Did Heavy Rain impress you before? What about now?


Recommended Posts

Stop trying to go all high and mighty, yet again. Of course i'm wrong, i'm dissing a PS3 game....

Get a grip. The close ups of the woman etc look good as in the video, but all the other characters look like dodgy play dough people. The art direction is poor, they've gone the whole 'throw in some dark colours to hide the poor textures and pull attention to one part of the screen' angle. If you want an example of a game I think looks good, or better than those screens/vid, GOW2.

What I meant by another lair, a game with OK graphics, looks good in principle and was hyped to be the 'mega console seller', but plays like a box of crap with pi** poor gameplay and even worse controls.

The other characters are dead. How many times do I need to say that? Of course they look different, they've been stuffed like an animal is stuffed. Skin is going to be pale and lifeless as the blood is drained from their bodies.

Hide what poor textures?

There isn't one jaggy on sight.

And again absolutely no need to bring up Lair in here, you're just doing it to trash talk.

Glad you think GOW2 looks good, it does, and so does this. May I remind you though you said this game looked "awful".

I have the feeling the efforts they're putting into some of the models will be undone by the complete lack of AA

Find me jaggies in the screenshots or the gameplay video. It definitely has AA on the go.

What's with being so pessimistic? You even said yourself you liked Fahrenheit.

Edited by Audioboxer

Because screens are never what you see on screen when you play it.... again look at Mirrors Edge, the ps3 screens looked fine but the demo looked like it had been hacked away with a saw. I'm not trying to be overtly pessimistic, i'm just not buying into the hype. I really cant see the game looking as smooth as those screens when it actually comes out, the PS3 just can't do AA. Looking at it, as i've said, they're pulling the whole "chuck in dark colours....." thing which is only ever done to hide what else is on screen.

This is getting a bit tiring having to spell out EVERY comment -- it feels like I should be posting in Ladybird book style, but I said I HOPE this isn't going to be another Lair, that looks ok and is hyped up, but plays extremely badly. if they put all the effort into the graphics, the gameplay could suffer. Valid comparison.

Because screens are never what you see on screen when you play it.... again look at Mirrors Edge, the ps3 screens looked fine but the demo looked like it had been hacked away with a saw. I'm not trying to be overtly pessimistic, i'm just not buying into the hype. I really cant see the game looking as smooth as those screens when it actually comes out, the PS3 just can't do AA. Looking at it, as i've said, they're pulling the whole "chuck in dark colours....." thing which is only ever done to hide what else is on screen.

Si, WATCH THE 20 MINUTE PRESENTATION.

Then you will see what you see is the screens is what you play. Nothing released for Heavy Rain has been CG, it's all real time, Cage has said that himself.

No jaggies, the PS3 can obviously do AA, where are you pulling that from?

Mirrors Edge does not = Heavy Rain.

This is getting a bit tiring having to spell out EVERY comment -- it feels like I should be posting in Ladybird book style

Funny, I just had to spell out to you that watching the video, which I've said multiple times, shows you how smooth the game is. Yet you continue to tell us how the screenshots mean nothing and the game is going to be full of jaggies? :blink: What?

but I said I HOPE this isn't going to be another Lair, that looks ok and is hyped up, but plays extremely badly. if they put all the effort into the graphics, the gameplay could suffer. Valid comparison.

Fair enough, I expect to see you start comparing every single game ever shown in a preview to Lair, or else your comparison is not valid. As this game has nothing in common with Lair, isn't by the same developers, and Sony themselves have hardly even mentioned a word about Heavy Rain, therefore I don't see any hype for it yet. Unless you're talking about the gamers, but the gamers don't = Sony.

Edited by Audioboxer

I saw your precious video when it was first released, it's nothing new and doesn't really show anything substantial. You can't get a good idea from a video of a video on a backdrop in a confrence, it would be stupid to say you could.

All i'm saying is most PS3 games have had all these excellent previews (and alas, you've publicly drooled over :p) and when they come out they're still nothing like they're made out to be.

Just don't buy into the hype....

... As for the PS3/AA situation, just google it, that's for another thread. It's prohibitively expensive for the PS3 hardware to do it properly, it's just not designed for it.

I saw your precious video when it was first released, it's nothing new and doesn't really show anything substantial. You can't get a good idea from a video of a video on a backdrop in a confrence, it would be stupid to say you could.

All i'm saying is most PS3 games have had all these excellent previews (and alas, you've publicly drooled over :p) and when they come out they're still nothing like they're made out to be.

Just don't buy into the hype....

... As for the PS3/AA situation, just google it, that's for another thread. It's prohibitively expensive for the PS3 hardware to do it properly, it's just not designed for it.

It shows every single one of the screenshots, bar the first one in motion. How is that not substantial to this argument when what we're doing is discussing the screenshots? :blink:

Yes it's being filmed at a conference, but you can blatantly see there is no terrible jaggies you speak of, and how impressive the lighting engine can be. As well as some of the graphics in general.

That's funny, the games I supposedly "drool" over are some of the most critically acclaimed this generation. Guess I just have good taste :happy:

I couldn't care less what the hardware was designed for, if the developers make a game that looks smooth, it is smooth. It's not me paying the development bill.

But saying the PS3 can't do AA, which is what you said earlier, is just pulling stuff out your ass.

the PS3 just can't do AA
Just don't buy into the hype....

Again what real Hype? Sony have hardly even publicly announced Heavy Rain, let alone said a word about it.

Unless I, Audioboxer = Heavy Rain hype. In which case, thanks :woot: Didn't know I was that important in the gaming world to you ;)

Edited by Audioboxer

Wow, most people in this thread are pretty picky. I think the visuals look quite good.

We'd have to see how the engine plays, but I don't see what's wrong with any of those screens.

Urgh. Right, take Mirrors edge as a *technical* example. I know you said it's not the same for the purposes of avoiding the example, but just run with it.

It was developed on the PS3 as the base console. If there was one console they would have got the most out of, it would have been that. None of the screens/in game videos etc showed AA issues (as is the case here), but looked how it turned out. It can't be all the games fault, bad development etc, because look at the difference on the 360 and it wasn't even developed on the console. It's not just that game, it's most of them.

It's exactly the same situation here, it's being developed on the PS3 and we're seeing videos where it looks good, but time and time again we see it not come out the same. Is it that hard to believe *some* people won't fall head over heels until they see it? .... I'm not sure what exactly you're trying to prove here....

Edited by Si_
Urgh. Right, take Mirrors edge as a *technical* example. I know you said it's not the same for the purposes of avoiding the example, but just run with it.

It was developed on the PS3 as the base console. If there was one console they would have got the most out of, it would have been that. None of the screens/in game videos etc showed AA issues (as is the case here), but looked how it turned out. It can't be all the games fault, bad development etc, because look at the difference on the 360 and it wasn't even developed on the console.

It's exactly the same situation here, it's being developed on the PS3 and we're seeing videos where it looks good, but time and time again we see it not come out the same. Is it that hard to believe *some* people won't fall head over heels until they see it? I'm not sure what exactly you're trying to prove here....

Why do you keep talking about Mirrors Edge?

It is not by the same developers, or running on the same engine. Nor is Heavy Rain even a multiplatform title.

Does the notion that OTHER developers can do AA somehow fly over your head? Is every PS3 developer doomed to create a game with as poor game play as Lair, and have the supposed terrible jaggies of Mirrors Edge? Seems that way in your opinion at times :laugh:

Mirrors Edge means jack squat to Heavy Rain.

So....

It's exactly the same situation here, it's being developed on the PS3 and we're seeing videos where it looks good, but time and time again we see it not come out the same.

No.

Edited by Audioboxer

i've read that anti-aliasing is notoriously difficult to achieve on the ps3, due to its architecture.

and like _Si said, he's only using Mirrors Edge as an example. there are many (if not most) other ps3 games that could fill the space in that example.

you can rabbit on all day about different developers, but the fact is anti-aliasing has been very poor so far on the ps3. saying that, it can only get better with future games, with Heavy Rain hopefully being one of them.

i've read that anti-aliasing is notoriously difficult to achieve on the ps3, due to its architecture.

and like _Si said, he's only using Mirrors Edge as an example. there are many (if not most) other ps3 games that could fill the space in that example.

you can rabbit on all day about different developers, but the fact is anti-aliasing has been very poor so far on the ps3. saying that, it can only get better with future games, with Heavy Rain hopefully being one of them.

Which means what to this topic about Heavy Rain though houlty?

If I started a topic saying lets discuss the AA on the PS3, fine.

Or if any of these screens showed jaggies, fine.

But they don't, so why keep rabbiting on about the lack of AA in Mirrors Edge instead of talking about Heavy Rain?

head-in-the-sand.jpg

Despite it being across the board ... Whatever. My point was, no game previews show up AA issues etc, you find them out when it's released, so you can't expect to see the playable quality now (THAT is what it has to do with Heavy Rain, or do you want some diagram, bright colours and maybe a song to go with that?...). We'll see in time. I'll look forward to the usual excuses :p

head-in-the-sand.jpg

Despite it being across the board ... Whatever. We'll see in time. I'll look forward for the usual lame-ass excuses :p

No excuses needed when I can see right now how the Heavy Rain engine looks, and it's only going to get better by the time it's ready for release.

Boy if you think my heads in the sand, then....

Eat%20Crow.jpg

That's for you come release :happy: Heck, even right now claiming it has no AA when it so obviously does.

My point was, no game previews show up AA issues etc, you find them out when it's released

lolwhat?

Yeah sure, none of the previews builds played, nor any of the realtime demos can show up bad graphics :laugh:

Must be the magic fairy dust they sprinkle over early builds!

Don't care what people are saying about the graphics, looks fine to me, in the days when everyone moans about Crysis lacking depth/being boring, you're all still arguing about graphics?

But to be honest, I was sold straight away, love Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit, can't wait for this.

Yeah sure, none of the previews builds played, nor any of the realtime demos can show up bad graphics :laugh:

Must be the magic fairy dust they sprinkle over early builds!

Ok, Ladybird time (yet again)....., I'll expand that out for you.

None of the overly hyped PS3 preview vids/screens etc for most of the big games showed up the pi*s poor AA etc, and was only complained about after release, as already exampled to DEATH (well done...)

While overly poor graphics stick out like a sore thumb, poor textures, AA or whatever else like that usually gets hidden until a playable demo comes out at the earliest.

Again, you could say "I can see how the engine looks now, therefore I R RIGHT" about most ps3 games before release, but look at the difference when you actually play it.

Well as entertaining as you guys are.

My point was that, for something to be impressive, it has to be better, by a good margin that what is already out there.

This just isn't, It looks good, very good, but it's not Impressive, and the title makes it seem like we should be impressed before and super impressed now.. why , they're showing the exact same not very impressive stuff as they showed earlier, why should I be more impressed than I wasn't before.

As I said, it looks very good, but not impressive compared to what is already out there.

Which means what to this topic about Heavy Rain though houlty?

well, directly, nothing. but the point i could easily see _Si making was to not trust early previews entirely. a sentiment i'd agree with.

back on topic though, i can't wait for this game and hope it turns out to be as impressive as it appears it will be.

It still doesn't impress much, the water just don't look good enough.

and for a game where rain is so prevasive, their rain sure isn't very good.

Maybe it's because I dabble in 3D graphics and rendering, but... rain without reflections on wet roads... just don't work, heck they don't even reflect the car/motorbike lights. and that's like THE element to rain and wet roads. if you have that then everythign else an pretty much look like crap and it'll still look good.

Well obviously it's not going to be much if your comparing this to CGI. Get a proper frame of reference and you might be a little more impressed. I mean, the screenshots don't really "stun" me, but it's certainly impressive when in motion.

God some of those screens look awful.... it's like they put all the effort into the main character(s), the rest look like badly modeled play dough. Average, hopefully the gameplay/story will be good and not another Lair...

I'll admit they aren't "jaw dropping". Most screen shots of games aren't very impressive, but if you have watched the video and still call those graphics awful... well you must not play alot of videos games.

well, directly, nothing. but the point i could easily see _Si making was to not trust early previews entirely. a sentiment i'd agree with.

back on topic though, i can't wait for this game and hope it turns out to be as impressive as it appears it will be.

Therein lies the problem :p

I do hope it is as good as the video shows, it's a step forward for the whole industry, but i'm just not holding my breath.

I'll admit they aren't "jaw dropping". Most screen shots of games aren't very impressive, but if you have watched the video and still call those graphics awful... well you must not play alot of videos games.

As I said, I was talking about the screens. The vid looks OK, but you can't really gauge much from a video -of-a video. A lot of poor games would look good from that angle.

well, directly, nothing. but the point i could easily see _Si making was to not trust early previews entirely. a sentiment i'd agree with.

If you read our conversation Si did not word his opinion like that at all.

He first of all said the PS3 can't do AA at all, which isn't true. I don't care how hard it is or isn't im not arguing that, I'm arguing it's possible, when Si says its not. The guys over at Guerilla must be sprinkling the magic fairy dust as well.

Next said the Heavy Rain screenshots wouldn't represent the game. Then when told to watch the video, said it wasn't relevant. The screenshots are FROM the video of game play, the video couldn't be any more relevant.

Then topped it off by saying no games graphics can be judged at all until the game is finished because AA issues don't seem to exist in realtime demos, or preview builds. And now it seems to be if you show a game at a certain angle, AA issues disappear.

But alas, I've given up caring, I only go by what I can see, and what I can see right now definitely has no issues with AA. Until AA issues appear, I'll argue their is none, because I have substantial evidence. Si's evidence is because Mirrors Edge can't do AA...

Why people are trying to make AA issues when there is none, or deciding it's appropriate to compare the game to other games on no real basis, seems to lie with whatever their prerogative is.

Well obviously it's not going to be much if your comparing this to CGI. Get a proper frame of reference and you might be a little more impressed. I mean, the screenshots don't really "stun" me, but it's certainly impressive when in motion.

I'll admit they aren't "jaw dropping". Most screen shots of games aren't very impressive, but if you have watched the video and still call those graphics awful... well you must not play alot of videos games.

I ddn't compare it to CGI, I just said it might make it easier for me to see the flaws.

but light reflections and specular highlights/reflections isn't something new that's never been done in games, before, in fact, in this generation of games(post 360, wii excluded) I an't really think of a single game in dark and wet enviroments where car and bike lights don't reflect off the road surface.

like this:

23.jpg

yeah, ok it doesn't have to be that good with the blurry reflections and all that, that'd be unfair since that's from a racing game where wet road surface rendering is a key element. but they shoudl have some from of simple relfections or even just specular.

Oh for what it's worth, here is a direct feed of the 2006 technical demo.

In real time, spot those mass amounts of jaggies.

http://www.gamershell.com/tv/1856.html

Ain't as impressive visually back then (still looks good), but it's the same engine used now, just further developed.

-snipped-

HawkMan you do realize the amount of time you probably spend on a bike/vehicle in this game will be non-existent?

Funny how houlty picked up what I mean straight away and yet you *still* need it explained with crayons and A1 paper, or are just trying to be argumentative for no real benifet....

Again for the tenth post, I used Mirrors edge as an EXAMPLE, as I said many of the PS3s games were the same. I guess english is a second language or something... I also said the screens looked poor, and you couldn't say the game looked exceptional from that video with it, not that one was better than the other.

Anyway, i'm done going back over every sentence expanding it into Spot the Dog for your benifet, my point has obviously been clear enough for anyone else who read it...

Funny how houlty picked up what I mean straight away and yet you *still* need it explained with crayons and A1 paper, or are just trying to be argumentative for no real benifet....

Again for the tenth post, I used Mirrors edge as an EXAMPLE, as I said many of the PS3s games were the same. I guess english is a second language or something... I also said the screens looked poor, and you couldn't say the game looked exceptional from that video with it.

Anyway, i'm done going back over every sentence expanding it into Spot the Dog for your benifet, my point has obviously been clear enough for anyone else who read it...

Good thing Heavy Rain doesn't seem to be one of them :happy:

That should make you happy as well. You shouldn't need to worry about the AA getting in the way of your enjoyment of this game!

Oh for what it's worth, here is a direct feed of the 2006 technical demo.

In real time, spot those jaggies.

http://www.gamershell.com/tv/1856.html

Ain't as impressive visually back then (still looks good), but it's the same engine used now, just further developed.

I see plenty of jaggies but then again, trailers / videos are horrible to judge a thing like AA.

You just can't post a compressed or streamed video of a game and then expect to see all the finer details! The way some software like Flash playbacks a compressed video 'eliminates' jaggies or rather replaces the visible edges with the fine pixelation.

Just wait until the game is released and proper, unedited, uncompressed screenshots are released or see it for yourself on a TV but judging AA from semi low-res videos and screenshots is just daft - So many games through times look so butter smooth on pre-release media but had very noticeable jaggies when released.

Wait until it's released ...

Good thing Heavy Rain doesn't seem to be one of them :happy:

That should make you happy as well. You shouldn't need to worry about the AA getting in the way of your enjoyment of this game!

The point is we don't know -- i hope it's not -- but you can't rely on early previews at all. And we're back to square one, again :rolleyes:

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • You still can, its just under the Transform flyout for WordArt now
    • Likely nothing will be done in corporate America, there have been countless Tesla self-driving incidents. Then again, there have also been countless human operated incidents. It's literally daily news here in Canada, to the extent that it's now odd if we get a day where a collision doesn't get announced on the radio throughout the day...
    • SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk, mousing around. Apologies for the knife cut across the top of the box; that was my doing, being a bit too heavy-handed with opening up the outer packaging. First up, what's in the box: SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 1x Type-C charging cable User Manual 1-Year Warranty (card) In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official Amazon listing, here are the key features: Full-Hand Air Compression: OS500 wraps your fingers, palm, and wrist with multi-chamber air compression for a complete hand relaxation experience. The extended massage chamber helps cover more of the hand and wrist area than standard palm-only hand massagers Palm Kneading with 6 Modes & 6 Intensities: Built-in palm kneading rollers add a hands-on massage feel, while 6 preset modes and 6 pressure levels let you choose the comfort level that fits your day—from gentle relaxation to a firmer full-hand massage 3 Heat Levels with Cooling Fan: Choose from 104°F, 113°F or 122°F warmth to suit different seasons and comfort preferences. The built-in cooling fan helps reduce stuffiness during heated sessions, keeping your hand feeling fresh and comfortable Easy Visual Display & Smart Timer: The digital image display clearly shows massage area, mode, intensity, heat level, and remaining time at a glance. Select 10, 15, or 20-minute sessions for quick office breaks, evening relaxation, or everyday hand care Rechargeable, Cordless & Comfortable: A 3000mAh battery supports over 90 minutes of full-function use on a full charge, with convenient USB-C charging. The soft inner lining, smooth ABS/PU finish, and premium black-gold design make OS500 ideal for home, office, or gifting With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. I gave it a try on both left and right hands, and as you can maybe see from the above YouTube Short, (sorry for the shaky video), my whole hand fits in, but my wrist barely enters the Hand Massager. I was able to push through a bit more with my fingertips extending out the other end to get a bit of massaging on the start of my wrist. Usage For some reason, there is a strap that is very difficult to fasten to my wrist with one hand. I am not sure what function it has, and it isn't mentioned in the user manual. The only thing I could find was in the product images that claimed "wrist precision". Unlike the Bob and Brad Hand Massager, this device does not massage the wrist anyway, even though a "wrist mode" is mentioned, which must be for smaller hands than I have, as it is mainly intended for the hand and fingers. In addition, for its steeper price, there are no disposable gloves provided in the box, which is a bit of an issue considering the internal cover (which appears to be elasticated nylon) cannot be removed for washing; so you are left with only one choice: always thoroughly wash your hands before using it. I can imagine this thing getting a bit grimy after a period of use, and that is a bit of a shame. With that said, the buttons on the device, from left to right, do the following: Heat button: 3-level heat control at 104°F, 113°F, or 122°F Mode button: Auto mode Circular mode Soothing mode Relax mode Palm and fingers mode Palm and wrist mode Intensity button: from (First-time users) 15Ka, 25Ka, 35Ka, 45Ka, 55Ka, 60Ka (Intensive relief) Knead button: on or off (6 pressure levels) Power button: Long-press to turn on or off Cooling button: turn on or off the cooling fan Also, in the product imagery, it states there are 36 "custom modes," but nowhere is it listed what these modes are. I can only imagine that they mean a combination of all of the above settings in different intensity levels. The device itself seems to rely on a single "kneading" mechanism located at the palm area of the hand, which spins when in use, and the other massage features are mainly utilized through the air sacs, increasing and decreasing at various levels on the hand and fingers. I am not sure it offered too much relief for someone who is typing and operating a mouse for hours at a time; further testing may be required. It does feel nice, though. Finally, you may be wondering how this fits into the scope of a tech website? Well, let me tell you something: sometimes I sit for up to 15 hours working on Neowin, and although I take breaks in between, it takes a toll on my body. I think in the immediate absence of a partner to apply relief, a good massager like this Hand Massager can shed the strains of the day in just a couple of 15-minute bursts. On the official website, this has an MSRP of $99.99, but luckily for our readers, it is selling at $10 off for just $89.99 right now on Amazon. SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 for $89.99 (with $10 off coupon), $99.99 MSRP For me, this gets a thumbs hands(?) down. However, it could be improved by making it so that the protective covering could be removed and thrown into the washing machine, or get yourself some disposable gloves to use with it. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Thanks for the info, but I'm still not sure if I need this....
    • We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk; I figured it could offer some neck pain relief. What's in the box: SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager Rechargeable Battery (inside massager) Type-C USB cable User Manual Quick Start guide 1-Year Warranty In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official listing, here are the key features: Biomimetic Kneading & High Torque Motor: Designed with innovative biomimetic kneading heads that perfectly simulate the touch of human hands. Powered by a high-torque motor, this massager delivers powerful and precise deep tissue relief to effectively target stiff neck muscles and release built-up tension Soothing Heat & Integrated Sound Relaxation: Experience the ultimate Relaxationation with our dual-action approach. The soothing heat function gently warms your neck, while the built-in sound Relaxation provides calming audio tracks, helping you achieve a state of mindfulness and mental tranquility during your physical massage Cordless Convenience & Travel-Ready & Father's Day Gifts: Crafted for maximum portability and ease of use. Its lightweight, cordless design allows you to enjoy a premium massage anywhere without the hassle of tangled wires-whether you're taking a quick break at your desk or winding down at home Versatile Relief for Home & Office: An essential wellness companion for office workers, gamers, frequent travelers, or anyone looking to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine. It seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, providing instant neck relief whenever and wherever you need it Safe & Premium Materials: Manufactured with high-quality, skin-friendly materials to ensure a safe and comfortable experience without irritation. SKG backs this device with dedicated customer service, making it a thoughtful tech-health gift for family and friends App & Bluetooth Music Control: Connect via Bluetooth to control your massage settings through the dedicated app and enjoy your favorite music during your massage session for a fully customizable and immersive relaxation experience Red Light Warmth Technology: Features advanced red light warmth technology that penetrates deep into neck muscles to enhance blood circulation and provide soothing comfort while relieving muscle tension and stiffness Design With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. SKG does not say what materials are used to make the neck massager. However, on the product website, it mentions "soft-touch silicone" with what looks like PU leather cushioning, with the rest being mostly made up of plastics. On the inside of the massager, there are two "biomimetic kneading heads" that are motorized for the different styles of massage, which are not actually listed at all in the paper user manual, but the standard included modes are: De-stress mode, Mediation mode, Relax mode, Shiatsu mode. The massager looks quite premium and is actually very comfortable to wear. This massager is small and light enough to go anywhere, as it doesn't get in the way of anything, so I was able to use it in the chair while writing this review. Unlike the back massager, SKG does not warn in the user guide not to use it for more than 30 minutes a day (or two 15-minute sessions). However, there is a long laundry list of important safeguards to consider before and during the use of the device, and it is warned that the neck massager is not waterproof. It also includes a 1,400mAh battery with a rated power of 14W and input of 5V, which is the standard for up to USB 3.0 power (although the Amperage is not mentioned at all). SKG does not say how long it takes to charge, but a quick calculation at 2A (if that is what it is) would mean it would take roughly 1.5 hrs to charge from empty. In any case, the light around the button changes from orange to green on a full charge. In addition, it is not possible to use the device while it is charging. On the right of the neck massager is the On/Off and modes button, which also acts as a joystick. You can operate all the modes directly from the power button, as well as the app, which I'll get into a bit later: Push up: Short press to adjust Heat levels On/Off button: long press Mode Switching: Short press (while in operation) ➕ Push left: increase Music volume ➖ push right: decrease Music volume Push down: Short-press to turn Music on or off The massager defaults to De-stress mode, and it is not stated anywhere if the neck massager has overheat protection. This time around, regarding heat, the only detail I could find is that it has "triple action soothing heat." The temperature stages are not listed anywhere in the paper manual, Amazon listing, or official website. The heat levels can be adjusted through the app or directly on the device using the joystick button. Usage There's also the SKG Health app, which makes using the massager far easier than feeling around for the button on the side of your neck. If the app is stopped, you are required to log in with a verification code over email, which I am not too pleased with, as this means it will only work that way for however long SKG decides to support it through said app. However, I was not able to get the app to connect to the OS500, which I have reported back to my contact. Bluetooth appeared to be working on the neck massager as it became available to pair with my phone, but the SKG app failed to discover it. Before I forget, there's also a switch next to the USB charging port to deactivate and activate the Voice Prompt, which, when enabled, audibly tells the user when switching intensities, modes, or connecting to the app and informs when the massages start and are completed. That said, on to my likes and dislikes, which are listed below. What I didn't like Unable to connect the Neck Massager to the app Use through the mobile app relies on continued support from SKG What I liked Can be used without the app Cordless use Light and comfortable to wear Heat is also quite comfortable Where to buy: According to the official website, this has an MSRP of $249.99, but is currently $50 (on Amazon). To sweeten the deal a bit more, there's also an in-page coupon that knocks a further $20 off the price. SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager for $179.99 on Amazon (was $199.99) Apply the in-page $20 off coupon for the final price of $179.99 Just like the back massager, this gets a confused thumbs up (due to the cost). However, I cannot rate it through app usage as it failed to connect. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      184
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      85
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      78
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      76
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!