and comes loaded with new features. The main selling point being it now has cloud integration built into the unit. So with the proper setup, you can monitor your vehicle 24/7 so long as there’s an internet connection.
Worth reading: See our of the iRoad X10 4K UDH Dashcam
Choosing 1 or 2 channels
If you don’t think you’ll ever need a rear camera, choosing one channel is fine. However, if you ever plan to add a rear camera later, you’ll need to buy the two channels instead. The one-channel model isn’t compatible with a rear camera and is missing the actual port to plug in a rear camera. If you want dual channels and have front and rear cameras, you’ll need to make that decision upfront.
What’s in The Box?
Everything comes in what seems like suitable and compact packaging. Both the front and rear cameras, accessories, and wires are well packaged, and there’s no unnecessary packaging. We appreciate it when companies are environmentally conscious.
Inside the box is everything you’d expect and some more. There’s an abundance of cables and wires that you’ll need later for installation. One thing I noticed that Blackvue does that other manufacturer’s neglect is included installation tools. The pry tool was a lifesaver for me when installing, as it helped prevent damages that I otherwise would’ve had if I had used whatever tools I had.
Installation
If this is your first time installing a dashcam, I recommend checking out the following Youtubers. They’ve done a great job walking through the installation process, especially the hardwiring bit.
Some things to keep in mind when installing…
- Download the app first: Make sure you set the dashcam with the app first. Then test the mount in different positions and see how it appears on your phone. The included 3M tape sticks once you place it down, so you won’t be able to make any adjustments. Make sure to try different placements and adjust accordingly before permanently sticking the camera in place.
- Clean your windshield: The adhesive is strong but will slip off if the glass is dirty. Use a glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to give the area a good wipe before mounting.
- Front & Rear end of the wire: The wire that connects the front and rear camera have a definite front and back end that’s labeled. Make sure you set up the front camera first, so you have it right.
- Accessibility to ports: When installing, ensure that all your ports and the microSD slot are accessible. Some vehicles (like mine) have a large center console on the windshield that can block access to these ports.
- Install the CM100 LTE Module simultaneously: If you plan to use the CM100 LTE module for WIFI connectivity, make sure to install it at the same time. This way, you’ll only need to cable-manage once.
- Use the pry tool: Use the included pry tool. Don’t try to use a screwdriver or anything with sharp edges. You could damage your interior or the wires.
Hardwiring
Previous models needed to have the Power Magic Pro device keep the dashcam running when the engine is off. Thankfully, the DR900X has a built-in low-voltage cutoff and comes with the hardwiring tools to connect the unit directly to your car.
I don’t see many reasons why you’d use the included cigarette lighter socket adapter. However, if you’re spending this much on a dashcam, you may also spend the time to install it right to take advantage of all the features that come with it. Many of the idle parking and live-view features require the unit to be hardwired, so keep that in mind.
Front Camera
The DR900X’s 8mp CMOS sensor captures actual 4K UDH footages at 30fps. I say “actual” because I’ve tested other 4K dashcams that claim to record in 4K, but it’s not genuine 4K. Their smaller sensor records the footage at a lower resolution and then upscale to 4K. The front camera has a viewing angle of 162 degrees, which is more than enough real estate to see everything ahead and even a glimpse of the sides.
Video quality is excellent if this is your first dashcam or an upgrade from a lesser model. The resolution and pixel density produce sharp images at a distance, but it still lags behind VIOFO and Thinkware’s comparable dashcams. This is surprising given that Blackvue was the first manufacturer to roll out 4K on their devices. Blackvue’s devices have a competitive edge before, and I wish they’d kept improving their image quality.
Rear Camera
The rear camera equips a Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor capable of shooting full HD 1080P at 30fps. It’s a reliable rear setup that will give exceptional video quality day or night. The 139-degree viewing angle is standard and gets the job done. Video quality is clear, and the 1080p resolution can make out license plates within about 15-20 feet during daylight hours with decent lighting.
MicroSD Capacity
When purchasing, you can choose from 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. These are NOT onboard storage, but instead of the size of microSD, they’ll ship with the unit. I would go with the 32GB and then purchase either the 128GB or 256GB microSD card separately to save some money.
The expandable storage can up to 256GB, which will give you about 21 hours of recording. That should be plenty for most use cases, including parking mode.
The microSD port is hidden behind a snap-on cover on the side of the front camera. This can be tricky and even frustrating if you frequently take your microSD card out to upload footage. I was not too fond of this because I find myself having to take the entire front camera off the mount to get the microSD card out. Hopefully, for the next iteration, Blackvue makes the microSD port more accessible.
Video Storage
Videos are saved on the microSD card and can also be uploaded to the cloud. Videos are optimized, and the file size is smaller than you’d expect, given it’s recording in full 4K UDH. This certainly helps to make the most out of your 256GB microSD capacity. Others have reported reduced video quality due to this optimization. However, it’s still lightyears better than 2K quality upscaled to 4K.
Cloud Integration
This is likely one of the main reasons you’re considering the DR900X, so let’s go over it in detail. There are a few requirements that you need to be aware of before buying this device.
Requirements for Cloud Integration
- Hardwire: You’ll need to use the hardwiring kit. A cigarette socket won’t do.
- CM100 LTE Module: You’ll need to purchase the $169 CM100 LTE module separately.
- Data plan: You’ll also need a sim card with a data plan to provide WIFI for the car.
- Blackvue Cloud subscription: Finally, you’ll need to have a subscription to Blackvue Cloud. Luckily, a free plan gives you up to 10 minutes of live view per day and 100 playbacks per month. If you need unlimited live view and playback, you can upgrade to the Smart Plan for $11.99/m.
Overall, this may seem daunting to first-time users, but it’s an essential requirement to get your vehicle set up for cloud recording. Blackvue isn’t making you do anything unnecessary.
Blackvue Cloud’s Subscription
Blackvue currently offers the best cloud-integrated dashcam on the market. Almost everything happens instantly. The real-time notifications are responsive. The live view also gives an actual live view with reasonably low latency, which is impressive. And whenever there are firmware updates, you can update directly from your phone.
Other manufacturers will try to make more money off their customers by offering a flimsy free plan lacking essential features. Then, they’ll force you to upgrade to a paid subscription at some point. As a consumer, we don’t appreciate these bait and switch schemes.
Fortunately, Blackvue’s free plan is also generous and gives plenty of value as-is. All the essentials you’ll need are included in the Free plan, including 5GB of storage (Smart plan also has 5GB). So you don’t need to upgrade unless you have a strong need for unlimited viewing, unlimited playback, and up to 365-day storage.
Robust App
Unlike the VIOFO, the Blackvue doesn’t have a screen. Instead, you’ll need to make all the adjustments via a paired Android/iOS app. Generally, these apps tend to be an afterthought and riddled with bugs (looking at you, Thinkware). Blackvue’s App, although barebone looking, is a breeze to use.
The branding was a bit sketchy since it didn’t look like a native app from the manufacturer. But once downloaded and connected, it works like a charm—no crashes, glitches, or features that don’t work.
When using a dashcam with an app interface, it’s important that the App works flawlessly and get constant updates. Otherwise, you’re stuck with a unit with tons of capabilities but no user interface to take advantage of them.
One thing I wish Blackvue had done was making the App look more polished and professional. Currently, iRoad dashcams have the best-looking and most robust App interface. Blackvue’s App experience is solid but only comes second.
Heat Tolerance
This is an area that the DR900X outshines its predecessor. The DR900S could only tolerate a temperature range from -20C (-4F) to 70C (158F). Meanwhile, the DR900X can withstand extremes from -20C (-4F) up to 80C (176F). This level of heat resistance puts the Blackvue on a comparable level of reliability as the iRoad X10 dashcam.
Philadelphia didn’t have the weather extremities needed to put this unit to the test, so we’ll have to take the manufacturer’s word for it.
Verdict
The Blackvue DR900X is one of the best dash cams you can buy in 2021. It has everything from 4k Resolution, Cloud-integration, high-temperature tolerance, a full suite of security and parked features, to an intuitive iOS/Android app. At $449, it’s certainly a premium, but you will get premium features for the price. Owner’s Mag highly recommends the Blackvue DR900X.
Are you tired of keeping up with long email chains or trying to sync everyone in the team for a live call? If you answered yes, then Loom could be an efficient tool for you. In this Loom review, we’ll unpack how you can use Loom to explain complex ideas, give feedback, or walk someone through a task without going on a live call.
We’ll also explore its standout features, use cases, pricing plans, and how it compares to Zoom so you can decide if it fits your team’s workflow.
What is Loom?
Loom is a video messaging app that lets users record and share video messages with teammates and clients. Using Loom, you can record your camera, microphone, and desktop screen at the same time.
According to online Loom review, this is especially useful for individuals to create tutorials, demonstrations, and presentations, as well as to share feedback.
Loom users can choose to record with the Loom Chrome extension, the desktop app, as well as the iOS and Android apps.
Some of Loom’s clients include Brex, Intercom, Postclick, and more.
Loom Features
Loom has various features that allow it to seamlessly integrate into a company’s existing workflows.
Users can play Loom download videos within platforms like:
- Slack
- Jira
- Confluence
- Github
Why does this matter? Users will no longer be led to an external link, increasing their productivity by playing feedback videos within the platform.
Next, Loom video has an AI suite that can help teams work more efficiently. Using AI, the tool can:
- Automatically generate meeting notes and recaps, among other things
- Instantly create chapters in your videos, as well as CTAs and tasks
- Create text transcription and generate closed captions
To refine your videos further, Loom has features that can remove filler words and silence in a video.
Besides this, Loom also has a video-to-text feature. This is especially useful for asynchronous teams that need help with logging a bug issue, documenting a process, or performing a code review.
Loom Pricing
Loom pricing is generally straightforward. If you want to know if Loom is free, yes, it does have a free tier.
It has a free Starter plan for users who want to try out the app’s key features. It can accommodate up to 50 Workspace users, who are each entitled to up to 25 videos with a five-minute length cap.
Next, the Business plan is for teams that want unlimited videos and basic editing. It costs $15 per user per month if billed annually. Here, you can have unlimited members get basic waveform editing, remove the Loom Branding, and more.
According to Loom review, their most popular plan is the Business + AI plan, where teams can get advanced editing and access their AI suite. This plan costs $20 per user per month if billed annually.
Their premium plan is the Enterprise plan, which is best for companies that want to control and securely manage video content for the organization. If you’re wondering, “Is Loom safe to use?” This plan has advanced security and content privacy features as well as admin insights. Teams need to contact Loom’s sales team first to get a price quote.
Finally, Loom has a discount plan for educators as part of the Atlassian Education Program.
Use Case Breakdown
Here are a few Loom use cases:
- Loom review can be especially helpful for tech teams, as it can be used to narrate a bug issue. When an issue occurs, developers or testers can simply record the issue with Loom and report the issue to the concerned developers. It saves time and increases the turnaround time for bug fixes.
- Hiring teams and internal teams can also use Loom to document an internal process for onboarding purposes. Apart from this, it can also be used by customer-facing teams to create user guides on a platform or a new product feature.
- Sales teams can also use Loom to reach out to prospective clients. When cold emails are not friendly enough, sales teams can create personalized video content through Loom and stand out.
- Taking too long to get feedback from all stakeholders? Loom is great for product design teams to get asynchronous feedback from a global executive team. It’s great for instances where it’s difficult to get stakeholders in one meeting.
- Finally, Loom is great for educators and academics who want to create videos for remote classes.
Loom vs. Zoom
While their names sound the same, Loom and Zoom have different fundamental use cases. In terms of Loom review, Loom is best used to record and send videos, which can be used for demos, tutorials, and feedback. In terms of use cases, Loom is more catered to asynchronous communication and screen recordings.
Meanwhile, Zoom is best used for hosting live meetings and large conferences. It has features like breakout rooms and virtual backgrounds. While you can use Zoom to record videos yourself, Loom is more optimized to share video links with teammates and clients.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Get the Most Out of Loom?
Loom is best for companies that need videos for their day-to-day work communication. Whether for external or internal communication, it is great for clients who work asynchronously. In fact, most of their clients include those in the tech and product space.
Their product is useful for tech, sales, and product design teams that need to align with cross-functional teams. Loom is also best for companies that want to tighten their internal feedback loop, demonstrate processes, and get quick updates.
Educators, coaches, and course creators can also benefit from Loom’s features. The platform makes it easy to create clear, engaging instructional videos that students or clients can watch at their own pace. With features like closed captioning, video chapters, and transcription, Loom helps streamline learning and knowledge sharing.
Finally, to sum up this Loom review, freelancers and consultants who want to build stronger relationships with clients may also find Loom useful. Just like gadgets that boost team connectivity, like the Deeper Connect Pico, the global workforce can benefit a lot from Loom. Personalized video updates, walkthroughs, or proposals can set them apart, adding a human touch to digital communication that static emails or text-based reports often lack.
Entertainment
On The Count Of Three Review
A past-due calling card for actor-director Jerrod Carmichael
WARNING: This review, and this film, contain discussions of suicide.
A Dark Premise, A Wobbly Execution
“On the Count of Three” opens with a bold premise: two childhood friends make a suicide pact and spend their last day on Earth tying up loose ends. It’s certainly fresh, but what makes “On the Count of Three” feel oddly stale despite its originality?
It’s not that we’ve seen too many comedies about suicide before. It does, I suppose, bear some resemblance to other race-against-the-clock (Good Time) or apocalyptic (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World) comedies. Maybe it doesn’t commit to darkness as much as these comedies; there’s certainly a humanist core deep down here.
But I think we all sort of know why this movie can’t fully work in 2022: it’s a movie Jerrod Carmichael made in 2020. The director and star has seen a long-overdue rise to stardom in these past months after a series of false starts. He’d already had a breakout role in a hit comedy, a sitcom starring vehicle, a special directed by Spike Lee, and a recurring feature on 2019’s biggest album.
Last month, the stars finally aligned. He came out as gay, dropped a smash-hit comedy special, and hosted SNL all in the span of a week. It’s no surprise that Annapurna Pictures quickly moved to release On the Count of Three, which they picked up at Sundance in January 2021.
Here’s the rub: On the Count of Three lacks the self-assuredness of Carmichael’s recent rise. It doesn’t feel like the film, or the version of this film, that he would’ve made today. His performance as both actor and director is good, but held to a certain restriction.
Two Leads, One Day, A Lot of Pain
Carmichael plays Val, a down-on-his-luck laborer who ventures to commit suicide with the help of his recently-hospitalized friend Kevin (Christopher Abbott).
While there’s a certain comical bleakness to Val’s life—he essentially shovels dirt for a living—there’s an interesting idea of suicidal ideation here. Val’s thoughts of killing himself don’t come from stagnation or trauma, but from dissatisfaction with achievement. He makes his first attempt right after getting a promotion, and we later learn that he had planned to propose to his now-pregnant partner, Natasha (Tiffany Haddish).
As director, Carmichael wisely avoids eating up the film and splits lead duties with Abbott. If anything, Abbott gets the real star showcase here, again proving his dynamic magnetism after a series of weirdo indie turns like Vox Lux, Possessor, and Black Bear.
The Black Comedy Balancing Act
Still, there’s a classic comedic duo chemistry here. Carmichael is the rock around which Abbott orbits. The setup also gives them plenty of opportunities to subvert that dynamic. When Val’s confrontation with his father (J.B. Smoove) gets heated, Kevin has to be the one to pull him back. But, when they come to blows, Kevin’s the one with the tire iron.
Black comedy is always a tricky balancing act. Penn and Teller Get Killed is notorious for going all-in on nihilism and failing to connect. I think this film mostly succeeds, but its uncertainty with its own dark philosophy is, again, reflective of a more self-conscious point in Carmichael’s career.
Bleak, But Also Soft Around the Edges
In Kevin’s first scene, he delivers a monologue about how doctors have been trying to fix him since he was eight years old, and if his life was worth saving, they’d have done it by now. Much of the film follows Kevin’s quest to kill a childhood doctor who molested him (played by Henry Winkler). Ultimately, it’s Val who pulls the trigger, but only after he decides to choose life. His decision to choose life only comes after a guilt trip from Natasha, who lays out how he’ll still be guilty in death if he abdicates his responsibility as a father.
All of which is to say, this is in many ways a philosophically bleak movie. But at the same time, the humanism of the direction kind of betrays that philosophy. There are a lot of monsters around the central players here, but the cashiers, receptionists, and other random side characters they meet along the way are given a stark innocence.
That Ending: On The Count of Three
I’m not sure how I feel about any of this. Is it too bleak? Not bleak enough? Or just not made with enough confidence to come out strongly in either direction? Whatever the case, I think this movie hums along perfectly fine. Until the last minute.
For the most part, On the Count of Three is very insular. We’re never not following Val and Kevin, and it takes place over the course of a day that they spend almost completely alone.
The final shot, which I won’t give away, finally pulls us out. We recognize that Val’s story is one of a million stories, all different, all wrestling with life and death, and all ending in the same rotten place. It’s certainly the most striking ending I’ve seen this year, and it made me think twice about the film overall.
Final Thoughts
When I’m reflecting on this year, I don’t think On the Count of Three will end up one of my favorites. Seeing how far Carmichael has come, this film’s steady, dry lob isn’t the catapult that Annapurna hoped it would be. Still, it’s a perfectly solid film. It’s absolutely worth seeing for its final shot alone. B
On the Count of Three is now playing at Landmark’s Ritz Five and available on digital.
Looking for an alternative to Design Pickle? We have just the list for you.
Design subscriptions are now popular amongst entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even corporate giants. The model is simple: you pay a flat monthly rate and get as much design help as you need – websites, custom illustrations, branding assets, ad design, packaging design, and more.
In a world where traditional agencies charge exorbitant fees and the freelance market is hit or miss, more and more brands are opting for this simple, comprehensive design solution. If you have no time to vet freelancers for every project and no budget for a team of in-house designers, this might be a perfect fit for you.
We went ahead and ranked the top unlimited graphic design companies in the industry that rival Design Pickle.
1. Penji
One of the top competitors of Design Pickle is Penji. This is because Penji offers a very comparable gamut of design services at a lower price point. Penji is one of the biggest unlimited graphic design providers in the industry and has consistently received strong reviews (4.8 average) across sites like Trustpilot, Facebook, and Google.
Penji stands out for its responsive customer service and exceptional designers. Their user-friendly platform makes requesting designs simple, allowing users to easily navigate and communicate with their designer. Each tier of Penji’s subscription is tailored to cater to diverse requirements, be it ad creatives, presentation designs, or motion graphics, ensuring various types of clients get the most value for their dollar.
Why we recommend:
– Designers are matched to your project based on their skillset and your specific need
– Penji offers logo designs, illustrations, and UX/UI for apps & websites
– Their customer support is responsive and quick
– There are over 100 design services to choose from
– You get access to a Project Manager or Art Director at higher tiers
Price: $499-$1497
2. Superside
Superside is a well-known company offering scalable design solutions that are suitable for brands of various sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Their services are priced significantly higher than other graphic design services, so they’re best for companies with larger budgets.
Why we recommend:
– You get access to a dedicated design team
– They offer static and motion ad creative for testing ads
– They’ve worked with big brands like Google, Shopify, and Meta
– Superside’s video production quality is top notch
– If you run out of design credits, you can order more at any tier
Price: $5,000-$13,000 (50-150 credits)
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is the only non-subscription service on the list, but many people don’t realize that individual freelancers can now offer subscriptions on Fiverr. The platform is famous for its wide range of freelance services at an incredibly affordable price. Typically, Fiverr matches you with a freelancer for a one-off project like a logo or website design. You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.
Why we recommend:
– Fiverr manages the relationship, making financial transactions safer
– There’s no need to waste time or money hiring a full-time designer if you don’t need one
– You can choose from hundreds of designers to find the exact style you like
Price: varies widely (You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.)
4. Flocksy
Flocksy is another unlimited graphic design service much like Penji and Superside. The company has a decent reputation online and offers comparable services to other design subscriptions. However, there are two major differences: They offer copywriting and video editing. Flocksy gives you access to an easy-to-use platform for submitting requests, tracking progress, and communicating with the creative team.
Why we recommend:
– Flocksy offers video editing and copywriting in their two highest tiers
– You can get Zapier integrations at every tier if desired
– They offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you choose not to continue
Price: $499-$1695
5. ManyPixels
Manypixels is another growing company that offers a similar service to Design Pickle at a comparable price. The company boasts clients like Teachable and Buffer. You can also get free stock assets from Manypixels, which is a nice perk to complement unlimited designs.
Why we recommend:
– Have an intuitive online platform for communication and storing files
– Pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly (save 10% quarterly, 20% yearly)
– Get a designated designer at the highest tier and collaborate in real-time
Price: $549-$1299
6. Kimp
Kimp is similar to other graphic design subscription services but offers unique pricing tiers. Unlike its competitors, Kimp provides both design and video services without requiring separate plans, ensuring a comprehensive creative solution. Clients also benefit from dedicated design and video teams, ensuring consistent quality and brand alignment across all projects.
Why we recommend:
– Choose only what you need: video, graphics, or both
– A speedy 2-4 day turnaround for video projects
– Kimp offers a 2-month discount as you’re getting started
– Get free stock video, audio and images in their top tier
Price: $599-$995
7. DesignJoy
DesignJoy came along just two years after Superside and have similar price range. They’re a big name in the design industry because they’ve worked with brands like Google and Verizon. Their standard tier allows you the manage unlimited brands along with unlimited users and stock photos.
Why we recommend:
– Webflow development available on both tiers
– Unlimited users on their higher tier
– You can refer a friend and get 5% monthly recurring commissions
Price: $4,995-$7,995
8. Delesign
Delesign has existed since 2017 and has leveled up its services each year. For the same price as many others on the list, Delesign also offers 2D animation videos. We’re not sure of the quality, length, or requirements, but this is a great bonus for brands that want to incorporate it.
Why we recommend:
– 2D animation videos are included in the package
– Guarantees quick turnaround times for initial drafts: 24 to 48 hours
– Zapier and Slack integrations on every plan
Price: $599 – $1799
9. No Limit Creatives
Roughly the same age as Delesign, No Limit Creatives is another design services that has grown in notoriety in recent years. They’re unique in that they offer 4 tiers for graphic design while most offer 3. Like Kimp, they have a tier for graphics and video, and each tier allows a different number of requests at a time. Their lowest price tier uses design credits much like Superside’s model.
Why we recommend:
– Get a dedicated design team on 3 out of 4 tiers
– A whopping 3 requests at a time are available at the highest tier
– The highest tier also offers real-time communication through Slack
– NLC provides video editing and video creation
Price: $499-1499
10. Kapa99
Kapa99 is a small company but they compete well with larger competitors like Design Pickle. They’ve been around since 2014 and thus have had plenty of time to perfect their craft. Kapa’s tiers are split into just two: Business and Business Express. Express offers speedier delivery for clients with more pressing deadlines.
Why we recommend:
– They offer a significant discount for the first two months of your subscription
– There’s no limit to how many ‘active tasks’ you can have on your dashboard
– Native Adobe source files
– Canva file delivery
Price: $499-$999
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Christopher
October 1, 2022 at 9:25 am
This review is rubbish, the camera is flawed with unstable performance, the wifi is glitchy at best and the app is rubbish. Don’t waste your money on this camera. I did and I feel very ripped off.