Five gadgets that have caught my eye recently, even if you can’t buy all of them quite yet.
I wasn’t paying much attention to what was announced at CES, so I’ve been browsing through my bookmarks to see what I’ve liked lately, before heading over to MWC to see the robot phone and, likely, a couple of products from this list.
1. Sony Alpha7 V
One of the best cameras on the market has received a rather iterative upgrade: better stabilisation, a faster 33MP sensor with AI autofocus, an improved grip, two USB ports, and better quality for 4K 60 fps clips. At €3,000, it’s not necessarily the camera that will permanently knock the Mark IV version off the market. sony.ro
2. Meta Ray-Ban Display
The most successful AI glasses have received an update with a display in the US, but (much like the AI for previous versions) it’s taking its time to reach Europe. I’m curious if a display for on-screen notifications will promote them from the “rather comfy headphones” status that the ones I’m currently using have earned, but I’ll have to wait a while for that. meta.com
3. Clicks Communicator
After struggling with built-in keyboard cases, Clicks has pivoted not towards a phone with keys, but towards a device dedicated solely to messaging. This could be useful if you want to limit your exposure to slop, but it might quickly become like the tablet or Kindle you hardly remember. I find that magnetic battery with a keyboard they’re announced alongside it more interesting. clicksphone.com
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold
Samsung’s answer to Huawei is already sold out on the official site, which means there are people willing to risk a dual-hinge device just to avoid carrying both a phone and a tablet. Joking aside, the phone is a spectacular feat of engineering, but it won’t be going mainstream anytime soon. samsung.com
5. Pebble Round 2
To be honest, I’d never buy one because it lacks NFC – a feature I consider mandatory for a watch, beyond battery life; there’s a reason I’m clinging to my last Fitbit smartwatch until breaks like the previous one. However, it looks great, the battery lasts for two weeks, and it has a colour e-paper screen that’s always on, so it’s definitely recommendable. repebble.com