Shokz OpenFit Professional, Nex Playground, Sony A7 V and extra

We’re beginning to hit our stride in 2026. Now that February is right here, our reviews staff is flush with new gadgets to check, which implies you’ve received quite a bit to compensate for for those who haven’t been following alongside. Learn on for a roundup of essentially the most compelling new gear we’ve examined lately from gaming, PCs, cameras and extra.

Nex Playground

In case you nonetheless have a keenness for the Xbox Kinect, the Nex Playground could be proper up your alley. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar lately put the tiny field by way of its paces and located an lively gaming expertise that’s enjoyable for the entire household. “Whereas I’ve some issues in regards to the firm’s subscription mannequin, Nex has achieved a uncommon feat: It developed a easy field that makes it simple on your whole household to leap into genuinely revolutionary video games and experiences,” he wrote.

MSI’s Status 14 Flip AI+

MSI

MSI’s Status 14 Flip AI+ is a remarkably highly effective ultraportable, due to Intel’s Panther Lake chips. But it surely’s held again by a clunky trackpad and weak keyboard.

Execs

• Glorious CPU efficiency
• Strong gaming assist
• Daring OLED display
• Tons of ports
• Comparatively inexpensive

Cons

• Terrible mechanical trackpad
• Boring-feeling keyboard
• Show is proscribed to 60Hz

Devindra additionally examined MSI’s newest laptop computer, the highly effective Prestige 14 Flip AI+. Whereas the machine received excessive marks for its efficiency, show and connectivity, he famous that the general expertise is hindered by subpar keyboard and actually terrible trackpad. “As one of many earliest Panther Lake laptops in the marketplace, the $1,299 Status 14 Flip AI+ is a stable machine, for those who’re keen to miss its touchpad flaws,” he defined. “Greater than something although, the Status 14 makes me excited to see what different PC makers supply with Intel’s new chips.”

Shokz OpenFit Professional

Shokz/Engadget

Lastly, a set of open earbuds that truly sound good and supply noticeable ambient noise discount.

Execs

• Efficient noise discount
• Cozy match
• Nice sound for open earbuds
• Dolby Atmos assist

Cons

• Sound high quality varies with ear form
• Over ear hook isn’t for everybody
• Noise discount isn’t as efficient as ANC

Contemporary off of its Best of CES choice, I carried out a full overview of the OpenFit Pro earbuds from Shokz. I proceed to be impressed by the earbuds’ capability to cut back ambient noise whereas preserving your ears open. And the general sound high quality is superb for a product that sits outdoors of your ears.

Sony A7 V

Sony/Engadget

With a brand new partially-stacked 33MP sensor, Sony’s A7 V provides velocity, autofocus accuracy and the perfect picture high quality in its class.

Execs

• Quick taking pictures speeds
• Fast and correct autofocus
• Excellent picture high quality
• Good video stabilization

Cons

• Video lags behind rivals
• Uncomfortable to carry for lengthy durations

Contributing reporter Steve Dent has been busy testing cameras to start out the 12 months. This week he added the Sony A7 V to the checklist, noting the wonderful picture high quality and correct autofocus. “The A7 V is an unbelievable digital camera for images, with speeds, autofocus accuracy and picture high quality forward of rivals, together with the Canon R6 III, Panasonic S1 II and Nikon Z6 III,” he stated. “Nevertheless, Sony isn’t maintaining with these fashions for video.”

Apple AirTag (2026)

Apple/Engadget

Apple has improved its Bluetooth tracker in virtually each manner, making it louder and increasing its detection vary.

Execs

• Exact Discovering is way extra helpful
• Louder and simpler to listen to
• Similar value as the unique AirTag

Cons

• Nonetheless lacks a keyring gap
• Apple’s AirTag equipment are too costly

Our first Editors’ Alternative system of 2026 is Apple’s up to date AirTag. All the upgrades result in a greater general merchandise tracker, in response to UK bureau chief Mat Smith. “There is not any doubt the second-gen AirTags are improved, and fortunately, upgrading to the brand new capabilities doesn’t come at too steep a value,” he concluded.