Top-Notch Gadgets Dominating December 2024
This December has been quite remarkable. We received a powerful gaming rig from Origin PC and a revised version of the handheld MSI Claw, improving upon its previous iteration significantly. Our long-term review of the Pixel Watch 3 by Google was so favorable that I personally bought the larger 45mm variant. We also examined a watch with a unique feature, letting you roll dice digitally.
Unfortunately, there were a few disappointments this month. They didn't make the list, but they still deserve a mention. Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus is incredibly lightweight, but its stunning AMOLED display suffers from a 60Hz refresh rate, which dampens its potential as a gaming laptop. Acer also showcased impressive OLED displays for its laptops, but the overall Swift 16 AI package lacks appeal. Additionally, a warning for smart ring wearers, especially those who received the Samsung Galaxy Ring as a gift, regarding its potential durability.
Looking forward to next month, which is CES 2025, we anticipate numerous announcements about the industry's next innovations. Considering the widespread use of artificial intelligence, it's safe to assume that this will play a significant role. It will also be an excellent opportunity to upgrade home entertainment systems, with all the latest TVs and smart home technologies being showcased. Do not miss the eccentric offerings, such as rollable laptops, expanding your screen space. Our upcoming roundup will likely be filled with new releases as we approach the winter thaw.
Google Pixel Watch 3
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Updating our long-term review, the Pixel Watch 3 finally warranted a perfect score. If you're still considering purchasing a Pixel Watch, this is an excellent option to consider, especially with the 45mm variant. It offers improved battery life and health tracking compared to its predecessors, and despite a few drawbacks, it remains the best smartwatch within the Android ecosystem, even without Fitbit integration.
Timestop D-20
© Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
At PAX Unplugged, this innovation was a massive hit and Kyle's preferred gaming gadget of 2024. The Timestop D-20 watch combines timekeeping functionality with a built-in digital dice roller, making it a popular choice for RPG and board game enthusiasts. While it may not be accepted as dice in modern RPGs, the fact that it doesn't require daily charging like a smartwatch is a major plus.
Origin PC Neuron 3500X
© Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
The Origin PC Neuron 3500X is an impressive gaming machine, featuring top-of-the-line specifications and impressive cooling. Despite the RGB lighting, making the case resemble an ’90s fish tank, there are concerns about its sturdiness. The case can easily bend, and the panels may detach unexpectedly, like damaged Boeing fuselage components.
MSI Claw 8 AI
© Photo: Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo
MSI's Claw 8 AI is a second-generation portable gaming console, incorporating AI in its name. This revamped version of the previous Claw showcases better performance for both demanding and casual games, offering a larger, more vibrant screen than its competitors. Its battery life is commendable, although the software could use refinement. The direction in which MSI is headed with its gaming handhelds has improved considerably.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Earbuds
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
Our review of the Pi8 wireless earbuds from Bowers & Wilkins was surprisingly positive. These small, portable earbuds deliver outstanding audio quality for music and podcasts, and their user-friendly design makes them a strong contender in a crowded market. The Pi8 earbuds are easy to use and fit various ear canals, making them a worthy addition to any earbud collection.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus's stunning AMOLED display, despite being lightweight, is hindered by its 60Hz refresh rate, which could limit its potential as a gaming laptop in the technology realm. For those who yearn for the future, CES 2025 promises numerous announcements about the industry's next innovations, with rollable laptops likely to be among the eccentric offerings.
Considering the rise of artificial intelligence, it's reasonable to expect that this technology will play a significant role in next year's announcements, providing potential upgrades to home entertainment systems and smart devices. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, despite its impressive lightweight design, lacks appeal due to its 60Hz refresh rate, which is a disappointment in the realm of gaming laptops.
