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Updates from the World Power Consortium seem to hint as much.
We are a few weeks shy of theGalaxy Unpacked 2025event, where the S25 lineup is scheduled to make its debut. Ahead of the launch, theWorld Power Consortium (WPC) has all but confirmedwhat we had all been suspecting for months now. Samsung is very likely going to be one of the first major Android phone brands to adopt the Qi2 spec, and I believe this will play a pivotal role in the industry.
In mid-December, several rumors and leaks hinted that theGalaxy S25will support Qi2 wireless charging, but not in the way you’d expect. Allegedly, Samsung will use a magnetic case to enable the magnetic aspect of Qi2 instead of adding magnets natively to the S25 series. Based on the WPC’s CES 2025 announcement and theOnePlus 13 release, we can assume that this is accurate.
Samsung and the WPC made a joint statement where the Korean phone maker said the following:
You can expect to see Android devices supporting Qi2 from Samsung Galaxy devices in 2025.
Google also made a similar statement under the same press release, but no promises were made of Pixel devices picking up the standard. Instead, the Alphabet-owned tech giant vowed to bring Qi2 to more Android devices this year.
While HMD Global’s HMD Skyline is technically the first Qi2 Android phone, it didn’t make any waves in the Android space. This is why I feel that the Galaxy S25 coming with Qi2 support — with or without magnets — is what’s going to really get the Qi2 ball rolling. After all, Samsung sells more smartphones than any other phone manufacturer in the world and could easily influence the rest to follow suit.
We have been waiting for Qi2 to take off for nearly two years now. The standard hasofficially been ready since early 2023, but most devices that use it are either iPhones or accessories like power banks and chargers. Both Samsung and Google were expected to take the lead with theGalaxy S24andPixel 9lineups last year, but that didn’t happen.
Now that the OnePlus 13 has adopted magnetic charging (sort of), Samsung will look very bad if it doesn’t hop on board the Qi2 train. Just like the rumored S25 magnetic case, OnePlus also chose to rely onmagnetic casesto bring Qi2-like charging to the OnePlus 13. Based on rumors, Samsung is going to do the same with the S25 series. Even then, this is an important step in the right direction.
Major changes in the phone industry have never come about overnight or transitioned smoothly. Just look at the headphone jack, for example. People ridiculed the idea at first and were angry once the 3.5mm port was eliminated from popular Android phones. But once bigwigs like Samsung started ditching the audio jack, everyone else followed suit.
Sure, many brands compensated users withUSB-Cto audio jack converters at first, but the world eventually adapted to the change.Wireless audio accessoriesare far more popular now and the headphone jack is no longer missed by most users.
This is exactly why Qi2 adoption on the Galaxy S25 will be so important. When the most prominent Android brand makes bold moves, everyone else will surely feel the need to follow the trend, either to stay relevant or to be more competitive. There are thousands of Qi2 accessories readily available, so the market is primed for the Qi2 revolution that Samsung is likely about to kickstartwhen the Galaxy S25 launches.
Rest in peace, Trackpoint. We barely needed ye. Although a pointing stick — which is apparently the brand-agnostic name for the Trackpoint — was popular on laptops in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the only company to carry the tradition forward has been Lenovo. You’ll find the iconic red Trackpoint on just about every ThinkPad laptop available, but Lenovo is doing away with the design atCES 2025with its new ThinkPad X9.
The Trackpoint is, in 2025, not very useful. Lenovo tells me that the change is to signal a modern approach to the ThinkPad range, the roots of which go way back, to when ThinkPads were branded with an IBM logo. Just a few months back, we looked at theLenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, which still had the Trackpoint. Now, it’s gone, and seemingly gone for good.
At least the ThinkPad X9 looks like one heck of a laptop otherwise. Out of the gate, Lenovo is offering the new X9 with either a 14-inch or 15-inch display, and both are branded as being among Lenovo’s Aura Edition laptops. Both models are also meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ standards, leveraging an Intel Lunar Lake CPU for both battery life and access to AI features.
Externally, Lenovo is using an OLED display across both the 14-inch and 15-inch model, and both use a haptic touchpad along with the well-known (and loved) ThinkPad keyboard. Under the hood, Lenovo says the laptop is serviceable by removing the bottom covering, allowing you to replace the SSD and battery if you need.
And, of course, you can’t have a laptop released in 2025 without a little dose of AI. It’s called Lenovo AI Now, and the company describes the feature as an “advanced on-device AI assistant that brings powerful, real-time intelligence to users.” It’s similar to something like Nvidia’s Chat RTX, as it uses a large language model (LLM) to provide a chatbot that only knows about your local files. Lenovo built the assistant with Llama 3.0, so hopefully it will work well.
It has some interesting features outside of searching for documents. Lenovo says the AI assistant can work across devices, allowing you to search for things regardless of the device you’re on. Lenovo AI Now isn’t exclusive to the ThinkPad X9, either — it’s available to download on several supported Lenovo machines.
Although it’s disappointing to see the Trackpoint bite the dust, the ThinkPad X9 looks fantastic. Both the 14-inch and 15-inch models will be available beginning in February, starting at $1,399 and $1,549, respectively.
Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera gets a performance upgrade
Verdict Pitched as an entry-level mirrorless camera for new enthusiasts, the Nikon Z50 II has a secret weapon: an Expeed 7 processor gives it flagship performance, with subject recognition autofocus that’s up there with the best. Tidy dimensions and good ergonomics make it an easy camera to travel and shoot with, while improved video specs bolster its credentials as an all-rounder. There’s still no in-body image stabilization and the 20.9MP resolution is bettered by other APS-C rivals. But with its competitive price tag, the Nikon Z50 II is an excellent value camera to learn and grow with.
Pros
+Expeed 7 chip gives rapid performance
+Top-spec subject detection autofocus
+Deeper grip and vari-angle touchscreen
+Improved video specs including 4K/60p
Cons
-No in-body image stabilization
-20.9MP resolution is average
-Not a huge upgrade from the Z50
Nikon Z50 II: two-minute review
A tidily packaged APS-C camera with great handling and plenty of features at decent price, we rated the originalNikon Z50highly. Its successor takes that recipe and supercharges it, with the help of an Expeed 7 processor. The result is a versatile mirrorless camera that’s perfect to learn and grow with.
Its dimensions are neat enough to compete with thebest travel cameras, yet Nikon hasn’t sacrificed ergonomics. Slightly larger than the original, the Z50 II feels fantastic in the hand. With a deep grip and plenty of direct-access controls, as well as a useful vari-angle touchscreen and upgraded viewfinder, it’s a satisfying camera to shoot with, whether you’re capturing stills or video.
Under the hood, Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor runs the show – the same silicon found in theNikon Z9andZ8. It might be pitched as an entry-level option, but that chip gives the Z50 II some serious pace. The interface is quick as you like, while autofocus performance is superlative. Equipped with detection modes for nine different subject types, including people, animals and vehicles, it’s as fast and accurate as many of Nikon’s more expensive models.
Processor aside, a lot remains unchanged from the Z50. That includes the APS-C sensor which, at 20.9MP, is bettered by many of the best beginner mirrorless cameras. That said, it’s still capable of producing detailed and realistic images when paired with a quality Z mount lens. If you already own a Z50, you won’t notice a huge difference in overall quality – although noise performance has been improved thanks to the Expeed 7 processor, meaning stills are cleaner at the same ISO settings.
Nikon has also bolstered the video capabilities of the Z50 II, boosting its status as an all-rounder.4Kframe rates now top out at 60fps, albeit with a 1.5x crop, and it becomes the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video – giving videography enthusiasts more flexibility when color grading in post. A headphone socket is a welcome addition, too.
The features above are complemented by a new Product Review mode, which allows influencers to produce content where the focus shifts seamlessly from presenter to product. There’s also a Picture Control button on the top plate, which gives easy access to color presets, with the option to add downloaded Creator Recipes alongside the built-in presets.
Taken as a whole, the Z50 II proves that one camera can work effectively for different creative styles and experience levels. Buy it as a beginner and it will quickly yield impressive results. Stick with it as you improve and the Z50 II has the controls and capabilities to continue delivering.
Dedicated Picture Controls button for style presets
At first glance, the Nikon Z50 II bears a strong resemblance to the original Z50. It’s a tidily packaged camera, very much in the established mold of entry-level mirrorless models. Its dimensions are compact enough to be travel friendly, yet it also benefits from a sturdy build and comfortable ergonomics.
That’s in part because the Z50 II is marginally bigger and heavier than the first version. In the hand, we found its grip substantial enough to wrap our fingers around, without being cumbersome. We also appreciated the extra grams: the body features plenty of plastic, but doesn’t feel flimsy in use.
Look closer at the Z50 II and you’ll find several welcome refinements. The tilting screen of the original has become a fully articulating display, a much more flexible solution for framing on the move. This is especially useful for videography and vlogging, as it can flip all the way around to face the front. So is the addition of a headphone port, which allows aspiring filmmakers to monitor audio in real time when recording footage.
The viewfinder has also received the attention of Nikon’s product developers. It has the same 2.36m-dot resolution as before, but is now twice as bright at up to 1000 nits. In practise, that makes the EVF an easier adjustment for the eyes when framing and shooting in daylight conditions.
Eagle eyes will also discover new additions to the control layout. In our review of the Z50, we complimented the layout and balance of its buttons and dials, praising its resemblance to full-frame Nikon siblings like theZ6andZ7. The Z50 II gets closer still, with the addition of five new buttons.
You still don’t get a joystick, which means selecting the AF point requires use of the touchscreen. What you do get are zoom buttons, a display button and a dedicated drive button. These aren’t game-changing additions, but we valued their presence: they bolster the Z50 II’s chops for aspiring enthusiasts, making it easier to change key settings, without cluttering the interface.
The fifth new button sits on the top plate. A first for any Nikon camera, it gives instant access to Picture Controls – a library of aesthetic presets. To seasoned users, this might sound like a fad, but we think it will appeal to learners who want to get creative while shooting JPEGs. 31 profiles come pre-installed, with the option to adjust them through NX Studio. You can also download Creator Recipes from Nikon Imaging Cloud, and select which appear in the list.
The button’s presence leans into the Z50 II’s status as a camera for all kinds of creators. So does the fact that you can re-program its function, a useful option which will appeal to users as they move into shooting RAW stills and making color edits in post.
Design score: 4.5/5
Nikon Z50 II: features and performance
Expeed 7 processor drives subject-recognition AF
Same 20.9MP APS-C sensor as the Nikon Z50
First Nikon APS-C camera with 10-bit N-log video
If you already own a Nikon Z50, you’ll find a lot of familiar numbers on the spec sheet. The Z50 II uses the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor as its predecessor. Its mechanical burst speeds max out at 11fps. And, like many of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners, it still doesn’t offer in-body image stabilization. What it does have is a new engine.
The headline upgrade for the Z50 II is its Expeed 7 processor – the same chip used by the flagship Nikon Z9 and, subsequently, the Z8. This is the first time it’s been fitted to an APS-C body. As the motor that drives everything from autofocus to burst shooting speeds to video frame rates, it has a lot to do. Based on our experience, the Expeed 7 makes the Z50 II a proper pocket rocket.
Chief among the benefits of that new chip is top-spec subject-recognition autofocus. It might be an entry-level model, but the Nikon Z50 II can detect and lock on to targets rapidly and reliably. It has dedicated detection modes for nine different subject types, including people, animals, birds and cars, as well as an auto setting which can pick up a range of subjects at the same time.
In our experience, the Z50 II’s autofocus performance feels just as snappy in action scenarios as many of Nikon’s more expensive full-frame Z series models. With a new High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode which allows you to shoot at up to 30fps using the electronic shutter, this is a camera that’s perfectly comfortable covering action. We did encounter some rolling shutter when using this mode, but it’s nevertheless an impressive feature for an entry-level camera.
It helps that the SD card slot now supports UHS-II cards for faster read and write speeds. The USB port has also been upgraded to a Type-C number, which brings a host of benefits: as well as 5Gbit/s transfer rates, it can be used to charge the camera directly, while UVC/UAC compatibility means it can be used as a webcam without the need for additional software.
Nikon has pitched the Z50 II as a hybrid, which is reflected in its video skills. Even with the same sensor as the Z50, Nikon has harnessed the power of the Expeed 7 to squeeze more recording performance out of it. That includes the ability to capture 4K/60p video, albeit with a 1.5x crop. Uncroppped 4K footage is shot at 30fps, oversampled from 5.6K.
It’s also the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video, as well as the option to use RED Luts. This makes the Z50 II a camera with the flexibility for budding filmmakers to grow with, as they learn the ropes of videography and start to explore the possibilities of color grading.
These enthusiast-grade video capabilities might go beyond what most beginners need, but the Z50 II is also well-equipped for first-timers. A new Product Review mode seamlessly adjusts focus from the presenter to an object brought into the frame, similar to the Product Showcase feature found on cameras like theSony ZV-1. It won’t be relevant to everyone, but if you have ambitions of becoming an influencer, it’s an effective tool.
Like the Z50, the Z50 II features electronic vibration reduction to help steady handheld footage. As before, this applies a 1.3x crop to video. Nikon claims that the feature has been improved for the Z50 II, though our tests found that it still isn’t a replacement for full in-body image stabilization.
Features and performance score: 4.5/5
Nikon Z50 II: image and video quality
Excellent image quality in most conditions
Better noise-handling than the Z50 at the same ISO
4K/60p video with a 1.5x crop
On the whole, images from the Z50 II are as they were with the Z50: realistic, vibrant and clear. While its competitors offer higher resolutions, the 20.9MP sensor inside the Z50 II still does an admirable job of capturing detail.
With the white balance on automatic, we found stills out of the camera to be nicely saturated and just the right amount of dynamic range, without straying too far from neutral. The metering system coped well in a range of lighting scenarios, delivering well-judged exposures. We found that skin tones in particular were rendered faithfully in natural lighting, with a touch of warmth only detectable when shooting under heavy artificial lighting.
While its sensor size and ISO range are unchanged, we found that the Nikon Z50 II handles noise better than the Z50, thanks to the Expeed 7 processor. It was always going to lose out to its full-frame siblings, but you can get away with pushing the ISO number higher on the Z50 II before significant smoothing becomes an issue. ISO 12800 is still the upper limit, but you can comfortably lean on ISO 6400 if the conditions demand it.
If you’re purely a stills photographer, you will get better resolution elsewhere. What sets the Z50 II apart as a value offering is its autofocus performance, as well as its hybrid video abilities. As noted above, stabilization isn’t perfect, but the same adjectives are true of 4K footage from the Z50 II as for its stills.
We found 4K/60p video to be well-defined and nicely balanced. In our tests, the Z50 II adapted well to different light sources and levels, producing lifelike footage that’s good for grading. Used with a tripod, we can’t see content creators having any issues with the video that the Nikon Z50 II captures.
Image and video quality score: 4.5/5
Should I buy the Nikon Z50 II?
Buy it if…
You want top-spec autofocus Driven by Nikon’s Expeed 7 processor, the Z50 II offers autofocus performance to rival the flagship Z9. With subject detection modes for people, animals and more, it’s rapid and reliable.
You value ergonomics and handling A deeper grip makes the Z50 II even more comfortable to shoot with. A vari-angle touchscreen is helpful for framing, while new buttons bring its control layout in line with full-frame Z models.
You want to shoot a mix of stills and video With 4K/30p footage oversampled from 5.6K, plus support for N-log 10-bit recording and a useful Product Review mode for vloggers, the Z50 II has the video capabilities of a proper hybrid.
Don’t buy it if…
You already own the Z50 Performance improvements from the Expeed 7 processor are notable, but with few other changes to the overall package, there’s probably not enough here to justify upgrading from the original Z50.
You need in-body image stabilization Like many entry-level mirrorless cameras, the Z50 II lacks in-body image stabilization. Electronic video stabilization is available with a crop, but you’ll need a VR lens for optical shake reduction.
You want high-resolution stills At 20.9MP, the Z50 II’s APS-C sensor doesn’t have the highest pixel count. If the number of megapixels matters to you, other entry-level mirrorless cameras offer more for similar money.
This small update is the first Android patch for Pixels of the new year.
What you need to know
The January 2025 security patch for Pixels is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices now.
A support page from Verizon preemptively revealed that the patch would be available today.
There are bug fixes for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, but the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series only get security improvements.
The first Google Pixel security update of 2025 is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer phones and tablets now with bug fixes and security improvements. Earlier today, asupport pagefrom Verizon preemptively revealed that the January 2025 security patch was rolling out for Pixels, Jan. 7. Now, that update is hitting Pixel phones in all regions, with separate builds for Global, Telstra, and EMEA.
The over-the-air update is available for the following Pixel phone models, listed beside their corresponding globalAndroid 15build numbers:
SincePixel phones and tablets received a feature drop last month, this suggests the current security patch is a minor update.
For the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, the January 2025 update includes a few bug fixes. The patch “addressed audio delay and stability issues when using certain apps” and “addressed a camera stability issue when switching to a connected camera under certain conditions.”
The update for the Google Pixel 9 series specifically fixed a few display and UX issues, like screens flashing lines in certain conditions and problems with Pixel Launcher theming.
For all other Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Fold, and Tablet, the update simply includes the latest security patches. You can download and install the January 2025 update over-the-air by opening theSettings app, tappingSystem, and thenSoftware Update.
More Android phones are getting modern wireless charging this year.
Samsung Galaxy phones will finally support Qi2 in 2025, according to the stewards of the standard, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Qi2 wireless charging was supposed to bring the convenience of the iPhone’s MagSafe to any phone that supports it, but the vast majority of Android phone makers failed to to do anything with it in 2024. That set to change in 2025.
“The exceptional Qi2 growth story will continue in 2025,” Samsung shared in the WPC’s press release. “You can expect to see Android devices supporting Qi2 from Samsung Galaxy devices in 2025.” Besides requiring the inclusion of magnets to make it easier to align smartphones with wireless chargers, Qi2 also supports up to 15W charging, which means Qi2 devices should charge faster than before, too.
Alongside Samsung, Google is also throwing its hat in the ring for Qi2, specifically by contributing “its own high-power wireless charging technology to WPC” for the development of Qi v2.2. Notably missing from Google’s quote is a commitment to actually using the standard in its own Pixel devices however. The Pixel 9 was inarguably the best Android device the company has shipped to date, but it notably doesn’t support Qi2.
In the more immediate future, WPC says that Qi v2.1 will include a new design for wireless car chargers with a moving charging coil that can adjust and seek out a phone regardless of its size or how awkwardly it’s thrown on a charger.
The Inspiron Plus series has been replaced. Now, the lineup is simply called Dell Plus. This rebranded laptop series has two new entries. Both are available with Intel Lunar Lake CPUs, and the 16-inch model can be equipped with a mini-LED display.
Both Dell 14 Plus and Dell 16 Plus are available in 2-in-1 versions (Image source: Dell)
Dell has bid goodbye to its Inspiron Plus series, and the lineup is now replaced by Dell Plus. This new series has two initial entries, the 14 Plus and 16 Plus. While the naming has been simplified, the laptops in the range remain versatile, and one big highlight is that among the two additions, the 16-inch model brings very decent specs for being a mid-range offering.
Both the two Dell Plus 14 and Plus 16 are powered by the Intel Lunar Lake series of CPUs, with the top-end configuration featuring the Core Ultra 9 288V. The entry-level option, on the other hand, packs the Core Ultra 5 226V. Depending on the configuration you choose, you can get these laptops with up to anArc 140V iGPU, 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 2 TB of storage.
These two Dell Plus laptops also come with a decent selection of ports, including HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports. The design is geared towards beingtravel-friendly, with the 14 Plus weighing as low as 3.42 lbs.
As for the display, the Dell 16 Plus steals the spotlight because it offers the option to configure it with a QHD+mini-LED panelthat features 600 nits of advertised brightness rating and 90 Hz refresh rate. The 14 Plus, on the other hand, can be configured with up to a 2.5K display.
Other highlights of the two new laptops include a speaker setup with Dolby Atmos, a 2-in-1 option for both, and a 64 Wh battery. The 14 Plus and 16 Plus are set to launch on February 18 with a starting price of $1,099 and $1,149, respectively. As for the 2-in-1 models, they will start at $999 and are planned to launch on the same date. You can learn more about them from the spec sheets attached below.
Over the past 30 years, Dell’s XPS brand has grown into one of the most respected and well-known in the industry — often home to some of thebest laptopsyou could buy. In its latest iteration, it was a name that represented top-of-the-line Windows laptops thatcould go toe to toe with MacBooks. But now, the XPS brand is gone. Or, at least, it will be very soon.
I attended an event for journalists ahead ofCES 2025to hear Dell announce the grand plans of its rebrand. It was such a big deal, in fact, that Michael Dell himself took the stage to introduce the idea. The company is shooting for a simpler brand across its entire ecosystem of products that leans on the Dell name and unifies every product in its vast lineup under it.
But the question remains: Will the rebrand actually help potential buyers sort through Dell’s catalogue of products? Or is this change just another example chasing the latest trends in attempts to stay relevant?
Dell is the brand
I won’t bury the lede any further. Dell has announced that the XPS brand — and nearly every other sub-brand of Dell — is getting jettisoned. XPS? Out. Latitude? Nope. Inspiron? Precision? Optiplex? G-series? All gone. In name, they’re all being replaced throughout 2025.
Instead, the company’s future product lines will be split into just three buckets: Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max. And yes, that should sound eerily familiar.
It’s hard not to see the Apple of it all, sure. Apple began adopting terms like Pro, Plus, and Max in its iPhones, as well as in its Apple Silicon naming. But it’s not just Apple using those terms, and it certainly wasn’t the first to. They seem to be everywhere these days, and to be fair, Dell is using them in a different way than other companies. “Pro” does not mean premium or extra performance, and “Plus” and “Max” don’t mean physically larger. You’ll need to throw out all those naming conventions to understand what Dell is doing here.
Consumer PCs, which were previously divided into sub-brands like XPS and Inspiron, will now all fall under just the Dell name. Commercial PCs, meanwhile, will be in the Dell Pro category. And finally, the Dell Pro Max is for workstations, with the “Max” referring to performance. In theory, that means that no, the Dell Pro should not be considered a competitor to the MacBook Pro.
That sounds fairly straightforward, but here’s the thing: The company isn’t dialing back the sheer quantity of laptops, desktops, monitors, and other products in its ecosystem. Except that as you might have guessed, fitting every Dell product into one of those three brands isn’t possible without any extra designation.
That’s why under each brand, there are three more tiers of products names: Base, Plus, and Premium. These not only represent a scale up in terms of performance but also high-end features, materials, designs, and price. To put it as simply as I can, it’ll look a bit like this once it’s all rolled out:
Dell (consumer)
Dell Pro (commercial)
Dell Pro Max (commercial)
Base
Dell
Dell Pro
Dell Pro Max
Plus
Dell Plus
Dell Pro Plus
Dell Pro Max Plus
Premium
Dell Premium
Dell Pro Premium
Dell Pro Max Premium
Dell hasn’t sketched out how all of these will work yet, nor has it indicated exactly where each brand had previously fit. And, of course, within each of those labels, whether it’s Dell Plus or Dell Pro Max Premium (sigh, I know), there will be multiple size options, configurations, and upgrade options. It’s going to get messy.
We do know, however, that what used to be XPS, will now be Dell Premium. So, theXPS 13, 14, and 16, will be renamed the Dell 13 Premium, Dell 14 Premium, and Dell 16 Premium. To show the direction it was heading, Dell had some very familiar XPS laptops to show with the new Dell logo on the lid, even though these devices won’t actually be refreshed (and renamed) until later in 2025.
Meanwhile, XPS laptops will still be sold over the next few months under its current name until the Dell Premium refresh happens. But soon enough, they will be the Dell 13, 14, and 16 Premium.
I have also received confirmation that the XPS design ethos and the team itself isn’t changing either. This won’t be a year where the XPS laptops get a major redesign, since that happened just last year. So for 2025, it’s really just a new name. The only change is that now, they will all fit somewhere under these three headings.
The change feels drastic, and yes, it strikes me as a bit generic. One thing I do like, however, is that it puts the “XPS” designs more in the enter of the lineup, no longer feeling relegated as a side project under the XPS banner. It’s just the Dell 14 Premium. I also appreciate moving from the Dell Plus to the Dell Premium no longer feels like entirely switching brands — and based on what we saw, some of that XPS DNA might be carrying over further down the stack.
While XPS replacement is still a ways out, Dell is starting its initiative in the consumer space with a replacement of the Inspiron Plus, now known as just Dell Plus. The Dell 14 Plus and Dell 16 2-in-1 Plus are the two new laptops in the lineup, refinements over last year’s models.
The 16-inch Plus model comes with an upgraded screen option — a glossy, 600-nit mini-LED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution. It also comes in a new darker color option that looked quite sleek. The 14-inch model starts with a more basic 1920 x 1200 IPS panel, but can at least be upgraded to a 2560 x 1600 resolution.
Unfortunately, as of now there’s no longer a discrete GPU option in this line though, which is a bummer, because the previousInspiron 16 Plushad options for an RTX 4050 and 4060. The biggest change for the positive, however, is in portability. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, however, are quite a bit thinner than they were before, down to just 0.67 inches from the 0.75 inches of last year’s model. That brings it a little closer to the MacBook Pro in thickness.
Then again, these aren’t the XPS laptops we all point to high-endMacBook Pro alternatives. They exist more in the mid-tier, though they certainly aren’t bad-looking laptops.
We’ll have to wait and see until we get them in for testing when they launch on February 18. Both sizes of the 2-in-1 models start at $999, while the clamshell Dell 14 Plus starts at $1,099 and the 16-inch model starts at $1,150. Both models start with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, however. That means the Dell 14 Plus is $200 cheaper than theM3 MacBook Airwhen similarly configured.
Dell
Dell also had some Dell Pro laptops to show, but remember, Dell isn’t using the “Pro” term in the way the rest of the industry does, as set by products like the MacBook Pro. Here, the “Pro” in the name refers simply to business laptops. In this case, as replacements for the Latitude brand.
That means the base Dell Pro laptops are affordable business laptops, while the Dell Pro Premium ones look to be top-of-the-line commercial laptops for executives, sporting features like an 8-megapixel webcam and an option for a tandem OLED display — and the Dell Pro 14 Plus sits in between. So, although the Premium ones look nice, you’re likely only going to get one of these if they’re issued by your company’s IT department.
Unfortunately, we’re still not seeing any discrete GPUs being offered outside of the Dell Pro Max line. These are the chunky fellas meant to replace the Precision workstations. They push performance above all else, but use commercial parts. It’s not something the average consumer really needs to even concern themselves with. But that means for now, Dell won’t have a compelling option for creators in the business world, perhaps for those who would prefer a MacBook Pro as their work machine anyways.
Does it work?
Dell
But the big question is about whether this whole rebrand was a good idea. It might sound simpler to say the Dell 14 Premium instead of the Dell XPS 14, but things quickly get a little absurd the further you get away from these mainline products. One product being announced, for example, is the Dell Pro Max Micro, which is a small, commercial desktop, but man, that is the opposite of clarity.
The “Pro Max” in the name refers to commercial PCs with extra performance, and the “Micro” refers to the size of the tower, but yeah, having the word “Max” and “Micro” next to each other in a product name is… kind of insane. Because remember: Trying to reduce the complexity of buying Dell products is the stated goal of this redesign, and when you end up with product names like that, I think that’s a sign you may have taken things a step too far.
That one is a good example, too, because this rebrand does apply to all of Dell’s products, even to desktop PCs and monitors. Although — one of the only sub-brands that is sticking around is UltraSharp on the monitor side — outside of Alienware, of course.
I’m not saying companies like Apple or Samsung are any less egregious with these nonsensical names, and look, no one owns the words “Pro,” “Plus,” or “Max.” No one gets to define what they mean in a product. But deciding to use those terms and redefine them for Dell’s own purposes may end up confusing buyers more than helping them. I’m just glad they didn’t manage to squeeze “Ultra” into the equation somewhere.
One other thing to mention is that Dell is actually not the first PC brand to do this recently. Last year,HP announced its own rebranding, ditching Spectre, Envy, and Pavilion in favor of the new “Omni” brand. HP didn’t take it as far as Dell, though, keeping around the EliteBook line to distinguish its commercial business.
And let’s not forget Intel’s move away from Core i5 and i7 to Core Ultra. There’s no question that this is the direction the entire industry is moving. I’ll need to wait and see how this affects the actual products in the lineup.
For now, let’s pour one out for XPS — a brand that grew into a beloved commodity through its over 30 years of business. That’ll cause some sadness, no doubt. But here’s the question: Did you even know what the acronym stood for? If not, maybe Dell has a point.
Counting steps has become a universal way for most people to measure their daily activity – probably because it’s simple, accessible and easy to fit into daily life. But with a plethora of apps and gadgets promising accurate results, it got me thinking: are all step trackers created equal?
To put this to the test, I tracked a 10,000-step journey using four different devices, all running on different, renowned platforms. I armed myself with (a pretty retro)AppleiPhone 7 running the Apple Health app in my left trouser pocket and, in my right, one of thebest Samsung phones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Samsung Health app installed. On my wrists, I sported two ofthe best running watches: the new Polar Vantage M3 smartwatch on my right and the Garmin Fenix 7 on my left. My goal was simple – to see how their step counts stacked up across a brisk 9km walk through Wellington city centre and back.
Would the fitness-focused smartwatches – which also track heart rate and other vitals – outshine the trusty smartphones that merely sat in my trouser pockets? Or would this experiment show that you don’t need fancy tech to track your steps accurately? Here’s what I discovered after using all four devices at the same time.
My 10,000-step walk was fairly straightforward: I covered 4.5km from my home to the other side of Wellington city centre, took a short break and walked back – a total of roughly 9km. All devices were set to zero before I set off to ensure a fair comparison.
After 1.5 hours of brisk walking, I paused (read: had a sit down in a café with pastry in hand) to check the halfway point readings. These were as follows:
Halfway point results:
Apple Health app:5,003 steps
Samsung Health app:5,022 steps
Polar Vantage M3:5,276 steps
Garmin Fenix 7:5,120 steps
There were already small, but notable discrepancies between the different platforms. The step counts on the two phone apps were closely matched, with just a 19-step difference, which isn’t bad for non-fitness focused gadgets shoved in pockets. The smartwatches, however, varied more – the Polar clocked in 273 steps higher than the iPhone, while theGarminwas more middle-ground at 117 steps above the Apple count.
On the return leg, I took extra care in ensuring my pace was consistent, sticking to well-trodden paths and keeping my stride as steady as possible. By the time I got home, here’s what the final step counts looked like:
Final results:
Apple Health app:10,102 steps
Samsung Health app:10,142 steps
Polar Vantage M3:10,479 steps
Garmin Fenix 7:10,305 steps
Unsurprisingly, none of the devices reported the exact same total. However, the Apple andSamsungphone apps proved to be remarkably consistent with one another, both at the halfway point and at the end, with less than a 1% variance.
The Polar Vantage M3, meanwhile, consistently overshot the mark, adding an extra 379 steps by the end of the walk compared to the iPhone. That’s roughly a 3.8% difference – enough to slightly skew fitness goals over time, especially if you’re relying on exact data for training, assuming this is the most inaccurate by nature of being the outlier.
The Garmin Fenix 7, while slightly overcounting compared to the phones, was less dramatic than the Polar, adding just over 200 steps above the Apple tally. It seemed to strike a balance between sensitivity and accuracy, which doesn’t surprise me–Garmin has a reputation for reliability among fitness enthusiasts.
Which gadget is the most accurate?
Determining “accuracy” is tricky without knowing the true step count–a problem that plagues all step trackers. Factors like stride length,armmovement and even how a device is worn can influence readings. That said, my takeaway is this: phones are surprisingly accurate for everyday step tracking.
The Apple and Samsung apps, nestled safely in my pockets, kept pace with each other consistently, even when compared against the two top-tier smartwatches. This suggests that if you’re using your phone to track steps, you’re probably getting a solid estimate – and it won’t cost you a penny beyond the device itself.
The Polar’s higher step count could stem from its sensitivity to wrist movements, especially since it was strapped to my right wrist on my dominant arm. This might interpret extra steps during non-walking activities like turning corners or gesturing. The Garmin, on the other hand, seemed to lean more conservatively but still edged over the phone tallies.
Do you need wearables to track steps?
While the Polar and Garmin offer plenty of advanced metrics and features that go beyond step tracking – like heart rate, GPS routes and workout summaries – my walk experiment has shown that they’re not strictly necessary if your goal is simply to hit your 10,000-step target each day.
That said, smartwatches do have their perks. They’re great for those who want a more comprehensive picture of their fitness, including calorie burn, sleep tracking and VO₂ max measurements. Plus, they’re often more convenient to glance at mid-walk than pulling out a phone. There are discrepancies from unit to unit because each watch uses different algorithms and technology, but they’re generally in the right ballpart. We found similar differences betweenpremium Garmin and Apple Watches when testing them against each other during a marathon.
However, if you’re just looking to monitor your movement and improve daily activity, a smartphone app will do the job perfectly well if that’s all you intend to do. As my test proved, they’re more than up to the task, and you can save yourself hundreds of pounds in the process. You certainly don’t need to splash out on fancy gadgets to track your steps accurately – your pocket companion can do the job just as well.
Treat yourself with one of these eye-friendly e-paper devices.
If you want the best e ink tablet today, you’re no longer restricted to choosing from kindles. Although Amazon did democratize this product segment, there are dozens of players offering a wide range of devices these days. Over the last few years, e ink technology (and by extension, the devices that utilize it) has improved by leaps and bounds. We’re talking about faster page refresh times, larger screen sizes, and even color displays!
My top vote goes to the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, which comes with a big color display, incredible battery life, and Android 12 with full support for Play Store apps. The 10.3-inch screen even works with a stylus and gives you the feeling of writing on a piece of real paper. You also get a 16MP rear camera, dual-speakers, and much more. Then there’s the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024), which is perfect if you just want a well-rounded tablet for reading and don’t really care about fancy extras. It comes with a high-resolution panel, full Audible integration, as well as an IPX8 rating.
My love for this product segment and my hands-on experience testing numerous models from many brands, are two very good reasons for you to trust my expertise. With that said, here are some of the best e ink tablets worth checking out.
Best for reading
(Image credit: Amazon)
1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The best E Ink tablet for reading, especially poolside
Specifications
Screen:6.8 inches
Storage:8GB/16GB
Battery:Up to 10 weeks
Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only
Stylus:Not included
Reasons to buy
+IPX8 waterproof rating +300ppi E Ink screen +8GB or 16GB of internal storage +Audible integration +Unbeatably good battery life +20% faster than before
Reasons to avoid
-Base model has ads -No Play Store or third-party apps -No physical buttons
For many years now, Amazon has dominated the e-reader market with its Kindle line of reading tablets, and for a good reason: Kindle e-readers are excellent devices, and many of them have displays with LED backlighting. The new Kindle Paperwhite (2024) takes over from the 11th-generationKindle Paperwhite, and it is arguably thebest Amazon Kindle e-readerout there.
This 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has many of the same features from before, like an IPX8 waterproof certification and five adjustable LED backlights. There’s a faster processor which enables up to 25 percent quicker page turns, and a new oxide thin-film transistor in the display for richer contrast levels.
Its 6.8-inch 300ppi E Ink screen is a delight to look at and replicates paper very nicely. Audible integration makes it the ideal companion for lazy beach days when you want to sunbathe with your eyes closed. You can also connect a pair of Bluetoothwireless earbudsand listen to audiobooks in peace.
There’s just one 16GB model now of the 2024 Paperwhite, which is enough to store thousands of e-books. The battery life is still excellent, and you get a USB-C charging port. Amazon sweetened the deal by setting a low price, but you’ll need to spend a little extra cash for the ad-free version. In a nutshell, if you’re an avid reader, you’ll love Kindle Paperwhite. Some file formats aren’t supported, althoughAmazon did introduce EPUBcompatibility a while back.
+10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color display +Stylus and keyboard support +128GB expandable storage +Android 12 with Play Store +Fantastic battery life +USB Type-C fast charging +Unbelievably slim body +Fingerprint sensor and 16MP camera
Reasons to avoid
-No IP resistance rating -E Ink display isn’t bright under the sun -Keyboard case needs to be bought separately -Expensive
While most E Ink tablets tend to focus on doing the one thing they’re meant for, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro does it all. Successor to theTab Ultra C, the Tab Ultra C Pro can display 4,096 colors on its 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 screen, which is quite unusual for most E Ink tablets. Thanks to the included stylus, you can even draw, highlight, or jot down notes in different shades. The Tab Ultra C Pro’s touch functionality for the stylus is powered by Wacom, the company that makes thebest drawing tablets. It imitates the traditional feel of writing on paper with a pen, making for an awesome experience.
Onyx Boox has really taken things to the next level by adding more under the Tab Ultra C Pro’s hood. This stunningly slim tablet runs Android 12 out of the box, so you can install and use apps from the Google Play Store. It also comes with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of onboard storage, a microSD slot, a 16MP camera, stereo speakers, a mic, and a USB Type-C port that supports fast charging. Amazingly, the 4,600mAh battery can last for a week or two with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in full use. The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the complete package; it’s almost comparable to some of thebest Android tablets, except for a few limitations.
Unfortunately, if you want the complete package, you’ll have to pay for it since this thing isn’t exactly cheap in comparison to “regular” tablets. It also lacks any IP rating water and dust resistance, which is a bummer, and E Ink displays are famously dim under the Sun. We believe you can live with these shortcomings, as the combination of features in the Tab Ultra C Pro is just too good. Unlike competitors like the Kindle Scribe, it provides more value and has a lot more to offer.
Best mid-range
3. Onyx Boox Note Air4 C
The best E Ink tablet for $500
Specifications
Screen:10.3 inches Kaleido 3
Storage:64GB, microSD, USB-C OTG
Battery:3,700mAh
Audio:Speaker, Microphone
Stylus:Included
Reasons to buy
+Extremely thin and lightweight +Battery-free stylus included +Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity +Runs Android 13 and has Google Play Store +Weeks of battery with Type-C charging +Improved display with quicker response time +Supports a wider range of file formats than Kindle e-readers +Keyboard support and color display
Reasons to avoid
-No IP rating -Keyboard case comes separately
At $500, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C improves upon the awesomeBoox Note Air3 Cby retaining its value-packed features but bumping up the processing power for better response and a brighter display. Boox tablets beat Amazon, Kobo, and every competitor easily because they all have the Google Play Store support and Android 13.
The Boox Note Air4 C has a 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display that can produce 4,096 colors and has excellent contrast and a lovely crispness to it. It comes with a battery-free stylus that can register up to 4,096 levels of pressure, and you get native optical character recognition (OCR). This is such a vital feature for any tablet, whether it’s an E Ink device or a full-blown traditional Android or iOS tablet. You also get native OCR or handwriting recognition and conversion with the Note Air4 C.
Apart from the stylus and excellent e-paper display, the Note Air4 C has all the advantages of E Ink tablets and e-readers, and some extra goodies. Its 3,700mAh battery provides weeks of battery life, and you get a USB-C port with OTG support as well. Other additions include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, support for loads of file formats, built-in speakers, and even a microphone. You can also get a keyboard case separately to enable typing input. There’s now 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB, and the tablet is 10g lighter.
When looking for a writing tablet with an e-paper display, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C is easily the winner. This is saying something, considering the rivals include devices like theAmazon Kindle Scribe and the ReMarkable 2. If you don’t mind the lack of water resistance and the need to buy the keyboard case separately, this is the E Ink tablet to get for $500.
Best small
4. Onyx Boox Palma 2
The best pocket-sized e-paper tablet
Specifications
Screen:6.13 inches E Ink Carta Plus
Storage:128GB, microSD, USB-C OTG
Battery:3,950mAh
Audio:Speaker, Microphone
Stylus:Not included
Reasons to buy
+Positively tiny and splash-proof +Fingerprint reader built-in +Runs Android 13 and has all Play Store apps +Lovely E Ink Carta Plus B&W display with no ghosting issues +Lots of onboard storage, USB-C OTG, and a microSD slot +Unbeatable battery lasts for months
Reasons to avoid
-No stylus support -No SIM slot
The Onyx Boox Palma 2 is an iterative update to theOnyx Boox Palmaand is more of an E Ink smartphone than a tablet. Its compact form factor enables you to carry it around anywhere in your pocket. The sub-$300 price tag might feel a bit high for the size, and you could easily get a basic entry-level Kindle for less than half that money. However, no Kindle comes with Google Play Store support, and that’s just one of the many enticing draws of the Boox Palma 2.
The Onyx Boox Palma 2 has a microphone, speakers, and all modern connectivity options thatfull-fledged Android tabletshave, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The only connectivity option missing is cellular support. The new version does come with a fingerprint sensor for added security.
You get Android 13, and the Google Play Store pre-installed, granting you access to millions of apps. And because the device uses a B&W E Ink display, the battery lasts for months! The 128GB of native storage is insane, but if that somehow isn’t enough for you, you alsoget a microSD cardslot and USB-C OTG support forUSB-C thumb drives.
It’s hard to find another handheld e-ink device that’s this capable because honestly, there isn’t one! The Palma 2 is one of a kind.
Best entry-level
(Image credit: Amazon)
5. Amazon Kindle (2024)
A great budget e-reader
Specifications
Screen:6 inches
Storage:16GB
Battery:Up to six weeks
Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only
Stylus:Not included
Reasons to buy
+Adjustable front light +300ppi display is a joy to read +Immortal battery backup +USB-C port +16GB of internal storage +Very affordable
Reasons to avoid
-No IP rating -Doesn’t support third-party apps -Ads in cheaper model
E Ink tablet lovers out there on a budget can still get one for a nifty price. The entry-level Amazon Kindle (2024) is a budget e-reader sporting a 6-inch 300ppi e-paper display. It doesn’t have many funky features like a waterproof rating or Sudoku, but it can support a healthy number of file formats and looks brilliant too.
It isn’t that bright in sunlight, but the adjustable front light comes in quite handy for reading at night. The basic Amazon Kindle has some more no-nonsense specs such as 16GB of storage, fantastic battery life, Wi-Fi, and audiobook support. If you don’t want to use the Kindle app, you can transfer files to the Amazon Kindle (2024) e-reader from your PC too.
In comparison to almost every other e-paper device out there, the Amazon Kindle is the winner, hands down, when it comes to price. The base model Kindle performs a tad bit slower, and it doesn’t have waterproofing, but it is still the best E Ink tablet for reading on a tight budget.
+Impossibly thin and lightweight for the size +Premium E Ink Mobius display is a delight to the eyes +Smooth performance +Weeks of battery life +Stylus support and USB-C OTG
Reasons to avoid
-Insanely expensive -No color output -No microSD card slot
Onyx Boox has ventured into all corners of the e-paper tablet world, giving us the tiniest of devices like the Boox Palma and the biggest of slabs with theOnyx Boox Tab X. This gigantic 13.3-inch E Ink tablet doesn’t display color, but has a viewing experience that’s sublime nonetheless. This is the most premium Android tablet with an E Ink display made by the brand.
I tested the Tab X and was very impressed by its thin profile and lightweight yet solid build quality. The tablet is quite literally as slim as a tea biscuit! And this narrow waist does not impede the tablet’s performance in any way. Apart from that, the Tab X has all the signature features of Onyx Boox devices like Android, the Google Play Store, a speaker, a mic, and even a stylus.
If the 128GB of onboard storage isn’t enough for all your files, e-books, mangas, and apps, then the USB-C OTG feature should help you expand the storage even further. There’s no microSD slot, but that shouldn’t be a big issue, all things considered. The one major drawback here is the extremely expensive price tag. But if you can afford it, you won’t have much to complain about.
How to choose
After staring at bright screens day in and day out, your eyes really need a break. The best E Ink tablet not only provides relief but also lets you carry out various tasks. Pick one based on your specific needs. If you intend to read basic e-books, an entry-level e-reader should be fine. But if you intend to do more like drawing and taking notes, take those use cases into consideration before making a final choice.
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the best E Ink tablet due to its fabulous soft colors, extremely sleek and lightweight build, and multitasking capabilities. It isn’t limited to just being an e-reader, but if you want, you can use it for that purpose. However, if the need be, you can also use it to take down notes, sketch some lovely drawings, or underline passages of text.
Let’s also not forget that you get native optical character recognition with the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, enabling you to convert your handwriting into digital text in real-time, whether it’s to use the search bar in the Google Play Store or to use the search function in your handwritten notes. This alone is a remarkable feat for any decent tablet with a stylus.
The Tab Ultra C Pro accommodates office use as well as home use. You don’t have to sacrifice battery life or connectivity. It even has stereo speakers and a mic, which no other electronic ink tablet on this list offers. What’s even more brilliant is its ability to run almost anyAndroid app. You can actually use it as a full-blown tablet for most tasks related to reading and writing. The Tab Ultra C Pro pushes the boundaries of an E Ink tablet in the best sense, which is why it’s the best one to buy right now.
CES 2025 officially kicks off in Las Vegas on the morning of Tuesday, January 7 and runs through the end of the day on January 10. The “official” dates are specific to when the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is open to attendees, and ultimately belie the show’s true duration. A pair of press days kick off Sunday with a few smaller events leading up to a scrum of press conferences on January 6.
Press conferences
AMD(Monday at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET): AMD has its work cut out for it at CES 2025. Competitor Nvidia has been sucking the oxygen out of every room it graces, as the chipmaker remains at the forefront of the AI boom. So, how will AMD compete with Nvidia’s reported RTX 5000 announcement? The company should show off its own next-gen GPU. As part of an ongoing rebrand, the RDNA 4 cards could arrive as either the RX 8000 or RX 9000 series.
Toyota(Monday at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m ET): We expect Chairman Akio Toyoda to go all in on Woven City, the carmarker’s “living laboratory.” Our automotive editor Kirsten Korosec adds: “Details are slim about exactly what will be revealed. TechCrunch, which was at the initial announcement in 2020, will be watching to see how startups will be incorporated into Woven City and whether Toyota followed through on its plans to build a fully connected ecosystem powered by hydrogen fuel cells.”
Samsung(Monday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET): Samsung’s CES presser is always an odd duck. The Korean electronics giant generally keeps its powder dry when it comes to consumer electronics. After all, it’s expected to announce its latest flagship handset — the Galaxy S25 — toward the end of January. CES 2025 is going to continue the company’s tradition of TVs and appliances. There are also odds and ends like consumer robots that will most likely never see the light of day. Samsung has adopted the tagline “AI for All: Everyday, Everywhere” for the presentation.
Nvidia(Monday at 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. ET): Nvidia will no doubt have the biggest CES 2025. After all, the company has pretty much the biggest everything nowadays. The chip giant is sporting a $3.4+ trillion market cap, due largely to its foundational position in the ongoing AI boom. Companies like OpenAI and Meta have purchased Nvidia processors by the boatload, and that’s unlikely to change in the new year. Founder and CEO Jensen Huang will help kick off CES 2025 “with his trademark leather jacket and an unwavering vision,” per Nvidia.
Notable keynotes from the following day include Twitter/X CEO Linda Yaccarino at 1:30 p.m. PT and Delta CEO Ed Bastian at 5 p.m. PT. The latter, notably, will take place at jam band hot spot the Sphere. Both will be available to stream at the officialCES YouTube page.
Trends
The show’shot topicwill almost certainly be the only thing anyone in tech seems to talk about these days: AI. That’s nothing new for CES, of course. The category has been at the forefront for years now, with 2024’s show delivering some of the earliest generative-AI-powered consumer devices.
TheRabbit R1was, perhaps, the most notable from last year’s show. The handheld generated a lot of buzz at the event, though as with other AI devices likeHumane’s AI Pin, the product failed to live up to any expectations.
The subject won’t be limited to this manner of product, however. This year, any product thatdoesn’tmention AI in some form will be in a small minority. As mentioned above, Nvidia and AMD will be going head-to-head on the chip front. Nvidia will be a particular focus, as the chipmaker sets the stage pace for AI in 2025, including the release of the much anticipated GeForce RTX 50 GPU. The company will also touch on other key categories, including robotics and transportation.
AI will grace everything from cars to refrigerators this year. Some applications will prove genuinely useful, but many — if not most — will be a solution in search of a problem. This is always an important thing to keep in mind at an event like CES. It’s a huge show — last year’s eventhosted4,300 companies and nearly 140,000 attendees. There’s a lot of noise, and plenty of AI “applications” exist in attempt to rise above it.
Over the past decade, CES has transformed into one of the year’s top automotive shows. This has primarily been driven by automotive manufacturers’ bids to become bleeding-edge pioneers: Where better to showcase that than the year’s biggest consumer tech show? The 2021 addition of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall has facilitated that expansion.
Questions remain about whether CES can maintain its status as a major car show. Anecdotally, fewer large names appear to be participating in a meaningful way, including U.S. manufacturers like Ford. This is likely due, in part, to Detroit’s North American International Auto Show returning after a year off. That event is set to kick off January 10, overlapping with CES.
That’s not to say that there won’t be big headlines out of Vegas next week. In addition to Toyota’s participation, Sony’s press conference should once again feature Afeela, the company’s collaboration with Honda. Firms like Hyundai —which now owns Boston Dynamics— will likely showcase its focus on humanoid and other robotics.
Robotics have increasingly become a focus point for CES in recent years. I anticipate most transportation companies discussing the topic, from manufacturing to eVTOLs. The car industry has been the tip of the automated manufacturing spear for years, a fact accelerated by various employment and supply chain crises since the pandemic. Meanwhile, eVTOLs scored a majorFAA winlate last year.
CES continues to be a major launching pad for computer monitors. In fact, Samsung, ASUS, and MSI all announced the addition of“the world’s first” 27-inch 4K OLED monitorswith 240Hz refresh rates. Smart appliances always get a lot of love at the show as well.LG has already revealeda bunch of news on that front. Samsung should follow suit at its press conferences on Monday.
After an extended lull, I anticipate a new wave of smart home devices. Between interoperability through theMatter standard, the explosion of generative AI platforms, and a second wind for smart assistants from Google, Amazon, and Apple, companies will be showcasing how these devices might excel where their predecessors failed.
After its latest hype cycle, extended reality still has a lot to prove. The Vision Pro hasn’t taken off as Apple had hoped, and competitors are struggling to compete with Meta’s ability to subsidize the cost of the Quest. Big names in the space like HTC and Magic Leap have largely pivoted to enterprise applications. Chipmakers like Qualcomm, however, are still very much focused on making a splash.
Nikon has also bolstered the video capabilities of the Z50 II, boosting its status as an all-rounder.4Kframe rates now top out at 60fps, albeit with a 1.5x crop, and it becomes the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video – giving videography enthusiasts more flexibility when color grading in post. A headphone socket is a welcome addition, too.
