From cutting-edge eyewear to button-mashing beasts, our latest review roundup is a whirlwind tour of tech. Strap in as we dissect Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, unleash the fury of a gaming laptop, capture the action with two rugged cameras, and yes, even click our way through a new wireless mouse. Missed the memo? Get the lowdown on all our reviews from the past two weeks below.
Ray-Ban Meta
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Engadget
87
100
Expert Score
Ray-Ban Meta (second generation)
Meta’s second-generation smart glasses are becoming a genuinely useful accessory.
Pros
- Noticeably better battery life
- YouTuber-friendly 3K video
- Meta AI translations are a game-changer for travel
Cons
- Framing POV photos and video is still a challenge
- Pricey lens upgrades
$379 at Meta
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are back, and while they might resemble their predecessors, a revolution is brewing beneath the surface. Forget incremental updates; think quantum leaps in battery life and video quality. According to senior editor Karissa Bell, these aren’t just glasses; they’re a glimpse into the future. “These Ray-Ban Meta glasses boast AI-powered features I couldn’t have imagined just two years ago.” The next generation promises even more game-changing camera tricks and audio enhancements fueled by artificial intelligence. Get ready to experience the world, augmented.
Alienware 16 Area-51
Alienware / Engadget
86
100
Expert Score
Alienware 16 Area-51 laptop
Yes, the Alienware 16 Area-51 demands a $2,000 entry fee, but prepare for liftoff. Inside lurks a beast of top-tier components, unleashed on a dazzlingly bright display. Fingers will dance on a gloriously clicky mechanical keyboard, all wrapped in a stunningly redesigned shell that screams classic Alienware – but evolved for a new galaxy.
Pros
- Unique design
- Strong performance
- Clicky mechanical keyboard
- Lots of ports
Cons
- Pricey
- Big and heavy
- More display options would be nice
$2,000 at Dell
The Alienware 16 Area-51: A Gaming Beast With a Price
Hunting for a gaming laptop that screams power and originality? The Alienware 16 Area-51 thunders onto the scene, a desktop replacement draped in a design that dares to be different. Be warned: this machine is a heavyweight champion, both in size and price.
As our senior reviews writer, Sam Rutherford, put it, “Portability might not be its forte, but the Alienware 16 Area-51 compensates with a head-turning design, a vibrant display, a wealth of connectivity, and unmatched performance. Fine-tune its specs to your exact desires and prepare for gaming domination.”
GoPro Max 2
GoPro/Engadget
86
100
Expert Score
GoPro Max 2
GoPro’s Max 2 isn’t just playing catch-up; it’s a serious contender in the 360° camera arena. Forget endless, unusable footage. This upgrade delivers stunning image quality and editing tools so intuitive, you’ll actuallywantto share your adventures. DJI and Insta360, consider yourselves warned.
Pros
- “True” 8K 10-bit GP-Log video
- Replaceable lenses
- Simple in-app editing
- Works with Bluetooth mics
Cons
- Stitch lines are sometimes present
- No onboard storage
Explore More Buying Options
$500 at Best Buy
$500 at Best Buy
$500 at Amazon
Forget another Hero. This fall, GoPro swerved, unleashing the Max 2, a 360° sphere of video magic. Think pro-level polish – Timecode, GP-Log with LUTs – blended with effortless mobile editing. Is it for pros AND casual shooters? James Trew thinks so. GoPro traded tech-chasing for a smoother ride, focusing on a user experience so intuitive, Trew concluded, it’s “a sensible move.”
DJI Osmo Nano
DJI/Engadget
85
100
Expert Score
DJI Osmo Nano
DJI throws its hat into the mini action cam ring with the Osmo Nano, aiming squarely at Insta360’s Go 3S and new Go Ultra. Think GoPro shrunk down – with slightly sharper video – but don’t expect a feature-for-feature knockout.
Pros
- Tiny size
- Log and 10-bit video
- DJI Mic compatibility
- Generous built-in memory
Cons
- Video editing app falls short
- Poor stabilization in low light
- Vlog mode is less convenient than rivals
$299 at Amazon
Forget clunky rigs; action cameras are shrinking, and packing detachable displays. DJI’s new Osmo Nano enters the fray, throwing shade at Insta360’s Go series. While the Nano boasts superior video quality, edging out its rivals, it’s not a complete knockout. As Steve Dent noted, “DJI leaned on its camera experience,” delivering impressive visuals. Yet, creators beware: the editing app needs a serious boost to truly rival the competition. Will the Nano become the king of micro-cameras, or will software shortcomings hold it back?
Logitech MX Master 4
Logitech’s just dropped the MX Master 4, their first productivity mouse update in three years. Should you ditch your old one? Maybe not. As Jeff Dunn at Engadget put it, this isn’t a must-have if you’re already an MX Master devotee. But for power users seeking a top-tier productivity boost, the MX Master 4 looks poised to become as popular as its predecessors.
Thanks for reading Engadget review recap: Ray-Ban Meta GoPro Max 2 and more
