Tech
Bose Companion 2 Series III review
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The Bose Companion speakers have been among the most common desktop speakers for a very long time. The third generation model we’re looking at today has been on the market for a solid decade, but old can still be gold. These are workhorse products with a dead-simple interface—just plug it in, turn up the volume, and you’re set. However, the audio industry is built on bells and whistles, and technology has progressed a lot since 2013, so is the Bose Companion 2 Series III still worth it?
About this Bose Companion 2 Series III review: We tested the Bose Companion 2 Series III over a period of one weeks. SoundGuys purchased the unit for this review.
What you need to know about the Bose Companion 2 Series III
These speakers are small enough to fit on most desks.
- Bose Companion 2 Series III: $149 USD / $179 CAD / €149.95 / £109.95
The Bose Companion 2 Series III is a very simple product. There’s no software or extra features—this is a pair of powered desk speakers, and that’s it. The right speaker (the primary one) features a 3.5mm headphone jack for headphone output, and volume knob that will shut off the speakers if you turn it all the way to the left.
The Series III model of Companion speaker features a pretty different look to the previous generation. Gone are the grey metal speaker grilles, in favor of a black plastic front with fabric-covered grilles protecting the drive units. The size and shape is basically the same, so if you’re looking for an update, these speakers won’t require any reorganizing of your setup.
The differences are basically skin-deep here.
Whether the new aesthetic is an improvement comes down to personal taste, but there aren’t many more differences between the current model and its predecessor—at least on the front. On the back, the connector situation is definitely changed. Instead of red and white RCA connection for connecting the speakers to the primary audio source, there’s now a regular 3.5mm TRS socket. Connecting the left speaker to the right no longer utilizes a 3.5mm jack, and instead uses a cable that terminates in a more secure proprietary plug. There’s also one notable addition: a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, so you can plug in a second audio source, like smartphone or tablet, to play over the speakers.
What’s good about the Bose Companion 2 Series III?
Having something as simple as a single dial makes it easy to reach over to make adjustments.
This is a simple product, so let’s start with the most important part: The Bose Companion 2 Series III sounds very nice. For a pair of desktop speakers, these are extremely versatile. Blasting a rock song like Master Exploder by Tenacious D, the acoustic strumming, Jack Black’s shrieking vocals, the bass guitar, and the electric guitar solo all come through very clearly.
There’s no dedicated woofer, so low-end sound doesn’t have any sort of rumbly quality, and in general bass is a little quiet—something common to most desktop speakers— but low end sounds like the bass track in Separate Ways by Journey, or the bass drum that drives the beat in Ante Up (Feat Busta Rhymes, Teflon & Remi Martin) by M.O.P. are still plenty noticeable. Turning the volume up all the way, I don’t hear any noticeable distortion, either.
It’s also really nice how simple it is to use the speakers. The volume knob has a satisfying degree of resistance, and the click it terminates in feels pretty nice. This might seem like a strange detail to spend a sentence on, but there really isn’t much more to think about when assessing what it’s like to use the Companion 2 Series III.
Say what you will about the redesigned aesthetic, I think it’s nice. It’ll also blend in well with lots of different desktop environments, which seems like a positive to me.
What’s not so good about the Bose Companion 2 Series III?
It might be time to make the jump to digital connections.
There are two things really worth bringing up here. First, the Bose Companion 2 Series III would benefit from more substantial bass output. The speakers sound great, but having a little extra oomph would go a long way. Studio monitors or party speakers, these are not.
Second, this is a pretty old product, and it’s sad to say, but you can’t really rely on 3.5mm to connect to everything anymore. Having a digital connection like USB for plugging into your computer, or even Bluetooth for connecting additional input devices would substantially open up compatibility options. You’ll never hear me complaining about having access to a headphone jack, but the bottom line is a lot of people need more than that to connect the devices they use every day.
Bose Companion 2 Series III specs
There’s not a ton to keep track of with the Bose Companion 2 Series III, but it’s always nice to have a table with all the specs:
| Bose Companion 2 Series III | |
|---|---|
| Size | 190 x 80 x 150mm (Individual speaker) |
| Weight | 1kg (right) .8kg (left) |
| Wired audio connection | 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm output, 3.5mm input |
| Controls | Dial |
| Connector | 3.5mm |
| Price | $149 USD |
Bose Companion 2 Series III review: Should you buy it?
A decade in, these are still extremely reliable desktop speakers.
It was true a decade ago, and it’s true now: If you’re on the hunt for a basic pair of desktop speakers, it is pretty hard to do better than the Bose Companion 2 Series III. Some speakers might be louder, some will have more options, but few will manage to balance quality and ease of use so well for this price. Compared to other good speakers, these are extremely reasonably priced, and they should be on anyone’s list of considerations if you’re on the hunt for an everyday workhorse.
Bose Companion 2 Series III
Supports Mac and Windows • Slim design • Volume dial
A loud pair of compact computer speakers.
The Companion 2 Series III offers Bose’s premium sound signature at an affordable price. It features a frequency response that’s more balanced than found on most computer speakers, wrapped in a desk-friendly enclosure that will suit any user’s workspace.
You’re not alone if you mostly think of vacuums and haircare when you think of Dyson.
After all, that is the brand’s claim to fame, from its powerful corded and cordless vacuum cleaners to the viral Airwrap.
Headphones aren’t typically the first product that comes to mind when most people think of Dyson.
And yet, the company’s again struck viral gold with its first-ever wearable product, the new Dyson Zone headphones — even if the reaction is mostly confusion.
The Zone headphones aren’t an ordinary pair of over-the-ear headphones with their advanced noise cancellation technology and ultra-low distortion engineering; of course, there’s a Dyson twist, and it’s exactly what you might expect from a company that’s perfected different ways of using air.
These headphones also double as an air purifier.
Each ear has filters installed that are said to remove gases and 99% of pollutants as small as 0.1 microns, per Dyson. So the air that … hits your ears … will always be as clean as possible.
That’s not even the most confusing part, though, because, besides just the headphones, the Zone comes with a detachable visor that covers your nose and mouth so you can breathe in filtered air.
If the look they were going for is Bane from The Dark Knight Rises, they nailed it.
We’re not exactly sure who this product is for, but if it’s you, it’ll only set you back a cool $950.
Tech
How to complete Misko's Cave of Chest Side Quest in The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom – Sportskeeda
In The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, players have multiple ways to acquire rupees and treasures. Players can earn wealth and valuable items by overcoming various challenges, defeating bosses, and engaging in Shrine challenges. However, there is an additional method available for players to earn money and valuable treasures, and that method is through side quests.
The expansive open world of the game offers a diverse range of activities beyond the main objectives, and among these activities is the completion of side quests. Engaging in these quests provides players with a unique experience and a convenient means of obtaining quick money and valuable treasures.
Each Side Quest in The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom presents players with distinctive and challenging tasks, offering valuable rewards as a guarantee. While players can obtain treasures and rupees by exploring various regions, engaging in side missions can save their time and simplify the process of acquiring treasures. The Misko’s Cave of Chest Side Quest, in particular, is straightforward, making it a must-participate for players looking to earn money quickly.
Here’s how you can complete the Misko’s Cave of Chest Side Quest in The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
To initiate this side quest, your first step is to visit the northeastern side of the map, close to Cephla Lake. Upon reaching the area, you’ll come across a campfire accompanied by an adorable dog. As you continue onward, you’ll encounter a pair of travelers seated near the entrance of a cave.
<img class="lazy-img" width="1920" height="1080" data-img="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg" alt="One of them unintentionally reveals the existence of Misko's Hidden treasure (Image via The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom)" data-img-low="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=840" src="data:image/svg+xml,” srcset=”https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=840 840w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/4719d-16852728697936-1920.jpg 1920w”>When you talk to the travelers, they will reveal information about the hidden treasures in the cave. They will talk about each separate chest, which holds a Green Rupee. One of them unintentionally reveals the existence of Misko’s Hidden treasure as they continue to disclose information about the hidden treasures.
They also reveal that Misko was a notorious bandit who had caused plenty of trouble in Hyrule.
The travelers discuss the valuable clothing owned by Misko, which is concealed within treasure chests. They also mention that acquiring the exact chest containing the clothes will pose a considerable challenge due to the abundance of chests within the cave.
<img class="lazy-img" width="1920" height="1080" data-img="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg" alt="You will obtain an Amber and a Flint (Image via The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom)" data-img-low="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=840" src="data:image/svg+xml,” srcset=”https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=840 840w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/a4abe-16852733431955-1920.jpg 1920w”>Upon engaging with the travelers, venture into the cave, where you will discover abundant Brightbloom Seeds and Sparkling Boulders. To shatter the boulders, ensure you have a rock hammer. It is crafted by combining a rock or boulder with a melee weapon. Once the Boulder is broken, you will obtain an Amber and a Flint. Following this, continue forward and encounter a vast array of treasure chests.
<img class="lazy-img" width="1920" height="1080" data-img="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg" alt="The chest can be found close to the Brightbloom Seed (Image via The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom)" data-img-low="https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=840" src="data:image/svg+xml,” srcset=”https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=840 840w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/f2c48-16852736712910-1920.jpg 1920w”>Begin by sequentially opening each chest, and you will acquire a Green Rupee. The appropriate chest can be found close to the Brightbloom Seed. Upon unlocking this chest, you will obtain the Ember Trousers, thereby completing your challenge.
After adding support for desktop apps and the Web, JetBrains multiplatform declarative UI toolkit now runs on iOS in alpha.
Based on Google Jetpack Compose, recently updated with improved performance and extensions, Compose Multiplatform runs natively on Android and, thanks to Kotlin Multiplatform on Windows, Linux, macOS, and the Web, too. The addition of iOS extends Compose Multiplatform to all major OSes.
The approach followed by Compose Multiplatform is to provide the same API across all supported platforms, replicating Jetpack Compose APIs:
The APIs in Compose Multiplatform are the same ones that have already been tried and tested in Jetpack Compose. That means developers who have experience writing modern Android user interfaces using Jetpack Compose can transfer those skills directly to write a shared user interface with Compose Multiplatform, targeting iOS and beyond.
This includes state management, layout composition, and animations. For a number of features that are strictly OS-dependent, like loading resources, Compose Multiplatform provides its own higher-level abstractions to maximize portability.
On iOS, Compose Multiplatform uses canvas-based rendering, using the Skiko graphics library. Also known as Skia for Kotlin, Skiko is based on Skia, Google’s graphics library used for Chrome, ChromeOS, and Flutter.
This approach means that Compose Multiplatform apps have the same look and feel across all supported platforms, similarly to Flutter apps. Unlike Flutter, though, Compose Multiplatform provides Material and Material 3 widgets out of the box, so Compose Multiplatform apps will just look like plain-vanilla Android apps. While Material is the only widget look-and-feel currently supported on iOS, JetBrains has not yet made a final decision about whether to provide a native widget look-and-feel.
An important aspect of creating cross-platform apps is interoperability with the underlying OS SDK. Compose Multiplatform for iOS provides a two-way interop layer on top of UIKit, with two main classes, UIKitView and ComposeUIViewController. UIKitView enables embedding platform-specific widgets like maps, web views, media players, and camera feeds within a Compose UI. ComposeUIViewController can be used instead to embed Compose screens in UIKit and SwiftUI applications. This can be helpful to gradually convert an existing app into a Compose app.
To start working with Compose Multiplatform for iOS, you will need a machine running recent version of macOS, Xcode, Android Studio, and the Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile plugin. All additional dependencies can be managed through CocoaPods.
The best place to start is one of the project templates provided by JetBrains. Those include a basic iOS/Android app, an image viewer, a chat app, and many more. A number of tutorials are also available to guide you through using the most common UI elements in a Compose Multiplatform app.
Japan stocks jump 2%, Asia markets rise after U.S. reaches tentative debt ceiling deal – CNBC
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Canada’s banks are guarding against bad loans. What this means for your money – Global News
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