We're now into July, which means we've done six full months of testing here at Tom's Guide in 2026. From coffee machines, through to vacuums, gaming handhelds, laptops and phones — not only is it our job to put tech through its paces, it's what our journalists, editors and contributors love to do.

I'm Pete, Senior Reviews Editor here at Tom's Guide, and I head up our reviews coverage on site. My team of dedicated reviews writers alone have lab tested and reviewed hundreds of products already this year, with the wider Tom's Guide editorial team having testing dozens more. If you've not had your finger precisely on the pulse of the latest tech this year, well, I don't blame you — it's hard to keep tabs on everything. That's why we exist.

To help, I've gathered the Tom's Guide team's favorite products from 2026 so far. Obviously, I can't fit everything into a single article, so I asked our subject experts across the site to give me their top picks, too. I've also curated the top five highest scorers, which stand above the rest. Every product on here has been tested by us, hands-on, as part of a full, extensive review.

Read on to see the tech Tom's Guide loved in the first half of 2026.

Tom's Guide's Top 5

Every product on this list has scored at least four stars, earning our TG Recommended or Editor's Choice badges. But there are five products on this list that scored our full five stars after testing. These are the best of the best so far this year. To save you some time, here are the links to our reviews.

• DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review ★★★★★
• 007 First Light review ★★★★★
• KitchenAid Artisan Plus review ★★★★★
• Gozney Dome XL Gen 2 review ★★★★★
• Samsung S95H OLED review ★★★★★

Keep reading to see the rest of our top tested picks for 2026.

AI

Rokid Glasses

After 5,000 miles in the Rokids, we were seriously impressed
Score: ★★★★☆

The best smart glasses without a display are cool and all, but their features are usually rather limited to just asking questions about what you see. The Rokid Glasses proved to me that adding a screen turns that superpower into an ambient computing platform — offering features only when you need them and disappearing into the background in some stylish specs.

With that display, you get real-time conversation translation with text subtitles so you’re not having to try to listen to your smart glasses talk over the person in front of you. And the multi-modality unlocked by asking a question and just getting answers you can see makes them much more subtle. Not to say they’re perfect — the camera quality for snapping pictures suffers in low light and some features are very China-specific (like Alipay). But arm these with Google Gemini in setup, and they’re a genuinely helpful companion on your face for a decent price.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Rokid Glasses review

Cameras & drones

GoPro Mission 1 Pro

GoPro's return to form in the action camera game
Score: ★★★★½

After years essentially re-releasing the same Hero cameras with minor tweaks, GoPro has finally pushed itself. The Mission 1 Pro is pricey, but it’s the first GoPro I’ve been excited about in a while. It seriously impressed me with its powerful and versatile video credentials in testing, namely open gate 8K and a wealth of shooting features that make it ideal for its target market: professionals. Thanks to revised processor architecture and a shiny new battery, I managed to extract unparalleled battery life and thermals versus other action cameras in my standardized battery tests. GoPro is back!

Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews & Cameras Editor
Read Pete’s full GoPro Mission 1 Pro review

DJI Osmo Pocket 4

The best all-around tool for content creation
Score: ★★★★★

I awarded the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 our full five stars in my review, and that’s because I literally couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Aside from the fact that it’s not available in America (yet?) due to tariffs and DJI’s ongoing feud with the U.S. government. The Osmo Pocket 4 improved on its predecessor in every single way that mattered: video, stabilization, storage, thermals, battery life, and more. If you’re after a single tool for professional-looking content creation, I really can’t think of anything better to recommend.

Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews & Cameras Editor
Read Pete’s full DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review

DJI Avata 360

Although a little late to the 360 party, DJI absolutely smashed it
Score: ★★★★½

The DJI Avata 360 does exactly what you want a drone to do: make flying fun. It stakes its claim as the best 360° drone around (granted, there are only two at the time of writing, but still!) and its twin lenses capture every single angle in 8K at 60fps. 120MP hi-res stills, user-friendly editing software, and exceptional build quality make it the drone to buy today. It also undercuts its main competitor, the Antigravity A1, and with dual ways to fly (FPV and with a standard controller), the Avata 360 is versatile and oh-so-powerful. Every day I still think about it — and as someone who’s tested many, many quadcopters, that’s saying a lot.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full DJI Avata 360 review

Computing & gaming

MacBook Neo

Our favorite budget laptop, literally ever
Score: ★★★★½

Value for money in laptops has become a bit of a running joke this year (thanks, RAMageddon). But of all the companies building notebooks, I didn’t anticipate it would be Apple to deliver the goods and give you an honest-to-god well-priced system. Yes, there’s been a $100 increase recently, but even with that, the premium aluminum build quality, great display, tactile keyboard and zippy performance of that A18 Pro makes for a great system for the day-to-day essentials.

I must admit, to see Apple actually having fun with colors in its MacBooks is a refreshing change from the blacks and silvers of its more expensive lineage. All of this comes together into a laptop that has terrified the budget Windows laptop market, and the best ultra portable we’ve tested this year.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read our full MacBook Neo review

Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)

Dual OLED panels = chef's kiss
Score: ★★★★½

Yes, this is a dual-screen OLED beauty of a premium laptop; Asus has really paid attention to the design and ergonomics of a system like this. But the real superpower is what lies inside that shell. Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (codenamed Panther Lake) has been a truly generational moment for Team Blue in its Windows laptops, and it comes down to huge updates to both the performance and power efficiency.

Those new CPU cores and efficiency architecture they’re built onto gives this a gargantuan battery life that would make a MacBook blush, while the superpowered GPU (alongside XeSS 3) gives this some serious gaming laptop chops too. Usually, you had to be considerate of just what you wanted to do with your Windows laptop and decide on the strengths and compromises around that. With anything that sports an X9 chip like this, though, that’s no longer a compromise you have to make.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

A true next-gen gaming handheld
Score: ★★★★☆

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers the performance jump I’ve been waiting years for. With Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip, games are pulling a 20 to 30+ FPS advantage over AMD Z2 Extreme handhelds. Battery life gets a big boost too. I could hit the same performance as the Z2 Extreme at half the power consumption. Combine that with its major redesign bringing more Xbox-like controls, better haptics, and its large 8-inch 16:10 display, and you’re getting, in my opinion, one of the best handheld gaming consoles of 2026.

Paul Antill, Video Producer
Read our full MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review

007 First Light

Forget GoldenEye: this is the best Bond game ever
Score: ★★★★★

Gamers are being treated to a licensed games renaissance right now. The days of cheap cash-ins launched to coincide with a new blockbuster movie are over. But even in this golden era for video games based on popular media franchises, 007 First Light surpasses expectations.

Forget GoldenEye, First Light is the best James Bond game ever. With its ludicrously cinematic gameplay, compelling narrative that focuses on a younger Bond (played by Patrick Gibson), and deep commitment to authenticity, 007 First Light is easily the best thing to come out of this long-running spy series in 20 years, movies included. There’s a reason it was only the second video game I’ve given the full five stars. Whether you’re a longtime Bond fan or a newcomer, 007 First Light is quite simply unmissable.

Rory Mellon, Senior Entertainment Editor
Read Rory's full 007 First Light review

Epomaker Glyph

Nikita's dream keyboard
Score: ★★★★½

I’ve tested close to 100 keyboards in my time as a reviews writer, and it isn’t often that I get to proclaim, “I’ve found my dream keyboard.” Ever since I tested the Epomaker Glyph, it hasn’t left my desk, and it’s my daily driver when I’m at the office. Typewriter-like aesthetics, a return lever that acts as an Enter or Backspace key, beautiful RGB lighting, a creamy sound profile, and a typing experience that’s nothing short of stunning — all of these characteristics come together to deliver what’s probably the best mechanical keyboard I’ve used for typing. I’m a speed demon when I’m bashing out 109 words per minute of this thing.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full Epomaker Glyph review

(A note from Nikita's editor, Pete: "I can confirm, the Glyph genuinely hasn't left her desk!")

MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36

Pro performance for under $1,000
Score: ★★★★½

It’s no secret that MSI knows how to make a great gaming monitor, and its MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 is one of the most beautiful displays I’ve ever tested. Blistering 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for buttery smooth gameplay? Check. Ridiculously accurate colors and wide color coverage? Yep. AI sleep and wake features that are actually useful and not just a gimmick? Oh yeah. And all of this is packed into a sleek design with plenty of ports. Not much to complain about here, really.

Nikita Achanta, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Nikita’s full MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 review

Viture Beast AR glasses

Beast by name, beast by nature
Score: ★★★★½

I’ve traveled the world testing all of this year’s biggest AR glasses releases, and Viture Beast stands head and shoulders above the pack as the best I’ve used this year (so far). There’s three reasons why: picture quality, comfort and features. Viture’s color science and fidelity really shines in those micro-OLED displays with a massive 58-degree field of view. There’s a little edge fringing on the sides, but given the massive vision field, it’s unlikely you’ll notice it. And this is packed into a nice-feeling pair of glasses with a soft-touch coating that sits gently on your ears with optimal weight balance. Cap it all off with plenty of customization built in, plus the SpaceWalker app for multi-monitor home office setups, and the Beast are…well…pretty beastly for work and play.

Jason England, Managing Editor, Core Tech
Read Jason's full Viture Beast review

Fitness

Fitbit Air

The best Whoop alternative, and subscription-free
Score: ★★★★☆

The Fitbit Air is my fitness tracker of the year so far. Discreet and distraction-free (no screen), this is a fitness tracker that's easy to use, lightweight, and oh-so-comfortable. Just $99 and subscription-free for core features, it offers a week of battery life and covers all the holistic metrics you'd expect from a modern device, like heart health, sleep quality, daily movement, and workouts. For most people, this is the best screen-free fitness tracker you can buy, and the new Google Health companion app makes viewing all your health data a dream.

Jane McGuire, Managing Editor, Fitness
Read our full Fitbit Air review

Salomon XT-6

Hike, shop or relax in comfort and style
Score: ★★★★½

The Salomon XT-6 shoes have become a staple in my closet. Whether I’m heading to the store or hitting up a challenging trail on the weekend, I know I’ll be supported. I wore these hiking sneakers on a city break, where I clocked over 93,000 steps and didn’t have a single complaint. Not only that, the multidirectional lugs kept me stable on even the trickiest terrain, as I hiked in mud, over rocks, and through water.

On top of their technical ability, the XT-6s are a fashion statement, worn all over New York by fashion-forward celebs; these shoes have earned a coveted spot in my daily rotation — although you’ll find me cleaning the mud off them after each adventure.

Ashley Thieme, Staff Writer
Read Ashley’s full Salomon XT-6 review

Homes

Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless

A powerful cordless Dyson that's perfect for pet owners
Score: ★★★★☆

I’ve tested my fair share of Dyson vacuum cleaners in my time, but I must say that the V16 combines all of my favorite features in one cleaner. First, its upgraded ‘Fluffy Cones’ head is designed to be used on both carpets and hard flooring without the need to swap over attachments. This is a great time-saver, and lets me quickly zip around my home without pausing. Perhaps my favorite feature is the dust-detecting green light which reveals those hidden dustballs lurking underneath furniture and in corners. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to store, which is why it’s now my go-to for daily maintenance, and why I awarded our Editor’s Choice badge.

Cynthia Lawrence, Homes Editor
Read Cynthia’s full Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless review

KitchenAid Artisan Plus

The latest version of KitchenAid's legendary mixer, and the best one yet
Score: ★★★★★

I got to test KitchenAid’s newest stand mixer, the Artisan Plus, and it’s even better than I imagined. I’d been happily using KitchenAid’s Artisan stand mixer as my go-to appliance for a good few years, and I really didn’t see how it could be improved, but it has. It may only seem like a few tweaks, but they have made a big difference. From the sliding speed control that just glides, to the in-bowl light, which illuminates the mix — and let's not forget the double-edge flex beater that cleans the bowl as it sweeps past— I loved it so much during testing that I gave it a 5-star rating.

Camilla Sharman, Staff Writer
Read Camilla’s full KitchenAid Artisan Plus review

Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2)

The undisputed king of pizza ovens
Score: ★★★★★

If you’re a dedicated — and I mean dedicated — at-home pizza maker, the Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) is the closest you’ll come to actually building a pizza oven from scratch. It can run on either gas, wood, or charcoal, has dual temperature probes, and is big enough to fit a 16-inch pie with room to spare. I loved its easy-to-ready displays, and the design of the oven is just gorgeous, too. Yes, it’s huge and it’s expensive (I’ve made equally good pizzas in much cheaper ovens), but this is the oven that’ll signal you’re the real pizzaiolo in your neighborhood.

Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-chief
Read Mike’s full Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2) review

Fellow Espresso Series 1

Beginners or pros, coffee snobs or otherwise — this one is for everyone
Score: ★★★★½

When Fellow designed the Espresso Series 1, it looked at the other espresso machines out there and thought, “I’m going to do something different.” And different the Espresso Series 1 is. When I tested this machine, I loved that it provided coffee-snob-approved features while still being usable for complete beginners. On top of having a litany of customization options on the machine itself, I loved having the app, which walked me through how to make every type of coffee ever invented. You may think this is too ambitious, but for me, the Espresso Series 1 hits all its marks and comes out victorious.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full Fellow Espresso Series 1 review

Phones

Apple iPhone 17

A surprisingly solid update over the previous generation
Score: ★★★★½

Apple launched more new phones than in any previous year, but the iPhone 17 remains my favorite for several reasons. One thing that makes it stand out is that it finally got a long-overdue upgrade to a 120Hz refresh rate, making its screen look even more fluid than before in testing. On top of that, I really love how it didn’t get a price hike and still managed to get double the starting storage.

John Velasco, Senior Phones Editor
Read John's full iPhone 17 review

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The phone that'll get better over time
Score: ★★★★½

When it comes to Android phones, nothing caught my eye more than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung’s flagship received all the iterative updates it deserved, but one particular new feature stood out most: the Privacy Display. It works like magic, making the screen look dark when someone tries to peek at it from the side. You can even customize it to block out specific parts of the display — like when you’re messaging someone. This exclusive feature is what sets it apart from everything else.

John Velasco, Senior Phones Editor
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

Sleep

Saatva Zenhaven Mattress

What you should be sleeping on in 2026
Score: ★★★★½

The Saatva Zenhaven latex mattress blew our socks off during testing, thanks to its naturally cooling and supportive sleep feel for eco-conscious shoppers. Handcrafted in the US from (mostly) organic materials, the Zenhaven boasts a flippable design with a different tension on each side: Luxury Plush and Gentle Firm. We appreciated how one side boasted more cushioning for side sleepers, while the unyielding feel of the firmer side best-suited back and stomach sleepers. At $3,549 at full MSRP it’s a splurge, but cheaper during Saatva mattress sales. However, it’s worth noting that latex mattresses can last up to 20 years, so we think it’s worth the investment.

Nicola Appleton, Sleep Editor
Read our full Saatva Zenhaven Mattress review

Fitnexa SomniPods 3

If you struggle sleeping, these earbuds are for you
Score: ★★★★☆

The Fitnexa SomniPods 3 are compact sleep earbuds that helped me sleep better in even the most disruptive environments (like my neighbor's son playing basketball at unsociable hours). Fitted with built-in white noise, excellent active noise cancelation, plus sleep tracking features, they’re an easy recommendation for any troubled sleepers. But the real stand-out feature for me is the Fitnexa app. Here, your own AI coach waits for you, ready to provide personalized advice based on your sleep tracking data, activity logs and food diaries. The info isn’t quite on par with a qualified sleep professional but thanks to the wealth of data to draw from, it was pretty spot on in testing, helping take the SomniPods from sleep earbud to all-round sleep enhancer.

Ruth Jones, Senior Sleep Writer
Read Ruth's full Fitnexa SomniPods 3 review

Smart home & security

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+

A fantastic way to improve security on a budget
Score: ★★★★☆

Blink has long been one of our favorite budget smart home brands, and its newest battery-powered video doorbell furthers its reputation as a value leader. The Battery Doorbell 2K+ delivered very good 2K video in our testing — not the tops, but for a sub-$100 device it was more than acceptable. And, while it runs on AA batteries, they’ll last up to two years on a charge. You can also use this video doorbell without a subscription (you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter), but Blink’s subscription price is relatively affordable.

Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-chief
Read our full Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ review

TV & Audio

Samsung S95H OLED

Supreme picture quality, even in bright rooms
Score: ★★★★★

I’ve tested countless TVs, but the Samsung S95H is the first unit in several years that truly surpassed all my expectations. It completely shatters the familiar rules of OLED, obliterating ambient glare and delivering an unprecedented, jaw-dropping brightness in the self-emissive category. Even the floating metal bezel (a design choice I fully assumed I'd hate) adds a striking, premium presence I grew to love. Between its breathtaking performance and how seamlessly it transitions into a decor piece via Samsung Art Store support, this is a flagship that stands as a definitive standard-bearer.

Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor
Read Kate's full Samsung S95H OLED review

AirPods Max 2

Everything is dialed up to 11
Score: ★★★★½

It’s impossible to be a tech lover and not have strong opinions about Apple’s new AirPods Max 2. Some people love them, some people hate them, but I’m firmly in the first camp. The AirPods Max 2 are headphones that know what they’re about, and they’re not apologizing for it. With gorgeous anodized aluminum ear cups and an all-metal headband, they’re not the lightest cans in the world, but the sound more than makes up for it.

Every detail is clear, mids are melodic and vivacious, and the bass is balanced, rich, and warm. Of course, you’ve also got industry-leading smart tech features like Live Translation and integrated Siri, but Apple users looking for the best headphones need look no further than Apple’s own.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full Apple AirPods Max 2 review

Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO

Open earbuds that make no sacrifices
Score: ★★★★½

The Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO have completely changed the way I think about open-earbuds (and I’ve tested a lot). Up until testing the ZEROs, I’d accepted that if I wanted ambient awareness, comfort and stability while working out, I’d need to sacrifice sound quality — but they prove that’s not the case. They provided me with the detailed listening experience I love from Beyerdynamic’s other headphones, without compromising bass performance, delivering perfectly balanced sound. I wear them when I’m working, running, or hiking in the rain (thanks to IP54 durability). They’re the only open earbuds I’ve tested with no compromises.

Ashley Thieme, Staff Writer
Read Ashley’s full Beyerdynamic Amiron ZERO review

JBL Xtreme 5

The party speaker for summer 2026
Score: ★★★★½

The JBL Xtreme 5 came, it saw, and it conquered. JBL really understood the assignment with the surprise follow-up to 2024’s Xtreme 4. Everything about the Xtreme 5 oozes confidence: the deft, controlled bass that’ll have your floorboards shaking and your bones quaking; the literally unbeatable IP68 rating that protects it against rain, sand, and drops; the gorpcore, utilitarian design; and of course the rugged 24-hour battery life. This is the party speaker of 2026. I’ve tested hundreds of audio products and Bluetooth speakers, but the Xtreme 5 is a special one.

Erin Bashford, Senior Reviews Writer
Read Erin’s full JBL Xtreme 5 review

More from Tom's Guide

• See all Tom's Guide Reviews coverage
• Find deals fast with the Tom's Guide Savings Squad
• Check out all of our Best Picks pages

Have you ever struggled with finding the best TV, laptop, robot vacuum, running shoe, or pair of headphones? Not only do you have to wade through dozens of reviews, but then you have to also check the prices on Amazon, Best Buy, and other sites to make sure you're getting the best deal.

We've introduced a new tool at Tom's Guide to help you cut through the clutter. Introducing the Tom's Guide Product Finder. You can search for virtually anything, and the Product Finder will search through every product that we've tested to bring you not only our top picks, but also let you know if now is the best time to buy, or if you should wait for a better deal to come along.

Let me show you how the Product Finder works, and how to use it to find just what you're looking for.

Getting started

Refining your search

Using the search bar

Finding the best price

Trying to help however we can

We review a lot of things at Tom's Guide, but we don't review everything. Case in point: microwaves. Let's face it — they're pretty much all the same. But, we do test toaster ovens!

If you search for something that we don't review (like microwaves), our Product Finder will attempt to provide you with products that come as close as possible to what you're looking for. Is it perfect? No. But we're always looking to improve our tools.

One other little quirk that we're trying to work out: If you're searching for TVs, but then want to search for another type of product, like running shoes, you need to first click the little Home icon above the search bar. Otherwise, you won't get any results.

So go on and try out the Product Finder, and please let us know how we can improve it.

We've been covering a lot of the 4th of July sales over at Best Buy. Well, they're not the only big retailer offering some huge discounts right now. Target, for instance, has a very tasty sale on, with discounts on home stuff, clothing, accessories, and more.

On this page I've honed in on the tech deals. I've pulled together 18 of my favorite deals in the sale, covering everything from headphones to laptops, smart watches, 3D printers and more. There's some really good bargains to be had here, with up to 50% off some items.

If you're looking for more deals then make sure to check out our guides to Best Buy's appliance sale, as well as its TV and audio sales too.

My battery packs are property of the Chinese government now because of this one critical rule change that I wish I’d known about before flying!

“No three Cs,” the airport security officer told me over and over again while walking away with what I’d selected as my number one best portable power bank. At that moment, I felt naked without my precious charging, and with a 13-hour flight ahead of me from Beijing to LAX, all of my devices were cooked.

So I should really put my hands up here — I really should’ve known about this massive change in Chinese government regulations before flying there. Let me be clear: your power bank needs a “three Cs” logo (a stamp from the government to say it’s safe to fly) otherwise security will confiscate it.

While I’d still recommend the Cuktech power bank for traveling anywhere else, this (and many other options on our current guide) are on a strict no fly list in the far East, and I’m busily testing to find the best battery pack for flying to/from China. Allow me to give you a short history lesson on how we got here, what that means for your purchase options, and what I’d recommend.

The three Cs

Before 2023, power banks weren’t regulated strictly in China, and as they were mostly manufactured in the country, this led to a huge influx of cheap, low quality devices with subpar lithium-ion cells (the actual battery part). This made them prone to swelling or even catching fire.

Fast forward to 2023, and the nation’s government took action with the mandatory China Compulsory Certification (3C) — a logo that signifies the battery has passed grueling safety testing. Then in August 2024, it became illegal to produce or sell power banks in the country without this certification.

But things escalated in mid-2025 when the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) began enforcing this rule at airport security checkpoints. They actively seek both a 3C mark alongside a QR code for traceability, plus a capacity well under 100 watt hours (Wh).

What should you get?

So I’ll be upfront — only one of these portable batteries on our best power banks list has the 3C logo. We’ll make this more clear in our buying guide and make it a ground rule to ensure transparency on whether this certification exists.

The one on our guide that has this is the Sharge IceMag 2. This is a 10,000 mAh MagSafe charger with built-in cooling to ensure consistent 15W charging without overheating (or 30W wired fast charging).

Plus with the kickstand, this has been a convenient one for me to drive daily in terms of setting it up on my tray table while binge watching. I’ve called in many more 3C logo batteries to ensure we can expand this list.

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When I was younger, I used to love buying new stuff ready for school to start again. But, while that meant a couple of funky notebooks or a pencil case, nowadays investing in tech is a pretty essential part of learning. Getting kitted out for a new semester means picking out the right tablet, headphones, power banks and more to make sure you're working smarter, not harder.

Fortunately, no matter what you're studying at school, I've put together the ultimate back-to-school checklist that has just about everything you'll need, including some of the best laptops for college students and best noise-cancelling headphones when working on a budget. Here are the 12 tech essentials I recommend.

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'Tis the season. No, not that season. I meant, 'tis the season for being absolutely sweltering, not getting any sleep, and being thoroughly unproductive. I live in the south west of England, and today it's going to hit 38 degrees. So, unsurprisingly, handheld fans are well and truly in.

As such, I've rounded up a few of my favourites here, in the likely scenario that you're searching for a new one. Happily, Amazon's Prime Day deals are helping out a little, with discounts on many fans at Amazon, although there are some deals at other retailers, like B&Q/DIY.

If you need a new fan, keep reading!

9 portable fan deals to keep you cool this summer

We're tracking all the best Prime Day deals

Amazon Prime Day is now in full swing, and the savings just keep coming, but how do you know which deals are worth your money? Well, here at Tom's Guide, we're keeping our eyes peeled and looking out for all of the best intel. That's right — we've been watching Reddit.

Reddit users are sharing their favorite finds from the money-saving event, and I've been checking them out to see which ones are the best to upgrade your life for less. I've checked out the best audio, home and Lego deals, and let's just say my wallet is about to get a little lighter.

Keep reading to find out more about the best picks of the day.

Today's best Reddit audio deals

Best Prime Day Wireless Earbuds Deals 2026 at Amazon - AirPods, Beats, Soundcore, JBL, Bose & Budget Picks from r/BestOfPrimeDay

Today's best Reddit Lego deals

Best Amazon Prime Day LEGO Deals on Sets from r/LegoDealFinder

Today's best home Reddit deals

Buy once, cry once - I sorted ~60 Prime Day picks by what's discounted right now so you don't have to from r/smartbuysforlife

We're tracking all the best Prime Day deals

Yet another Prime Day has arrived, and with it come lots of sales on Lego sets, which makes it a good — not great — time to stock up. Sadly, some of the bigger sets, like the Star Wars UCS or the full-size F1 sets, aren't on sale, which will disappoint many AFOLs.

However, a lot of the less-expensive sets are discounted somewhat, so if you're planning ahead for a kid's birthday or some other event, now is a good time to look around. The Lego Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 set, which is now just $21 on Amazon, is a great example.

I'm still combing through all of the Lego deals, so this is a list of 15 I like so far; I'm partial to a lot of Lego cars, which is why you'll see a lot of those deals in this roundup, as well as Star Wars-themed sets. But, we have a neat little deal finder at the bottom of the page, which scours the web for all the best Lego deals — and saves you the trouble of having to go to Amazon.

Cars

Star Wars

Technics

It's 10:30 on Monday as I write this, and it's already a crazy week, isn't it? The PM is headed off (again), and the Met Office app is already telling me we're in the late 20s celsius.

And it's only going to get worse. Where I am, near Bath Spa, it's forecast to hit 39C on Wednesday, with much of England's south in the same position.

Thankfully, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. I'm the Senior Reviews Editor here at Tom's Guide, which means I get access to my fair share of tech. Ever since May, I've been calling in and testing products ready for the summer heat.

I'm not going to say I'm as cool as I'd like to be, but I'm certainly a lot more comfortable with this gear than without. And as a bonus, some of it is on sale for the Prime Day deals. Here's my essential heatwave tech.

Beat the heat: My essential heatwave gear

We're tracking all the best Prime Day deals

Let’s hear it for the winners of the Tom’s Guide AI Awards 2026. Although AI is everywhere, these are the tools, appliances and gadgets worth celebrating for being useful, impactful and innovative.

Over the past few months, we’ve rigorously tested dozens of the latest AI tools and devices to find the ones that go beyond the hype and actually make your life easier. We’ve looked past the trends and "wow factor" to focus on the ones worth the recognition. Whether it’s a smarter home that anticipates your needs or a local solution that supercharges your creativity, these awards represent the best of AI because they are practical, powerful and ready to use right now.

The winners of the Tom’s Guide AI Awards 2026 are the tools and devices we couldn’t put down, use ourselves and keep coming back to, because they solve real problems. Some help you save time without adding complexity while others offer ingenuity that make them stand out from the rest. All deliver on the promise of AI that feels intuitive and practical. And more importantly, they’re ready to fit into your daily routine right now.

Personal Tech (Phones, PCs, & Wearables)

HP EliteBoard G1a

The HP EliteBoard G1a might look like a common office keyboard, but it’s actually a fully functional PC. This Commodore 64-like computer seems unusual, but this form factor could be ideal for certain users. According to HP, the EliteBoard is for workers who frequently move between workstations and often keep their laptops closed when connected to a monitor.

Inside, it packs a CPU, storage, RAM, and connectivity. All that’s required on your end is to connect it to a monitor. Before you ask, yes, it includes a mouse and a dongle with an Ethernet port, HDMI, and two USB-C ports. Thanks to Bluetooth support, you can connect additional peripherals.

While the HP EliteBoard G1a is a remarkably capable computer, it’s admittedly not for everyone. If you own a laptop, you’re probably better off with that. However, if you’re the kind of worker this machine was designed for, it could be very useful. It’s currently listed as “coming soon” on its official product page, but you can pick it up now for $1,499 on Adorama. — Tony Polanco

Oura Advisor

The AI-powered Oura Advisor feature — available in the Oura app for the latest Oura Ring 4 and older Oura Ring 3 — is one of the most actionable and insightful AI wellness coaches we’ve tested. While other wearables provide a laundry list of tracked metrics, the Oura Advisor actually makes sense of all the data, offering digestible trend observations and training tips based on your current goals and recent physical and mental performance.

Users can set Oura Advisor's voice and how often it checks in. You can also ask it questions anytime using the app. Designed to help you improve your overall well-being in any number of ways, the Advisor can do everything from guiding you to progressively wake up earlier for more productive mornings, to generating detailed training plans for an upcoming marathon/triathlon. Better yet, the more you interact with the Advisor, the better it gets to know you, ultimately leading to even more personalized insights and advice. — Dan Bracaglia

AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395

Great silicon for local AI isn’t just about raw horsepower, it’s about doing the job efficiently too — especially when it comes to a laptop chip. And for that reason, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 manages to nail a pretty effective balance between performance and power efficiency.

And it all comes down to that monstrous internal GPU 40 cores, and support for up to 128GB of RAM allowing me to easily run gigantic 120 billion parameter models at zippy speeds, or even get agentic on all your daily to-dos with OpenClaw. The strength of local AI is security and versatility to have it do whatever you want it to do, and this is the best portable chip to run it. — Jason England

Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and R1 Smart Ring

As someone who’s tested smart glasses for over five years, AI has felt like the missing link to this category — unlocking so many more use cases on something so immediately wearable than the other crop of AI hardware form factors. And out of all of them, the Even Realities G2 finds a great balance of sensible, genuinely user friendly implementations across the board.

You’ve got your standard array of AI features like a chatbot and live translation (all great for on-the-go), but the biggest ones here come courtesy of Conversate and Even Hub — basically an app store for smart glasses.

The former not only listens to and transcripts conversations, but also gives you smart context and follow-up questions to ask (saving me from when my mind drifted away when on the phone with my fiancée), and the second is growing by the day with more and more AI capabilities. — Jason England

Napster View

Napster View deserves recognition for pushing AI beyond the flat chatbot interface and into a more human, spatial experience. By combining a glasses-free holographic display with AI companions, it reimagines how people interact with AI assistants, which makes collaboration feel more natural and engaging.

Instead of another app window, Napster View gives AI a physical presence on your desk, helping to manage tasks in a way that feels futuristic yet practical. In a crowded market of lookalike AI tools, Napster View stands out for bold innovation and fresh design highlighting what the next generation of human-AI interaction looks like. — Amanda Caswell

Fitnexa SomniPods

Good sleep is vital to your wellbeing and longevity so leaving it in the hands of an AI chatbot might be an unnerving prospect. However, the Fitnexa SomniPods 3 Sleep Earbuds impress with an integrated AI helper that uses your sleep tracking data (recorded directly from the earbuds) combined with the best advice sourced from the web to deliver personalized insight into your snooze. Don’t expect sleep doctor level insight, but you will get helpful pointers into taking your eight hours to the next level.

It helps that as a pair of sleep headphones, the SomniPods 3 rate among the best. The ANC is strong enough to muffle your snoring bed partner and while the sound quality won’t impress audiophiles, it delivers white noise with enough clarity to immerse you in a soothing cocoon. So the SomniPods not only help you sleep better, they can show you just how much good kip you got and give you advice to make the next night even better. — Ruth Jones

Rokid AI Glasses Style

Think the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, but cheaper, lighter and open to other AI models and that’s what you get with the Rokid AI Glasses Style. You can pick from ChatGPT or Gemini to drive the multi-modal capabilities of just asking questions, using image recognition to get answers to problems around you, take notes from meetings, and more.

And even better, all of this is packed into a sleek pair of shades that nobody will really notice is actually a pair of smart glasses (unless they’re looking really closely at those corners). No display to distract you, just a natural-feeling upgrade to your AI tech arsenal. — Jason England

Framework Desktop

The Framework Desktop completely flipped the idea of what a mini PC is on its head but it also did so for local AI. This DIY and repairable desktop proved that local AI power doesn’t have to come in a locked-down box. By pairing AMD’s AI Max processors with up to 128GB of unified memory, Framework created a mini PC that can run local LLMs just as well as it can handle demanding workloads and even gaming.

Instead of using a more expensive and power-hungry discrete GPU, the Framework Desktop combines the power of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max chips with unified memory to side-step VRAM limitations. Likewise, it does so in a small, portable case that you can customize to your workflow and even your workspace. It’s hard to find a machine that does it all at this size and price. However, the Framework Desktop delivers and then some with enough versatility that you can edit video and run local AI models during the day and then play games at night. — Anthony Spadafora

MSI Stealth 16 AI+

The MSI Stealth 16 AI+ is not just a great gaming laptop, it’s an AI powerhouse with its monstrous internals — a solid pairing of Intel’s Panther Lake chipset with the next-gen NPU for small local AI tasks, and up to an RTX 5080 for running gigantic models really brings it altogether.

Throw in Nvidia’s huge toolbox of AI models across agentic capabilities, creativity and more, and you’ve got a really impressive system that can do it all from crunching a massive LLM to creating your next coding masterpiece. And all of this is packed into what I’d call the Windows MacBook Pro aesthetic — an all aluminum shell with great ergonomics, a gorgeous 240Hz OLED panel and plenty of connectivity. — Jason England

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Smartphones are quickly becoming the ultimate AI hardware — embracing the raw power of that built-in silicon to deliver some nifty new features. Sometimes they’re gimmicks, but in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, they definitely are not.

It starts with fun moments of creativity like AI generative photo edits to move subjects and fill gaps left behind based on the context of everything around it, or Google’s classic circle to search image model.

But it rapidly gets more ambitious with the likes of Now Nudge giving you contextual multimodal actions based on your messages (setting up a calendar appointment if someone asks if you’re free at 11:30 for brunch), or just full automated app actions giving you full agentic AI across key apps like building a grocery cart in Instacart. — Jason England

Dnsys Z1 Exoskeleton

Improved mobility can be the difference between going somewhere new or staying home and for those with injuries, disabilities or long-term health conditions, the Dnsys’ exoskeletons are a game changer. This wearable, lower-body exoskeleton makes movements easier by providing strong support and assistance while reducing joint pain.

While we tested the original X1 Exoskeleton which targets the hips, Dnsys also released a Z1 Exoskeleton that focuses on your knees. Both devices use AI algorithms to predict muscle exertion so that they can provide adaptive assistance in real time. The X1 and Z1 learn your gait and from there, they can predict your movement and send power to your hips or knees right before you move your legs. Dnsys’ algorithms show how AI can often do its best work in the background. — Anthony Spadafora

Smart Home, Appliances & Security

Dyson Spot+Scrub AI

Dyson is a popular brand known for its incredible power, innovative technology and eye-catching designs. And so it comes as no surprise that its newest robot vacuum and mop should throw AI tech into the mix. The Spot + Scrub AI is a wet and dry robot vacuum that combines AI vision and ‘green light illumination’ to detect invisible stains and objects. Its capabilities can quickly identify and adapt to 190 types of household substances and objects, and navigate around them.

Other impressive features include an advanced dual-laser LiDAR, HD camera, fluffy optic tech and edge-to-edge cleaning to ensure spotless results. Unlike its predecessor, the Spot +Scrub AI uses a heated cleaning system to keep the roller clean and hygienic and dries it with a 113°F (45°C) hot air cycle to prevent lingering smells. — Cynthia Lawrence

Malwarebytes Scam Guard

Even when you think you’re up to date on the latest online scams, a new one comes around that’s a whole lot easier to fall for and many people do. That’s why scam protection has become such an essential cybersecurity tool. Malwarebytes’ Scam Guard provides real-time AI-powered protection against all manner of scams.

Available on both your computer and your phone, Scam Guard can check text messages, links, phone calls, emails and more with just a simple upload. From there, you get real-time answers on whether or not something is a scam with tips to help you avoid falling for similar scams in the future. Scam Guard is also fast and easy to use with a clean interface. The best part though, it doesn’t slow down your devices while keeping you safe. — Anthony Spadafora

SwitchBot AI Hub

It would be great if your smart home were actually, you know, smart. Switchbot’s AI Hub might actually get us there. This smart home hub has OpenClaw support, which not only allows it to work with the dozens of smart home systems on the market, but lets you communicate with it how you want — be it WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, or pretty much any other messaging platform.

The AI Hub can look at connected video streams as well as inputs from other sensors around your home, and analyze what’s going on, predict trends, suggest smart home routines, and more. The Hub supports over 100 SwitchBot devices, offers Matter bridging for up to 30 devices, and integrates with Apple Home, Google Home, and Home Assistant. Best of all, the AI processing is done locally, which means a faster response — and better privacy for you. — Mike Prospero

Thermal Camera P3

Apple’s iPhones are known for taking exceptional photos, including my own iPhone 17 Pro, but there’s one thing they really can’t do — see in the dark. That’s why I’ve been augmenting my phone’s imaging capabilities with the Thermal Master P3. The great thing about this accessory is that it shows me, in real-time, the heat signatures of whatever I’m pointing it at, essentially giving me Predator-like vision to see through the darkness.

It specifically leans on an AI algorithm that helps tweak the thermal signature so that it lines up with the actual image. Other thermal cameras tend to have mushy-looking captures, dominated mostly by the colors of different temperatures. However, the AI analyzes the data from the thermal camera and aligns it with my iPhone’s camera, resulting in a sharp image where finer details are exposed. — John Velasco

SimpliSafe

Many of the best security cameras have AI to help you better determine what’s lurking inside or outside your house — is it an animal, a person, a vehicle, and what are they doing there? But SimpliSafe is combining that AI with its professional monitoring service, so they can more easily and quickly diagnose if there’s an actual threat.

Once SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera detects motion, its AI analyzes the video and, if it determines that it’s a threat, can alert an agent within 30 seconds, so that they can either warn the intruder via the camera’s built-in speakers or alert the police. And, the AI can identify familiar faces, so your teen won’t get arrested if they’re caught sneaking back home after curfew — but they’ll still be in trouble! — Mike Prospero

Eight Sleep The Pod 5 Ultra

Since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, why not do so smarter? Well, that’s exactly what Eight Sleep has done with its new Pod 5 Ultra AI-powered mattress cover and blanket system. With help from its Autopilot system, the Pod 5 can make automated changes to your sleep temperature, bed elevation and more in the background so you get the best rest possible.

Surprisingly, the Pod 5 is also able to predict illness using its AI sensors which recognize and report on any anomalies in your heart rate and respiration. Its AI can even detect snoring and automatically elevate your bed to improve breathing. Likewise, if you’re having trouble falling asleep, Eight Sleep’s personalized AI coach can analyze your sleep data and provide tailored advice to rectify any problems. The Pod 5 is another great example of AI working in the background to help improve your life. — Anthony Spadafora

Govee Lightwall

Govee’s new Lightwall isn’t the company’s first product to feature its conversational AI Lighting Bot but it does give you the largest canvas yet to work with. Right from within the Lightwall’s settings in the app, tapping “AI” brings up a chatbot that can make highly detailed lighting effects, pictures and even animated GIFs with just a short prompt.

With a 7.9 x 5.3 foot display, Govee’s Lightwall lets you bring any idea you can think of to life in 60 to 90 seconds. The Govee app already features hundreds of preset scenes but with its Lighting Bot 2.0, you can fill in the gaps and create bespoke scenes based on the occasion or even your mood. Govee’s chatbot isn’t just for its new Lightwall though and you can use it to customize smart bulbs, permanent outdoor lights or even Christmas lights. It’s intuitive AI you’ll actually use even if you don’t know the difference between ChatGPT and Google Gemini. — Anthony Spadafora

LG Alpha 11 Processor

At the heart of LG’s latest OLED TV lineup is the latest version of the Alpha 11 Processor. While LG has hyped many of the AI-based software features that this chipset powers (like chatbots and content-recommendation tools), its biggest contribution to LG’s best OLED TVs is the way in which it elevates the picture.

Ahead of the release of the LG C6 and G6 OLED TVs, we were given a demonstration of the third-generation Alpha 11 Processor in action at LG headquarters. In front of a row of four OLED TVs (the Samsung S95F, the Sony Bravia 8 II, the LG G6 and G5 OLED), an LG representative showcased how the newest picture processing algorithms work to improve a common issue on these TVs: color banding (otherwise known as posterization).

This pesky visual problem occurs across color gradients, rendering what should be seamless transitions into chunky, harshly separated bands of light. During the demo, a visually punishing sequence from “The Green Knight” — in which a person swims underwater in a vast, crimson-colored sea — was simultaneously shown across all of the flagship OLED TVs. On all but one of these sets (including the LG G5), the red-colored light illuminating the sea appeared unnaturally striped to varying degrees. Only the G6 was able to render this sequence without color banding.

This year, the third-generation Alpha 11 AI Processor power can be found in both the G6 and C6 OLED TVs, and while the ultimate success of these TVs depends on factors beyond just their processing power, this handy piece of hardware is already leaving its mark on some of the year’s best TVs. — Michael Desjardin

MOVA LiDAX Ultra AWD Series

Robot lawnmowers are getting smarter and smarter. MOVA’s new LiDAX Ultra AWD Series can not only keep your grass trimmed, but using a combination of 360° 3D LiDAR and an AI-enhanced 1080p HDR camera, can avoid all of your kids’ toys in the process — it can identify more than 300 different objects.

One of the neatest features of MOVA’s lawnmower is that, in addition to cutting straight patterns like diamonds or parallel lines, it can also cut shapes in your lawn — like hearts, stars, and moons. We can only imagine that the company will add more shapes as time goes on. And, when it’s not mowing your lawn, the MOVA can even act as a security guard, patrolling your yard and letting you view a live feed from its camera. Can your push mower do that? — Mike Prospero

Samsung Bespoke AI 4-Door Family Hub

What’s for dinner? That perennial question could be a thing of the past, thanks to the food recognition inside Samsung’s premium Bespoke AI 4-Door Family Hub fridge, which has just been given a real boost thanks to the addition of Google’s AI. Now, it uses a combination of Samsung’s own AI and Gemini to better identify everything you put in or take out. It can tag everything from avocados to zucchini, and even knows the difference between regular and diet Coke.

The fridge goes a step further, suggesting meals based on what you have on hand, adding things to grocery lists that you use often, and even letting you know if that milk in the back is starting to go bad. You might never let food go to waste again. — Mike Prospero

LG SIGNATURE Iconic Oven with Gourmet AI

Never overcook anything again! LG’s Signature Iconic Oven has a camera on the inside that, when combined with its Gourmet AI, can identify more than 85 dishes

Gourmet AI, powered by an intelligent AI camera inside the oven cavity that identifies more than 85 distinct dishes and automatically selects the ideal cooking settings to deliver flawless results — removing the complexity from gourmet cooking and placing perfection within effortless reach. Complementing this is the AI Browning feature, which monitors baked goods as they cook and sends a personalized notification through the ThinQ™ app the moment they reach a user's preset level of golden perfection. — Mike Prospero

Aqara FP400

“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Remember those commercials? If you’re caring for an elderly person and want to make sure they’re safe — without the intrusiveness of a security camera — the Aqara FP400 could be it. This wall- or ceiling-mounted device uses mmWave technology to sense the presence of up to 10 people in a room, but that’s just the start.

Using AI, it can detect if each person is walking, sitting, or lying down, and where they are in the room — and if they fell. From there, this Matter-enabled device can trigger all sorts of routines, be it turning on the lights, adjusting the thermostat, unlocking the door, or calling for help.

Its uses go beyond the elderly, too. Imagine if you could just sit down on your couch in the evening, and the FP400 could automatically dim the lights, close the blinds, and turn your TV on to your favorite streaming service — and then automatically pause the movie if you have to run to the bathroom. Now that’s a practical use for AI if we ever saw one. — Mike Prospero

Specialty & Future Tech

Xreal Real3D

Xreal’s Real3D mode debuted alongside the release of its Xreal 1S AR glasses. However, the company then brought this same functionality to the Xreal One and Xreal One Pro AR glasses via a firmware update. What sets Xreal’s implementation of real-time 2D to 3D content conversion apart is that it’s done entirely on the glasses themselves.

The X1 chip inside Xreal’s AR glasses does all the work which helps lower latency across the board. More importantly though, since this conversion is being done on device, you don’t have to worry about DRM getting in the way of watching your favorite shows and movies in 3D. Gaining access to this new dimension via a software update adds even more immersion and makes Xreal’s AR glasses an ideal choice for both productivity and entertainment. — Anthony Spadafora

Norton Neo

Norton is best known for its antivirus software but Neo is a fresh new take on a web browser. It’s built on Chromium so all of your favorite extensions and integrations still work as you’d expect but with useful AI features throughout. When you boot up Neo for the first time, you’re greeted with its calmer and clutter-free Magic Page. Then, instead of your standard address bar, its central command bar Magic Box combines that functionality with an AI chatbot interface. No more typing out URLs, you just tell Neo where you want to go or what you want to find and it intelligently handles the rest.

Norton Neo also includes a bunch of other useful features for a better browsing experience. From auto-organized horizontal and vertical tabs to its Link Peek feature which lets you preview sites in a lightweight overlay, Neo makes web browsing feel much more intentional. Then when you need some extra help, Norton’s Neo chatbot is just a click away and shows up in a sidebar on the right so you don’t have to navigate away from the page you’re on. Norton might be a household name for security but Neo is proof the company isn’t resting on its laurels. — Anthony Spadafora

Mixbook

The hardest part when creating a photo book is getting started. We have so many photos on our phones and in online photo albums, it’s difficult to know where to begin. That’s where Mixbook Studio comes in. A new feature from the company that makes some of the best photo books, MixBook Studio uses AI to help you organize your photos into a compelling narrative, generate captions from the photos, pick the best layouts and themes for your photo book, and even touch up photos that would otherwise be too low-resolution to print.

Mixbook Studio also lets you collaborate with others on your projects which helps ensure everyone’s contributions don’t get overwritten and that the overall feel of the book remains consistent. Most importantly, its AI is aimed at aiding your creativity, not replacing it. — Mike Prospero

Since I cover tech for a living I get asked the same questions by friends and family every time we get together. Like “What’s new and cool right now,” or “What’s the next big thing?"

My answers have gotten less and less exciting over time. In the last 20 years, we’ve traded fun and sometimes wonderfully weird hardware innovation for iteration. Yes, smart phones are getting thinner and their cameras are getting better. But today, AI features are a much bigger deal now than hardware.

Think about gadgets 20 years ago and how interesting and different they were compared to what we’re getting today. In 2006-27, Nintendo re-invented the game console, Pure Digital made capturing and uploading video super cheap and Apple introduced the first MacBook Pro.

Here are 9 top gadgets from 2006 that make me more than a little nostalgic.

Nintendo Wii (2006)

If you were old enough to pick up a controller in 2006, you are likely old enough to remember playing Wii Sports, especially bowling. Nintendo’s motion-sensing controllers revolutionized how we played video games, and the Nintendo Wii ($249) got millions of people off the couch and moving. It also did an amazing job of bringing families together and was also just a great party game console. Despite some broken TVs — how many of you forgot to attach the strap to your wrist — overall the Wii was about as fun as gaming gets.

Flip Video (2007)

I was lucky enough to test the Flip Video ($130) from Pure Digital back in the day, and it was a huge deal because it allowed users to simply flip-out the USB arm and plug it into a computer. Video recording phones were not quite the rage yet, and this design made it delightfully simple to upload and share your footage. Yes, the 720p resolution was low-res and you didn’t get expandable SD storage, but I had a blast capturing family memories on this thing.

Nokia N95 (2006)

I didn’t know it at the time, but the Nokia World event I attended in Amsterdam in 2006 was the beginning of the end for a brand that reached as high as 40% market share for mobile phones. Of course, the iPhone would come along and change everything in 2007. But before that, Nokia announced the Nokia N95, which it called a “multimedia computer.” The N95 was the most feature-packed mobile to date with a 5MP Carl Zeiss camera, built-in GPS and an iconic dual-slide mechanism. Sliding the screen up revealed the keypad, and sliding it down revealed media playback controls.

Slingbox (2005)

Before there was YouTube TV, this was the best game in town. The original Slingbox was introduced in 2005, but sales started to take off in 2006. The premise was simple. Connect this device to your cable box, and you’d be able to watch your favorite shows, movies and sports away from home on your laptop. The original model supported only one-to-one connections but the Slingbox Pro could handle up to four different sources.

BlackBerry Pearl (2006)

Remember when phones were weird? The BlackBerry Pearl attempted to take the mobile email machine from the business world to the masses. And the experiment worked with a much slimmer design than previous BlackBerries, an innovative trackball for navigation and a built-in camera (a first for the lineup). The SureType keyboard was controversial because it stuffed two letters on a single key, but overall it was a hit.

Kodak EasyShare V570 (2006)

Today we take multiple-camera setups on our phones for granted, but the Kodak EasyShare V570 was a groundbreaking point-and-shoot in 2006 because it offered a dual-lens system. You got both a 23mm ultra-wide lens and a 29-117mm optical zoom lens in a single design. The lenses also used folded optics so they didn’t extend outside the camera, which is pretty remarkable for a 5x optical zoom camera. No wonder this camera won a gold medal at the 2006 Industrial Design Excellence Awards.

Apple MacBook Pro (2006)

When Apple launched the first MacBook Pro back in 2006, it was chock-full of firsts. This was the first MacBook to use an Intel processor, ditching the previous PowerPC G4. It also introduced a MagSafe power connector, a magnetic charging port that disconnected safely if someone tripped over the cord. And you got a built-in iSight camera for the first time. The inch-thick notebook was bulky by today’s standards, but this 15.4-inch aluminum widescreen beauty paved the way for modern laptops.

Garmin nuvi 660 (2006)

Before GPS navigation became a standard feature in phones with Google Maps — the Motorola Droid in 2009 paved that road — the Garmin uni 660 was the pinnacle of standalone GPS units. It featured a 4.3-inch sunlight readable touchscreen (a big leap from 3.5 inches on other units), Bluetooth for making and receiving calls and a built-in FM receiver for live traffic alerts. It even came with an FM transmitter so you could beam audio to your car’s radio.

Motorola O Rokr (2006)

Yes, it’s dorky looking by today’s standards, but the Motorola O Rokr was one of the first pieces of wearable tech and a precursor to today’s smart glasses. A collaboration with Oakley, the O Rokr glasses delivered stereo music to your ears via Bluetooth with two small speakers attached to the arms of the glasses. And the frames featured physical buttons to play/pause music and skip tracks, as well as answer calls. You only got 5 hours of talk time and the $249 price was very pricey for 2006 money, but this was a very cool ahead-of-its-time gadget.

Your turn: Now tell us which gadgets impressed you most in this list and which ones you miss the most overall.

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In a little less than two weeks, it'll be Mother's Day 2026 in Australia, with the big day landing on Sunday, May 10 this year. If you've been putting off picking up a perfect present for your mum (or mother figure), the clock is definitely ticking.

That said, sometimes shopping for mum-worthy gifts can be an insanely tricky task, as more often than not, spending big doesn't always equate to a useful gift. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of 12 great tech-focused buys that'll not only improve mum's daily routine, but keep your costs low, as these items are all under AU$200.

In fact, many of these picks are on special, and I've deliberately chosen a wide variety of items that includes top-notch tech gizmos like smart trackers, power banks, wireless headphones and security cameras. As a tech writer, I've also included some of my favourite devices that I use almost every day, such as a Kindle (2024), a Laser Bluetooth Sleep Mask, and a Frameo digital picture frame (which my MIL may or may not be getting this year 👀).

All of these items have 4+ star ratings from Amazon users, and if you have a Prime membership, you can rest assured that your Mother's Day gift will get delivered quickly to most major metro locations in Australia. (If you don't have a Prime membership, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here.)

If mum has a preferred hobby — whether that's baking, gardening or beauty, I've also rounded up the best Mother's Day gardening gifts, skincare and haircare deals, and home and kitchen appliances, too.

Enough preamble — here are the best Mother's Day tech gifts under AU$200 that I've found.

Last week marked my second anniversary as a reviews writer at Tom's Guide. For the last two years, I've had my fingers in many pies and I've juggled many plates, and I've reviewed nearly every type of product. From mechanical keyboards and mirrorless cameras to drones and hiking boots, I've covered everything. It's made me more knowledgable and, along the way, I hope I've succeeded in sharing that knowledge with you, and have helped you make better buying decisions.

I've wanted to be a journalist and a writer for as long as I can remember, and I'm very privileged that I get to share my writing with you, dear reader, almost every single day. You'd be as surprised as I was when I counted the total number of products I've reviewed so far: it's just under 300. That's crazy to me, so I thought I'd share my favorite products from each category with you today.

I'll cover my favorite from each category, not my top-rated. Even though some products on this list may not have necessarily received 4.5 or 5 stars from me, I keep coming back to them. The last two years have been nothing short of awesome, and I can't wait to see what other products I get my hands on this year and the next and the next!

My favorite camera

I've reviewed many of the best cameras and mirrorless cameras as photography is my passion and one of my favorite hobbies. Even though I've tested expensive Leicas and 100MP medium format beasts, my favorite camera is the Fujifilm X-T50. It's the first camera I ever tested at Tom's Guide and I loved it so much that I bought it with my own money — and even took it to Iceland with me.

The X-T50 packs everything I need in a compact, travel-friendly camera. Its 40.2MP sensor captures stunning photos with vivid colors and plenty of detail. I love the film simulation dial which lets me quickly swap between my favorite recipes, and the camera's straightforward control scheme makes it extremely easy to use. Featuring outstanding 7-stops of IBIS and boasting the ability to record 6.2K/30fps video, it's the best camera I've used — and it looks stunning too.

My favorite drone

I've reviewed every quadcopter that appears on our best drones buying guide, and these nifty aerial photography devices are some of my favorite products to test. After having spent many, many hours flying drones, my top pick has got to be the DJI Mavic 4 Pro which is basically a Hasselblad with wings. In its triple camera system, you'll find a 100MP Hasselblad lens that takes the most beautiful photos and 6K/60fps videos a consumer drone possibly can.

What I love most about the Mavic 4 Pro is the RC Pro 2 controller, which feels revolutionary. It's extremely bright with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and highly responsive. And because the Mavic 4 Pro has a 'Infinity Gimbal' capable of full 360° rotation, the RC Pro 2's screen rotates and puts the drone into vertical shooting mode, negating the need to manually toggle the orientation. All in all, it's a solid package that's well worth the premium.

My favorite earbuds

Alongside cameras and drones, I thoroughly enjoy testing audio gear as I love music and analyzing every aspect of a soundstage. The Sony WF-C710N are my favorite earbuds I've tested so far, and it has a lot to do with their sleek, see-through design and powerful sound quality. They give the pricier Bose QuietComforts a run for their money, to be honest.

With up to 33.5 hours of battery life and highly effective ANC that rivals Bose, the WF-C710Ns are some of the finest buds you can get for under $120. I haven't stopped thinking about them since I tested them. Alongside their good looks, the earbuds also boast incredible bass response even though they're tiny, and deliver consistent sound across genres.

My favorite headphones

Over-ear headphones are my go-to as I find them more comfortable than in-ear buds. Though I use the Marshall Monitor IIIs every day, I didn't have the pleasure of reviewing them, so my favorite headphones that I've personally reviewed are the JLab Epic Lux Lab Editions. I adore these cans as they're extremely comfortable, thanks to their plush faux leather ear cushions and light weight.

The Epic Lux Lab Editions sound fantastic too, boasting a refined and well-balanced sound profile. The wide soundstage features great sub- and mid-bass, clean and crisp treble, and outstanding lows and mids. Also packing effective ANC and long battery life of up to 90 hours (ANC off), it's hard to beat these mid-range headphones.

My favorite speaker

For this category, I was spoiled for choice. I could have picked any of the best portable Bluetooth speakers I've tested but instead, I chose to go for a different kind of speaker — a party speaker. The Marshall Bromley 750 is my favorite speaker I've tested yet, and though it has a very specific use case, it's the all-in-one speaker I've been waiting for as a guitarist and an audiophile.

The Bromley 750 doubles (or triples) as a guitar amp and a karaoke machine, and it boasts peerless sound quality. The incredible bass response makes you want to headbang while the vibrant treble and crystal clear vocals make you appreciate your favorite artists more than you did before. It also features beautiful integrated LED lighting which dances and reacts to the track you're playing. It's a sound and light show for the price of one.

My favorite computer speakers

The Edifier QR65 are the best desktop speakers I've tested, and I loved them so much that they're still sitting on my office desk. Their gorgeous design is a sight to behold as each speaker is lit up with panels of LED lights which look like infinity mirror tunnels. But that's not even their biggest selling point — the sound quality and connectivity options are where it's at.

You've got the option for wired and wireless playback, as well as a built-in GaN charger that can pump out 65W total power to charge your external devices, essentially making the QR65 a power source. The sound is phenomenal in battle sequences as well as dialogue-heavy cutscenes. Oh, and you get hi-res playback for music, so what's not to love?

My favorite gaming controller

I LOVE gaming. Yes, the all-caps was necessary. If I have free time on my hands and I'm not spending it with my partner, you'll find me playing RPGs on my PS5 Slim. While I love the DualSense, the second controller I have is the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. It's extremely customizable thanks to its 11 interchangeable components, and boy is it comfortable for hours and hours on end.

Featuring four customizable back buttons and highly responsive Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks, the Victrix Pro BFG is one of the most powerful controllers I've tested. The magnetic components give me a competitive edge in FPS and racing titles, and I love how easy it is to adjust their sensitivity via the user-friendly companion software.

My favorite gaming headset

Alongside the aforementioned Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is also a permanent part of my gaming setup. I haven't used a better gaming headset, as the BlackShark V3 Pro makes my favorite games sound the best they ever have, thanks to its wide soundstage and spatial audio support.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of my favorite games of all time, and trust me when I say the headset makes you feel like you're the one taking down the Paintress. The bass is powerful but never booming so you can feel every explosion, feel the emotion in every dialogue, and appreciate the epic in-game soundtracks. The BlackShark V3 Pro also features the best ANC I've tested on gaming cans, which further aids your immersion.

My favorite keyboard

You know the type of product I've reviewed the most? Yes, even more than cameras? It's keyboards. That's not surprising given that there are so many out there — mechanical, Hall Effect, membrane, you name it. The one I keep coming back to and the one I use when I work from home is the Hexgears Immersion A3 TKL. It's quiet, it's sleek, and it's a joy to type on.

The Immersion A3 TKL features lovely, soft, matte polycarbonate plastic (PC) keycaps that feel great to touch and type on. I can type quickly thanks to the highly responsive Kailh White Rain linear switches, and the very low-profile design means my hands don't feel fatigued. One of my favorite features, though, is the customizable TFT screen which I can display GIFs on to add some personality to my workspace.

My favorite mouse

Having the best mouse at my disposal is integral to my work setup, regardless of whether I'm working from home or in the office. Though I've tested a bunch, my favorite is the Corsair M75 for Mac, which is currently a permanent part of my WFH setup. It's the Mac-specific variant of the base M75 and comes in a stunning Glacier Blue color — a sight for sore eyes, really.

With a maximum DPI of 26,000 and a 1,000Hz polling rate, the M75 is excellent for casual gaming, and the one to beat when it comes to productivity. Its buttons are clicky and highly responsive, and they're wide enough for maximum comfort too. The shape of the mouse feels lovely under my palm. I have no qualms with the M75 — it's one of the best mice money can buy today.

My favorite monitor

I spend up to eight hours five days a week looking at a screen — or three, if I'm in the office. As the person responsible for lab testing monitors for the reviews team in the U.K., I've reviewed my fair share, and none have come close to the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED. It's one of the most powerful monitors I've tested, for both gaming and productivity. It's a hybrid beast.

With its 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and 4K QD-OLED 27-inch panel, it's an utter delight to game and work on. Colors are bright, vivid and accurate, while there's plenty of detail revealed in the shadows and dark areas, especially when playing horror games. Games feel immersive and you can lose yourself while playing them. Equally, you can lock into work because the 27-inch panel lets you make quick work of navigating massive spreadsheets and long threads on Slack.

My favorite shoes

Keen knows how to make a good pair of hiking boots, and my favorites that I've reviewed (and still use every day) are the Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof. When I reviewed them in fall 2025, I tested them by walking 50 miles through streams, on mountains and even a glacier in Iceland, and because of how well they performed, they became my daily drivers (well, when I'm not wearing my Doc Martens, at least).

The Zionic NXT Mids are supremely comfortable and don't need to be broken in. Keen's 'Contoured Fit' means the boots are more streamlined than a straight or wide fit, making the Zionic NXT Mids fit snugly around my feet. There's plenty of bounce in the foam insoles so it feels like I'm walking on clouds, and they're extremely waterproof — my feet have gone straight into ankle-deep water and no water has made it through to my socks.

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It's a very important year for Apple. As of April 1, the company has officially turned 50 — half a century of tech innovation and thinking different. And whether you're one of "the crazy ones" or someone who just appreciates great gadgets, chances are you've owned something built by the Cupertino crew at some point in your life.

And we're covering this moment with retrospectives into this company's fascinating history from being on the brink of bankruptcy to a $4 trillion empire. This includes a full timeline, unique insights into how you can see Apple define the future of phones and computing by looking back, and quizzes to test your knowledge.

Look back at 50 years of Apple

• From near bankruptcy to a $4 trillion empire: The 51 moments that defined Apple
• Apple 50th anniversary quiz: how well do you remember these controversial moments and tech innovations?
• Apple turns 50: Why these deconstructed vintage iPhones are the ultimate way to celebrate

Happy 50th birthday to Apple, a brand known for its iconic logo, its uncompromisingly beautiful products, and its commitment to innovation... as well as a fair number of flops and PR fails along the way!

In his post to mark the occasion, Tim Cook wrote, "At Apple, we’re more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday." Well that may be, Tim. But as much as we're fans of the current crop of iPhone 17e, and admire what the MacBook Neo offers its target audience, we can't celebrate a birthday in true style without looking back at some past favorites... and offering a little light-hearted ribbing over Apple's less successful moments as well! So sit back and enjoy this bumper Apple 50th anniversary multiple choice quiz.

How did you do? Too hard? Too easy? Let us know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to register to save your score, reveal hints for any clues you're not sure of and secure your spot on the competitive Tom's Guide leaderboard.

I hope you enjoyed reminiscing about Apple products from the archives, pop culture moments you may have forgotten, tech moments that helped push the envelope, and controversies from over the years.

As Tim Cook wrote, "From the first Apple computer to the Mac, from iPod to iPhone, iPad to Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as the services we use every day — the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV — we’ve spent five decades rethinking what’s possible and putting powerful tools into people’s hands."

But as this quiz has shown, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. And in fact, there are plenty of Apple products you may have forgotten. We've captured some of them in the below crossword that you may enjoy, too!

Keep your eye on the Apple section of Tom's Guide this week, as we have a whole program of Apple-themed articles planned to mark the tech giant's milestone anniversary. From our Apple live blog to 51 moments that defined Apple, to asking what was the first Apple device you used, there's plenty already live, and more to come.

And if you enjoyed this quiz, then please bookmark our Quiz of the Day section, where a new quiz or puzzle appears every weekday.

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Whether it’s cleaning supplies or a new smart speaker, ordering products from Amazon has never been easier. Now though, the e-commerce giant has given its deliveries an ultrafast boost — that is, if you’re willing to pay a bit extra and live in an eligible area.

We’ve come a long way from the 2-day shipping launch of Prime back in 2005 to the rollout of “Same-Day” deliveries in 2015. Amazon’s delivery infrastructure has continued to improve over the years, but it just got a major upgrade with new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options. This rollout covers major hubs like LA, Chicago, Houston, and Washington D.C., but it’s also hitting smaller cities like Boise, Idaho and American Fork, Utah.

Given that I’ve had an Amazon Prime membership since 2006 and I live less than 2 miles from a local delivery station, I’m exactly the kind of person this service is built for. I decided to try out one of these new ultrafast delivery options for myself to see if it actually lived up to the hype. Here’s how it went and why 1-hour or 3-hour delivery just might be worth it if you’re in a bind.

Forget “Today by 10 PM”

Now I normally try to plan ahead when it comes to ordering things on Amazon. However, to test out the service’s new ultrafast delivery options, I thought of the perfect scenario where they’d really come in handy.

While I grew up mopping my kitchen floor with Pine-Sol for a very deep clean, my wife spent her childhood mopping with Fabuloso. Since moving into our house with laminate flooring though, I’ve switched to using Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day concentrated cleaner mixed with rubbing alcohol and hot water in a refillable spray mop.

Now when Prime Day or even a Big Spring Sale rolls around, I like to restock but as a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day lasts so long, sometimes I forget to do so. When I looked under my sink when thinking about what to buy with 1-hour or 3-hour delivery, I noticed my last bottle didn’t have enough cleaning solution left in it to mop my whole house.

When scrolling through Amazon’s new Get It Fast landing page for items eligible for 1-hour or 3-hour delivery, I saw quite a few of my household staples like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. Likewise, there were a few products I didn’t expect like TV mounts, USB-C to Ethernet adapters and more.

I picked up a two-pack of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day with a Lemon Verbena scent as it was on sale for almost half off. Although the 1-hour delivery option wasn’t available, the 3-hour one was for an extra $4.99. This was a jump above Amazon’s previous fastest delivery time, Today 2 PM - 6 PM. Now for the waiting.

Flexing to the finish

I placed my order at approximately 12:53 PM and expected it to arrive just before 4 PM. While this reorder was solely for the purpose of testing out Amazon’s new ultrafast delivery options, if it hadn’t been, that 3-hour window would have been perfect for my schedule.

When I clean the house, I have a four-step process that I’ve fine-tuned over the years. It starts with tidying up and getting every piece of furniture that can be moved out of the way. This means taking the kitchen chairs out to the garage and rolling up every throw rug we have to store them safely in a closet. As we now have two dogs, I then sweep every room — even with one of the best vacuum cleaners, the less my machine has to work, the better for its longevity. From there, I vacuum the whole house, and once that’s done, it’s finally time to mop.

Since I live in a long, one-story home, this whole process takes me about five hours. If I had started a whole-home clean without a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s to mop with, this 3-hour wait would actually work out perfectly.

Almost immediately after placing my order, I started getting delivery update notifications from Amazon. My package left the shipper facility, arrived at a carrier facility, was processed, and before I knew it, it was out for delivery. While I was hoping that my package would arrive in one of those sleek new electric Amazon delivery vans for a photo op, that wasn’t the case.

If you’ve ever had an Amazon package dropped off by a driver in a personal car, you’ve experienced Amazon Flex. Essentially "Uber for packages," the company uses independent contractors with their own vehicles to speed up the pace and output of deliveries. This gig-economy sprint is what makes Amazon’s new 1-hour to 3-hour windows possible.

Although I didn’t get the shot of my package with a blue Amazon delivery van in the background, everything arrived just fine. My tracking showed the package was delivered at 3:15 PM — a full 2 hours and 22 minutes after I hit buy. If I had been mid-clean, those two bottles of Mrs. Meyer’s would have been the final piece of the puzzle for a freshly mopped house.

A worthwhile splurge

Now, are Amazon’s new ultrafast deliveries worth it? Well, that depends on whether or not you’re an Amazon Prime member. I am, which means I can get 3-hour deliveries on select products for an extra $4.99 or 1-hour deliveries for an extra $9.99. If you don’t have Prime, those fees jump up to $14.99 and $19.99, respectively.

To put this in perspective, if I were to pick up a bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s from a local grocery store via Uber Eats, I’d typically have to pay a $3.99-$5.99 delivery fee along with a service fee of 10-15% and, of course, a tip for the driver. That’s easily $12-$15 in extras without the markup from the store itself. With Instacart — even if I had a subscription — there are often “heavy order” fees or long-distance fees. Without one, the delivery fee and service fees would usually be about $10-$12 for a small order.

I doubt I’ll be using Amazon’s new ultrafast delivery options all that often, but for something like cleaning or if I’m in the middle of a Home Hacks DIY project, not having to stop what I’m doing to head to the store easily justifies the extra cost.

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Starting today (March 17), Amazon is rolling out one- and three-hour deliveries in certain regions and cities across the U.S.

The three-hour delivery is more widely available in 2,000 cities, according to Amazon. One hour is only available in a few hundred areas within that list.

“Our customers are busier than ever and are looking for new ways to save time while keeping their households running," Senior VP of Worldwide Operations Udit Madan said in a press release. "We saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers’ lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members."

More than 90,000 products are eligible for the new delivery windows including pantry items, over-the-counter medications, toys and electronics.

There are fees for using the 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options. Prime members will pay $9.99 for a one-hour delivery and $4.99 for three-hour deliveries. If you don't have Prime then the fees go up by $10; $19.99 for 1-hour and $14.99 for three-hour.

How to tell if its available in your area

In its statement, Amazon specified that 1-hour delivery is available in parts of several major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Houston, and Washington, D.C., and smaller cities such as Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; and American Fork, Utah.

Three-hour delivery is available in over 2,000 cities and towns.

The company set up a new 'getitfast' storefront where you can see if your area gets the deliveries.

As an example, I live in Los Angeles, but apparently, my area isn't eligible for 1-hour deliveries. You can see what's available in the upper taskbar underneath the Rufus AI button.

If you have the option you can filter eligible products by 1-hour or 3-hour availability. You can also use the search bar with new "in 1 hour" or "in 3 hours" search filters.

If you live in an eligible area, the new delivery windows are available now. However, it's not clear if and when Amazon will expand one-hour and three-hour deliveries to other areas.

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In the wake of the unrest in Minneapolis following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents, a few tech CEOs have begun to speak out about the Trump administration's policies, be it on social media or through internal communications with their employees.

While all of the statements have expressed dismay at the situation, most — such as the one from Apple CEO Tim Cook — have called for de-escalation, rather than condemning the actions of ICE outright.

Apple's Tim Cook: 'This is a time for deescalation'

On Tuesday (Jan. 27), Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, issued a statement to employees saying he was "heartbroken" at the events unfolding in Minnesota, and called for a "deescalation."

"I’m heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis, and my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, with the communities, and with everyone that’s been affected.

"This is a time for deescalation. I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity. This is something Apple has always advocated for. I had a good conversation with the president this week where I shared my views, and I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all.

"I know this is very emotional and challenging for so many. I am proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls. That empathy is one of Apple’s greatest strengths and it is something I believe we all cherish.

Thank you for all that you do."

Cook has faced criticism from employees after attending a private screening of "Melania" at the White House, along with Andy Jassy from Amazon and Lisa Su from AMD, the evening that Pretti was killed.

OpenAI's Sam Altman: 'What’s happening with ICE is going too far'

Earlier on Monday, OpenAI Sam Altman wrote to his employees on an internal Slack message that ICE has "gone too far," and vowed that his company would strive to "try to figure out how to actually do the right thing."

Here's the full text of his message, as reported by The New York Times:

"I love the US and its values of democracy and freedom and will be supportive of the country however I can; OpenAI will too. But part of loving the country is the American duty to push back against overreach. What’s happening with ICE is going too far. There is a big difference between deporting violent criminals and what’s happening now, and we need to get the distinction right.

"President Trump is a very strong leader, and I hope he will rise to this moment and unite the country. I am encouraged by the last few hours of response and hope to see trust rebuilt with transparent investigations.

"As a company, we aim to stick to our convictions and not get blown around by changing fashions too much. We didn’t become super woke when that was popular, we didn’t start talking about masculine corporate energy when that was popular, and we are not going to make a lot of performative statements now about safety or politics or anything else. But we are going to continue to try to figure out how to actually do the right thing as best as we can, engage with leaders and push for our values, and speak up clearly about it as needed."

Anthropic's Dario Amodi: 'The horror we're seeing'

Another executive to speak out was Anthropic's cofounder Chris Olah, who wrote on X that "a federal agent killing an ICU nurse for seemingly no reason and with no provocation – shock the conscience."

Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei also referenced "the horror we're seeing in Minnesota" on X, before linking to an essay on the risks of AI to national security, economies, and democracy.

Vinod Khosla: "Macho ICE vigilantes running amuck"

Vinod Khosla, the founder of venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, which has funded such companies as OpenAI, DoorDash, and Instacart, was one of the more vociferous voices, writing on X that the video was "sickening to watch."

Target and Best Buy weigh in

On Sunday, the CEOs of 60 Minnesota-based companies, which include Target and Best Buy, issued an open letter, calling for "an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions."

An open letter to tech CEOs

Cook and Altman are the rare exceptions among tech leaders to comment on the Trump administration's controversial tactics when it comes to deporting illegal immigrants. An open letter, signed by more than 800 employees from companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, have urged their executives to condemn the administration's policies.

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We test a lot of products at Tom's Guide. From full product reviews to hands-on opinion pieces, our staff is playing with new gadgets every day of the week. But with all the gadgets we review, sometimes something is so good that we need to run to the store (or an online store, more likely) and buy one for ourselves with our own hard-earned cash.

Lots of people think we get everything sent to us, but that's not always the case. A lot of the time, we have to buy devices to fill gaps in our lives, just like anyone else. And those are the products the Tom's Guide team is shouting out today.

Rove R2-4K Dual dash cam — Anthony Spadafora

Our first product comes from our Managing Editor, Security and Home Office, Anthony Spadafora. He purchased a new car and wanted a way to protect it. A Rove R2-4K Dual dash camera turned out to be the perfect purchase.

Why did he buy it? He said, "Knowing that every time I turn on my engine I have both front and rear video recording in real time gives me tremendous peace of mind."

Read Anthony's full Rove R2-4K Dual thoughts.

GameSir G8 Plus — Jeff Parsons

Our U.K. Editor in Chief, Jeff Parsons, spent his cash on a GameSir G8 Plus, and he's very happy with it.

"In a world where costs are constantly increasing, it's refreshing to come across a product that actually seems reasonably priced," he said in his detailed breakdown on why he loves it.

Read Jeff's full GameSir G8 Plus thoughts.

Fujifilm X-E5 — Ashley Thieme

"I usually like to take pictures of nature, whether I’m at a lake, beach or in the woods, it’s a great way to connect with my surroundings. I’ve been shooting mostly on the Sony a6100 for the last couple of years, but in June, I had the opportunity to head out to Valencia with Fujifilm to test out their then-new camera, the Fujifilm X-E5, which I think is one of the best mirrorless cameras around," said Ashley Thieme, Staff writer, Reviews.

She liked it so much that she went out and bought one after the event. "There is nothing difficult about this camera. Everything runs smoothly, and there is very little room for error," Thieme continued.

Read Ashley's full Fujifilm X-E5 thoughts.

AirPods Pro 2 — Dan Bracaglia

Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables, didn't purchase a newly released product this year; instead, he opted for a pair of AirPods Pro 2.

"Was I a fool for not ponying up the cash for the latest model? No, I ultimately decided, after reading Erin’s equally sound rationale for sticking with the AirPods Pro 2 over the AirPods Pro 3," Dan explained.

Read Dan's full AirPods Pro 2 thoughts.

Fujifilm X-T50 — Nikita Achanta

"When I first held it in my hands, all the way back in May 2024, I thought it was a lovely, compact, premium camera that took incredible photos. Fast forward a whole year to me adding it to my cart and paying for it myself," said Nikita Achanta, Senior Writer, Reviews.

"I wouldn't change a thing about the Fujifilm X-T50."

Read Nikita's full Fujifilm X-T50 thoughts.

Wireless CarPlay adapter — Dave LeClair

This is the product I bought this year and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Could I just have used a USB-C cable instead? Sure, but where's the fun in that?

"Most importantly, it works flawlessly. It never disconnects. My phone always connects in seconds. Delay is the lowest I've ever experienced with a wireless CarPlay device. It's just a solid little device that does exactly what it promises," I wrote in my piece explaining why I like this device.

Read Dave's Wireless CarPlay Adapter thoughts.

Ugreen DXP4800 Plus — Ryan Epps

"The DXP4800 Plus has proven to be a total lifesaver for uploading and saving all my iPhone photos and videos, as well as handling runoff content for my video editing workflows," Staff Writer Ryan Epps wrote.

"Plus, it’s become a substitute for Netflix and Hulu, allowing me access to my favorite anime, with subtitles to boot," he continued.

Read Ryan's Ugreen DXP4800 Plus thoughts.

Mayflash F700 Elite — Tony Polanco

Tony Polanco, Senior Computing Writer, went out and purchased a fight stick, which furthered his love of fighting games.

"Whether you’re an arcade stick master or novice, the Mayflash F700 Elite is worth checking out for all it provides. Here’s why it’s my favorite product I purchased myself in 2025," Polanco wrote.

Read Tony's full Mayflash F700 Elite thoughts.

Miro V99 powerbank — John Velasco

John Velasco, Senior Channel Editor for Phones, found a perfect way to spend his hard-earned money on something that's both practical and fun. He got the Miro V99 Power Bank that lets you play classic games while charging your phone.

"I’ve tested many of the best portable chargers around, but the Miro V99 is truly in a class of its own, in part due to how it also doubles as a gaming console," John wrote.

Read John's full Miro V99 Power Bank thoughts.

Nintendo Switch 2 — Scott Younker

"This year, one of the few big and best purchases I made was the new Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve had a ton of fun playing original Nintendo games and new third-party titles on it for the last six months," wrote Scott Younker, West Coast Reporter for Tom's Guide, on his decision to buy Nintendo's latest console.

"I can honestly say that the Switch 2 is tons of fun and one of my favorite things I bought this year," Scott continued.

Read Scott's full Nintendo Switch 2 thoughts.

Apple is riding pretty high as 2025 comes to a close. The new iPhone 17 lineup has been a huge hit so far — with the exception of the iPhone Air — as CEO Tim Cook has described iPhone demand as “off the chart.” Apple is so confident that it’s forecasting its best December quarter ever, too.

There’s plenty of other reasons to be optimistic, including the continued strength of Apple silicon with the M5 chip, the superb new AirPods Pro 3 and a recent all-time record for services revenue.

But there’s also signs of trouble at Apple, including a raft of recent high-profile departures and retirements. John Giannandrea, Apple’s former head of Apple Intelligence, stepped down in December following a much-publicized delay to the new Siri — not to mention Apple losing ground to OpenAI and Google Gemini.

Meta recently scooped up Alan Dye, Apple’s former head of user interface design, as Mark Zuckerberg looks to extend his company’s lead in smart glasses at a time when Apple is still struggling to sell the pricey Vision Pro. Google is about to unleash its Android XR glasses as well.

"I don't think 2026 is a make-or-break year for Apple, but I do think it’s going to be a more challenging year than 2025,” said Carolina Milanesi, president and principal analyst at Creative Strategies. “There's going to be challenges if they don't deliver on the AI promise.”

So what’s in store for Apple in 2026? Based on the rumored product pipeline and my conversations with analysts and Apple watchers, this is a pivotal moment for one of the world’s biggest brands. Here’s what to expect.

The iPhone Fold: Best-selling foldable ever?

Apple is famous for being late to enter new categories, including smartphones. But a 2026 arrival for an Apple foldable device is really, really late.

As Samsung preps the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its very first foldable phone in the iPhone Fold. Nevertheless, the analyst firm IDC says Apple will grab more than 20% market share in the coming year and more than a third of the revenue.

“I would not be surprised at all if the iPhone Fold instantly became the best selling folding phone of all time,” said Jason Snell, editor of the Apple-centric website Six Colors and former editorial director of Macworld. His reasoning? Simple. “Because it’s an iPhone.”

While many shoppers have likely been intrigued by the best foldable phones up until now, iPhone fans have mostly sat on the sidelines because they’re not willing to switch operating systems or move out of the Apple ecosystem.

At the same time, the iPhone Fold is said to have some advantages over the competition, including a truly crease-free display and large library of apps that are optimized for a tablet-size screen. There are millions of iPad apps that will simply just work on day one, as the iPhone Fold will ostensibly be an iPad mini in your pocket.

The iPhone Fold is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch screen on the outside and a 7.8-inch panel on the inside along with a pretty big 5,400 mAh battery. And it should be quite thin, as analysts are likening the phone to two iPhone Airs attached by a hinge.

And the price? The rumor is a gulp-inducing $2,400, which would be $400 more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. But don’t underestimate the appetite of high-end iPhone shoppers looking to stand out from the crowd.

“Ever since the iPhone X came out for $1,000, Apple has been engaged in this ongoing experiment to find what's the upper limit that people are willing to pay for an iPhone,” Snell said. “And looking at their product line and looking at their iPhone revenue, I would say they haven't found it.”

A super cheap MacBook

From the time Apple retired the 12-inch MacBook in 2019, industry watchers have been waiting for Apple to sell a super affordable MacBook to take on lower-cost Windows 11 laptops and premium Chromebooks. And we could finally get it in 2026.

Rumor has it that Apple is working on a cheap MacBook that could cost as little as $599 or $699, with the machine powered by an A series chip. Apple technically already has a laptop in this price range with the MacBook M1 still selling at Walmart for $599, but this would be a brand new design.

The target audience would be buyers who mostly want to surf the web, check email and watch videos.

The system will reportedly feature a 13-inch display, an A18 Pro chip (the same one featured in the iPhone 16 Pro models), and very long battery life. And at a time PC makers are facing a RAM shortage, Apple could have a built-in advantage versus the competition.

“I think we're going to get some very inexpensive MacBooks this year, because Apple is able to press its silicon advantage and there's sort of a curve ball being thrown by the wild swings in prices for memory,” said Avi Greengart, founder and lead analyst for Techsponential. “Apple has such volume, and because they build the memory into their package, rather than added on separately, Apple may end up with a double pricing advantage.”

Meet the HomePod Touch (or HomePad)

No one is really clear on the name of this product yet, but Apple is expected to launch a new smart home device that could be dubbed the HomePod Touch or HomePad. And it could arrive in the spring to coincide with the launch of the revamped Siri.

The device will reportedly feature a 7-inch touch screen and run Apple’s brand-new homeOS software. It would have pre-installed apps like Safari, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, Photos and Reminder. And widgets will reportedly be a central feature. Think a beefed-up version of the iPhone’s StandBy Mode.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the HomePod Touch could cost around $350 and come in two versions, one with a speaker base and another that could attach to walls.

Apple would directly compete against the likes of Amazon and its line of Echo Show products and the Google Nest Hub Max. But how would Apple stand out? For one, the company’s reputation for security and privacy.

“There’s no other brand that is more trusted by consumers than Apple,” Milanesi said.

Then there’s the perception that today’s smart home displays in the home just aren’t that smart. You may have an Alexa or Gemini-powered device in your abode, but how often do you use it and is it enjoyable? I happen to have the latest Echo Show 21 with Alexa+ inside, and I tend not to use it for anything other than turning on Christmas lights and asking about the weather.

“I feel like nobody's really cracked it,” Snell said. “Alexa and the Google Assistant stuff in the home are not that great. So Apple has opportunities there.”

But much of this will boil down to how smart the new Siri is and whether people will want to talk to it.

Crashing the smart glasses party

While the Apple Vision Pro is technically impressive, there’s no question that Apple’s $3,500 spatial computer has been a commercial flop. The headset is just too heavy and expensive for the masses, and there’s not enough killer apps to make regular use worthwhile. The new Vision Pro M5 merely added a faster chip and comfier strap.

Meanwhile, Meta has a sizable lead with its smart glasses push. The company has already sold more than 2 million units, as sales tripled (300% growth) in the first half of 2025. Meta shows no signs of slowing down, launching a new Ray-Ban Meta gen 2 with a sharper camera, longer battery life and improved multimodal Meta AI.

“Clearly they missed the boat, right?” Snell asked. “Apple decided they were going to build Vision Products top-down instead of bottom-up. I think they probably poo-pooed the idea of doing AirPods as glasses. It's a shame, right? Because they have all the pieces to build that product, and they just didn't build it. So I imagine that in 2026 we'll see that product.”

Apple is rumored to be launching AI glasses toward the end of 2026, though that release could slip to 2027. The glasses will reportedly be AI-centric (so heavily dependent on the new Siri) and offer built-in speakers and cameras, but not a display — at least at first.

“What these products do is heavily voice, camera and AI centric, and it would not be impossible for Apple to launch a pair of glasses that just do those things,” Greengart said. “They would basically be AirPods plus a camera that you wear on your face. There's no reason they couldn't do that.”

The problem for Apple is that Meta and Google are already racing ahead with smart glasses that have built-in displays. While pricey, the $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display shows enormous potential for the category with the way they can display helpful info in your field of view, whether it’s turn-by-turn directions, a viewfinder for photos or a recipe you want to follow along with. The wrist-worn neural band also makes it fairly easy to navigate the interface, though that’s yet another device you need to charge.

And Google is going to launch Android XR glasses with partners like Samsung and Warby Parker in 2026. I’ve already demoed them and came away very impressed with the Gemini integration. You can do everything from ask what you can make from ingredients in front of you to altering photos with generative AI before you even take them.

“The use cases are there, even without the world’s best AI,” Greengart said. “But if you layer on serious AI capabilities that then tie into your Android phone, that’s pretty powerful. So Apple is going to need to match that in order to have a competitive product.”

The new Siri — or bust

If you’re sensing a theme, you’re right. In order for some of these critical new products to succeed — especially the HomePod with display and smart glasses — Apple has to nail the launch of the new Siri.

Apple actually promised a much smarter Siri way back in 2024 with the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup. And while Apple delivered on some improvements, like a more conversational assistant, the biggest upgrades never materialized. These include on-screen awareness for content, better personal context understanding (“when is my Mom’s flight landing?”) and performing in-app actions via voice.

The fully new and improved Siri is now expected to launch in spring of 2026, and there’s a lot riding on it, even if AI isn’t a primary driver for selling devices yet.

“Apple has to deliver,” Milanesi said. She’s more worried about Gemini than ChatGPT as a direct competitor to Apple because the former has gotten “really good” and ties in with core applications that iPhone owners use regularly, like Google Maps and Gmail.

There are also reports that Apple may partner with Gemini to accelerate its own AI, but nothing has been announced.

Techsponential’s Greengart doesn’t see Google as an immediate threat, but it could become a bigger one if Apple somehow misses with the new Siri.

“The Android ecosystem has an opportunity to whittle away at the iOS base slowly at first, if Apple is not able to respond,” Greegnart said. “The lock-in of the Apple ecosystem is real. But if AI becomes a part of your life in a way that you start wanting to use things from Google or OpenAI or Anthropic or someone else, and Apple doesn't have that same level of copilot, that may be a problem for Apple.”

More from Tom's Guide

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What a year 2025 has been. We've seen AI take off with hyper-realistic photos and videos that took the internet by storm, Nintendo finally launch its long-awaited Switch 2, Valve actually drop word on its upcoming Steam Machine and so much more. Oh, and I suppose Katie Perry blasting off into space.

The past year has seen some massive moments for tech, and many of these were unquestionably the biggest fails we here at Tom's Guide have seen. Will it be remembered as the year the internet broke? When RAM prices were one the cheapest PC component you could get?

One thing is clear: 2025 was a time like no other, for better and for worse. And we're here for the latter to be set in stone.

Maybe we can take these blunders and reflect upon them in 2026 to make sure they never happen again... who am I kidding? Mistakes will always be around the corner, but let's make sure these moments in tech aren't forgotten by marking them off in Tom's Guide's list of the biggest tech fails of 2025. Now, ready for the worst?

RAMaggeddon

I don’t know about you, but for me, 2025 was a year-long reminder that the material conditions many of us take for granted only exist thanks to a global supply chain that’s a lot more precarious than we like to think about.

In addition to watching failures in cloud storage providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure cause huge problems for businesses and users worldwide, we saw prices for RAM and SSDs skyrocket over the last few weeks due (at least in part) to a steep increase in demand from AI companies.

I had been hoping the issue would blow over, but when Micron killed its Crucial line of RAM in early December “in order to improve supply and support for larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments” (i.e. AI data centers), I knew we were in for a big headache. Now we’ve quickly reached the point where it’s cheaper to buy a pre-built gaming PC than build one yourself, much like it was during the height of the COVID-19 global shutdown, when prices on high-end graphics cards (and many other PC components) skyrocketed due to high demand and not enough supply.

Unfortunately, since this happened late in the year, the RAM crisis is one big 2025 downer that’s likely to carry well into 2026 and beyond. It doesn’t just impact folks buying (or building) desktops and laptops, either; RAM shortfalls affect manufacturers of tablets, gaming consoles and more. So brace yourself: PCs, laptops and phones may jump in price by 100-500% in the year ahead as manufacturers burn through their stockpiles and either jack up prices or stop selling certain products entirely. Thanks, AI! — Alex Wawro

The internet has had a real shaky year

The planet is dependent on an internet connection — from vital government services to the household items around us. It’s much more than our connection to the world’s information; it’s integral to our lives.

And much of what we use the internet for is dependent on three: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. These three account for approximately 65% of the entire internet, and they all suffered significant outages, which revealed some fragilities in the system.

Whether it’s the internet’s phonebook (DNS register) being run out of one server region for the planet, or content delivery networks bugging out, whenever one of these companies sneezes, the internet catches the flu, and it costs billions of dollars to the businesses that rely on it.

Then there’s the impact on you. Smart doorbells become glorified paperweights, essential banking services disappear and you can’t book a doctor’s appointment. There’s too much on the line not to address some of the issues in the lack of multi-regionality in these system architectures, and business/governments having a proper backup plan baked into their IT.

Oh, and shoutout to Cloudflare, too! While it’s not a cloud storage company, this service accounts for around 20% of all websites and went down. — Jason England

Live demos are risky business

Look, I applaud tech companies using live demos to show off their latest products. If they work as intended, they’ll be lauded as a technical marvel, especially if the stakes are high. If not, though, it goes down in history as a brutal “cringe” moment. Elon Musk felt the burn when the “bulletproof” Armored Glass of his Cybertruck shattered right before everyone’s eyes, and in 2025, Meta was awarded the fail of the year.

After revealing the much-anticipated Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses at Meta Connect 2025, pushing the tech to new heights with a seamless built-in display and a boatload of AI-enhanced apps, CEO Mark Zuckerberg decided to get a call on stage from fellow CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth via WhatsApp. Or, tried to, at least, as all we got instead was an incessant ring tone on loop, a broken AI voice stating “Boz WhatsApp video call” and an awkward Zuckerberg umming and ahing to try and rectify the situation.

I mean, what else can you do when your flagship product that billions of dollars have been invested in fails live on stage? Alas, the call failed multiple times until Boz finally joined Mark on stage. It was blamed on the terrible Wi-Fi, as it was during another live demo when a chef asked Meta’s Live AI to create a Korean-inspired steak sauce, only for both parties to be stuck in a loop of “what do I do first?” and “you’ve already combined the base ingredients.” No, Chef Jack Mancuso had never done the latter.

Was that actually the problem, though? Nope. Zuckerberg's Meta Ray-Ban Meta demo didn't work because, first, there were too many people in the building during the rehearsal of the Live AI demo, with Boz stating, "we DDoS’d ourselves, basically." As for the WhatsApp call, that was due to a "never-before-seen bug." As Boz notes: "The display had gone to sleep at the very instant the notification had come in that a call was coming in." At the very least, that bug is now fixed.

Is that a resounding “oof” I hear? It’s still ringing in my ears. But when all is said and done, I’ll always prefer a tech company to try and impress by straight up showing me what its product can do. Let’s just make sure there’s enough prep time so it all works swimmingly right off the bat before becoming another infamous meme. Hey, it worked with Apple when Tom’s Guide’s Global Editor-in-Chief Mark Spoonaur attempted to bend the iPhone Air during a live interview without any damage, so take note. — Darragh Murphy

Thinner phones just cannot catch a break

One of the big pushes in phone hardware has to be making them thinner. While this was fine when it came to the best foldable devices, it certainly didn’t go well for the iPhone Air and the Galaxy S25 Edge.

Thinner phones, as a concept, are not inherently a terrible idea. They’re easy to carry and more comfortable to keep in your pocket for one thing. The problem that both Apple and Samsung had was the sacrifices that had to be made. That includes having a lower battery life (to the degree the iPhone Air needs an actual case to reach the same level as the iPhone 17) and offering fewer camera options.

Having lower specs could, in theory at least, be an acceptable trade for the much vaunted thinness. However, the issue was that both companies decided that you should pay more cash for less. The iPhone Air cost $999 when it was released, while the Galaxy S25 Edge cost a staggering $1,099. That means both phones are more expensive than the $799 you’d pay for both the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S25. That’s a big ask for a phone that has some noticeable drawbacks compared to the alternatives.

So what was the result? People simply weren’t interested in the phone to the degree that it was hoped. Now, we’re hearing that Samsung has paused work on the Galaxy S26 Edge, potentially pushing back the release of the entire Galaxy S26 range. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air 2 has seemingly been delayed until 2027. So while we may see the next generation of thinner phones, it looks like phone makers are being much more wary this time around. — Josh Render

ChatGPT-5

This has been a big year for OpenAI. The company behind ChatGPT has had its ups and downs, but by far its messiest of experiences was the GPT-5 launch.

After the incredible success of GPT-4o, and ChatGPT’s dominance in the world of AI chatbots, everyone was waiting patiently for the next launch, one that was supposed to change the world.

For months, the launch was teased and then delayed. Sam Altman and his team spoke of its brilliance and how they were almost scared of just how good it actually was… and then GPT-5 dropped.

Despite all of the build-up, there just wasn’t much substance. It was smarter, had a few more features and, when put against benchmark tests, was the best version of ChatGPT yet. But it still felt pretty underwhelming.

Not only that, but when users started actually using it, many felt the experience was actually worse than the previous version that had been rolled out.

To make matters worse, this older version had also been removed, forcing everyone to use ChatGPT-5 instead. OpenAI ended up getting so many complaints that the company had to pull a reverse, offering users the choice between models and promising to make rapid improvements to GPT-5.

Since then, OpenAI has released two critical updates, now bringing us up to GPT-5.2. Despite efforts to fix the damage, GPT-5 has likely been the company's least popular launch to date, and gave competitors much-needed time to catch up with it. — Alex Huges

More from Tom's Guide

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• Microsoft promises to improve PC gaming in 2026, but will it be enough to topple Steam?
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Right now everything is too expensive. Groceries, electricity, you name it. But if you’re in the market for a tech upgrade and you don’t want to spend a fortune for a quality gadget, you’ve come to the right place.

At Tom’s Guide we test and review hundreds of products each year, and our first annual Value Awards recognizes the very best bang-for-your-buck devices across multiple categories. So whether you’re looking for a big-screen Mini-LED TV, noise cancelling headphones or a new coffeemaker, we’ve got you covered with the very best bargains money can buy.

TVs

Best Value TV: Hisense U65QF Mini-LED TV

From the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew the Hisense U65QF was one of the best TVs for the money. For a sub-$500 TV, it 's super bright, incredibly colorful and, despite using Amazon’s Fire TV platform, a joy to use. When we brought it into our labs, we confirmed all of the above.

Starting at $449 for the 55-inch Hisense 55U65QF, this budget TV put its main rivals — the TCL QM6K and LG QNED80T — in their place with its 946 nits of peak brightness and Delta-E color accuracy score (lower is better) of 1.83. I’d never seen scores like these from an affordable TV before, and I knew we found something special.

It has some issues with motion processing and upscaling, but in this price range there’s no better option than Hisense’s budget king. — Nick Pino

Best Value OLED: Samsung S90F OLED TV

The Samsung S90F is one of the best OLED TVs of the year. It’s expertly priced and built with a slew of features for gamers and HDR movie lovers alike. What stands out most is its QD-OLED panel, a special design that combines quantum dots with OLEDs for enhanced color performance and contrast, which is exemplified by the metrics from our testing labs.

Highlighting this incredible color performance is its 100% coverage of the UHDA-P3 gamut, matched only by the Sony Bravia 8 II this year. In filmmaker mode, the Samsung S90F also has one of the best Delta-E (color accuracy) scores. In this case, Samsung’s middle-of-the-road OLED not only offers one of the broadest ranges in color coverage for HDR movies and shows but also realistic and lifelike color performance.

Samsung added Art Store compatibility to the full range of 2025 TVs, so the S90F can act like its popular The Frame, displaying famous photographs and art from around the world when it’s not in use. Given its exceptionally thin design, the S90F feels even more like a work of art, especially when it's wall-mounted. — Nick Pino

Best Value Streaming Stick: Roku Streaming Stick Plus

You can’t go wrong with a Roku streaming stick, and the Streaming Stick Plus is the most well-rounded value of the lot. It’s designed to meet most needs, offering performance where it counts in both HDR playback and speedy navigation. With 4K/60Hz playback, it’s a stellar streaming stick to rival Amazon and Google, packing several additional features that make it among the best streaming devices.

Although it’s normally priced at $39, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus maintains a consistent discount of $29. It’s incredibly lightweight and thin, weighing just 0.90 ounces (26.0 grams), which makes it the perfect travel companion. It also comes with access to Roku’s smart home ecosystem, allowing you to check on cameras, turn on lights, and keep a watchful eye on other Roku home accessories. — Ryan Epps

Phones

Best value Android phone: Google Pixel 9a

You don’t have to pay $799 or more to get a top-performing camera phone. Google’s Pixel 9a is capable of taking photos that rival anything you get from the leading flagships, even though it costs a fraction as much with its $499 starting price. The Pixel 9a benefits from the same photo-processing algorithms found on Google’s flagship phones, so images look sharp and detailed, with a nice dynamic range balancing light and shadow.

That’s not the only way the Pixel 9a offers you more value for your dollar. Its Tensor G4 chip means it can support most of the leading Google AI capabilities. (The Pixel 10 series and its newer G5 silicon introduces some newer tools.) So your phone can still offer smarts usually limited to more expensive devices among the best phones. — Philip Michaels

Best value iPhone: iPhone 17

While not the cheapest iPhone you can currently buy (that would be the iPhone 16e), the iPhone 17 remains the same price as previous standard iPhones while adding a whole bunch of upgrades.

A larger screen with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate gives the iPhone 17 a premium touch that has been missing for many years. The dual 48MP cameras on the back, combined with the new 18MP Center Stage camera on the front, make the 17's photography capabilities more versatile than ever, while the updated A19 chipset offers users both zippier performance and better battery life. Unless you want to brave the used market, you can't get more iPhone for the money than this. — Richard Priday

Laptops and tablets

Best value Mac: MacBook Air M4

Apple makes some of the best laptops, but they usually come with a premium. Well, that norm has been completely shattered by the M4 MacBook Air — delivering all the face-melting performance and impressive power efficiency you’d expect from any Apple Silicon-armed system at a mightily good price. At $799 (yes, the MSRP is $999, but it’s been $200 off for months now, so consider this the “real” retail price), this premium ultra thin-and-light is the game changer the laptop industry’s been looking for. — Jason England

Best value Windows laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15

When you just need the best Windows 11 laptop you can get for the cheapest possible price, look to the Acer Aspire Go 15. This $299 budget laptop has just enough hardware packed into its four-pound frame for writing, browsing the web and playing basic games. Streaming videos won't look amazing on the 15.6" 1080p display and you'll look washed-out and grainy on the 720p webcam, but they keyboard is comfy. Plus. you get plenty of ports to plug in your favorite accessories — including a better webcam if it's really important to you. And since it lasted over 10 hours in our battery tests, you know the Acer Aspire Go 15 will last you through a day of work or school. — Jason England

Best value tablet: iPad 11

Let the iPad Air and iPad Pro deliver the power of a laptop in a tablet. I’m here for Apple’s most affordable tablet, bringing more than enough performance to handle demanding apps, games and all the streaming services to binge my way through shows. For most, it does everything a tablet should offer and beyond, thanks to its speedy A16 chip — and finally delivering 128GB for storage is a boon. Apple’s base iPad offers a premium tablet experience for $349, which isn’t a bad deal, but considering it’s often found for $299 or less, the iPad 11 is value at its finest for a tablet. — Darragh Murphy

Best value mechanical keyboard: Keychron C1 Pro 8K

The Keychron C1 Pro 8K is a retro-style wired mechanical keyboard that’s ideal for touch typists. The board’s typing angle and rake make it incredibly smooth to type on, so you can work all day long without fear of strained wrists. The board is also hot-swappable, so you can make changes to the switches and keycaps to make it the ideal keyboard for you. And since it has 8K polling, you could kit it out to be one of the best gaming keyboards too. — Ashley Thieme

Audio

Best value headphones: 1More Sonoflow

The 1More Sonoflow show you what’s possible with a small amount of money. They make the sacrifices in all the right places — looks, extra features — so that they can focus on the important stuff. You know, like sound quality and noise-canceling performance. They sound much better than just about anything at the same, sub $100 price point, and block out plenty of noise. The icing on the budget cake? 65 hours of battery life. They even come with a helpful protective case to keep them safe from harm. What more could you want from the best headphones under $100?— Tammy Rogers

Best value earbuds: Sony WF-C710N

Sony’s $129 noise-canceling earbuds are one of the best things we’ve tested all year at Tom’s Guide. Despite their low price, Sony has loaded them with excellent ANC and some of the best sound under $200. They beat out options that cost twice as much — and even come in a very slick, jolly-ranchers-esque clear blue colorway. 8.5 hours of battery life helps cement them in 2025’s list of biggest pleasant surprises — and as some of the best earbuds you can buy. — Tammy Rogers

Best value speakers: Edifier R1280T

We’ll always shout about low-cost gear in Tom’s Guide’s Audio section, and the R1280T deserves a ton of praise. They’re a spectacular-sounding pair of retro-looking speakers, with plenty of inputs on the back so you can build a music system around them. Great for desktops and small to mid-size rooms, these $150 wonders are an excellent option if you’re looking to up your speaker game. — Tammy Rogers

Best value soundbar: Creative Stage Pro

There are two things we’re looking for when it comes to the best cheap soundbars. Great sound is a given, but we also want to make sure that you’re going to get a decent package without spending more on a subwoofer — and the Stage Pro brings the goods. It comes with a subwoofer included in the box, so you get those lovely, floor-rumbling bass tones for your movies and TV. Dialogue is clear, and movie soundtracks sound stirring. There’s not really much more we could ask for at this impressive sub-$200 price point. — Tammy Rogers

Fitness

Best value walking treadmill: Deerrun Q1 Mini

The DeerRun Q1 Mini is the ideal solution for remote at-home workers who want to get their steps in while still at their desk. It’s not for runners, since it has a max speed of 3.8mph, but the 35-inch belt is perfect for taking strides at your desk. It’s a super affordable option for an under-desk treadmill and is the perfect size to fit under standing desks, and is easy to move around for storage, since it’s on wheels. For less than $150, it’s everything you could want from a walking treadmill to boost your activity scores. — Sam Hopes

Best value massager: Hyperice Venom Go

The Hyperice Venom Go is the perfect way to get targeted sports recovery and relief from everyday aches and pains. It uses reusable sticky pads that gel to the skin and conduct heat and vibrations from the massage pod. The combination of heat and vibrations soothes muscle tension but drawing blood flow to the area, and the compact size of the Venom Go means you can take it with you anywhere. The Hyperice app is also a great way to visualize your recovery routine with the device, so you can see exactly what works for you. — Sam Hopes

Best value fitness earbuds: Soundcore AeroClip

The Soundcore Aeroclips are the perfect open-earbuds for getting active and staying aware of your surroundings. They’re incredibly comfortable with awesome sound quality, and you can even customize the sound with the Soundcore app. You get 32 hours of listening time with the charging case and eight hours of playback in the buds. The design is super sleek, and they don’t budge even during the most high-intensity workouts. They also have a waterproof rating of IPX4, meaning they are protected from water splashes in all directions, making them perfect for working out in the rain too. — Sam Hopes

Best value running shoe: Puma Velocity Nitro 4

Finding value in the running shoe market often means buying older models in sales, but the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is an excellent new shoe that undercuts most of its competitors on price while also outperforming them. It has enough cushioning to deliver a comfortable ride during your easy daily training runs, but the lively foam in its midsole provides enough bounce for faster workouts as well. Add in a comfortable upper and a durable outsole that grips better than most shoes in slick conditions and the Velocity Nitro 4 is a terrific all-round option at a good price. — Nick Harris-Fry

Best value cross trainer: Nike Metcon 10s

The Nike Metcon lineup has sat pretty stagnant in the cross training shoe world, with the 8s and 9s considered overly stiff and lacking versatility compared with competitors. However, the Metcon 10 has changed everything. The 10s tick boxes for stability, grip, lockdown and mobility, and are the comfiest pair from Nike we’ve tested yet, finally answering calls for true versatility.

The over-pronounced rubber wrap rope guard has been pared back, and the shoe has been made more pliable and flexible around the forefoot with a wider toe box and a stable but minimized Hyperlift plate for lifting. Dual-density ReactX midsole cushioning makes the shoe feel bouncier and suited to short runs. We think that, given the brand (and range), it offers true value for the money. — Sam Hopes

Wearables

Best value smartwatch: Apple Watch SE 3

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better smartwatch bargain than the latest entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 for $249. Not only is it Apple’s easiest-wearing smartwatch, but it also has nearly all the same features as its much pricier siblings. These include an always-on display, on-device Siri, FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, a daily sleep score with detailed sleep reports, tons of workout tracking modes, and support for all the same gesture controls, including the latest wrist flick gesture for dismissing notifications. — Dan Bracaglia

Best value fitness tracker: Amazfit Active 2

The Amazfit Active 2 is hands down my favorite fitness tracker under $100. First and foremost, it plays nicely with both Androids and iPhones. It also features wellness and fitness tracking tools/tech normally reserved for much pricier smartwatches. These include an onboard SpO2 sensor, body temperature sensor, and GPS. Comfortable and attractively designed with a faux tachymeter bezel, the Active also features a bright and easy-to-read AMOLED screen. And even though it is somewhat limited when it comes to smart features, you do get NFC for mobile payments, decent offline navigational tools, and an onboard AI voice assistant. The Active 2 additionally supports over 160 sports tracking modes. That’s a lot of smartwatch for under a Benjamin! — Dan Bracaglia

Best value smart ring: Ringconn Gen 2 Air

The Ringconn Gen 2 Air is my favorite wallet-friendly smart ring, priced at $199 and completely subscription-free. Reasonably comfortable, with a battery that’s good for over a week — that’s better than the Oura Ring 4 — the Gen 2 Air offers comprehensive sleep-tracking insights and 24/7 vitals monitoring. While the latest Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring provide an even greater level of overall holistic insights — including more fitness and recovery tools, as well as women’s health features — those from the Ringconn Gen 2 Air are accurate and easy to digest, making the device a perfect option for first-time smart ring buyers. — Dan Bracaglia

Best value fitness band: Amazfit Helio Strap

This subscription-free alternative to the screen-less Whoop fitness tracker costs just $99. Just as comfortable with similar battery life to the pricier competition (up to 12 days for the Helio Strap), it churns out loads of sleep insights and fitness tracking metrics. And even though the automatic workout detection is a little less reliable than we’d like, this is still a seriously powerful yet discreet way to keep tabs on your well-being and/or fitness journey without breaking the bank. — Dan Bracaglia

Drones

Best value drone: Potensic Atom 2

DJI isn’t the be-all end-all among the best drones, of course, and the Potensic Atom 2 makes a compelling case for not just a great value dront, but also as a competent, powerful quadcopter. It’s cheaper than the aforementioned Flip but it still captures detailed 48MP stills and 4K/30fps video. This bang-for-your buck drone features an AI night mode which works well in dimly lit environments, and AI subject tracking that powers fun intelligent flight modes, such as Parallel and Spotlight. — Nikita Achanta

Wi-Fi routers

Best value router: TP-Link Archer GE650

Gaming-centric Wi-Fi routers usually come with a serious price premium, but TP-Link clearly didn’t get the memo with this monster of a Wi-Fi 7 option. While the list price is $350, it’s almost always available for $250, and for that you’re getting a fully-featured router. I’m talking multi-gig speeds, impressive signal range, top notch customization and easy-to-use security via the app, while also giving you game port forwarding to prioritize data to maximizing your online multiplayer bandwidth. — Anthony Spadafora

Best value mesh router: Netgear Orbi 370

Turns out one of the cheaper mesh Wi-Fi systems you can get is also one of the better options to buy in terms of pure performance and power efficiency. If you need to spread your signal out around the house, this $350 three-pack is capable of covering 6,000 square feet with Wi-Fi 7 signal. That ensures gigabit speeds at close range, and a huge range of coverage wherever you are. For something with similar specs, you could be expecting to pay at least twice the price, so this is real value for your money among the best mesh Wi-Fi systems. - Jason England

Smart Home

Best value smart speaker: Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon's 5th-generation Echo Dot is a bit long in the tooth — it was released in 2022 — but, thanks to the upgrades Amazon made with Alexa+, this smart speaker continues to deliver exceptional value three years later. In addition to its low price, it also acts as an Eero Wi-Fi satellite, and a built-in temperature sensor allows you to integrate it into your smart home routines. Yes, you'll get better sound out of more expensive speakers, but the Echo Dot is great for those times when you just want something playing in the background. — Mike Prospero

Best value smart plug: TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini

Our best value smart plug is also our favorite model overall. Why? Because it delivers exceptional value for the price. It's small and well-designed and works with every major smart home platform, thanks to its integration with Matter. We connected it just as easily to Alexa as we did Apple Home. Plus, the Tapo app makes it simple to schedule; it has a vacation mode; and can even turn on and off automatically at sunrise and sunset, so it can adjust with the seasons. — Mike Prospero

Best value security camera: Wyze Cam v4

Wyze has long made some of the best home security cameras for less, and the Wyze Cam V4 is a prime example. In our testing, this camera delivered great looking video both indoors and out with its 2.5 QHD resolution, and costs less than $40. But what also makes this camera a great value is that you can save video locally, so you don't necessarily need to sign up for a subscription to use it — unlike many other security cameras. — Mike Prospero

Best value smart lock: Yale Approach

The Yale Approach has most of the features you'll need in one of the best smart locks, all for less than $100. This smart lock takes its cues from the August Smart Lock, which means we found it easy to install. We also like the fact that it works with Alexa and Google Home (our one nitpick: no Apple Home support). As this is a retrofit lock, you'll only be replacing the inside portion of your deadbolt, so it's not apparent to visitors from the outside that you have a smart lock. You can also get this lock with or without a fingerprint reader, and if you want to unlock it using a keypad, you'll have to purchase that separately. — Mike Prospero

Home appliances

Best value Keurig: Keurig K-Mini Mate

Cute, compact and reasonably priced, if you’re looking for a Keurig coffee maker, the K-Mini Mate is a savvy choice. Even at full price, it’s very affordable, but it can also be found on sale frequently. This machine delivers everything you need from a pod coffee maker: one-touch speedy brewing, a hot cup of Joe, and it also comes in a range of fun colors. It’s the ideal first coffee maker for students or those living in smaller apartments. — Millie Fender

Best value blender: Ninja Blast Max Blender

Looking for a high-quality sub-$100 blender? The Ninja Blast Max ticks a lot of boxes. In our review, we used it to blend everything from pancake batter to frozen berries, and it outperformed every other cordless blender we’ve used. It also did an excellent job of crushing ice, while its portable rechargeable base and removable drinking cup makes it ideal for taking to the gym, on trips, or even to the office. — Millie Fender

Best value air fryer: Philips 2000 Series Air Fryer

You’ll struggle to find many good air fryers for under $80, but if you’re on a budget, the brand you should try is Philips. It impresses us time and time again with its high-quality designs and premium performance, while often costing much less than alternatives from Ninja and Instant. The 2000 Series was new this year, costs under $100, and even features a fancy window which allows you to watch your food as it cooks. For the price, it doesn’t get much better. — Millie Fender

Best value espresso machine: Casabrews 3700 Essential

In the world of espresso machines, it doesn’t get much cheaper than the Casabrews 3700 Essential. But with its steel-colored exterior, single and double shot buttons, and surprisingly capable steam wand, it can more than hold its own against machines two or three times the price. Reviewer Erin said it best: “if you want an espresso machine for as little money as possible, the Casabrews 3700 Essential really is the best option.” — Millie Fender

Best value ice cream maker: Cuisinart FastFreeze

The FastFreeze is a Ninja Creami contender that more than holds its own. It’s compact, (comparatively) quiet, and capable of churning some seriously tasty ice cream from scratch. We were seriously wowed by just how affordable this machine is, awarding it a rare five stars in our FastFreeze review. If you want to get in on the homemade ice cream trend on a budget, it’s a no-fuss option that delivers every time. — Millie Fender

Robot vacuums

Best value robot vacuum: TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus

For those not looking to splurge on a robot mop hybrid, the Tapo RV30 is a great budget-friendly pick. We were impressed by its overall performance, particularly on hard floors, where it quickly handled larger debris such as cereal and kitty litter. It also mops away light stains and dirt in no time, despite not having water tanks. It may not have all the fancy mod-cons or features, but the Tapo RV30 is one of the best, cheapest robot vacuums that will get the job done well. — Cynthia Lawrence

Best value robot vacuum/mop: SwitchBot K11 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Despite its small stature and value price, this robot vacuum and mop hybrid did a great job at cleaning. In our tests, it impressed us with its pet hair suction and managed to pick up every last bit of debris, both on hardwood and carpet. Its only downfall was its mop deep cleaning and inconsistent mapping. However, it excels in light cleaning, and its miniature size makes it perfect for smaller homes. — Cynthia Lawrence

Best value stick vacuum: Dreame R10 Pro Cordless Vacuum

If you don’t have the budget for a Dyson but are still after exceptional power, the Dreame R10 Pro cordless is a somewhat surprising contender. Its design may look basic, but it's incredibly lightweight, easy to use, and can suck up just about anything off hardwood and carpets. Despite not having a display to see your settings, we liked its bright, LED floor lights to easily see under the sofa, and the bendable crevice gets into hard-to-reach places. Plus, it has a long-lasting battery at just over an hour. Priced under $250, this makes it a worthwhile investment. — Cynthia Lawrence

Home office

Best value standing desk: Uplift V3

The Uplift V3 is a highly refined standing desk that builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor. To make things easier, Uplift Desk has simplified the assembly process while also adding a new, wider cable management tray. Not only is one included with every desk but it’s now flexible and highly adjustable, which allows it to easily accommodate a large powerstrip and several bulky power adapters too. If you’re after a solid and extremely stable standing desk you’ll be able to use for years to come and adapt to the task at hand, the Uplift V3 is an excellent investment for your workspace and your productivity. — Anthony Spadafora

Best value office chair: Branch Aire Chair

The Branch Aire Chair has a premium look and feel to it despite its mid-range price. This all-mesh office chair is easy to assemble, comes with an optional headrest included and you get great support from its adaptive tilt and zoned mesh. The Branch Aire Chair also features a weight-activated mechanism you rarely find at this price that allows the chair to adapt to your body’s movements throughout the day. While you aren’t getting dedicated lumbar support and its recline is somewhat limited, this is a fantastic and sleek-looking chair that will keep you cool while working without breaking the bank. — Anthony Spadafora

Sleep/Mattress

Best value mattress: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress

The DreamCloud is the second highest-scoring mattress we’ve tested, beating many luxury rivals. That’s impressive considering you can buy a queen DreamCloud Classic Hybrid for under $700 – that’s $1,100 cheaper than our best mattress of the year, the Saatva Classic. The DreamCloud delivers excellent comfort and support for a range of body types and sleeping positions, except for heavier weight stomach sleepers (see the Siena Signature below). It’s also breathable and safe for hot sleepers. If you want a luxury hotel mattress but have a smaller budget, the DreamCloud is an excellent mid-range alternative. No mattress delivers more bang for your buck for most sleepers than this one. — Claire Davies

Best value sleep tracker: Withings Sleep Analyzer

Instead of constantly wearing a smart ring or watch, this pad from Withings simply slips underneath your mattress to track your sleep, before sending the data directly to your phone. And after reviewing the Withings Sleep Analyzer, we think it’s certainly one of the best sleep trackers of the year. Priced at $199 at Withings, we compared its data with the more expensive Oura Ring 4 (a smart ring that retails at $349) and found it was consistently accurate (aside from a few times it thought lounging in bed was a daytime nap). For a sleep tracker that can accurately identify sleep apnea, we think this device is an excellent value. — Lauren Jeffries

Best value sunrise alarm clock: DreamEgg Sunrise Alarm Clock

The DreamEgg is a high-quality smart alarm, complete with great sunrise simulation and sleep sounds, that’s over $100 cheaper than the premium alarm clocks offered by tech brands such as Hatch and Lumie. In our DreamEgg review, we loved how the smart alarm is fully functional without a phone or app, with the essential buttons located on top of the clock. Plus it’s free of any pesky subscriptions, and the neutral color scheme looks chic and modern on your nightstand. — Eve Davies

Best value pillow: Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

It’s unlikely that you can ever go wrong with the Coop Original Adjustable pillow. With a memory foam and microfiber fill mimicking natural down-like comfort and support and a fully adjustable build, it’s suitable for all sleeping positions and body types. It also comes with a super breathable cover made of Lulltra fabric (a blend of bamboo viscose rayon and polyester) which can work well for most hot sleepers too (or you can go for their Cool+ variant). At $85 for a standard size including a 100-night trial, 5-year warranty and free shipping, this is simply the best pillow you can get your hands on right now. — Becky George

Christmas came early for Amazon Prime members. Amazon announced this week it's expanding its same-day grocery delivery service to more than 2,300 cities. Initially, same-day grocery delivery was limited to about 1,000 cities, including all the usual hubs like Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and New York City. Now more Prime members than ever can get fresh produce and other kitchen staples delivered to their doorstep.

“This expanded offering is supported by continued innovation within Amazon’s Same-Day Delivery network designed to deliver more selection, faster—innovation that puts us on track to deliver at our fastest speeds ever for Prime members globally for the third year in a row,” per Amazon's news release.

Since launching the service in August, the retail giant says its perishable selection has grown by more than 30 percent, including thousands of fresh favorites from Whole Foods Market. Fresh groceries now make up nine of the 10 most-ordered items for same-day delivery in eligible areas, according to the news release. For those wondering, toilet paper was the 10th item, which is not surprising for anyone who remembers the rampant hoarding of early pandemic days. The company's best-selling item for same-day delivery overall has been bananas, with avocados, strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, and limes not far behind.

Amazon also broke down the most popular perishable groceries ordered with same-day delivery by region, and y'all, we are not beating the stereotypes. Cold brew coffee, chicken thighs, and probiotic drinks are among the most-ordered items in the West, while shoppers in the East most often choose raw shrimp, broccoli florets, and chocolate chip muffins. In the South, Prime members are most often adding Atlantic salmon, chicken pot pie, and lemonade to their carts, while us Midwesterners are apparently ordering tons of wheat bread, smoked bacon, and pepperoni pizza — not even deep-dish!

Does my city have Amazon's same-day grocery delivery?

If you're wondering if same-day grocery delivery is offered in your city, head on over to the Amazon website at amazon.com/fmc/learn-more to find out! Alternatively, you can log into the Amazon website or mobile app, add some grocery items to your cart, and see what delivery options are available at checkout.

Amazon didn't outline the full list of cities where same-day grocery delivery is now available, but some of the newly added markets it did confirm include:

• Boise, Idaho
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Sugar Land, Texas
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Kennesaw, Georgia
• Gaithersburg, Maryland

How much does Amazon's same-day grocery delivery cost?

Amazon Prime members can get same-day delivery for free on orders of more than $25, as outlined in Amazon's news release. For orders that fall under that threshold, you'll have to pay a $2.99 delivery fee. Meanwhile, if you aren't an Amazon Prime member, same-day delivery will set you back $12.99 regardless of the total cost.

More from Tom's Guide

• Amazon is taking up to 71% off New Balance running shoes and sneakers — 15 deals I'd shop now
• I used the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio to create an Alexa Home Theater — here's how it sounds
• The best Kindles in 2025: Our top picks tested and rated

Ho ho ho, it's Christmas time! Well almost. There are only 13 days to go until Santa sets off to deliver gifts, and while the jolly fellow will get you everything you wished for, you may be having some gift-giving troubles of your own.

Fret not — you can refer to us here at Tom's Guide as "Santa's little helpers", as we've compiled some of the best Christmas gift ideas in 2025. Whether you're shopping for the tech-savvy relos or looking for something extra for the kids, we've got you covered.

Right now, there's a healthy abundance of deals available, with plenty of the best tech, home appliances, lifestyle gifts and more, at some of our favourite retailers. Plus, these deals come with free or expedited delivery within seven business days, so you'll have plenty of time to get each gift wrapped and under the tree before the big day.

Spoiling your loved ones this holiday season shouldn't burn a hole in your wallet, so we've categorised the deals below into different price points. Ranging from stocking stuffers under AU$25 to gifts in the higher AU$300 mark, there's something for everyone on your nice list here.

If these gift ideas don't quite tickle your fancy, you can always use them as a sounding board or prepare your own shopping list for the impending Boxing Day sales.

Christmas gift ideas 2025: Retailer quicklinks

• ASOS: shop clothing, accessories, shoes
• Amazon: shop everything from electronics, appliances and more
• Breville: score 10% off with our exclusive coupon codes
• Bose: knock 10% off Bose's audio gear with our exclusive coupon code
• Disney Plus: save up to AU$63 on a premium annual subscription just in time for Christmas
• Dell: shop our coupon page for up to 13% select Dell laptops and computers
• Dyson: shop and save on selected vacuums, hair tools and purifiers
• Gourmet Basket: luxury wine and cheese hampers, tea and coffee baskets and more
• HP: get 5% off all purchases with our exclusive FUTURE5 code
• JBL: score up to 20% off full-priced items using our coupon codes
• KitchenAid: save up to 30% on select KitchenAid appliances
• Kogan: save up to 70% off everything from televisions to furniture
• Lovehoney: shop gifts for either her or him with up to 70% off Lovehoney's range
• Myer: shop the best tech, fashion, accessories and appliances gifts
• Secretlab: nab a discounted gaming chair or desk
• The Good Guys: coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, wearables and home appliances
• The Iconic: shop clothing, sleepwear, shoes and accessories

Stocking Stuffers Under AU$25

Gifts Under AU$50

Gifts Under AU$100

Gifts Under AU$300

The Black Friday deals are here, meaning you can save big on great tech. This deal right here has to be one of my favorites so far. Right now, the tiny (but mighty) Iniu Mini Power Bank is 32% off at Amazon for Black Friday. At $26, this is the cheapest it's ever been.

This mini pocket rocket takes one of the top spots on our best power banks guide, and for good reason. I've been using this little charger for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. So it's well worth snapping up this deal.

Tiny but mighty

As I mentioned above, I love this little power bank. I got hold of mine a couple of months back and, initially, I just left it on my desk. I didn't need a 10,000mAh power bank, as I already had a 20,000mAh one in my bag that can charge laptops, tablets and phones.

My big power bank is just that, though: big! A few weeks after getting the Iniu, I was set to go on a motorcycle trip where space is at a premium. I needed a power bank that would fit seamlessly into one my of bike jacket's very small pockets. And suddenly, the Iniu came into its own! It fit perfectly.

On the trip, the Iniu was so tiny that I could fit it into another pocket alongside my GoPro MAX2 to charge while I was riding. Now that winter has hit, I've purchased a heated vest to go under my riding jacket, which can be powered via USB-C. No need to guess what I'll be using to do that!

I also use the Iniu regularly for charging my iPhone 17 Pro, which it does pretty quickly thanks to 45W PD charging. 10 minutes gets me about 20%, so on an average motorcycle pit stop I can easily put back 50-60% battery.

You don't need to worry about carrying a USB-C cable with you, either. The Iniu's carry strap is its USB-C cable. It locks into place when clipped into the wrist strap holder, making for a secure strap, but when removed is a braided cable that's short enough to not get in the way.

You also get three outputs (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A) and a bright digital readout that tells you how much battery capacity remains. All in all, I can't recommend this little charger enough. I'd happily buy it at full price, so with this deal, it's a no-brainer!

For more killer deals on tech, check out our Black Friday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, Under Armour and more
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia and more
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $249
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + 66% off bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster laptop deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Nike: apparel/sneakers from $7
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

While the Sleigh Bells will be ringing soon, there’s the small matter of Black Friday in between. It’s always a challenge (the fun kind) to stay on top of the year’s best tech, but that’s exactly what we do at Tom’s Guide - and 2025 has been packed with fun new tech gifts to buy!

From handheld PC/console hybrids, to sleek keyboards and shimmering smart lights, a lot of tech blew us away this year. And because of that, they are some incredible picks for present ideas for loved ones - or for yourself. Go on, you’ve earned it.

Our Favorite Tech Gifts

If there's one essential upgrade every Meta Quest owner needs, it's a way to extend the VR headsets' battery life. Sure, the Quest 3 and Quest 3S may be among the best VR headsets around, but getting two hours before they go kaput simply isn't enough to make the most out of them.

Enter Kiwi Design. One of the leading brands behind all things Meta Quest accessories, the company has already impressed with tis H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap and K4 Duo Strap for upgraded audio. Now, there's another handy accessory in its arsenal: the Kiwi Design P5000 Compact Power Bank.

Wait, just a power bank? Surely there are enough of those going around that can give any VR headset a boost. That was my initial thought, but not only is the P5000 designed to be a valuable backup battery for virtually all VR headsets, it also comes bundled as a set of two.

That means this power bank bundle offers up two 5,000mAh capacity batteries that can be attached to a Meta Quest 3/3S, which I've used to get an additional three hours of playtime out of my headset. They're light, easily swappable and can be attached anywhere thanks to the secure bracket that uses a secure velcro strap.

Since using the P5000 Power Banks, they've already offered a simple yet effective system of comfortably charging my Meta Quest 3 without being tethered to a cable. But this versatility doesn't stop at VR, as these battery boosters also serve a multi-purpose use for any USB-C device that requires extra juice.

From attaching it to my Alpaka backpack to act as an impromptu charger while on the go to acting as a backup to power up my iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, I now use the P5000 Compact Power Banks for everything. There are some of the best power banks you can get for your Meta Quest headset, but also for so much more.

Double the battery power

With just 5,000mAh battery capacity between the two P5000s, these are far from the most you can get from a power bank today. I mean, our current favorite, the CUKTECH 30 Power Bank, offers a whopping 40,000mAh to power your devices many times over.

But this smaller capacity is intended by Kiwi Design. Weighing just 0.2lbs/105g each, they barely add any weight when I attached one to my Meta Quest 3, and that also makes them extremely portable to carry around and strap onto other devices.

And of course, having two power banks handy will always be better than one, and the P5000s are easily swappable when I'm in dire need of extra battery life. After using up one power bank to get an additional 1.5 hours out of the VR headset, all I needed to do was pop it out and fit in the other that's fully charged.

In fact, despite already delivering a total of five hours of battery to the Quest 3, I could prolong this by charging the substitute P5000 once it was used up. That's thanks to the included 20W magnetic charging docks, which take around an hour and a half to charge the batteries from 0% to 100%. It's like an infinite loop of charging.

I'm also a fan of the bracket with a hook-and-loop velcro strap, which meant I could place it anywhere on my Meta Quest 3's head strap. I placed it on the top, but it can be strapped onto the side or back, too. What's more, when attached, the P5000 stays securely fastened, as a clasp mechanism keeps it locked in place, with the orange button on top making it easy to release it. For the amount of moving around done in VR, especially when playing the best Meta Quest games, that's hugely welcome.

While head straps with built-in batteries like Kiwi Design's H4 Boost offer longer battery life in a single session (without the need to change batteries), I got more use out of the P5000 Compact Power Banks in the real world.

Extra portable power

Power banks are made for portability, and that's exactly what the P5000s achieve. They're named "Compact" for a reason, with each fitting the size of my hand. I've slipped them into the pockets of my backpack without them taking up much space at all.

No, I don't take them along with me to charge my Quest 3 (that generally stays at home). Since they come with USB-C slots, I can plug these power banks into nearly any of my devices. I've used it to charge my Apple Watch 10, power up my AirPods 4, and even give my Even Realities G1 smart glasses case extra juice. I was also able to charge multiple devices at once using the Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Charger.

The bracket delivers even more charging opportunities. Since it can be attached to anything the strap can wrap around, I put it on my backpack strap to act as an easy-to-access charger while on the move. But there are better places to put it, like on selfie sticks or tripods to charge your smartphone, Bluetooth speakers when pumping out tunes outdoors and even action cameras.

Is the Kiwi Design P5000 Compact Power Bank worth it?

Kiwi Design may have made a reliable power bank system for VR headsets, but it took the P5000 Compact Power Bank's design further by making it for way more than just charging a Meta Quest 3.

Providing two 5,000mAh power banks is already a win, but being able to easily use them for most charging scenarios is a huge perk to have. And, once one loses juice, another will be standing by fully charged to take advantage of.

It's a great way to charge a Meta Quest headset, although its $89 price tag can seem a little steep considering the usual $79 cost of the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Battery Strap (currently down to $63 at Amazon). That said, that can't be used for other devices, and again, there's two power banks to make use of. I do wish the charging speeds were faster, but that doesn't take away from what these power banks offer.

If you're in need of versatile backup batteries for your VR headset and other devices, Kiwi Design's P5000 Compact Power Banks will do the trick.

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched my laptop charger for this power bank with 140W charging speed — and it's down to its all-time lowest price
• I turned my living room into an arcade with the G’AIM’E light guns and lost a whole night to Time Crisis
• I just tested Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 with my Meta Quest 3, and it’s shockingly good for a free feature

I’ve rounded up the best tech gifts you can buy this year. My team and I spend all year testing top tech products, from smart home gadgets and gaming gear to audio equipment and connected fitness devices, so hopefully I can make your gift shopping a lot easier.

The great thing about the tech gifts and gadgets on my list is that there’s truly something for everyone. Shopping for an avid gamer? I’ve got the hottest consoles and game titles. Need a gift for someone always on the go? I’ll show you my favorite travel and mobile accessories. How about the home chef or fitness enthusiast? I’ve got foolproof recommendations for them, too.

I’ve put together the ultimate selection of tech gifts and, to make things simple, I’ve separated them by category and included options for every budget.

Mobile and Tech Accessories

Smart Home

Audio and Home Entertainment

Gaming

Lifestyle

Fitness

Kitchen Gadgets

Stocking stuffers may be considered the underdogs of holiday gifting — but if you choose the right items, they could end up stealing the show. That’s certainly the case for the best stocking stuffers you can find this holiday season. There’s something small-but-mighty for every person on your list (and for your budget.)

To make things simpler, we've rounded up our favorite stocking stuffers that are sure make a big impression. From tech gadgets and home accessories to exciting games and delectable treats, these tiny treasures prove that the best gifts really do come in small packages.

Editor's Choice

Tech

Home

Fitness

Food

Toys and Games

US competition can be found here
UK competition can be found here


The prize draw is organised and run by Future Publishing Ltd of Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA, United Kingdom.

No purchase is required to enter.

The prize draw opens at 00:01 GMT on 04/11/25 and closes at 23:59 GMT on 02/12/25. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.

This draw is open to entrants who are over the age of 18 and who are residents in the UK or the US (excluding those in Rhode Island, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, or any other U.S. territory where prohibited or restricted by law).

Employees of Future Plc and its group of companies ("Future") may not enter.

To enter, participants must sign up for membership. Upon registration, entrants will gain access to the competition. Each entrant will have one opportunity to click on a virtual device. If the device powers on, the entrant wins an instant prize. If it does not, they have not won. Only one attempt is permitted per person.

There will be a total of 23 winners in the UK and 23 winners in the US. The prizes are as follows:

UK Prizes:
Tier 1 – £100.00 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
Tier 2 – £50.00 Amazon Gift Card (4 winners)
Tier 3 – £25.00 Amazon Gift Card (8 winners)
Tier 4 – £10.00 Amazon Gift Card (10 winners)
Total UK value: £600.00

US Prizes:
Tier 1 – $100.00 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner)
Tier 2 – $50.00 Amazon Gift Card (4 winners)
Tier 3 – $25.00 Amazon Gift Card (8 winners)
Tier 4 – $10.00 Amazon Gift Card (10 winners)
Total US value: $600.00 (approx. £450.00)

Total prize value: £1,050.00

Winners will be instantly notified if they have won. Future will send a confirmatory email within 3 days, which will contain redemption arrangements for any digital prizes. Winners must claim their prize within 7 days of being notified. If a prize is not claimed within this period, the organiser reserves the right to withdraw the prize and select an alternative winner or redistribute it as appropriate.

Future reserves the right to substitute any prize with an alternative of equivalent value.

The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable, with no cash alternative available.

Any person winning $600 or more in prizes within a calendar year will receive an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099 after the year's end, and a copy will be filed with the IRS. Prize values may be taxable as income, and each winner is solely responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Future accepts no responsibility for entries not completed due to a technical fault (technical malfunction, computer hardware or software failure, satellite, network or server failure) of any kind OR if, for any reason, a technical interruption, fault, or site failure occurs when participating.

By participating in this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions, the competition rules at www.futureplc.com/competition-rules/, and the collection of personal data in accordance with Future’s privacy policy at https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/.

You can never go wrong with trusty Staples, and if you're currently looking for a new printer or AI-powered PC, then you definitely can't go wrong with them! For a limited time, get up to 35% off HP printers and up to 40% off AI-powered PCs exclusively at Staples.

Staples is currently hosting what it's calling the HP Tech Event, which, in your language, means unmissable savings on HP goodies. Tap into big savings on frustration-free printers and AI-powered PCs to bring your work or play to the next level.

With Black Friday around the corner, Staples has decided to start the celebrations early, and there are some unmissable deals on offer. But you need to be quick - these discounts are out of print soon, and you only have until 11/01 to get what you need.

Quick Links

When you're on the hunt for the best key finders, don't overlook Chipolo, especially if you've got an Android phone. Chipolo's trackers like the Chipolo Pop that I use can connect to Google's Find Hub, so that other nearby Android phones can help find any tagged item you've lost.

The Chipolo Pop offers more than just added coverage for Android users. This tracker works with Apple's Find My feature, too, so it's just as valuable to iPhone owners. Other appealing features include helpful out-of-range alerts, a loud alarm and some eye-catching colors that will make your key finder stand out.

My Chipolo Pop review takes a closer look at why this Bluetooth tracking devices belongs on the end of your keychain.

Chipolo Pop review: Price and availability

The Chipolo Pop costs $29, which is a few dollars more than the Tile Mate, our top pick among key finders, but $6 cheaper than the more fully featured Tile Pro.

Apple also charges $29 for its AirTag key finder, though that device only works with iPhones. The Chipolo Pop is compatible with both the iPhone and Android devices.

The AirTag and Tile Pro feature just one color option, while Chipolo recognizes that variety is the spice of life. You can pick between six different colors — blue, yellow, red, green, white and black — and you can buy Chipolo Pops in packs of four and six at a slight discount.

Chipolo Pop review: Design and features

Chipolo has long been in the tracking fob business, comparing well to trackers from Tile, Apple and Samsung. The Pop continues that tradition.

It's a circular fob, 1.53 inches in diameter and roughly a quarter-inch thick. That makes it a little bit larger than the 1.26-inch AirTag, though Apple's tracker is marginally thicker than the Chipolo Pop.

The bottom line is that the Chipolo Pop doesn't add unnecessary bulk to your key chain. I also appreciate that it comes with a keyring hole, which made it easy to attach to my keys.

For the most part, the Pop acts much like any other key finder. If you lost it, or you need to make sure it is where you think it is, you simply head into your finder app and hunt it down — and force it to play a sound if you still don't know where it is.

Chipolo offers its own app (Android, iOS), and you can also connect to Google's Find Hub or Apple's Find My, though not at the same time. Nevertheless, from your phone, you're able to tap a button to make the Chipolo Pop sound an alarm to help you find your lost item.

And take it from me — you're definitely going to hear that alarm. Chipolo says it's rated at 120 decibels, making it among the loudest key finders we've tested. I certainly have no problem hearing the alert over any background noise.

The Chipolo Pop runs on the same CR2032 coin battery as the AirTag, which is supposed to last around a year before it needs replacing. And, like Apple, it alerts you when you leave it behind — a feature Tile prefers to charge you for.

Chipolo Pop review: Peformance

The Chipolo Pop lacks something you'll find on trackers like the AirTag and Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag 2 — Ultra Wideband support. That feature offers more precise location tracking, so if that's a must-have for you, you'll want to consider alternatives to the Chipolo Pop.

Instead, the Pop uses its Bluetooth connection and loud alarm to help you find lost items. Chipolo says range is around 300 feet, though in my test, 35 feet was a more common range. That difference between promised and actual range is not uncommon for key trackers, incidentally — the Tile Mate lists a range of 350 feet that was closer to 65 feet in our testing. Still, the Chipolo Pop's performance was on the shorter end of devices we've tested.

I do think the alerts the Chipolo Pop sends to your phone when you go out of range are helpful, and if you double-press the Pop, you can sound an alarm on your phone for nifty two-way find capabilities. The Chipolo Pop can also double as a remote shutter button for your phone's camera, too, though only via the Chipolo app and not the phone's main camera app.

Chipolo Pop review: Verdict

There are a lot of options if you're looking for some kind of tracker for your stuff. They all have their respective pros and cons, like special features or the ability to loop into Google and Apple's own tracking networks.

Naturally as someone who primarily uses Android phones, an AirTag has limited value for me. Having an Android friendly option is considerably more convenient, especially if it means not keeping it hidden in my suitcase 90% of the time.

The Chipolo Pop may not be the most advanced key finder out there, but it does what it needs to do, and with a few extra features rolled in to sweeten the deal.

In the battle of AI vs humans, humans just lost another round. Amazon has announced that it's laying off a whopping 14,000 corporate workers as it accelerates its AI push.

And that's just one of the biggest tech headlines we're following today here at Tom's Guide.

We may have just gotten our first look at the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold, which has already been tipped to launch this year. Meanwhile, OpenAI is being attacked on multiple fronts from both Anthropic and Google Gemini. And we're tracking the best early Black Friday tech deals, including 50% off sales at Amazon and Walmart.

Here's the biggest tech news you need to know right now, with updates all day as new stories break.

Today's tech news — Live updates as they happen

Samsung Tri-fold leaks in full

Samsung hasn't done the best job keeping its tri-fold smartphone under wraps. It seems like once a week, something significant comes out, telling us more about the device. It's almost like the company could be drip-feeding information to build anticipation. Or it just has a leaker putting information out to the world.

The latest leak provides a full first look at the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold. Noted leaker Ice Universe shared the latest images, which show off Samsung's worst-kept secret: the full-triple-screen display and the folded version of the phone.

And it's not just one leak. Korean news outlet Dailian also published what appear to be images of the same large-screen device, while Android Authority found a video of the same display that has a watermark from an unknown Weibo account. Three leaks in one day for the same device is quite impressive and might be the most I've ever seen — and it's still early in the morning in the U.S.

In the video, we can see the device unfold from the middle panel and fold back in on itself. It's a design I wasn't quite expecting, but it's interesting nevertheless.

We'll have to wait for Samsung to officially announce the device to know for sure if what we're seeing here is real, but for the time being, it all looks legitimate enough, especially with reliable sources like IceUniverse and Android Authority providing the leaks.

Read More

Could OpenAI lose the AI race?

As unlikely as it seems, OpenAI appears to be losing the AI race to Anthropic, as the underdog appears to be on the rise. Anthropic and its Claude chatbot may keep a lower profile than OpenAI's ChatGPT, but don't let that fool you — it's a serious contender in the space.

Instead of image generation and videos, Anthropic focuses on like vibe coding (writing code with AI prompts), logical reasoning, and helping to perfect academic writing. They're very different use cases, but it seems to be helping Anthropic move ahead in some big ways.

What really separates the two companies is where their income comes from — OpenAI gets as much as 70% of its revenue from consumers. Anthropic, on the other hand, has stated that roughly 80% of its revenue comes from corporate partners. Those are very different business models.

And with those business models, Anthropic has a run rate of $7 billion, compared to OpenAI’s $9 billion by the end of this year. Even though Anthropic is smaller, it's making massive profits with its business partnerships.

Because OpenAI relies on a more fickle public, it needs to develop new tools, features, and add-ons. Compared to Anthropic, the company consistently releases new features for ChatGPT while Claude sees a much slower rollout.

It might not be a flashy approach, or one that draws the same attention as OpenAI, but Anthropic might have the answer many companies are looking for: how do you make money in the world of AI? The answer could be business-to-business.

Read More

AI is taking jobs at Amazon

Amazon is set to make 14,000 humans redundant as it "innovates much faster" thanks to AI. That's a lot of jobs lost to AI, which is a fear many people have expressed as AI becomes smarter and more useful.

These cuts are believed to be focused on Amazon's corporate roles rather than on warehouse or delivery staff, and they take hold as the company looks to streamline its operations through the power of AI.

A memo to Amazon staff from Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology at Amazon, shared the bad news.

"Some may ask why we’re reducing roles when the company is performing well," she wrote.

"What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it's enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before (in existing market segments and altogether new ones)," the memo continued.

"We’re convicted that we need to be organized more leanly, with fewer layers and more ownership, to move as quickly as possible for our customers and business."

As nice as it sounds to "remember that the world is changing," that doesn't help the 14,000 people who are or will be jobless in the near future. On the bright side, the company says it will give affected employees 90 days to find a new role, and those unable to do so will receive severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits. While this will soften the blow compared to some layoffs where no extra time is given, it's still going to put a strain the job market and cause tremendous stress for the affected individuals.

Read More

iPhone 18 — a reason to go pro

We're only a month into the iPhone 17's life, but that hasn't stopped leakers from already releasing information about the iPhone 18. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, a variable aperture camera could be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the game-changing camera feature may not be available on the iPhone 18 Pro as rumors previously suggested.

Generally, Apple keeps the differences between the Pro and Pro Max pretty subtle, focusing more on size than features (this isn't always the case, but in recent models it has been). For such a huge camera feature to be left behind would be surprising. Of course, we're almost a year away from the phones launching, so anything could change between now and then.

Variable aperture means the user can adjust the amount of light entering the camera lens, which can be a big upgrade for photographs.

Read More

New Fitbit on the way

Google has said that Fitbit is working on new hardware with a 2026 release window. Additionally, the Fitbit app is getting a massive AI overhaul, which should come as no surprise.

When Google says new Fitbit hardware is coming, does that mean an update to an existing Fitbit model, or an entirely new Fitbit form factor? Time will tell, but it's likely an update of an existing model.

The app update sounds promising, seamlessly integrating a Gemini-powered AI wellness coach into a more visually appealing platform with friendlier graphs, more intelligently organized data, and enhanced user customization.

Read More

Nvidia live news

If you can't get enough live news, we're also covering the Nvidia GTC event live. The Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will share what’s next for AI, robotics and GPUs, so exciting things are ahead.

Specifics of GTC announcements are kept pretty secret until Jensen takes the stage. But as we've learnt from the past three keynotes, it's worth paying attention to where the $4 trillion is right now — both in product development and (specifically) the location where the keynote is being held.

Follow along live

No more buttons on iPhone?!

This is a bit of news I didn't expect to see, but according to a new report from leaker Instant Digital, Apple might ditch the button on the 20th-anniversary iPhone. The company will instead use haptics to perform the same functions that buttons would.

The leak says that Apple's solid-state button design has completed functional verification. The update would replace the Side button, volume buttons, Action button, and Camera Control button with haptic feedback.

If this rumor is correct, the current design will integrate buttons directly into the device frame with zero physical movement when pressed. However, the report also says that Apple wants to make these buttons feel like real buttons, using the back panel or frame to produce audio, combined with an AI-based sound compensation algorithm.

It sounds interesting, and it could open the door to a wraparound display. It could also be annoying for those used to real buttons, depending on how well Apple makes it feel authentic.

Gemini also catching ChatGPT

Google has made significant improvements to Gemini recently. As such, the chatbot is rapidly becoming more popular. In fact, Google's Gemini domain, gemini.google.com, has more than doubled over the past year, according to new data from data aggregation company Similarweb.

In total, the Gemini webpage now makes 12.9% of total web traffic to generative AI tools. That's bumped from 6.4% in 2024.

And as good as that sounds, ChatGPT makes 74% of total chatbot web traffic, absolutely dwarfing Google and all of the other big players in the space. But doubling the views is nothing to scoff at, and it shows that at least some users are willing to migrate if they don't like ChatGPT's results.

Traffic to xAI's Grok has dropped from 3.1% to 2%. While it's a small amount, when the service was already so low in total traffic to begin with, it's almost certainly noticeable for the Musk-backed AI tool. Microsoft Copilot hasn't changed much, currently accounting for 1.2% of total generative AI traffic according to Similarweb's data..

Pro iPad apps

The iPad looks to be receiving some new apps in the near future, as a rumor has emerged suggesting that Apple plans to release four new apps targeted at pro users.

According to a report from MacRumors, four apps have "new App Store IDs," which is usually a sign that they're on the way.

Here are the apps:

• Compressor: A tool for media encoding and delivery used to customize how media is exported in Final Cut
• Motion: A motion graphics tool for creating titles, transitions, and visual effects that work with Final Cut
• MainStage: A companion app for Logic Pro used for live performances and customizable on-stage instrument and vocal setups
• Pixelmator Pro: An upgrade to the free Pixelmator iPad app with features more like the Mac version.

While the clues are there for the app names and functions, there's no rumored date for these apps to hit iPad but we'll keep an eye out for you.

Biggest story so far?

Galaxy Z Fold8 details potentially emerge

If you're looking forward to Samsung's next round of foldable phones, you have a bit of waiting left to do. But if you're starved for details, the latest leak provides specs on the screen and battery capacity, both critical to the phone's performance.

The leak (via GSM Arena) suggests that Samsung will use a new ‘laser-drilling metal plate technology’ for the Galaxy Z Fold8's hinge, which could reduce the crease, one of the things holding many back from adopting the foldable lifestyle.

The rumor claims the battery will be more than 5,000 mAh, a significant bump from the Galaxy Z Fold7's 4,400 mAh cell.

Early Monday morning, October 20, 2025, millions of users woke up to broken apps, frozen devices and websites that simply wouldn’t load as a result of an AWS outage we're tracking live. Services like Snapchat, Ring, Alexa, Fortnite and even some online banking services went dark for several hours — all because of one cloud region in Northern Virginia.

AWS says the culprit was a DNS issue inside its DynamoDB service, which caused a chain reaction that rippled across the web. In simpler terms: one of the internet’s core address books temporarily lost track of where critical servers lived. Here’s how it happened — and why the effects were so massive.

A small failure in a big place

Around 3:10 a.m. ET, engineers at AWS’s us-east-1 data center (its busiest region) started seeing errors pile up. DynamoDB, a key database service used by thousands of apps, suddenly couldn’t be reached because its DNS records weren’t resolving.

If DNS is like the contact list of the internet, then this was a case of missing every number at once. Apps couldn’t find their databases. Websites couldn’t reach their login systems. Smart home devices couldn’t even phone home.

AWS said the problem was fully mitigated by 5:24 a.m. ET, but not before millions of requests failed, backups formed and connected services began to buckle under retries.

The domino effect of a cloud collapse

Although AWS is Amazon’s own cloud computing backbone, it powers far more than Amazon itself. Companies across the world rely on its servers, storage and databases to stay online — including many services you probably use every day.

When DynamoDB went down, so did the services built on top of it. That included streaming apps, online games, and even smart devices like Alexa speakers and Ring doorbells.

And because AWS’s Northern Virginia region also handles core management tasks for the platform, the failure spread quickly. Even companies hosting data in other AWS regions still depend on us-east-1 for certain background operations. So, when it hiccups, everyone feels it.

Put simply, this wasn’t one company going down. It was part of the internet’s backbone falling out from under it.

Why DNS problems hit harder than most

DNS (Domain Name System) is what turns a readable name — like amazon.com — into a numeric address computers use to talk to each other. When it fails, the internet stops working.

Most cloud services have backups and failover plans, but DNS issues are notoriously sneaky. They can make systems look healthy on the surface while silently blocking connections underneath. So when DynamoDB’s address stopped resolving, many apps didn’t even know where to send their data.

It’s like losing GPS for every delivery truck on the road — everything stalls, even if the trucks still work.

What Amazon says now

By late morning, AWS said that “most service operations are succeeding normally” and that the DNS problem was fully resolved. Still, some companies saw lingering slowdowns and needed to manually reboot parts of their systems.

AWS confirmed that no cyberattack was involved, and early signs point to a configuration or propagation error inside the DNS layer for DynamoDB. The company is still preparing a full post-incident report.

The bottom line

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 prompts I use for every AI chatbot — and they work for just about everything
• You’re probably not using this ChatGPT feature — but it can make you way more productive
• Napster is back — and it just launched a $99 holographic AI display

When you think of the best Amazon Prime Day deals, you think of incredible 4K TVs for less than $500 and deals on iPads. You don't typically think of a $15 reading light. But trust me when I tell you that this $15 reading light is a must-have for travelers, and it's the one thing I'd recommend to just about everyone this Prime Day, especially now that it's just $10.

Yes, that's right. You can score the Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light at Amazon right now for just $10, a whopping 31% off of its $15.99 list price. I literally never travel without it, and buying it on a whim is one of the most satisfying purchases I've ever made.

Now, you might be asking yourself, what's so great about this light? Well, for starters, it's very convenient to carry around. It's basically the size of a bookmark, and at just 41 grams, you're not going to worry about it making your bag too heavy for the money-hungry airlines. And thanks to its USB-A charging port, you can plug it into a portable charging brick or many USB-A wall outlet phone chargers to recharge the light when you're not using it.

It's also versatile. Because of its clip design, you can clip it directly to your book for reading late at night or in a dark airplane cabin, but you can also stand it up on a nightstand or desk as a mini lamp. In a pinch, I've even used it as a portable flashlight.

The reason I can use it in all these ways, though, is the most important reason to get it: it's a good light. With three different light colors and five brightness levels, it's easy to find the right light for your needs. Did I mention that you only need to spend $10 to buy it?

So seriously, if you're someone who travels at all or loves to read late at night, the Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light is a must-have. It's my favorite deal I've seen this Prime Day, so get it now for just $10 before it's gone.

For more great discounts, be sure to check out our Amazon Prime Day deals live blog right now.

Today's best Prime Day deals

• Shop all Amazon deals
• Amazon devices: from $17
• Skechers: apparel/sneakers from $27
• YETI sale: deals from $10
• TV sale: from $69
• Crocs: footwear from $20
• Roku: devices from $24/TVs from $139
• Adidas: deals from $9
• Lego sale: deals from $8
• Columbia: deals from $15
• Blink: deals from $19
• Sony headphones: from $9

I've covered many Prime Days now — every one for the last four years. Sometimes, the offers and discounts are super hot, sometimes they're super... not.

In fairness, I've seen some pretty good deals about today — the first of Amazon's two day trading event. However, I'm always a bit of a skeptic about these events by default.

You'll know as well as me that many vendors massage their deals to look better than they are through somewhat nefarious means. Sound familiar? That's because it's true. We have price tracking tools and can see when a seller has hiked prices for 30 days before the event only to slash them to what they once were to make something look like a great deal.

Luckily, it's my job to cut through the BS and find the decent deals to help save you money.

So, skeptic as I may be, that's what I've been doing. And thankfully I've found some actual deals! My absolute favorite is the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, our top action camera, which is $70 off right now at Amazon.

But that's not all! Here are my favorites so far.

Quick links

• Lemokey X1: was $36 now $20 @ Amazon
• Ring Doorbell: was $99 now $49 @ Amazon
• Gamakay LK75: was $74 now $62 @ Amazon
• EarFun Air Pro 4: was $79 now $62 @ Amazon
• Keen Hightrail Mids hiking boots: from $96 @ Amazon
• Deco BE25 Wi-Fi 7 mesh Wi-Fi system: was $229 now $149 @ Amazon
• Ninja DZ302 Dual Basket 10QT air fryer: was $229 now $179 @ Amazon
• Dreame Z30 Cordless Vacuum: was $499 now $249 @ Amazon
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: $339 now $269 @ Amazon

7 deals this Prime Day skeptic recommends

Amazon is ending its Prime Invitee Program which let Prime members share free shipping benefits with people outside of their homes. The program officially ends on October 1.

A CNBC report claims that Amazon has begun notifying customers about its plans to end the program. Previously invited "guests" should receive notifications by September 5.

“We are writing to inform you that the Prime Invitee Program, which allowed sharing Prime’s fast, free delivery with others, will end on October 1, 2025,” the notice reportedly states.

Up until now, the program let Prime members share free, two-day shipping with another adult in their household, even if they had a different address. Amazon will now prompt the guest users to start their own Amazon Prime accounts at a discounted $14.99 for the first year, and a standard $14.99 a month afterwards.

We were informed that Amazon stopped accepting new invitees in 2015 — only six years after the program launched in 2009.

With that the company is encouraging customers to sign up for Amazon Family at no extra cost instead which allows Prime benefits to be shared across multiple people in the same house. However, it's currently limited to two adults and up to four children.

Teenagers can be included if they were added before April 7, 2025. Benefits include free shipping, Prime Video, Music and more.

"The Invitee program, which enabled sharing of the Prime shipping benefit only, is being phased out, and Prime members can instead share a broad range of Prime benefits with Amazon Family," an Amazon spokesperson told Tom's Guide in a statement.

Sharing crackdown

It's not clear how Amazon will limit account sharing under the new policy as the company has not provided any specifics. But it's not alone in cracking down on account sharing.

This year alone, both HBO Max and YouTube Premium introduced measures to eliminate password sharing. It follows similar moves from Disney Plus late last year as streaming services attempted to follow Netflix's model for reducing account sharing.

As subscription services sign-ups plateaued in recent years, streamers and others are trying to claw back some revenue by forcing people to sign up for accounts as opposed to just sharing them with others.

Slower Prime subscriptions to blame?

This crackdown on account sharing comes as Reuters reports that Amazon fell short of its goals for Prime sign-ups in the United States. This occurred despite the extended four-day Prime Day event this summer. Signups apparently failed to meet last year's total and the company's own internal targets.

According to Reuters, the company registered 5.4 million sign-ups in the month leading up to this year's Prime Day. This is about 116,000 less than last year and 106,000 below the company's goals.

"Prime membership continues to show strong growth and customer engagement in the U.S. and internationally," a spokesperson told Reuters. The company added that it had earned "record-breaking" sign-ups without providing specifics.

A spokesperson told Tom's Guide that there is no relationship between the ending of the program and the company's recent Prime Day numbers.

More from Tom's Guide

• What is Amazon Prime? Everything you need to know
• Massive Amazon Labor Day sale — 75+ deals you can still get
• 35 best movies on Amazon Prime Video to stream right now

It's crunch time if you're looking to get your back-to-school shopping in. But the good news is that we've rounded up great gadgets that will help you get ahead — and have more fun — at school this year without busting your budget.

I've just featured these devices on Fox 5's Good Day New York show, highlighting my top picks. My favorite back-to-school deals include the MacBook Air M4 for $200 off, an amazing pair of noise-cancelling headphones for under $80 and a water bottle that has a built-in mount for your phone.

Have trouble getting up in the morning? The Nintendo Alarmo is for you (you have to get up to turn it off). And the Plaud NotePin will be your best new friend on campus, as it can transcribe and summarize your class notes via AI on the fly.

Check out all these top finds now.

Quick Links

• Tribit StormBox Mini Plus: was $39 now $33 @ Amazon
• Scosche MagicMount Flask: was $54 now $39 @ Scosche
• Anker Nano Power Bank 10,000mAh: now $59 @ Amazon
• Jlab JBuds Lux ANC: was $79 now $59 @ Amazon
• Nintendo Alarmo: now $109 @ Nintendo
• Plaud NotePin: now $159 @ Amazon
• MacBook Air 13" (M4/256GB): was $999 now $799 @ Amazon

Best back to school finds

Moving to college is a huge deal and bringing the essentials to your dorm room will make that transition a whole lot easier. Fortunately, in the lead up to college season, huge retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and more are happy to offer some excellent deals to help with the move.

But, with a mega offering of deals to sift through, it can be a little overwhelming to firstly pick what you want/need for your dorm room and then find the best deals. That's where I've put in the hard work for you.

When I moved to college, I armed myself with some curated items (mainly with the lack of space in mind) and I've looked through all the deals to find the 9 deals I'd absolutely recommend buying right now from the Keurig K-Mini Mate for just $49 at Target to the Sony WF-C710N wireless buds for $88 at Amazon.

Because what you'll really appreciate is decent active noise-cancellation to help relax or focus and slimline kit to fit into your new space. So, get yourself settled fast with these amazing deals and save yourself some money for books (psst, nights out) now.

Quick Links

• INIU Portable Power Bank: was $21 now $17 @ Amazon
• Lepro LED Desk Lamp: was $29 now $18 @ Amazon
• Roku Streaming Stick Plus: was $39 now $29 @ Amazon
• Keurig K-Mini Mate: was $79 now $49 @ Target
• Ultimate Ears Miniroll Speaker: was $79 now $49 @ Best Buy
• Frigidaire Retro Mini Fridge: was $62 now $54 @ Walmart
• Sony WF-C710N Wireless Earbuds: was $129 now $88 @ Amazon
• Beats Pill Wireless Speaker: was $149 now $99 @ Target
• Siena 10" Memory Foam Mattress: was $453 now $179 @ Siena

Best dorm room essentials deals

A massive new leak in Apple's own software code has reportedly revealed several unannounced hardware devices. In total, 10 new products were found by MacRumors — that's a lot of Apple news to drop in a single day. This includes a new HomePod mini, a new Apple TV, new iPad, new Vision Pro and three new Apple Watches.

In fact, that's probably more than Apple will even announce at its iPhone 17 event, which is rapidly approaching. These devices may be available further down the road, so you may need to be patient for some of them. Here are all the devices that have been leaked, along with the information we have about them (for some, the details are very limited).

New HomePod mini with updated chip

We've heard rumors of a new HomePod mini for some time, and the big Apple leak seemingly confirms that the company is working on one.

The code leak references a device with a chip that uses T8310 microarchitecture, the same used in Apple Watch devices. While we don't know the exact model — it could be the S9, S10, or S11 based on all of those using the same technology — we can safely assume it'll be an upgraded version of the S5 chip found in the current HomePod mini, which is getting a bit old now.

New Apple TV with A17 Pro chip

It's about time for Apple to release an updated Apple TV device, and it appears that it will happen in the relatively near future. Based on the leak's claim that the new device will use an A17 Pro chip, it could represent a significant power boost from the previous generation — the current model features a reasonably powerful A15 Bionic chip.

Unfortunately, that's about all we know about this new Apple TV device. Form factor and other performance elements weren't revealed in this leak, but if the device is coming soon, I'm sure additional news will follow.

Apple Studio Display 2

The original Studio Display was released in 2022, so it's time for Apple to introduce a new one. A Studio Display 2 with the codename J427 was spotted in this giant leak, indicating that the monitor is likely part of Apple's plans.

Unfortunately, we have more questions than answers regarding what the monitor will offer, but we're excited to see it next year, as the prevailing rumors suggest it'll launch in early 2026.

New iPad mini with A19 Pro chip

The iPad mini is Apple's most portable tablet option, making it ideal for a specific subset of buyers. It appears that a new one is on the way, and it features the A19 Pro chip that Apple plans to use in the iPhone 17 Pro models.

That means the small tablet should offer stellar speed and performance compared to its predecessor with the A17 Pro chip.

New low-cost iPad with A18 chip

The base iPad is one of the best choices for many tablet buyers who don't need the most powerful devices on the market. The 12th-generation entry-level iPad is expected to utilize the A18 chip, according to MacRumors' findings. That would be Apple skipping the A17, as the 11th-generation iPad already features the A16.

Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip

There have been conflicting reports about whether Apple was giving up on the Vision Pro or making a new one. This code leak seemingly confirms the company is, in fact, working on a new model and that it will have the powerful M5 chip. Other rumors have suggested minimal hardware changes and improvements, but a new chip could be enough to incentivize others to hop on the bandwagon.

Apple Watch 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3

More from Tom's Guide

• I biked 12 miles with the Apple Watch 10 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, and there's a clear winner
• Apple Watch 11 — all the biggest rumors so far
• Mark your calendars — iPhone 17 release date may have just leaked

As the Tom's Guide reviews editor, my team of expert reviewers and I put tech through its paces to figure out whether it's worth your money. Naturally, a big factor in our analysis is pricing, so I'm always having to check the prices of products and monitor cost changes over time. That means I've permanently got a Chrome tab open for Amazon.

As I was checking prices for some camera gear, I couldn't help but notice that quite a few of my favorite budget products are on sale.

For instance, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are currently on sale for just $47 at Amazon, and these are some of the best wireless earbuds around if you're on a budget. Looking for a new Bluetooth speaker? The JBL Go 4 is now only $43 at Amazon — I reviewed this speaker personally and loved it! And if you're a gamer, check out one of our favorite budget gaming keyboards, the Lemokey X1, which is just $22 at Amazon.

And there's more where that came from. To help you guys save money, I rounded up my favorite sub-$50 deals here. And don't miss out on these Amazon promo codes.

Quick list

• Redragon M916 8K wireless gaming mouse: was $39 now $18 w/ Prime
• Lemokey X1 gaming keyboard: was $36 now $22 at Amazon
• Anker Nano II multi-charger: was $39 now $25 at Amazon
• Gamakay TK75 mechanical keyboard: was $49 now $34 at Amazon
• Amazfit Band 7 fitness tracker: was $47 now $37 at Amazon
• JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker: was $49 now $43 at Amazon
• GameSir G7 SE gaming controller: was $49 now $44 at Amazon
• EarFun Air Pro 3 wireless earbuds: was $65 now $47 at Amazon
• Cosori Mini Air Fryer: was $59 now $49 at Amazon

Editor-approved deals under $50

In 2035, your Apple Watch Series 36 could arrive with enough battery power to last the lifetime of the wearable; I’m talking years rather than days, i.e., no recharging required.

Don’t like wearing a watch? All those holistic sensors may come in an assortment of new forms, including flexible and near-invisible stick-on ‘smart patches’ that look kind of like a Band-Aid but stay put for weeks or even months.

As the speed in which health data can be processed and analysed continues to improve, while physical holistic sensors get tinier and tinier, keeping tabs on your vitals ten years from now will likely not be handled by one piece of dedicated wearable tech, but by an array of health-sensing devices you don’t even have to think about, like the steering wheel of your car if you commute by automobile, your contact lenses (even if you don’t require corrective vision), or even the waistband of your favorite underpants.

With so much information to decipher, AI will be the backbone that powers future wearable wellness technology. The promise of early detection of not just chronic disease but everyday illness will be another crucial selling point of tomorrow’s wearable devices, and the best devices will offer sensible, actionable steps to follow if something does come up.

To get a clearer picture of our possible wearable/embeddable future, I spoke with an array of experts and industry leaders in the field, including, Angela McIntyre, the director of the Stanford’s Wearable Electronics Initiative; Amaury Kosman, the founder and CEO of the smart ring brand, Circular; Jason Russell, the vice president of software at Oura Ring; Antoine Joussain, a lead product manager at the consumer health technology brand, Withings; Roman Axelrod and Dr Valentyn Volkov, cofounders of the smart contact lens startup Xpanceo; and Michael Hayes, the CEO of the smart contact startup InWith Corp.

These conversations resulted in five major trends surrounding wearables and embeddables for the year 2035: More form factors, batteries that last the life of the device, predictive monitoring for both chronic diseases and everyday conditions, AI connecting the dots between wellness metrics and healthcare, and further incorporation of smart features that make life easier/less stressful.

The end of rechargeable batteries

Battery life, or lack thereof, is one of the biggest factors holding back today’s wearables. Relatively reliable subscription-free wearables can be picked up for $100 or less (see the Amazfit Active 2), but few last longer than a week on a single charge. Fortunately, in 2035, the need to plug in may be as antiquated as the away message.

“Our goal is for [the battery] to last the lifetime of the device,” says Antoine Joussain, a lead product manager at the French wellness tech brand, Withings. “So if a device is lasting for five years, we’d like [the battery] to last for five years too.”

This will come through both innovations in battery technology and reductions in power consumption.

Nearly everyone I spoke to for this article mentioned flexible or even stretchable batteries. Such technology would be crucial for developing a truly band-aid-style "smart patch," notes Angela McIntyre, the Executive Director of Stanford University’s Wearable Electronics Initiative (eWEAR). More on that below.

Some wearables brands like the smart ring manufacturer, Circular, already use bendable batteries in their product design. However, at the rate at which battery technology is currently developing, the batteries of 2035 will likely look vastly different than today’s.

“We already have flexible batteries in our rings, and we're trying to max them out. Over the past six years, I've seen three different technologies used in batteries, so different materials that can withstand more and more capacity,” says Amaury Kosman, the Founder and CEO of Circular.

Power management improvements won’t only come in the form of better batteries. “More efficient signal paths and the ability to disable unused sensors will also contribute meaningfully [to improved battery life]” says Jason Russell, Oura’s VP of consumer software, when asked what a theoretical Oura Ring 10 might look like.

Another hot topic: energy harvesting. While ten years is likely too soon for our smartwatches to be powered solely by body heat, McIntyre reports that researchers at Stanford and elsewhere are hard at work making the concept a reality.

“Motion of a person could be harvested as well,” says McIntyre.

Of course, self-charging wearables do exist in 2025. The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, which features a light-sensative cell behind the device’s screen, is a great example. However, by 2035, solar charging capabilities might be small enough to fit directly into a contact lens.

“We are developing light-harvesting features integrated into the lens surface, allowing ambient sunlight or indoor lighting to contribute to the power supply. While energy harvested this way is modest, the low power demands of contact lenses make even small boosts valuable," says Dr Valentyn Volkov, the cofounder of Xpanceo.

While the founder of the Circular Ring, Amaury Kosman, seemed skeptical of wearables' self-generating energy by 2035, Oura’s VP of Consumer Software, Jason Russell, sounds more optimistic.

“By 2035, it’s plausible that wearables could integrate hybrid energy systems that passively recharge throughout the day, vastly extending runtime and reducing dependency on charging cycles,” says Russell.

Health monitoring sensors … everywhere

Don’t expect watches or rings to disappear anytime soon, because whether smart or not, this style of jewelry is likely here to stay. On the flip side, do expect the sensors you already see in smart rings and smartwatches to eventually appear in other wearable products, like earbuds, bracelets, stick-on patches, contact lenses and smart clothing.

“The idea is to make it disappear,” says Joussain when asked what the future of health-sensing technology looks like for Withings. That’s a pretty bold statement for a brand that makes a somewhat chunky metal smartwatch with considerable heft in 2025.

Ultimately, ten years from now, holistic sensors will be small enough to be installed just about anywhere, not just in wearables but also your computer mouse and even your car’s steering wheel. Essentially, wherever you’re most likely to interact with them.

“All these new [health tracking] technologies will be implemented in everyday objects. So, you take your car every day, when you are holding the steering wheel, it will monitor your vitals,” predicts Joussain.

Ultimately, Joussain suspects that health sensors will be embedded directly into the user's body. However, he confesses that the concept is almost certainly more than a decade off. Stanford’s McIntyre agrees. Instead, she thinks stick-on smart patches packed with holistic sensors are more likely to make an impact in the next ten years.

“There are new sensors that are coming, and with your flexible, stretchable capabilities, they'll be even more that we can do from a sticky patch,” says McIntyre.

Much to my surprise, Circular’s founder, Amaury Kosman, also thinks that smart patches could be the way of the future when it comes to at-home health monitoring.

“A patch, which is tiny and anybody can wear, I think that's the future of where we're heading. As time goes by, everything gets miniaturized, everything gets more precise, and it gets cheaper. So it's just a logical next step for me,” says Kosman when asked what future wearables will most likely look like.

Similarly, Oura's Jason Russell acknowledges that the future of wellness monitoring might go beyond the singular smart ring. "We foresee stretching the boundaries of biometric sensing via the ring while integrating complementary wearables that together enable an even more complete picture of your health," Russell says.

Outside of smart patches, what other new wearable health-monitoring tech can we expect to take off in the next decade?

“Smart contact lenses, being in direct contact with the eye's surface and tear film, function as a tiny biochemical laboratory on the eye. This close proximity enables continuous, noninvasive monitoring of a variety of health metrics,” says Dr. Volkov.

Early detection and treatment for chronic diseases and everyday ailments

The best smartwatches already alert users to potential signs of chronic health issues. Popular models like the Apple Watch 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 monitor for signs of sleep apnea and heart abnormalities, like AFib. The Google Pixel Watch 3 can even trigger an alert and send for help if a loss of pulse is detected.

However, these tools are just scratching the surface. In ten years, your smart wearable may be able to screen for a whole range of chronic conditions, like diabetes, cancer or heart disease. These devices may also be able to give you a 72-hour heads-up to an upcoming cold, or alert you to heightened biomarkers that could indicate elevated stress, with actionable advice to return to your baseline.

“As sensors become more advanced and miniaturized, the depth and granularity of data will also increase significantly. But the biggest shift will be in how insights are delivered: instead of just showing you the data, future insights could anticipate changes in your health, offer personalized, real-time guidance, and adapt to your unique physiology and goals—making the experience more predictive, proactive, and deeply personalized than ever before,” says Oura’s Jason Russell.

Ultimately, the future of disease detection may rely less on developing new sensor technology and more on making the most of the data already coming off the sensors we currently have. Enter, the promise of AI.

“AI is getting a lot better, being able to discern what's a ‘real’ signal out of very noisy data, and then being able to make insights that are more valid for us from that data,” says McIntyre.

The use of artificial intelligence to analyze health data, effectively replacing manually written code, will exponentially increase the ability for software to sniff out health trends and make personalized recommendations, notes McIntyre.

Tomorrow’s wearables might even analyse your blood, urine, or sweat, as all three contain a multitude of easily trackable biomarkers that could indicate whether you’re dehydrated, stressed, or a whole host of other conditions. Monitoring stress, in particular, is a focus of researchers.

“Cortisol is another ingredient that people are trying to sense with sensors on wearables. I should say that people have cortisol and sometimes feel very pumped and excited, and other people might have a lot of cortisol and feel very afraid. So it really depends on circumstances and on the individual what putting out cortisol means, ” says McIntyre.

Future wearables may additionally be able to take the guesswork out of taking medication, says Michael Hayes, the CEO of the smart contact startup InWith.

“There's a plethora of health applications with smart contacts. From early warning of disease to therapeutic delivery of drugs to the eyes to prevent certain conditions, to bringing new focus capabilities. The tear fluid is a rich medium for biomarkers,” says Hayes. yes.

Smart contact lenses could even one day replace today’s blood-based health monitoring methods.

“Glucose levels in tears can be tracked to assist people with diabetes in managing their condition without the need for finger-prick blood tests. Similarly, fluctuations in hormone or vitamin concentrations in the tear film can offer valuable insights into a person’s metabolic or nutritional status,” says Dr. Volkov.

Wearables that talk to your doctor (with some help from AI)

The concept of a faceless, nameless artificial intelligence interface spitting out wellness advice based on the augmentation of my sleep, workout, dietary, etc., data is beyond unsettling to me. However, everyone I spoke to on the subject assured me that the aggressive AI analysis of my holistic metrics is actually a positive thing.

Doctors are busy. Wearable data is useful, but in 2025, there’s no conduit to make that data easily accessible to the medical field. And even if there was, the amount of data would likely be entirely overwhelming.

This is where AI can help. With more sensors and more users, it will become better at finding patterns that may warrant alerting your doctor or wellness team. In a time-sensitive health emergency, AI could potentially trigger an alert to your medical provider on its own, similar to Google's Loss of Pulse Detection or crash/fall detection.

Representatives from Oura, Circular, and Withings all emphasised the importance of wearable data being more accessible to a user’s healthcare team in the future, with AI playing a crucial role as the middleman.

“In the future, [wearable tech] could support clinical applications like remote patient monitoring, early detection of chronic conditions, or continuous tracking of biomarkers relevant to metabolic, cardiovascular, or hormonal health. They may enable secure sharing of health data with care teams, integrate with electronic health records, or even assist with medication adherence through real-time prompts,” predicts Russell.

But also, seamless smart features that make life easier

If you’re like me, not so hot with remembering names, I’ve got great news. Tomorrow’s wearable tech may make awkward social situations a thing of the past.

“The smart contact lens will act as the ultimate personal assistant embedded directly into your vision and capable of analyzing complex social environments in real-time,” says Roman Axelrod, the (other) co-founder of Xpanceo.

“Yes, at a party, the lenses could scan the room and instantly recognize faces, drawing on your personal contacts and social databases to remind you of people’s names, how you met, and important details about them before you even approach,” says Alexlrod, though he acknowledges that privacy concerns and regulations for such features are still far from being sorted out.

You can also expect these next-gen devices to potentially improve our human capabilities, Inspector Gadget-style. For example, InWith CEO Michael Hayes predicts that smart contacts in 2035 will not only offer night vision but potentially even zoom capabilities.

“Seeing better in the dark is an advanced function, but we’ve already made significant progress. We can engineer lenses that enhance low-light vision. Nanoparticles alter the way the lens interacts with incoming light, effectively expanding what the eye can perceive in dim environments,” says Dr. Volkov.

“The idea of zooming in on distant objects is perhaps the most futuristic, but not impossible. This feature would require smart lenses with materials whose refractive properties can be dynamically controlled. Using electrical signals, the lens could adjust how it focuses light, effectively creating a variable ‘optical zoom’ function.”

“Although this technology is still in the research phase,” Volkov says, he also suspects that rapid progress in the field should mean working prototypes well before 2035.

You’re on your way to work in the year 2035. Despite the heavy traffic, you’re relaxing in the comfort of your EV while it drives itself through the city.

Last night you fell asleep while watching a movie — but your bedroom TV knew exactly when you stopped paying attention. You easily pick back up where you left off, streaming the last ten minutes on the car’s OLED display that curves around the interior.

After first suggesting some new restaurants for lunch, the personal AI on your wrist anticipates the end of the movie and asks if you’d like to organize a multiplayer racing game with your best friend. A few minutes later you get a notification on your smartglasses display — your friend has logged on and is ready to play.

Unfolding your phone into a large tablet, you jump right into the game on a low-latency 6G network. A widget in the corner of your glasses allows you to track subtle changes in your heart rate as you battle to overtake your friend for first place.

This may read like science fiction, but it’s closer than you think.

To envision where our relationship with technology is heading, Tom’s Guide talked to some of the leading experts in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, wearable devices and robotics — including companies such as Samsung, Oura, Qualcomm, General Motors, LG and Amazon.

A decade from now, how will we interact with our cars, phones, TVs and wearables? How will our lives be reimagined by artificial intelligence and robots?

Welcome to the World in 2035.

Please join us in giving a round of applause to all of the winners in the Tom’s Guide Awards 2025.

Now in its sixth year, the Tom’s Guide Awards celebrates our favorite products, devices and services across all of the different categories we cover across our entire site including two new ones for this year’s awards. Our experts have tested and reviewed hundreds of different products to help you find the best new additions and upgrades to improve your daily life.

From TVs with brilliant picture quality and massive displays, innovative laptops that make it easier to get more done on the go and the latest smartphones to the most exciting kitchen tech, top fitness gadgets, our favorite streaming service and even the latest AI tools and sleep gear, the Tom’s Guide Awards 2025 honors them all.

Here are all of the winners from this year’s awards and if you head to the award announcement stories at the bottom of each category, you can read more on why we selected each of these products for their respective awards.

Hero Awards

• Best new product: Gemini Live
• Innovation award: Asus ROG Flow Z13
• Best company award: Anthropic
• Sustainability in tech: Framework Laptop 12
• Best product design: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Find out more about all the winners in the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 Hero Awards

Phones

• Best phone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Best iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
• Best Android phone: Google Pixel 9 Pro
• Best camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Best AI phone: Google Pixel 9
• Best foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
• Best phone design: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
• Best phone battery life: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
• Best budget phone: Google Pixel 9a

Find out more about all the winners for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 for Phones

Active Life

• Best smartwatch: Garmin Instinct 3
• Best fitness tracker: Oura Ring 4
• Best running watch: Garmin Forerunner 970
• Best workout headphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
• Best massage gun: Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini
• Best running shoes: Asics Novablast 5
• Best hiking boots: Timberland Motion Access Mid
• Best outerwear: Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight
• Best workout app: Runna
• Best adjustable dumbbells: LifePro PowerFlow Plus
• Best electric scooter: Segway Max G3
• Best electric bike: Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus

Find out more about all the winners for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 for Active Life

Computing

• Best laptop: Apple MacBook Air M4
• Best AI laptop: MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
• Best keyboard: ZSA Moonlander
• Best gaming laptop: Alienware Area-51
• Best 2-in-1 laptop: Asus ROG Flow Z13
• Best monitor: LG 5K2K ultrawide
• Best AR Glasses: Xreal One Pro
• Best webcam: Insta360 Link 2C
• Best tablet: iPad Air M3
• Best router: Netgear Nighthawk RS600
• Best mesh router: Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
• Best antivirus: Norton 360 Deluxe
• Best VPN: NordVPN

Find out more about all the winners for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 for Computing.

Audio

• Best headphones: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3
• Best noise-cancelling headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Noble Fokus Amadeus
• Best wireless earbuds: Sony WF-C710N
• Best audiophile headphones: Final D8000 DC
• Best soundbar: Marshall Heston 120
• Best Bluetooth speaker: Marshall Kilburn III

Find out more about all the winners for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 for Audio

Streaming

• Best streaming service: HBO Max
• Best live TV streaming service: YouTube TV
• Best sports streaming service: YouTube TV
• Best free streaming service: Tubi
• Best streaming original show: Adolescence
• Best streaming original movie: Woman of the Hour

Find out more about all the winners for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025 for Streaming