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October has been relatively quiet in the tech sector, primarily due to Google and Microsoft having conducted their usual fall hardware launches earlier this year. Nevertheless, several companies have unveiled new gadgets over the past fortnight, coinciding with Amazon’s October Prime Day. Whether you were engrossed in shopping or tuning into Elon Musk discussing robotaxis and cybervans, the Engadget team has been diligently reviewing both recently launched and older products. This bi-weekly summary aims to keep you informed; however, since I missed last week’s edition due to time off, our schedule is slightly off-kilter.
This period has surprisingly focused on more budget-friendly “un-flagships,” featuring devices like Meta’s Quest 3S VR headset and DJI’s Air 3S drone alongside Sony’s midrange audio equipment. It appears that one doesn’t need to deplete their savings for high-quality devices that offer excellent value for money.
Sony LinkBuds Fit & Open: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review
by Billy Steele
Billy’s recent evaluations of Sony and Bose headphones reveal a significant trend: premium-level noise cancellation technology is now being integrated into midrange products. Personally, I find this development exciting. The features typically sacrificed for affordability include spatial audio and head-tracking—elements designed for an enhanced listening experience—but I’m content prioritizing sound quality, voice clarity, and effective background noise reduction instead.
I highly recommend checking out Billy’s review of Sony’s LinkBuds series even if you’re not currently seeking headphones; he endured considerable discomfort testing these uniquely designed earbuds on our behalf. A proposed headline he rejected was “Why am I in pain?” Kudos to you, Billy!
Meta Quest 3S Review: Exceptional VR at $300
by Devindra Hardawar
The Quest series stands out as a leading consumer VR headset option due to its affordability compared to alternatives while still delivering a high-quality immersive experience. In contrast with Apple’s Vision Pro priced at $3,500, the new Quest 3S offers an attractive price point of $300. As noted by Devindra in his review, it boasts comfortability and speed while granting users access to Meta’s extensive library of VR applications and content. To quote Devindra directly: “It may not be Meta’s first $300 VR headset but remains an impressive achievement.”
DJI Neo & Air 3S Reviews
by Steve Dent
The trend towards affordable yet exceptional products continues with the DJI Neo drone available for just $200—a claim that it might be the best drone ever made at this price point could seem exaggerated but holds merit given its performance capabilities compared to others within its range. One notable drawback mentioned by Steve is its loud operation; however, I find humor in that aspect—it could add a comedic touch when capturing aerial footage! Who knew I’d consider purchasing a drone known for sounding like a banshee?
On another note regarding higher-end options tested by Steve are the DJI Air 3S drone along with Canon’s EOS R5 II camera—both significantly pricier investments but offering advanced features such as eye-control autofocus which enhances user experience despite some reliability concerns during initial use.
reMarkable Paper Pro Review
by Dan Cooper
I understand Dan had reservations about awarding such high praise to a niche product like reMarkable Paper Pro; however after discussion we concluded it deserved recognition as potentially being one of the finest e-paper writing tablets equipped with color display—even following Amazon unveiling their first color Kindle this week! According to Dan’s insights on Paper Pro enhancements including speed improvements alongside seamless integration between handwritten notes versus typed text create an organic note-taking environment worth considering despite straying from our theme surrounding budget-friendly gadgets.
Phoenix Springs & Neva Game Reviews
by Jessica Conditt
I may not be deeply immersed in gaming culture myself yet Jess’ reviews always captivate me! She recently explored sci-fi mystery Phoenix Springs along with whimsical platformer Neva—her eloquent descriptions make me eager enough wanting playtime just so I can share her enthusiasm firsthand! Phoenix Springs follows technology reporter protagonists while intertwining my favorite genres (sci-fi/mystery) whereas Neva showcases stunning artistry throughout gameplay experiences adding them both onto my must-play list!
A Glimpse Ahead: Upcoming Reviews on Our Radar
The Engadget team thrives on exploring various interests as we embark upon crafting our holiday gift guide filled with personal favorites suitable gifts alike! Many among us hold fondness towards e-readers/writing tablets—I’m particularly intrigued by newly announced Kindles especially Kindle Scribe or Colorsoft models although they won’t hit shelves until later this year leaving me eagerly anticipating acquiring reMarkable Paper Pro instead! Additionally curious about what innovations await from Amazon hardware chief Panos Panay beyond his well-known Diet Coke preference revealed during my interview opportunity earlier this week!
A number within our ranks are millennials harboring nostalgia towards retro gaming experiences too—our executive editor Aaron Souppouris engaged discussions surrounding Analogue company revealing details regarding upcoming Analogue 3D device which promises excitement ahead!
This week brought unexpected news from Apple announcing updates concerning iPad mini featuring enhanced storage capabilities powered by A17 Pro processor supporting Apple Intelligence functionalities though seemingly minor adjustments still resonate positively amongst colleagues who appreciate compact tablet designs if only screen quality improved further!
The aforementioned announcements join other items slated for reviews including Google TV Streamer/Samsung Galaxy S24 FE released recently—all amidst approaching November festivities ushering holiday shopping season hopefully slowing down hardware launches soon thereafter awaiting anticipated Mac event hosted by Apple recalling surprise unveiling Humane AI Pin last year whilst continuing forward reflecting fondly upon simpler times gone past…
This article originally appeared on Engadget at
Source.
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