Shokz OpenFit Pro, Nex Playground, Sony A7 V and more
We’re starting to hit our stride in 2026. Now that February is here, our review team is full of new devices to test, which means you have a lot of catching up to do if you haven’t been keeping up. Read on for a roundup of the most compelling new gear we’ve tested recently across gaming, PC, cameras, and more.
Next playing field
Following
The Nex Playground offers motion-tracked games for the whole family. Think of it as the best of the Xbox Kinect in a small box.
- Fun Basic Titles
- Solid motion tracking
- Well-designed hardware and user interface
- Large game library
- Works offline
- Requires ongoing subscription to access most games
- Needs a large open space to play
If you still love the Xbox Kinect, the Nex Playground might be right for you. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar recently put the little box to the test and found an active and fun gaming experience for the whole family. “While I have some concerns about the company’s subscription model, Nex has accomplished a rare feat: it has developed a simple box that makes it easy for your entire family to engage in truly innovative games and experiences,” he wrote.
Prestige 14 Flip AI+ from MSI
MSI
MSI’s Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a remarkably powerful ultraportable, thanks to Intel’s Panther Lake chips. But it’s held back by a bulky trackpad and weak keyboard.
- Excellent CPU performance
- Solid gaming stand
- Bold OLED display
- Tons of ports
- Relatively affordable
- Horrible mechanical trackpad
- Boring keyboard
- The display is limited to 60 Hz
Devindra also tested MSI’s latest laptop, the powerful Prestige 14 Flip AI+. Although the machine earned high marks for its performance, display, and connectivity, he noted that the overall experience is hampered by a subpar keyboard and a truly awful trackpad. “As one of the first Panther Lake laptops on the market, the $1,299 Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a solid machine, if you’re willing to overlook the flaws of its touchpad,” he explained. “But more than anything, the Prestige 14 makes me want to see what other PC makers are offering with the new Intel chips.”
Shokz OpenFitPro
Shokz/Engadget
Finally, a set of open-back headphones that sound really good and offer noticeable reduction in ambient noise.
- Effective noise reduction
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent sound for open headphones
- Dolby Atmos support
- Sound quality varies depending on ear shape
- Behind the ear is not for everyone
- Noise reduction is not as effective as ANC
Fresh off its Best of CES selection, I did a full review of Shokz’s OpenFit Pro earbuds. I continue to be impressed with the headphones’ ability to reduce ambient noise while keeping my ears open. And the overall sound quality is excellent for a product that sits outside of your ears.
Sony A7V
Sony/Engadget
With a new partially stacked 33MP sensor, the Sony A7 V delivers speed, autofocus accuracy and best-in-class image quality.
- Fast shooting speeds
- Fast and precise autofocus
- Exceptional photo quality
- Good video stabilization
- Video is lagging behind its competitors
- Uncomfortable to hold for long periods
Reporter Steve Dent has been busy testing cameras to start the year. This week he added the Sony A7 V to the list, noting the excellent photo quality and precise autofocus. “The A7 V is an incredible camera for photography, with higher speeds, autofocus accuracy and image quality than its competitors, including the Canon R6 III, Panasonic S1 II and Nikon Z6 III,” he said. “However, Sony does not follow these models for video.”
Apple AirTag (2026)
Apple/Engadget
Apple has improved its Bluetooth tracker in virtually every way, making it stronger and extending its detection range.
- Precise search is much more useful
- Louder and easier to hear
- Same price as the original AirTag
- Still missing a key ring hole
- Apple’s AirTag accessories are too expensive
Our first Editors’ Choice device of 2026 is Apple’s updated AirTag. All upgrades lead to better overall item tracking, according to UK office head Mat Smith. “There is no doubt that the second generation AirTags are improved and, fortunately, upgrading to the new features does not come with too high a cost,” he concluded.
