We stopped by Hyperkin at CES this year and we can say with full certainty that there def was hype from what they showed off. We got a first look at their latest product the X5 Alteron, a new portable controller, that was held in the air like the holy grail it is. This is also the first time two gaming accessory companies like this have worked together for a singular product.
Meet the X5 Alteron, a controller born from a collaboration between GameSir and Hyperkin, and heralded at the event as perhaps the most flexible gaming accessory seen so far in 2026. Instead of being a static pad with a single layout, the Alteron is engineered to be dismantled and rebuilt to suit whatever you’re playing, from modern shooters to classic titles.
Unlike traditional clip-on controllers that just add physical buttons to your phone or tablet, this unit uses a stretch to fit mechanism that expands to securely house devices from Android phones and iPads to the Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. But the real innovation lies in how it lets you change its identity by swapping out modules for sticks, buttons, and directional pads. Want vintage GameCube ergonomics while playing retro games? There’s a module for that. Yearning for the classic feel of a Nintendo 64 controller? Yep, that too. There are even specialty options like fight game layouts or a trackpad that can mimic mouse precision for shooters and PC titles.
This isn’t just cosmetic tinkering. The Alteron pairs tactile design with thoughtful engineering: it features drift resistant capacitive sticks to keep controls responsive, Hall effect triggers for consistent input, customizable stick height for personal comfort, and back buttons that add extra command options. Combined with rumble feedback and a build meant to sit comfortably in your hands for extended sessions, the device feels like something that could genuinely replace multiple controllers in your collection, especially if you bounce between game genres and platforms.
One of the most compelling things about the Alteron’s reveal wasn’t just the engineering itself, but how attendees around the booth reacted. Rather than a quick glance and move on, people were picking it up, trying out the modular attachments, and discussing how they’d personalize it for their own library of games. Even at this early prototype stage, there was enough buzz that it felt less like “another CES gadget” and more like a glimpse at where mobile and hybrid gaming controllers might be headed next.
Of course, not all details are locked in. GameSir and Hyperkin have yet to announce when the X5 Alteron will be released or how much it will cost, though seeing it front and center at one of the world’s biggest tech shows suggests they’re gearing up for a serious launch. For now, it stands as a bold example of what’s possible when flexibility meets thoughtful design in gaming hardware, and a reason why so many people paused, gathered, and talked at the GameSir booth at CES 2026.
Between AI showing up in basically everything, and the ongoing push toward more spatial, always-on devices, it feels like the industry is still trying to figure out the most natural way to bring computer vision into everyday life. Smart glasses get most of the attention, but those either require a prescription if needed and they suffer from poor battery life from how thing they are but Razer’s Project Motoko is a different take that honestly feels more practical than I expected: put the intelligence in something people already wear all the time, headphones.
Project Motoko is a concept headset, but it’s not some random left-field idea. If anything, it sits right in Razer’s lifestyle lane as much as its gaming lane. The key move is the dual FPV cameras placed at eye level on the earcups, so it can “see” what you see without you holding up a phone or wearing glasses. In the demo, that perspective is the whole point. It’s built for hands-free navigation, quick recording, and real-time prompting in a way that feels seamless because the cameras match your natural viewpoint.
Razer positions Motoko as an AI vision platform, not just a headset with a camera slapped on it. It’s Snapdragon-powered, leans into computer vision, and it’s designed to interpret what’s in front of you and respond on the fly through audio. That includes things like catching text and symbols you might miss, and using stereoscopic depth to understand what you’re looking at. The concept page even calls out sub-millimeter object locating, which is a bold claim, but it at least explains the direction Razer is aiming for: awareness and context, not just capture.
Audio is a big part of why this works as a form factor. Motoko uses both far-field and near-field mics, which helps it pick up your voice, the environment around you, and even dialogue coming from what the cameras are pointed at. That combination makes it feel less like you’re issuing robot commands and more like you’re getting a running assistant in the background. And because it’s meant to be “universal” with major AI platforms, the idea is you can pick the model you want depending on the task instead of being locked into one assistant forever.
The biggest question with something like this is always “will it become real?” and Project Motoko might actually have a better shot than most concept gear. Razer is already taking sign-ups for a developer kit targeted for Q2 2026, which makes it feel less like a booth-only flex and more like something they want people building on. It’s still a concept, so none of this is guaranteed, but if Razer gets the privacy story right and keeps the experience lightweight and fast, this could be one of the more believable wearable AI ideas we’ve seen at CES.
Razer is one of those companies that likes to come to CES with some hot concepts and ideas, not just the latest product release. One of those products they usually show up is a gaming chair. But Project Madison is the kind of concept that makes you stop and go, “okay, this is the one.” I’ve seen plenty of flashy chairs over the years, but Madison feels like Razer took the best parts of its immersion and blended them into a single, fully integrated seat. In my head, it’s basically the Leviathan V2 Pro, Chroma RGB , and Freyja all rolled into one premium “command center.”
The first thing that stood out in the booth was how complete the experience feels when you actually sit in it. The chair itself felt great, comfortable and supportive, and you can tell it’s built to be a real chair first, not just a tech demo you tolerate for five minutes. Razer bakes in an integrated lumbar arch, a dual-density foam cushion, 4D armrests, and up to a 152-degree recline, so it’s clearly aiming for that flagship-tier comfort if it ever becomes a real product.
Then you get to the fun part: the haptics and audio working together. Project Madison uses six built-in haptic actuators powered by Razer Sensa HD Haptics, and the feedback is multi-zone and directional, so it’s not just “rumble go brrr.” The sensation feels more mapped to what’s happening, which is exactly what makes haptics worth it. Pair that with the chair’s THX Spatial Audio setup and it starts clicking fast. The chair can run as its own speaker system, or you can combine it with front speakers to build out a 5.1 or 7.1-style setup, which is the right move because it lets the chair play a supporting role instead of trying to do everything by itself.
The other very Razer piece is the lighting. Project Madison has Chroma RGB built in, and it’s designed to react with supported games and sync with the rest of your Razer gear. Real talk, you don’t “see” most of the lighting while you’re sitting in it, but in a dark room it still adds to the vibe, especially if your whole setup is already running Chroma. It makes the chair feel like part of the station, not a random piece of furniture sitting in front of it.
Specs-wise, it’s not a tiny chair either. Razer lists it at 70 cm by 70 cm, 129 to 139 cm tall depending on adjustment, and about 29.5 kg, with a recommended user height of 160 to 200 cm and a max load of 136 kg. The integrated audio system uses a set of full-range drivers plus passive radiators, with a frequency response that runs from 75Hz to 20,000Hz. It also relies on Razer Synapse for the good stuff, including game-integrated haptics and audio-to-haptics, so it fits right into the ecosystem rather than trying to be a standalone gadget.
The biggest catch is the same one as every Razer concept: it’s a concept. Project Madison feels like the most premium gaming chair Razer could offer if it comes to life, and the innovation absolutely impressed me at CES. Now it’s just a waiting game to see if it actually hits the market, and what kind of price tag Razer would attach to a chair that tries to do all of this in one place.
While CES is usually about the latest tech products NVIDIA is the one company I look forward to their software advancements and this year didn’t disappoint. DLSS 4 already felt like one of the biggest leaps in neural rendering I’ve seen lately, but DLSS 4.5 is where things get kicked up a notch. The focus this year is cleaner detail, steadier motion, and less of that AI shimmer you sometimes catch when you know what to look for.
In our hands-on time, the improvements showed up in the stuff that usually breaks first. Strands of hair stayed defined instead of smearing, distant detail held together better while panning the camera, and lighting in areas that normally look muddy had more shape and separation. It genuinely made scenes pop, and in some cases it looked like it was pulling out detail you would expect to lose at higher performance settings.
A big reason DLSS 4.5 is considered a worthy upgrade updated Super Resolution model, moving to a second-generation transformer approach. In normal human terms, it seems better at understanding the full frame and how it changes over time, which helps reduce flicker, ghosting, and crawling edges. Particles, fine textures, and subtle lighting effects also looked more natural, instead of that overly processed look some upscaling can introduce.
One of the more exciting DLSS 4 showcases tied to this update is Capcom’s PRAGMATA, which is shaping up to be a perfect “stress test” for everything NVIDIA is pushing right now. The game drops you into a near-future lunar research station gone dark, where a spacefarer named Hugh teams up with an android, Diana, to survive a hostile AI takeover. What’s cool is how the gameplay concept matches the tech flex: you control both characters at the same time, using Diana’s hacking to crack open enemy defenses and Hugh’s firepower to capitalize on those weak points. And now on PC, Capcom is upping the ante by upgrading the visuals to full path tracing alongside DLSS 4, which should make that cold, metallic, high-contrast moonbase setting feel even more realistic while DLSS does the heavy lifting to keep performance in a playable place.
On the performance side, DLSS 4.5 pushes Multi Frame Generation with a new 6X mode, generating up to five extra frames for every rendered frame. There’s also Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, which automatically adjusts the multiplier to better match your display’s refresh rate so you get smoothness without forcing max frame gen all the time. Just keep the usual frame gen reality check in mind: it shines most when your base frame rate is already decent, and it works best paired with Reflex to keep things feeling responsive.
The rollout also sounds fairly friendly. DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution can be enabled through the NVIDIA app as an override across a large list of DLSS-supported games, so you do not necessarily have to wait for every title to patch it in. From what we tested at CES, DLSS 4.5 is less about chasing bigger numbers and more about making games look cleaner, sharper, and more stable while still getting the performance lift that makes DLSS worth using in the first place.
I’ve tried a lot of wearables that are great at quote on quote collecting information and not so great at helping you do anything with it. The Ultrahuman Ring Air is the opposite. The ring itself is comfortable, lightweight, and easy to live with, but the real reason I keep opening it up is the app. It’s one of the most genuinely useful companion apps I’ve used on any health device, because it doesn’t just show charts. It helps you understand what’s happening and how to adjust your habits without turning your life into a science project.
First, the basics. The Ring Air is a slim titanium smart ring built to track sleep, HRV, movement, and temperature, while staying “invisible” enough that you can wear it all day and night. And it actually nails that part. Around town, at my desk, out grabbing a coffee, even sleeping, I wasn’t constantly aware of it the way I am with a watch. Comfort is the whole point of a ring, and Ultrahuman gets that right.
Setup is straightforward, but sizing is where you should slow down. Ultrahuman’s sizing runs a little different than typical rings, so using a sizing kit is the move. Once you’re dialed in, battery life is solid for this category. I’m not thinking about charging every day, and that’s a win. When you do need to top it off, it’s a simple drop-on charger situation, the kind of routine you can fit into the day without stress.
Where the Ring Air really shines is sleep and recovery. Ultrahuman breaks your night down into sleep stages and rolls it all into a sleep score that feels easy to follow. Then it layers in recovery signals using things like HRV and skin temperature, so you can see when you’re trending up or when your body’s quietly asking for a lighter day. I like that it doesn’t just throw numbers at you. It nudges you in practical ways, and it does it without making you feel guilty for being human.
Movement tracking is here too, and it’s better than people assume a ring can be. You get steps, calories, and workout tracking with a dedicated workout mode that pulls heart rate during exercise. Still, I’d frame it like this: it’s a strong lifestyle tracker and recovery companion first, and a workout tracker second. If you’re the type who wants GPS routes, live metrics on your wrist, and training tools mid-run, you’ll still want a watch. But if you want a “wear it and forget it” device that keeps you honest and helps you build better patterns, the Ring Air fits nicely.
The app is the secret sauce. It’s organized, it’s packed with insights, and it makes the metrics feel like they belong to your actual day-to-day life. One of my favorite examples is how it handles rhythms and habits, like timing suggestions around your day, sleep-wake consistency, and even stimulant timing. It feels like the app is trying to help you make better choices, not just judge you for last night’s bedtime.
And then there’s Blood Vision, which is a big part of why Ultrahuman’s ecosystem is so interesting. This is where you can go beyond wearable-only data and get a much deeper look at what’s happening inside your body using bloodwork. The way Ultrahuman positions it, you’re not just looking at “how you slept,” you’re also getting biomarker context across many aspects of your health, plus guidance on what looks good, what might need improvement or follow-up testing, and what supplements or foods could support your goals. Obviously, anything in the bloodwork lane should be treated as informational and discussed with a medical professional, but as a way to connect your daily habits to real biomarker data, it’s one of the more compelling add-ons I’ve seen in the wearable space.
One thing worth mentioning if you’re shopping right now: availability can be a little weird in the U.S. Ultrahuman’s own store page currently says the Ring Air is not available in the U.S., but retailers like Verizon still list its something you’ll have to checkout which you can see below our review!
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is one of the rare wearables where the hardware is good, but the software is what makes it feel worth it. If your main goal is better sleep, smarter recovery, and a more practical relationship with your health metrics, this one belongs on the short list.ally helping you make better choices. The ring itself is comfortable enough to wear nonstop, but the real value is the software. Ultrahuman doesn’t just track. It translates, nudges, and gives you a better shot at turning “health data” into something you can use. Checkout the Verizon deal below to get the best sale for the ring while supplies last!
This holiday season, Verizon is setting the standard for holiday deals. Best devices. Best plans. Add that to an award-winning network, and you have the best deals. Period.
Why Verizon offers are truly a game-changer compared to rest:
No trade-in required
Better phones: Our competitors may offer base model phones with their similar deals, we are offering premium devices for our customers
Looking to save even more? AT&T or T-Mobile customers can bring their phone bill into Verizon stores to see how the savings add up. And here’s a post on why Verizon also offers the superior switching service.
The holidays are the perfect time to level up the things you use every day, not just the flashy stuff, but the gear that slips seamlessly into your lifestyle and quietly upgrades everything around it which can be apparel or even smart home tech. This year’s guide leans into that philosophy: tech that feels premium without trying too hard, wellness gear that actually does something, and apparel that enhances your vibe instead of clashing with it. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your squad, your partner, or anyone who’s impossible to shop for, these picks hit every lane: utility, style, comfort, and straight-up cool factor.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Practical gifts hit different, especially when they’re actually useful. The LifeStraw is one of those items you don’t think about until you have it, and then you wonder how you lived without it. It filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics and makes questionable water sources safe to drink. Perfect for travelers, hikers, festival lovers, coaches, athletes, or anyone who just wants to be prepared. It’s lightweight, low-cost, and delivers real-world value — something most gifts can’t say. This is the stocking stuffer that turns into an everyday carry for anyone who cares about health, wellness, or being ready for anything life throws at them.
Torokami RPG Apparel
Torokami stays winning in the “fashion for nerds with actual taste” category, and the Black White Mage cloak/cardigan might be their cleanest piece yet. It’s inspired by classic RPG classes but designed for real-world wear, with a silhouette that sits somewhere between cozy streetwear and subtle cosplay drip. Soft, heavy material, sharp lines, and a vibe that makes you feel like the protagonist whether you’re stepping into a studio, pulling up to an event, or jumping into a casual shoot. It’s the perfect gift for gamers who appreciate style, creators who want unique pieces on camera, or anybody who loves wearing something with personality.
Dreo Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Countertop
Dreo’s Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Countertop is one of those lifestyle upgrades you feel every day. It sits on the counter, hooks up without any plumbing and uses a multi stage RO system to strip out contaminants while improving taste, with a clear display that shows water quality and filter status at a glance. The built in tank and included pitchers keep cold, clean water ready in the fridge, which means fewer plastic bottles, fewer water jugs to lug around and a nicer overall drinking experience. As a holiday gift, it makes a lot of sense for families, new homeowners or anyone who has been side eyeing their tap water for a while. Catch the latest deal here.
Renpho Eyeris 3
Between gaming, editing, working, scrolling, and doom-watching shorts at 3AM, our eyes take more damage than anything else on our bodies. The Renpho Eyeris 3 is the recovery hack most people don’t know they need until the moment they try it. With warming and cooling modes, temple massage, air pressure, and built-in audio, it turns a 10-minute break into a full reset session. It’s perfect for creators, office workers, night owls, or anyone who lives on a screen. This is the kind of gift people thank you for months later because it becomes part of their self-care routine without even trying. Bonus: it looks futuristic as hell.
Dreo Whole-Room Heater 715
Dreo’s Whole Room Heater is the kind of thing you buy for one cold room and then end up using all over the house. It uses a 1500 W PTC ceramic element and a 3D airflow system that pushes warm air at up to 12 ft/s, with 60° vertical and 90° horizontal oscillation so it actually circulates heat instead of just blasting one spot. You get multiple heat and fan modes, a built in thermostat and quiet operation, so it works just as well in a bedroom or home office as it does in a living room.
As a gift, it is a nice quality of life upgrade for anyone dealing with drafty apartments, home offices in the corner of the house or just trying not to crank the central heat all day. Safety features like tip over and overheat protection, flame retardant housing and an ECO mode that helps save on energy make it something you feel good about giving, and the slim pedestal design means it does not look out of place next to furniture.
EVO 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most refined and community-focused years the fighting game world has seen. With two major events, EVO Japan and EVO Las Vegas, each featuring 12 official main titles, the focus this year is clarity, structure, and putting power back into the hands of the players. EVO has always tried to evolve each year, listening closely to the FGC, and the 2026 season proves they’re taking that commitment seriously.
EVO JAPAN 2026
Tokyo Big Sight — May 1–3, 2026
EVO Japan returns with a lineup that reflects the deep roots of Japan’s tournament culture, technical fighters, legacy anime titles, and competitive franchises that have defined arcades and offline play for decades.
Official EVO Japan 2026 Lineup:
1) 2XKO
2) Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
3) Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
4) Guilty Gear: Strive
5) Hokuto no Ken
6) The King of Fighters XV
7) Melty Blood: Type Lumina
8) Street Fighter 6
9) Tekken 8
10) Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
11) Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire
12) Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
One of the biggest complaints at EVO Japan 2025 was the poor ventilation and high temperatures inside the venue. Crowds were dense, airflow was limited, and many players and attendees struggled with the heat, and EVO listened.
For 2026, organizers have already confirmed improved environmental controls to ensure cooler airflow, better circulation, and a far more comfortable venue for both competitors and spectators.
EVO Japan 2026 will feature a massive 30 million yen prize pool, bringing serious competitive energy to every bracket and giving Japanese players one of the largest payouts in EVO Japan history.
EVO LAS VEGAS 2026
Las Vegas Convention Center (West Hall) — June 26–28, 2026
EVO Vegas is the centerpiece of the season, the global stage, the biggest crowds, the loudest moments, and the legendary Championship Sunday. But this year, EVO looks, and feels, different in the U.S. for several reasons.
Official EVO 2026 Las Vegas Lineup:
1) 2XKO
2) BlazBlue: Central Fiction
3) Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
4) Guilty Gear: Strive
5) Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
6) Invincible VS
7) Rivals of Aether II
8) Street Fighter 6
9) Tekken 8
10) Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
11) Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire
12) Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
For the first time in years, EVO U.S. is offering early bird spectator pricing at an aggressive rate:
$200 for a 3-Day Spectator Pass (Early Bird)
This covers the expo floor, casuals, vendor hall, artist alley, and all tournament viewing except the main arena finals.
Main Stage Finals Ticket Sold Separately
If you want to attend Championship Sunday in the arena, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket, a model EVO is using to keep standard weekend passes affordable.
EVO 2026 is moving entirely to BEST OF 5 for all Top 8 brackets (First to 3 wins). This standardizes competitive expectations across all games and ensures deeper sets, better adaptations, and more satisfying finals.
Both events reflect EVO’s commitment to improving year after year, listening to the fans, and keeping the competitive spirit at the center of everything. To get a year start on this amazing event, check out EVO.gg
It’s that magical time of year when we search for those perfect presents to delight our loved ones. Shopping for family and friends, each with their unique passions and hobbies, can be a joyful challenge. But fear not! If you have a cherished collector on your list, I’m here to guide you through some exceptional finds that are sure to bring a smile to their face, without necessarily breaking the bank. As always the products below we have either tested, reviewed or own so the items accurately represent how we feel about them.
Loops Lab
Let’s kick things off with something that caught me by surprise this year, Loops Lab is one of those toys that hits that sweet spot where kids, adults and whole families can jump in together. The starter set gives you a reactive music stage and a full “Lax Funkers” band of collectible figures, each tied to its own instrument and loop. You build tracks by placing, stacking and swapping the little band members on the stage while the connected app handles the mixing, so everything stays on beat while you experiment. It feels screen light, very hands on and way more like jamming than “learning a toy.”
What makes it a great holiday gift is the depth you can grow into. You can start with the basic starter kit and add more bands or holiday themed figures later, which keeps it feeling fresh well after the wrapping paper is gone. Check out the latest deal here.
Goku Kamehameha Levitating Desk Lamp
Even if you’re not a die-hard anime fan, the iconic “Kamehameha” move is instantly recognizable! This incredible desk lamp features Goku in his battle-worn gi, perfectly posed to unleash his signature attack. It’s guaranteed to ignite nostalgia for any Dragon Ball fan on your gift list.
What makes this lamp truly special is its magnetic levitation feature, creating an awe-inspiring display as Goku appears to float, channeling his power. Once connected, the LED light in the energy beam illuminates your room with this powerful attack. Anti-slip pads ensure it stays securely in place. At just 15cm in size, it’s compact and USB-powered for ultimate portability. Plus, the vibrant blue light of the Kamehameha can even be dimmed to set the perfect mood. Find it here.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Blind Box Skateboard Deck (Bear Walker)
Any devoted fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender knows this year marks its 20th anniversary, bringing with it a wave of exciting collaborations. Bear Walker has certainly rolled into the celebration, crafting limited-edition skateboard decks inspired by the beloved series. These decks are not just skateboards; they are beautifully handcrafted works of art, available in limited quantities.
This “blind box” offers the thrill of anticipation, revealing stunning and unique artwork on each deck, from elemental symbols to Aang in his powerful Avatar State. There’s even a chance to uncover rare holographic versions of some designs, and for the truly lucky, a coveted 1-of-1 deck!
Gift Alert! Order before December 18th to ensure delivery by Christmas! Get it here.
Mighty Jaxx’s Arcade: Capcom Street Fighter Series
Mighty Jaxx’s Arcade: Capcom Street Fighter Series is pure nostalgia, is one of my favorites from the lineup as we were interested in the blind box series and picked up Guile as the one we had. It takes the Street Fighter 6 look and flips it into this charming low poly, retro arcade style that feels like a love letter to the early fighting game era, right down to the blocky details and classic vibe. If you grew up on Street Fighter or you just want something that looks great on a shelf next to your gaming setup, this is an easy grab, especially because it mixes modern character styling with that vintage arcade energy that never gets old.
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – (NECA)
For the movie connoisseur who loves iconic characters, we present The Nightmare Before Christmas action figures. To celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, these highly sought-after 7-inch scale figures are back in stock! This exclusive bundle includes the essential characters: Jack Skellington, Sally, The Mayor, and Santa Jack. Each figure comes with a host of accessories and is presented in collector-friendly packaging with a front flap, perfect for displaying the detailed goods. Buy it here.
It is that time of year where playlists get longer, flights get booked and everyone suddenly remembers they need a good pair of headphones, earbuds or tech that’s simply complimented with good audio. This audio gift guide is all about the stuff that actually stuck with us over the year, from smart earbuds that handle meetings for you to compact speakers that basically live in your bag.
Every pick here is something we have tested, reviewed or own ourselves, so think of this as a shortlist of favorites instead of a giant catalog. Whether you are shopping for an audio nerd, a traveler, a gamer or just someone tired of bad sound, there should be at least one thing in here that fits.
Viaim RecDot
Viaim RecDot feels built for people who live in calls, meetings and classes as much as they do in playlists. They are true wireless earbuds with surprisingly solid sound, but the hook is the AI side of things: one touch recording, real time transcription and live translation across multiple languages through the Viaim app. That means you can capture a full meeting, get it turned into text and even translate key points when you are working with people in other countries, all without juggling extra gear.
Great gift for the friend or coworker who should always be taking notes or jumping between Zoom, in person meetings and travel. We’ll have a review on these soon enough but make sure you take advantage over the holiday and check out the latest deal here.
Bowers & Wilcons Px8 S2
B&W Px8 S2 are the definition of true luxury sound, with soft Nappa leather, metal accents and a super comfortable fit wrapped around serious audio hardware. The 40 mm carbon drivers, high res support over aptX Adaptive and Lossless, and a clean tuned sound give these a really detailed, rich presentation that makes albums, movies and games all feel a level up. Add in strong active noise cancelling, a handy transparency mode and up to 30 hours of battery with quick charge and you have a set you can wear all day on commutes, flights or office sessions without thinking about it. If you are looking to spoil an audio fan for the holidays, this is that “endgame” pair they will reach for every time they want to actually sit and listen. You can check out our full review here (B&W PX8 S2 Review – Premium Upgrades) and make sure to check out current deals here.
JBL Grip
JBL Grip is that little speaker you end up taking everywhere without really thinking about it. It is a compact Bluetooth speaker with bold JBL sound, punchy bass and a built in ambient light strip that gives it a fun, almost lava lamp vibe on a desk or nightstand. The IP68 rating means it is water, dust and drop proof, so it is just as happy next to a pool or on a hike as it is in a bedroom, and you still get up to around 14 hours of playtime on a charge.
If you are looking for a gift that works for pretty much anyone, this is a safe pick. It is small enough to toss in a backpack, loud enough for a hotel room or small get together and you can even pair multiple Grip speakers with Auracast to fill a bigger space. It is the definition of a “use it all year” kind of present. Check out the latest deal for them here.
Soundcore Sleep A30
Soundcore Sleep A30 is built for people who are serious about getting better sleep, or at least trying to. These tiny earbuds are designed to be worn all night, with a slimmer profile for side sleepers, soft tips and wings and surprisingly comfortable fit once you get the sizing right. Inside you get smart active noise cancelling tuned for sleep, plus an adaptive snore masking system that listens for snoring and blends in sounds to help block it out without blasting your ears.
Paired with the Soundcore app, you can pick from relaxing soundscapes, track your sleep, see how often you move around and even set a gentle alarm that wakes you without waking the whole room. Battery life is strong enough to cover multiple nights before you have to dock the case, and they can double as regular earbuds on trips when you are not in bed. If you are shopping for someone who complains about noise, shares a bed with a snorer or travels a lot, these are a very easy recommendation. Check out the latest deal for them here.
Status Pro X Earbuds
Status Pro X are for the person who wants that “flagship” earbud sound without always defaulting to the usual big brands. Each earbud packs a triple driver setup with hi res audio and LDAC support, plus hybrid ANC that cuts a serious amount of noise when you are on trains, planes or in busy offices. They run Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, have six beamforming mics with clever voice processing for clear calls, and come in a compact, premium case that looks as good as the buds themselves.
These make a great gift for someone who listens to a lot of music and actually cares how their headphones sound. The tuning is detailed and enjoyable, ANC performance hangs with the bigger names, and the design avoids the glossy, overdone look you see on a lot of earbuds. If you want to hand someone a pair of everyday buds that feel like a real upgrade the moment they hit play, Pro X absolutely fits that role. Check out the latest deal for them here.
Gadget season is in full swing, and this list is for the people who love tinkering with their setup as much as they love playing games or getting work done. From smartwatches and travel routers to power banks and chargers, these are the little upgrades that quietly make life smoother every single day.
Just like our other guides, every pick here is something we have tested, reviewed or used in our own setups, so think of this as a tight edit of our favorites for 2025, not a giant shopping list. If you are hunting for that “oh wow, I actually needed this” kind of gift, you are in the right place.
Logitech MX4
Logitech MX Master 4 is the productivity mouse you grab when you are done fighting with cheap plastic clickers. You are getting an ergonomic shape that actually supports your hand, the MagSpeed scroll wheel that can fly through long timelines or documents, and an 8K DPI sensor that tracks on pretty much any surface, even glass. The new haptic panel and Actions Ring shortcuts let you trigger custom tools and macros right at your thumb, which is huge if you edit, design or work across multiple apps all day. It pairs with up to three devices over Bluetooth or Logi Bolt and charges over USB C, so it slots right into a modern desk without any drama.
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm
Smartwatches usually force you into two categories: gigantic slabs for fitness bros or tiny trackers that barely qualify as smart. The OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm) nails the perfect middle ground. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and looks like something you’d wear even if it didn’t have any tech inside it. The AMOLED screen makes everything pop, the battery life outperforms most big-name watches, and the fitness tracking feels reliable without being overwhelming. Notifications, sleep tracking, health monitoring, it’s all there, wrapped in a design that blends into your daily drip. For anyone who wants a wearable that feels premium without screaming “I’m doing cardio,” this is the one.
Insta360 Wave AI Conference Speakerphone
Insta360 Wave is a sneaky good upgrade for anyone who is always on calls, running meetings, or recording quick voice notes and podcasts at home. It is basically a smart conference speakerphone with an 8 mic array and beamforming that pulls voices in clearly from across the room, plus strong noise canceling so you do not sound like you are calling from inside a coffee shop. The killer feature is the built in AI recording suite: it can capture audio to internal storage, then handle transcription and summaries so you are not stuck replaying a meeting just to find one detail.
This is the kind of gift that makes immediate sense for remote workers, students, creators, and even that friend who always ends up being the “note taker.” It cleans up their setup, makes them sound better instantly, and actually saves time, which is a rare combo for a gadget and can find deals that make the WaveLink Bundle: increased from 15% OFF → 19% OFF and Wave: originally not discounted at launch, now available at 15% OFF and can also get it here or here.
Mophie Powerstation Plus
Mophie Powerstation Plus is that power bank you toss in a bag and never really think about again, which is kind of the point. It packs a 10,000 mAh battery in a slim body with integrated USB C and Lightning cables built right in, so you are not digging for extra cords when your phone or tablet is dying. Fast charging support means it can push serious wattage to top up an iPhone or USB C device quickly, and the premium finish makes it feel more like a nice piece of gear than a throwaway brick. For travel days, conventions or just long commutes, it is an easy “always carry” gift.
Elgato Facecam 4K
Elgato Facecam 4K is made for anyone who spends time on camera, whether that is streaming, content creation or just living in video calls. It captures up to 4K at 60 frames per second with clean, uncompressed video, plus full manual controls so you can dial in exposure, color and framing the way you would on a proper camera. Support for 49 mm lens filters and HDR gives you room to get creative with your look, and Elgato’s software makes it easy to save profiles for different lighting setups. Drop this on a creator or remote worker and you instantly level up how they look online.
Shiftcam 240mm Super Zoom Telephoto lens
ShiftCam’s 240mm Super Zoom lens is one of those gadgets that makes your phone feel like it suddenly learned a new trick. It mounts over the periscope camera using one of ShiftCam’s mount cases, giving you true long range reach with that clean telephoto compression you normally only get from bigger camera gear, which is perfect for concerts, sports, travel details, or grabbing wildlife shots without turning everything into a digital zoom mess. The best part is it is not just a one note zoom lens either, since the kit can pair with stackable macro converters for surprisingly fun close up shots. If you are shopping for someone who is always filming, shooting photos, or just wants their iPhone to do more, this is the kind of gift that instantly changes what they can capture.
Amazfit Watch 2 (Active 2)
Amazfit Watch 2 hits a really nice balance of style, fitness tracking and battery life without jumping into flagship pricing. You get a bright round display in a 44 mm case that actually looks good with regular clothes, along with heart rate, sleep and stress tracking powered by Amazfit’s BioTracker sensors. There are over 160 workout modes, built in GPS for runs and walks, and battery life that can stretch close to a week, so you are not living on a charger. It is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their health and notifications without being locked into a more expensive ecosystem.
Anker Prime Charger 160W (3 Port, Smart Display)
Anker’s Prime 160W charger is the kind of brick that can replace a whole pile of random adapters. You get three USB C ports in a body about the size of an AirPods case, with up to 140 W from a single port or 160 W shared across a laptop, phone and tablet at the same time. The built in smart display shows real time power info and lets you switch modes with a tap, and you can fine tune things even more through the Anker app if you want to really dial in your setup. It is a clean, travel friendly upgrade that makes a lot of sense as a gift for anyone juggling multiple devices at home, at the office or on the road.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router
TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 travel router is built for people who refuse to trust hotel or convention center Wi-Fi. It brings next gen Wi-Fi 7 speeds in a pocket sized unit, with multiple modes so you can turn a wired jack or sketchy public network into your own private, secure hotspot for all your devices. VPN support, Ethernet and USB options, plus a surprisingly strong radio for the size make it great for trips, shared Airbnbs or even as a backup at home. If you know someone who is always on the road with a laptop, handheld and a phone, this is the kind of gift that quietly saves their day over and over.
