The top tech products are highlighted in TechRadar’s assessment of the first half of 2024, with an emphasis on developments and breakthroughs across a range of tech categories. After the X100V’s viral success, the Fujifilm X100VI distinguishes out as a high-end compact camera. With a 40MP sensor that is best in class, 6.2K video capability, in-body image stabilization, and Fujifilm’s greatest-ever focusing, it boasts major upgrades.
The camera retains the beloved hybrid viewfinder and retro exposure dials, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. The Pentax Film Project also deserves mention for its new film camera, the Pentax 17, a charming half-frame compact film camera, indicating a significant year for photography.
Motorola’s Razr 2024 has made waves with its exciting design, marking 20 years since the original Razr set a new standard for flip phones. The latest Razr models are more durable and water-resistant, with improved cameras and a huge cover display that runs all your favorite apps. This makes the Razr a truly unique and enticing communicator, already earning high praise in initial hands-on tests.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, despite launching at the end of 2023, have received a significant update in April 2024, transforming them into a standout AI-powered wearable. They offer functionalities such as capturing video, snapping photos, listening to music, and interacting with the Meta AI bot, essentially integrating ChatGPT into a pair of stylish sunglasses. The standout feature, Look and Ask, allows users to take pictures for additional context, enabling the AI to identify landmarks, translate signs, recommend recipes, and perform various tasks. These glasses are currently the best AI wearable, combining style and functionality.
The Bose SoundLink Max, priced at $399, is a standout Bluetooth speaker for its features and sound quality. It offers USB-C charging out, aptX Adaptive codec support, and delivers impressive volume and low-end clout with sensitivity and nuance. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor parties and audiophiles alike.
LG’s CineBeam Q projector distinguishes itself in the portable projector market with its stylish aluminum case and swiveling metal carrying handle/stand. It features 4K resolution, bright image quality, and accurate color in Filmmaker Mode. With the webOS smart TV platform, users can stream from Disney Plus, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and YouTube. Though priced at $1,299, its premium quality and features justify the cost.
The OnePlus Watch 2 impresses with its significant improvements over the original model, earning 4.5 stars and a spot on the best smartwatches list. Its dual operating systems enable 100 hours of battery life in smartwatch mode, using a low-power RTOS system and a powerful Snapdragon W5 chip for full Wear OS functionality as needed. This innovation marks it as the best smartwatch of the year so far.
Apple’s iPad Pro (2024) continues to be the most powerful tablet on the market, with the latest model being the thinnest device Apple has ever made. Equipped with the new Apple M4 processor, it offers unmatched speed and performance. The OLED display and upcoming software updates, including Apple Intelligence, promise an even brighter future for the iPad Pro.
The Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar builds on its predecessor’s legacy with added gaming features like a 120Hz compatible HDMI 2.1 port. It excels in movie viewing, music playback, and gaming, offering immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound through its 11.1.4 speaker array and 22 speakers. This makes it the best Dolby Atmos soundbar tested so far in 2024.
The clear case, excellent sound quality, robust noise cancellation, pinch-to-speak ChatGPT integration, and seamless noise cancellation of Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds have completely changed the definition of affordable earbuds. It is difficult to single out a single standout in the wireless earbuds category because they share the spotlight with the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, which offers detailed sound, efficient noise cancellation, and ergonomic design.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7, powered by new Snapdragon X chips, stands out among Windows 11 laptops. It offers impressive performance, battery life, and design, rivaling Apple’s MacBook. The AI integration via Copilot adds to its appeal, marking it as the best laptop of 2024 so far.
Samsung’s S95D OLED TV represents the next step in QD-OLED display technology. It is significantly brighter than its predecessor, features Glare Free OLED tech for better viewing in bright rooms, and includes a new NQ4 AI Gen2 processor for improved picture and sound. This makes it the best TV tested by TechRadar in 2024.
With a focus on a number of categories, TechRadar’s mid-year tech roundup provides an overview of the top products and predictions for the upcoming half-year. The tech industry has witnessed major developments and interesting goods, indicating an even more amazing second half of the year. These include Bluetooth speakers, MacBooks, Android phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, projectors, EVs, OLED TVs, and AI advancements.
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