Page 28 - BusinessWest July 25, 2022

has built-in tech to protect the connected devices from overcharging and overheating.”
That’s Entertainment
There’s no doubt that the explosion of enter- tainment choices we can stream on dozens of services has transformed the way we watch TV. At the same time, smart TVs have grown larger and less expensive over the past few decades. Among today’s models, Esquire praises the LG Electronics C1 65-inch OLED HDTV ($1,379). “With a beauti- ful picture and a sleek, stylish design, LG’s OLED TV is one of the best on the market. Plus, it can connect to Amazon Alexa devices so your whole house is hooked up.”
Most TVs aren’t built to survive the elements, but the SunBriteTV Veranda Series 3 ($2,899) is specifically designed for the outdoors. “In addi- tion, it offers a few key advantages over previ-
ous Veranda models, including a brighter and much more colorful picture with support for Dolby Vision, as well as a full suite of Android TV features such as streaming media services, Google Assistant voice control, and the ability to mirror your phone,” PC Magazine notes, adding that, while the price tag is high, “you’re paying a premi- um for a TV you can use outside without worry.”
Gamers have more options than ever before as well, but for many, PlayStation still reigns supreme. Calling it “the best plug-and-play gam- ing platform available,” Digital Trends says the PlayStation 5 ($499), boasts “lightning-fast load speeds, a new controller, and a phenomenal lineup of launch titles (including fan favorites and new exclusives).” In fact, the magazine noted
that the PS5 not only eas- ily bests the Xbox when it comes to game selection, Sony has now brought backward compatibility into the fold, so the PS5 will be able to play most PS4 games. “The PS5 simply has the best game library out there right
now.”
Speaking of
new ways to
play, “virtual
reality might
take its time to have its ‘iPhone moment,’ but it
is still very much the next big thing for the cool- est gadgets,” Spy notes, and no VR device flashes that promise more than the Meta Quest 2 ($299). Without the need for a powerful computer or spe- cial equipment, users can simply strap the Quest 2 (formerly Oculus) to their head, pick up the controllers, and move freely in VR space, thanks to its inside-out technology, which uses cameras placed outside the headset to track the users’ movement in the space around them.
Then there’s the
Samsung
Freestyle
($799), a
new portable
entertainment
device that
combines a
projector and
smart speaker
into one com-
pact package.
It supports
1080p pro-
jection at up
to 100 inches, offers access to a wide variety of streaming apps, and delivers 360-degree sound with built-in Alexa voice control. “The Freestyle stands out from other compact projectors thanks to its rotating cradle that makes it look like a por- table spotlight,” Business Insider notes. “It also has automatic picture adjustments that could make it a breeze to set up virtually anywhere. It can even plug into an overhead light socket so you can project onto the floor or a table.”
Life on the Go
Smartwatches are all the rage, and the Apple Watch Series 7 ($329) ranks highly across most rating sites. With a bigger case and a larger screen than its predecessor, “the product also has best- in-class health-, fitness-, and wellness-tracking capabilities, powered by accurate heart-rate and blood-oxygen sensors, according to bestprod- ucts.com. Apple offers the Series 7 with a 41- or
At Berkshire Bank, We Believe...
Where You Invest Matters
Our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Portfolios further enhance Berkshire’s commitment to strengthen communities and fund environmental sustainability through its BEST Community Comeback.
SRI Portfolios feature:
· Start investing with any amount of assets.
· Mission-aligned companies with solid track records of
environmental and social performance.
· Companies with strong fundamental attributes that positively contribute to the long-term sustainability of communities.
With the experience and expertise of a team of purpose-driven professionals, Berkshire Wealth Management provides clients with investment, financial planning, education, and estate management solutions.1
Learn more at berkshirebank.com/sri
Please contact:
Holly Kresiak at 413.523.7922 First Vice President, Wealth Advisor
Banking products are provided by Berkshire Bank: Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
1Investment products are NOT FDIC-INSURED, are NOT A BANK DEPOSIT, NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK, NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY and MAY LOSE VALUE. Rev. 6/22
28 JULY 25, 2022
TECHNOLOGY
BusinessWest