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It was a December to remember. This month, we had a robust game tower from Original PC and a recovery of the MSI Claw Portable that redeems a lot of what we don’t like about the last generation. We have also completed our long-term review of Google Pixel Watch 3which was such a hit that I bought the 45mm version. We too checked a watch that can help with dice.
There were also a few bummers. They didn’t make this roundup, but they still got a shout out. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus it’s light as a feather, but its gorgeous AMOLED display falters when limited to a 60Hz refresh rate – and on a laptop that suggests streaming games with it. Acer also showed that it could make some beautiful OLED displays for its laptops, though Swift 16 AI as a whole package is a big no-no. In addition, a PSA for smart ring wearersEspecially those who may have received a Samsung Galaxy Ring for Christmas and are wondering about its durability.
Next month is CES 2025. We’re already breaking stories about what the industry hopes to position as next and new. Since artificial intelligence permeates everything, it will involve a lot of it as the selling point. It’ll also be a great time to tune in if you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup, as all the new TVs and smart home tech are out. And don’t forget the strange things, like laptops that roll in and out to give more screen space. Expect next month’s meeting to be packed with stuff as we head through the winter thaw.
In our long-term review update, I finally gave the Pixel Watch 3 the full score it deserves. This is worth trading up if you’re still torn on whether or not to get a Pixel Watch. It comes in two screen sizes, large (41mm) and larger (45mm), and offers better battery life and health tracking than the first two generations. It’s not a perfect watch either. For example, unlike the Apple Watch ecosystem, Google’s proprietary wristband connection makes it difficult to find clean knockoffs to trade in and out. But this is the best smartwatch in the Android ecosystem, even if you don’t use Fitbit.
This was not a full review, but a big hit among this month’s Gizmodo recommendations. Kyle took the Timestop D-20 to PAX Unplugged, quickly making it his “gaming gadget of 2024.” The watch tells the time and pretends to roll the dice. It looks cool, wears comfortably, and was designed with RPGs and gamers in mind. The watch probably won’t be accepted as dice in any modern RPG, but you don’t have to charge it every night like a smartwatch.
The Origin PC Neuron 3500X is a solid gaming machine with top specifications. Its quiet fans facilitate excellent airflow, and the RGB lighting makes the case look like a fish tank from the 90s. But even with its high discounted cost, it could be more robust. The case is prone to bending, and the panels fly off like uninspected Boeing fuselage pieces. Everything else about this PC is solid.
AI is everywhere, even in the name of a second-generation portable game console. MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ is a revamped version of the last Clawthat was well, even if it could be so much better. This new handheld promises better performance for demanding and casual games on a gorgeous screen larger than its competitors, the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. While its battery life is good, the software could use some polishing. Overall, the direction that MSI is heading with its gaming handhelds is more promising than where it was last time.
We didn’t expect Bowers & Wilkins to make the list of worthy gadgets this month, but the Pi8 wireless headphones we reviewed are the best Sherri has heard all year. They are small, easy to stow, and offer superb audio quality for music and podcasts. They’re also easier to use than most third-party buds on the market and fit a surprising variety of ear canals.
