Author Archives: Sam Rutherford

The G512 X is Logitech’s most advanced and customizable gaming keyboard yet

Posted on by

Thanks to the adoption of features like rapid triggers, analog switches and TMR sensors, the tech in fancy gaming keyboards has changed surprisingly quickly in the past few years. So to keep up with the pace of development, Logitech is putting a bunch of advanced components in its latest flagship offering — the G512 X — to create what may be its most configurable keyboard to date. 

Available in both 75 and 98 percent layouts, the G512 X is based on a novel design that supports both mechanical and analog switches. Out of the box, every key features PBT keycaps and uses one of Logitech's MX mechanical switches. However, for important buttons like WASD, users can swap in up to nine bundled Gateron KS-20 magnetic analog switches. This means that when combined with the keyboard's 39 tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) switch beds, users can enable support for customizable rapid triggers and multipoint actuation, complete with five bundled second actuation pressure point (SAPP) rings in case you need even more control over every keystroke. The one potential downside is that Logitech only added TMR switch beds to the left side of the keyboard, so if you prefer more unusual keybinds, you won't have quite as many configuration options. 

The 39 TMR sensors on the left of the keyboard are the ones that support the included TMR switches.
The 39 TMR sensors on the left of the keyboard are the ones that support the included TMR switches.
Logitech

Meanwhile, to meet the demands of competitive gamers who need lightning-fast response times, Logitech added an 8K polling rate. This includes both 8K reporting and processing to deliver input times of just 0.125 milliseconds. Elsewhere, the G512 X comes with dual dials, a large RGB lightbar and game mode presets — all of which can be tweaked in Logitech's G Hub app. 

However, the coolest thing about the G512 X might be all the handy little details scattered across the keyboard. For example, its adjustable feet serve double duty as keycap and switch pullers, so when you want to adjust your layout, you won't need to go searching elsewhere for the right tool. On top of that, there is built-in storage for the nine included magnetic analog switches and five SAPP rings, so you'll always have them on hand if you want to make changes. Finally, while it is an optional accessory, Logitech created a transparent palm rest with a laser-etched surface that will enhance the G512 X's onboard RGB lighting. 

Logitech's optional palm rest really boosts the output of the Logitech G512 X's front-mounted RGB lightbar.
Logitech

Unfortunately, at $180 for the 75 percent layout or $200 for the 98 percent model, the G512 X is a bit pricey. And unlike some other members of Logitech's G5 family, there's no option for a wireless variant. But if you want a keyboard with practically all the latest tech and a ton of customizability (including the ability to select linear, tactile or clicky switches), the G512 X is a very intriguing option for demanding gamers.  

The G512 X is available directly from Logitech today, with wider availability slated for May 2.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-g512-x-is-logitechs-most-advanced-and-customizable-gaming-keyboard-yet-070100610.html?src=rss

2027 BMW i7 first look: A fantastically techy car for the 1 percent

Posted on by

Big, fancy executive sedans are a dying breed, especially when it comes to EVs. With the Tesla Model S and Mercedes' EQ line on their way out, pickings are slim. Aside from the upcoming S-Class, there's the Lucid Air, Cadillac Celestiq and maybe the Porsche Taycan, depending on how far you're willing to stretch the definition. But as the market leader in luxury sedans, BMW isn't giving up yet. With the arrival of the new 7-series, the company has made a car — with a complete range of gas, hybrid and fully electric options — that truly embraces modern gadgetry.

Because we're EV enthusiasts here at Engadget, we're primarily going to talk about the new i7, which is the battery-powered version of the new 7 series. Unfortunately, due to building regulations at Grand Central Station in NYC where BMW's reveal was held, the company was only allowed to showcase a gas-powered car, so this story features photos of the 740. However, company representatives told me that there are mostly only minor cosmetic differences between the ICE and EV models (powertrains aside), so feel free to compare my shots with the official press images to see if you can spot any changes. 

Between things like its grille and recessed door handles, the new 7-series actually looks more like an EV than a gas car.
Between things like its grille and recessed door handles, the new 7-series looks more like an EV than a gas car.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget

As for the i7 itself, it will be available in three main trims: the i750 xDrive, the i760 xDrive and the i7 M70 xDrive, the latter of which is the fastest and most powerful of the bunch. Pricing starts at $105,750 for the i750 and $126,250 for the i760, both of which will be available at launch sometime later this year. The i7 M70 will come later, most likely in 2027, with pricing still TBD.

Every model will come standard with a dual-motor AWD drivetrain with the base i750 offering 455 horsepower or 544hp on the i760, before going all the way up to a whopping 680hp on the i7 M70. Compared to the outgoing models, the new 2027 i7 also features a significantly larger power pack (112.4kWh, up from 105.7kWh) composed of BMW's new sixth-gen battery cells. This helps support faster charging speeds of 250kW (up from 195kW) along with a native NACS port and a 400-volt architecture, which is good enough to take the car from 10 to 80 percent in around 28 minutes. The upgraded batteries should also translate into longer range, with BMW claiming the i760 will deliver more than 350 miles on a single charge, based on internal metrics using EPA testing procedures. 

On the new 2027 models, BMW extended the 7-series' taillights to give its rear a more distinctive appearance.
On the new 2027 models, BMW extended the 7-series' taillights to give its rear a more distinctive appearance.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Finally, as we're still waiting for the iX3 to make its official debut in the US market, the new 7-series is also BMW's first car for the States to feature the company's Neue Klasse design language, which features a massively upgraded collection of tech on the inside. More on that when we get to the interior. 

One of the most interesting things about the new 7-series is that it was designed to have essentially the same exterior regardless of which powertrain each individual model has. BMW claims this not only makes it easier for customers to choose if they want a gas, hybrid or electric car, it also presents a more unified look across the family. That said, there are a number of features like the grille and recessed door handles that make BMW's latest luxury sedan look more like an electric car than a traditional ICE vehicle. I even noticed that on the gas-powered 740 BMW had on display, its tail pipes were pointed down and hidden away behind the car's rear bumper, which plays into the various models' shared identity. That said, on M Sport models and the M Performance variant due out next year, things like tailpipes will be much more prominent to help assuage the kind of enthusiasts who aren't ready for the transition to electrification. 

Up front, BMW ditched the stacked headlights found on the previous model in favor of a new razor-thin design that features 24 crystal LEDs that create a neat gem-like appearance. Meanwhile, the company's signature kidney-shaped grille has been given a thoroughly futuristic update, complete with built-in lighting (including programmable Welcome and Goodbye patterns) and active aero. Around back, the 7-series' taillights have been extended to nearly the entire width of the vehicle, creating a more distinctive look.

For tech enthusiasts, the inside of the new 7-series is a real marvel of engineering and gadgetry, headlined by BMW's Neue Klasse design language. Depending on how you're counting, there are between five and seven different displays. In the center, there's the 17.9-inch main screen (which supports both Android Auto and CarPlay), plus the company's Panoramic Vision (which is actually a projector) that adds another thin display across the entire bottom of the windshield. Panoramic Vision also provides a more traditional 3D HUD for things like turn-by-turn navigation while driving. 

For the driver, BMW also updated the i7's steering wheel with what the company is calling "shy tech." This means controls are only illuminated when a specific feature is available, while also providing haptic feedback for additional tactile response. And although I didn't get to drive the car myself, BMW reps told me that the car's assisted driving tech has been updated so that it's more accommodating to small, manual adjustments. On other cars, this might disable hands-free driving entirely or force you to wrestle with a robo-controlled steering wheel. 

For the first time on any of its vehicles, BMW is including a 14.6-inch Passenger Screen that can be used to stream movies, music and more, completely independent of what's on the main display. Then there are two small panels mounted on the doors for rear seat passengers to control things like climate settings and more. And with a Bowers and Wilkins sound system comprising 36 speakers and 4,000 watts of output, audio certainly hasn't been neglected. 

However, the real showpiece of the entire vehicle is arguably the optional 31-inch 8K Theater Screen, which BMW claims is the largest display in any production car today. It's mounted on a motorized frame that lowers itself down from the ceiling and it's simply massive. Gadget nerds will appreciate that it comes with an onboard webcam, so you can use it for video calls. And when you're not working, you can even pair accessories like Bluetooth controllers with the screen to play games. There are even woofers mounted below the rear seat to provide what BMW says is a 4D sound experience. 

My favorite part of this ensemble is the full-size HDMI jack that’s located next to the USB-C port on the back of the center console. This will allow you to hook up pretty much anything you want and enjoy it on that huge 31-inch display. And similar to previous 7-series models, the i7 still features BMW's executive seating mode, which pushes the front passenger seat up an extra 20cm while reclining the rear, providing a truly luxurious way to enjoy a car ride (there's even a little built-in footrest). Another small thing that potential buyers will surely appreciate is that BMW is also providing four years of data and access to its Digital Premium service as standard on every vehicle. 

The lap of luxury.
The lap of luxury.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget

With all of these changes, BMW is calling this the new 7-series, but it's actually closer to a mid-cycle refresh following a total overhaul back in 2023. For people who can never get enough screen space, the i7 and its gas-powered siblings are practically overflowing with displays. Plus, I really love BMW's attention to detail that allows users to pair peripherals like game controllers to the onboard displays or plug in external devices via HDMI. As someone who likes the more futuristic, streamlined exterior you see on a lot of EVs, I think BMW has done a great job of striking a middle ground that works for both gas and electric powertrains. 

Even the i7’s base specs have gotten some big bumps, both in terms of range and charging speeds, though at some point, BMW will need to upgrade its 400-volt architecture to something beefier. In a lot of ways, i7's starting price of $105,750 is its biggest hurdle, because for tech lovers, it feels like BMW has covered all the bases and then some. On the bright side, if you can afford one, you can probably also afford to hire a driver every now and then so you can take advantage of the 7-series' executive seating mode.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/2027-bmw-i7-first-look-a-fantastically-techy-car-for-the-1-percent-123000364.html?src=rss