The Best Lights for Streaming in 2025: Expert Tested
The article reviews various lighting options for streaming, emphasizing the significance of the right lighting in enhancing production quality. It highlights several top products, such as the Elgato Key Light Mini for its compact design and connectivity features, and the Lume Cube Ring Light Pro for its versatility and portability. The analysis is aimed at helping both novice and experienced content creators select suitable lighting solutions tailored to their specific needs and budget.
As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the availability of affordable yet high-quality lighting solutions could democratize content creation, empowering more individuals to produce professional-grade streams.
What innovations in lighting technology might emerge in the coming years to further revolutionize the streaming experience?
This smart lighting solution works on tables or walls and supports Matter over Wi-Fi, too. It offers a range of built-in lighting themes, handy onboard controls, and flexibility in its design. However, some users may find the limited impact of effects due to the small lighting surface.
The compact size of the LIFX Luna lamp actually forces it to prioritize simplicity and elegance over flashy, over-the-top features that might be more expected from a smart lighting solution.
How will future firmware updates for the LIFX app address the concerns surrounding color temperature control on iOS devices?
The LG G5's fullscreen brightness has been significantly improved over its predecessor, the G4, thanks to a new type of OLED panel called the META 3 'four-stack' OLED. This technology allows for higher brightness levels, making it more viable for daytime viewing in bright rooms, such as sports and gaming. The increased brightness is noticeable, with vivid colors and contrast that showcase the LG G5's capabilities.
The boost in brightness marks a significant shift in the direction of OLED TV evolution, where companies are focusing on improving their displays to compete with mini-LED TVs.
Will this improved brightness be enough for LG to take down market leader Samsung in the long run, or will other manufacturers follow suit with similar technology updates?
LG's latest QNED mini-LED TV shows significant improvement over last year's model, addressing key issues such as backlight control and image balance. The new set delivers a more natural picture with better contrast, colors, and textures compared to its predecessor. While it may not outshine the brightest options in terms of brightness, LG has opted for balance, resulting in a worthwhile compromise that could finally make its mini-LED TVs competitive.
The QNED93's improved backlight control and balanced image could be a game-changer for LG's mini-LED offerings, potentially shifting market share away from Samsung, Hisense, and TCL.
Will this renewed focus on balance and contrast ultimately lead to LG's mini-LED TVs surpassing the top-tier brands in terms of overall performance?
TCL has surpassed LG in sales in the premium TV market, with TCL's share of the market sitting at 19%, putting it in second place overall behind Samsung. The trend for big-screen TVs is classified with OLED's inflexible pricing, which makes mini-LED TVs more competitive. TCL's sales accounted for 20% of all premium TV sales in 2024, with LG accounting for 19%.
Mini-LED TVs have become increasingly popular due to their improved picture quality and competitive pricing, making them an attractive option for consumers who want a large screen without breaking the bank.
As mini-LED technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how OLED manufacturers respond to the growing competition in the premium TV market.
Samsung's OLED TVs outsold its Neo QLED (mini-LED) TVs for the first time, signalling a significant shift in consumer preference. Samsung often prices its Neo QLED close to its OLED TVs, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two. The sales report suggests that if you give consumers the choice between OLED and mini-LED TVs at the same prices, OLED is the preferred choice.
This trend could have far-reaching implications for the TV industry, as it highlights the importance of considering factors beyond just technical specifications when making purchasing decisions.
How will Samsung's increased focus on OLED technology impact its pricing strategy in the future, and what adjustments might be made to maintain competitiveness with rival brands?
A recent review highlights four top-performing televisions ideal for bright rooms, emphasizing their capacity to combat screen reflections and enhance viewing experiences. The Samsung QN90D and Hisense U8N stand out for their impressive brightness and rich colors, making them excellent choices for daytime viewing, while the Samsung S95D introduces an innovative 'OLED Glare Free' screen, challenging the typical limitations of OLED technology in bright environments. This guide not only outlines the best options available but also provides insights into their gaming capabilities and overall performance.
The emergence of these advanced TVs illustrates the industry's response to consumer demand for high-quality viewing experiences in various lighting conditions, potentially reshaping purchasing trends.
What innovations will manufacturers introduce next to further enhance TV performance in challenging lighting environments?
The new update to the Philips Hue app brings several improvements that make it easier to manage and control your lighting setup. App users can now start recording video clips manually, organize their lights by Bridge, and change the icon for each light for easier identification. This update also adds a new manual recording feature for security cameras, allowing users to trigger recording while watching live footage on their phone.
The increased control over video recording may be seen as a response to the growing demand for smart home security solutions, highlighting the importance of user-centric design in the development of these products.
As the market for smart lighting continues to expand, how will manufacturers balance the need for advanced features like manual recording with the potential for complexity and decreased user experience?
Roku TV is expanding its lineup to include Philips for the first time, featuring an OLED model available exclusively at a select retailer. The new partnership aims to bring Roku's streaming capabilities to more consumers, with the OLED model promising improved picture quality and a sleeker design. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Roku's expansion into the Philips market may provide consumers with additional options for their viewing experience.
The integration of Roku's streaming platform with Philips' high-end TVs could lead to a seamless viewing experience, potentially disrupting the traditional broadcast model in the TV industry.
How will the rise of streaming services like Roku impact the long-term viability of traditional television networks and the role of advertising in modern media consumption?
Haier TV's QD-Mini LED 4K TVs offer a truly immersive viewing experience, combining the best parts of QLED and OLED technologies. With ultra-slim designs and low-reflection screens, these TVs provide near-pixel-perfect precision and impressive colors, making live sports feel more engaging than ever. Whether watching the Australian Open or other events on TV, Haier's technology brings the action home.
The integration of AI-powered features such as Dolby Atmos and gaming-specific modes makes these TVs a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their viewing experience.
As the home appliances partner of Roland-Garros, Haier's commitment to delivering exceptional viewing experiences is now being tested in new sports arenas around the world.
The ranking of best gaming mini PCs by Notebookcheck highlights the growing trend of compact systems delivering high performance in a space-saving form factor. These mini PCs, often compared to gaming laptops, offer a unique blend of portability and processing power, making them an attractive option for gamers and professionals alike. With integrated graphics and dedicated graphics cards, these models cater to various needs, from everyday tasks to demanding gaming applications.
The proliferation of compact gaming PCs underscores the evolving expectations of users seeking high-performance systems in smaller form factors, forcing manufacturers to innovate and optimize their designs.
How will the increasing popularity of mini PCs impact the long-term viability of traditional tower PCs as a preferred choice for gamers and content creators?
When purchasing a 4K TV, buyers should prioritize the quality of upscaling technology, especially since most streaming content is not available in 4K. A good image processor can significantly enhance lower-resolution content, making it visually acceptable even on larger screens. As the streaming landscape evolves, the ability of a TV to effectively upscale content becomes increasingly crucial for an optimal viewing experience.
This consideration reflects a shift in consumer priorities, where the focus is not solely on resolution but also on the technological prowess of the device to deliver a better picture across various content types.
In a world where streaming services are constantly evolving, how will consumers adapt their purchasing decisions based on the changing availability of high-resolution content?
MWC 2025 has delivered a slew of new laptops, smartphones, concepts, and innovative accessories that are expected to make a lasting impact in the tech industry. The show has seen significant advancements in flexible OLED screens, smartphone photography, and sustainable technologies like solar power. This year's innovations are set to challenge consumer expectations and redefining what is possible with mobile devices. Key players have made bold statements about their products' capabilities, and manufacturers are eager to capitalize on the latest trends.
The future of portable electronics will depend largely on how well companies can balance innovation with practicality, as consumers become increasingly demanding of features like longer battery life and more efficient charging methods.
Will this year's MWC 2025 set a new standard for mobile device design, or will we see a return to form over flashy gadgets?
The upcoming Govee Ceiling Light 1s has been listed in the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) database, revealing details about its matter-compatible smart lighting features. The product is designed to be mounted on ceilings or walls and can deliver colored lighting effects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This latest development indicates a growing trend of smart lighting panels gaining CSA certification.
The fact that Govee's Ceiling Light 1s has Matter compatibility may signal a shift towards more seamless integration with various smart home ecosystems, potentially changing the way users control and interact with their lighting systems.
What implications will this increased standardization have on the development of future smart home products, particularly those utilizing Zigbee or other competing protocols?
The latest review of small tablets highlights their affordability, portability, and impressive performance, making them a popular choice among consumers. The top recommendation is the iPad Mini (7th gen), celebrated for its powerful A17 Pro chip and vibrant display, while other noteworthy options include the Amazon Fire 7 and Boox Tab Mini C. As the tablet market continues to evolve, these devices cater to various needs, from entertainment to productivity, proving that smaller screens can deliver significant value.
The rising demand for small tablets suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more portable devices that maintain high functionality, challenging traditional notions about screen size and performance.
What innovations can we expect in the small tablet market as manufacturers strive to meet diverse user needs and preferences?
The latest innovation from Arnov Sharma showcases the versatility of the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller in creating a custom studio light for photography. This project not only demonstrates the device's capabilities but also highlights its potential in improving the overall quality of photographs and videos taken with it. The custom studio light offers adjustable temperature settings, color options, and precise control through user-friendly push buttons.
This project exemplifies the resourcefulness and creativity that defines the maker community, as Arnov Sharma repurposed a microcontroller to create a solution tailored to his specific needs.
What role do open-source projects like this play in democratizing access to advanced technology, making it possible for hobbyists and enthusiasts to experiment with innovative solutions?
Philips has introduced a 65-inch OLED TV that features Roku's operating system directly integrated, retailing for $1,299. This model aims to provide a seamless streaming experience, offering access to popular platforms like Disney+ and Netflix while promising quality visuals with its 4K OLED panel and support for Dolby Vision IQ. However, potential buyers may question how its picture quality compares to other OLED options available in the market, particularly those from LG, Samsung, and Sony.
This launch highlights the growing trend of integrating robust streaming capabilities directly into high-quality televisions, potentially reshaping consumer expectations about standalone streaming devices.
Will the combination of Roku's software and Philips' OLED technology be enough to attract consumers away from established brands within the highly competitive OLED market?
Tecno's latest laptop, the MegaBook S14, has debuted as the world's lightest 14-inch PC with a 2.8K OLED display and is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite for generative AI tasks. The laptop boasts DTS:X Ultra enhancements for its audio and comes with an External Graphics Dock that can be used to enhance productivity and "3A" gaming on the ultra-portable PC. Tecno has also emphasized the importance of seamless pairing with their smartphones, potentially streamlining photo sharing and sorting.
This latest development highlights the growing trend of combining cutting-edge technology with portability, setting a new standard for future laptop designs.
Will the adoption of external GPUs and AI-powered processors in laptops lead to a shift towards more specialized computing environments, or will they remain accessible to mainstream users?
The first prices for LG's brightest OLED TVs ever are out, and it's good news for consumers in the UK. The launch prices for the LG G5 OLED TV have appeared online, with identical pricing to its predecessor, the LG G4. John Lewis is the first retailer to list prices for four of the LG G5's models, including the 55, 65, 77 and 83-inch sets.
The fact that LG has maintained the same price point for its flagship model despite the introduction of new features like a 40% fullscreen brightness boost suggests that the company is confident in the quality and value of its OLED technology.
How will the widespread adoption of OLED TVs by retailers impact the competition between TV manufacturers, particularly in terms of pricing and innovation?
Acebeam has introduced a new flashlight at IWA in Germany, offering multiple LEDs in a compact design. However, the UC25 is still a work in progress, as evidenced by the unfinished design of the new EDC flashlight. At IWA 2025, Acebeam previewed a new USB flashlight with a spotlight, floodlight, laser pointer, and multicolored LEDs integrated into the handle.
The compact design of the UC25 suggests that Acebeam is prioritizing portability while still offering multiple light sources for various use cases.
Will the final version of the UC25 be able to overcome its current software issues and live up to the expectations of outdoor enthusiasts and EDC users?
Samsung Display is set to make a significant impact at Mobile World Congress 2025 by unveiling its advanced OLED technology, including a groundbreaking 500 Hz QD-OLED monitor and various flexible OLED devices. The presentation highlights the company's commitment to enhancing visual quality and responsiveness across different screen sizes, particularly for gaming and media consumption. The introduction of innovative concepts like a foldable OLED handheld and bezel-less displays underscores Samsung's leadership in the evolving display market.
Samsung's advancements in OLED technology not only promise to elevate user experiences but also challenge competitors to innovate in order to keep pace with this rapidly advancing sector.
Will the introduction of foldable and flexible OLED devices redefine how consumers engage with gaming and multimedia in their everyday lives?
CP+ 2025 turned out to be a real treat for new camera gear, with the latest models and lenses showcasing cutting-edge technology. The event saw significant advancements in mirrorless cameras, compact vlogging cameras, and high-end full-frame lenses. Panasonic's Lumix S1R II and Canon's PowerShot V1 stood out as flagship products, while Sigma's radical BF mirrorless camera stole the show with its minimalist design.
The growing trend of minimalism in camera design is poised to revolutionize the industry, challenging traditional notions of what a camera should look like and how it should be used.
As camera technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, will we eventually reach a point where cameras become so advanced that they surpass human intuition and creativity?
Demand for the OLED iPad Pro has reportedly been weak, leading to expected changes in Apple's OLED roadmap. The 2024 iPad Pro upgrade is set to be a minor one, with no significant changes to the device. The starting price of $999 may be putting potential buyers off, but it seems Apple will continue to use expensive OLED displays for the iPad Pro.
This scenario highlights the delicate balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness in the tech industry, where introducing new technologies can drive up prices and impact demand.
How will Apple's decision to maintain high-end OLED displays on its flagship products impact the broader strategy of differentiating its offerings through premium materials and features?
Assassin's Creed Shadows on PS5 Pro will feature performance modes with varying levels of graphical fidelity, but the main draw is the inclusion of "extended" ray tracing, which promises a more immersive game world. The three performance modes - Performance, Fidelity, and Balanced - offer different trade-offs between frame rate and graphical quality. Ray tracing enhancements are notable on PS5 Pro, providing a more realistic lighting experience throughout the game.
The increased use of ray tracing technology in Assassin's Creed Shadows could serve as a benchmark for other games in the industry, pushing the boundaries of visual realism and requiring console manufacturers to invest in better hardware.
How will Ubisoft address potential performance bottlenecks in its next-generation games, given the significant computational resources required by advanced ray tracing features?
A lot of gamers go to great lengths to find a portable retro gaming device with the lightest and most compact kit. The Linux powered Raspberry Pi 5 does a decent job on that front, but an even smaller solution is available by turning a humble USB flash drive into a portable gaming console. This method requires setting up the open-source OS Batocera, which can be installed on the flash drive to play retro games. The process involves installing the OS, loading games into Batocera, and adjusting video settings for optimal performance.
The DIY approach to creating a portable gaming console has the potential to democratize access to retro gaming, allowing enthusiasts to build their own custom devices without breaking the bank.
As the technology continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more innovative uses for USB flash drives in the world of gaming and beyond.
The mobile industry is witnessing a surge in innovative products, including ultra-slim phones, unique laptop form factors, and futuristic camera systems, as major manufacturers showcase their latest offerings at Mobile World Congress 2025. Samsung Display's tri-fold gaming handheld and Nothing's affordable Pro variant have generated significant buzz, while Xiaomi's 200-megapixel camera and Lenovo's concept laptops are redefining the boundaries of mobile technology. The competition is heating up, with each manufacturer vying for attention in a crowded market.
As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, it's becoming increasingly clear that the lines between premium and affordable devices are blurring, forcing manufacturers to rethink their strategies and invest in features that were previously reserved for high-end models.
What role will emerging technologies like foldable displays, 5G networks, and artificial intelligence play in shaping the mobile industry's future?