iPhones, AirPods, Pixel Buds and an early have a look at the PlayStation 5 Professional

I do not know what number of extra instances I can say what an intense two weeks it has been because the final time I posted an Engadget overview recap with out sounding repetitive. Ever since we launched the first of these roundups final month, firms have relentlessly launched new {hardware} every week, contributing to a rising pile of merchandise for our crew to overview. With all these bulletins overlapping, it may be simple to overlook a overview that, say, was revealed firstly of the iPhone 16 occasion or one other that went up similtaneously Meta’s Connect keynote this week.

That is why I write these — it is a good alternative to compensate for critiques that we not too long ago revealed and revisit a few of the merchandise now that we have had extra time to spend with them. And my record of things for this version, there’s loads to go over. From Apple’s iPhone 16 collection, AirPods 4 and Google’s Pixel Buds Professional 2 to the PlayStation 5 Professional and a few video games and software program, this is a recap of issues we have been testing currently.

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC overview

by Billy Steele

Apple

Apple provides helpful noise cancellation whereas preserving your ears open on the AirPods 4 with ANC. There are additionally plenty of Professional options obtainable.

Professionals

• Improved sound high quality
• Higher match
• Efficient ANC
• Numerous superior options

Cons

• No onboard quantity controls
• Not a terrific deal when AirPods Professional 2 are frequently on sale
• No listening to safety options

$179 at Amazon

Only a few days after Apple unveiled the AirPods 4, Billy needed to file his draft for the review, which was slated to go up on Monday. Fortunately, these have been a reasonably simple replace, with evaluating the brand new lively noise cancellation (ANC) function being the primary activity. In fact, Billy went additional than that, gauging how a lot the gadget’s H2 chip and refined design impression the AirPods’ efficiency. He additionally went many additional miles, delivering report after report on matters like how the new hearing aid and hearing test features for the AirPods Pro work and a deep dive on how Apple designed ANC for an open-ear headset. Simply head on over to Billy’s author page for a full record of the various articles he is dutifully written up on the AirPods (and extra).

Apple Watch Sequence 10 overview

by Cherlynn Low

Apple / Engadget

The modifications delivered to Apple’s tenth-gen wearable principally should do with its measurement and display screen, and blood oxygen detection continues to be lacking. However that is nonetheless the very best smartwatch for iPhone house owners.

Editors’ word: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware}, well being and sleep-tracking options that will likely be obtainable to customers at launch. We are going to regulate updates to ongoing litigation, in addition to consider sleep apnea alerts and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will alter our overview rating if warranted.

Professionals

• Larger display screen that is simpler to see from angles
• Thinner body
• Complete well being and health monitoring

Cons

• Blood oxygen function from older fashions is lacking

$389 at Walmart

Phrases alone cannot specific how grateful I’m that Apple did not find yourself releasing three new fashions of the Apple Watch like was previously rumored. Contemplating the review of the Apple Watch Series 10 was revealed only one week and a day after the launch occasion in Cupertino, having to check a couple of smartwatch was going to be a problem. Heck, even reviewing a single new smartwatch was difficult, contemplating the opposite critiques we have been making ready on the similar time. That is why after we first revealed our overview on Tuesday, we didn’t really feel able to current a proper rating, as a substitute sharing simply our analysis of the Apple Watch Sequence 10 up until that time. We finally up to date our overview after spending a couple of extra days attending to know the watch higher, including a rating and extra findings later that week.

This is the abstract. Although you would possibly count on much more fanfare and options for the tenth Apple Watch just because it is the tenth era mannequin, there’s not loads that is modified. And the corporate arguably did not must do a lot, because the Apple Watch is a reasonably mature gadget. What it did handle to ship — a much bigger show in a thinner physique — is spectacular, and the Sequence 10 continues to ship the very best smartwatch expertise that any iPhone proprietor can get.

In fact, there are questions across the blood oxygen detection function that is still the topic of litigation between Apple and Masimo. However whether or not that (or the brand new sleep apnea function) can be found does not truly impression my expertise with the watch, and subsequently had little bearing on our rating. Should you’re utilizing an older Apple Watch that has the blood oxygen detection enabled and it is one thing you employ steadily, it could be higher to carry on to your gadget for now.

iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max overview

by Cherlynn Low

Apple / Engadget

The iPhone 16 Professional is a superb flagship with glorious, quick cameras and modifying instruments. However it’s possible you’ll must cost it greater than as soon as to final all day.

Editors’ word: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that will likely be obtainable to customers at launch. We are going to consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will alter our overview rating if warranted.

Professionals

• Quick digicam with top quality video seize
• Photographic types are efficient and fairly
• Good customizations obtainable all through

Cons

• Comparatively quick battery life
• Digital camera Management is not good

$999 at Apple

These have been simply the key critiques that have been revealed final Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday, we revealed my review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.

The story of this yr’s iPhones can also be a reasonably simple one: Cameras, buttons and an absence of Intelligence. Apple Intelligence, that’s. However by my testing, I began to appreciate that a few options started to face out. The obvious is the brand new Photographic Kinds, which put Instagram’s filters to disgrace.

On the iPhone 16s, you possibly can swap these out each earlier than and after taking pictures. You may also edit the quantity of saturation, shadows and extra inside every Type. Most significantly, Apple has finetuned its processing and depth map so it is higher at preserving pores and skin tones inside the realm of actuality at the same time as you crank up the saturation or distinction. I am an enormous fan of those improved filters and within the week since my overview went up, I have been tempted to submit nothing however Photographic Type samples to all my social media. The one factor preserving me from truly doing that has been tedium and an entire lack of spare time. However possibly at some point I’ll.

The opposite factor that I realized was a refined shift in Apple’s total strategy was higher customizability. Previous Apple was inflexible and rejected the concept that its design may not be the very best for all its customers. Today, Apple is greater than keen to allow you to arrange your app grid nevertheless you want, and iOS 18 brings the power to finetune your Management Middle and lock display screen shortcuts to your preferences (and wishes) as properly. I used to be shocked once I discovered that not solely might you tweak the sensitivity of the Digital camera Management’s contact and strain sensor, however you possibly can disable the function altogether.

I want this strategy because it places the consumer’s wants and preferences first whereas nonetheless sustaining a safe and personal surroundings. And whereas we nonetheless await the formal arrival of Apple Intelligence in October, it is seemingly that most of the AI-based options, which will likely be obtainable all through the iPhone 16 lineup in addition to the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max, will not massively impression our expertise and rating. Nonetheless, like we talked about in our critiques of this yr’s flagship telephones, we based mostly our verdict on the units we examined as they have been, and would possibly revisit our rating when headline options like Intelligence roll out.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus overview

by Billy Steele

Apple

For as soon as, you don’t have to attend a yr to get the very best new options from the iPhone 16 Professional. The iPhone 16 provides all those you’ll recognize most, and for $200 much less.

Editors’ word: The present rating displays our expertise with the {hardware} and iOS 18 options that will likely be obtainable to customers at launch. We are going to consider Apple Intelligence and different post-launch options over the approaching weeks and months, and will alter our overview rating if warranted.

Professionals

• Professional-level options with out the Professional value
• Motion button is useful
• Bolder new colours
• Photographic Kinds are actually good

Cons

• Total design is due for a refresh
• Digital camera Management takes time to grasp
• No high-refresh-rate show
• Apple Intelligence isn’t prepared but

$799 at Apple

I’ve to thank Billy for selecting up the review of the base iPhone 16 fashions this yr. Not solely was he in a position to assist with the workload, Billy additionally delivered a radical and different perspective on Apple’s non-Professional iPhones. I used to be heartened to see that he agreed with me on a number of issues, specifically that Photographic Kinds are superior and Digital camera Management is type of clunky. I do should admit that I hated having to take a look at a frog within the pattern picture he included in his piece — frogs are my mortal enemies.

I barely talked about the Digital camera Management in my part in regards to the iPhone 16 Professional above, however this new button is simply awkwardly positioned, and I used to be glad to see Billy’s expertise was comparable.

Each of us agree that it is good to see the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus get options which are on their Professional counterparts. Sadly, although these telephones have been designed for Apple Intelligence, that simply wasn’t obtainable to the general public on the time of our overview, which simply makes it really feel like they’re lacking one thing. That is to not say these aren’t glorious telephones. They are a good step up from final yr’s base iPhones and are available in an aesthetically pleasing array of colours that I am keen on.

We even have a information from senior reporter Jeff Dunn on how to choose the right iPhone, which could be significantly useful since this yr’s fashions all appear so comparable. My major recommendation is: in case you’re into multimedia creation in your iPhone, get one of many Professionals. Should you want your cellphone to final greater than a day, undoubtedly spring for the Professional Max, because the iPhone 16 Professional will completely conk out after about 20 hours.

macOS Sequoia overview

by Devindra Hardawar

Apple season is not restricted to new {hardware}. Final week, the corporate additionally launched the newest updates to its software program for its iPhones, Macs, watches, TVs and extra. Our resident computing knowledgeable Devindra has been spending time with the brand new macOS because the beta was obtainable, and was in a position to shortly put collectively his thoughts on Sequoia. His pleasure at having the ability to mirror his iPhone on his MacBook is clear in his overview, and we have been so satisfied by his overview that we additionally revealed a information on how to mirror your iPhone in macOS Sequoia afterwards. To cite Devindra: “It form of modified my life.”

Google Pixel Buds Professional 2 overview

by Billy Steele

Google

Google has as soon as once more supplanted the very best Pixel Buds in its lineup. These earbuds aren’t good, however the improved match and sound high quality alone are definitely worth the improve.

Professionals

• Tiny, comfortable design
• Punchy bass, full mids, crisp highs
• Barely longer battery life than predecessor

Cons

• Worth went up once more
• Spatial audio is proscribed to video apps
• Smaller contact panel requires precision

$229 at Amazon

I am certain by now you possibly can recognize how exhausting Billy has been working, significantly these previous couple of weeks. On Wednesday, Billy revealed his review of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which went up the identical time as the beginning of Meta’s Join keynote. That is the final of our critiques of Google’s new {hardware} this yr, at the very least till it launches one thing else. Billy’s analysis is that these buds are smaller than earlier than, which is a double-edged sword. They might be a greater match for some folks, however the truth that they’ve smaller touch-sensitive panels means they’re barely more durable to maneuver. Nonetheless, they produce respectable sound and combine with the corporate’s new Gemini assistant to make hands-free requests extra handy.

Now that the final of the Pixel critiques are lastly out of the way in which, we are able to lastly contemplate the corporate’s household of {hardware} as a complete and actually, I am impressed. I truly scored the Pixel 9 Professional larger than the iPhone 16 Professional, which is probably the primary time a Google flagship has been rated higher than one from Apple. I feel Google has confirmed with its 2024 units that it has the chops to tackle its gigantic rivals, and now simply must proceed its momentum if it needs to succeed in a bigger viewers.

PlayStation 5 Professional preview

by Jessica Conditt

After Sony introduced the PlayStation 5 Professional the day after the Apple iPhone occasion, senior editor Jessica Conditt was in a position to spend a while with the console forward of its November seventh launch. In her preview, Jess says that for the correct of gamer, the “audaciously priced” PlayStation 5 Professional is completely price it.

Who’s the correct of gamer right here? In line with Jess, “Should you frequently play PS5 video games and might afford to waste (at the very least) $700 on a extra highly effective console with additional gills, you completely ought to get a PS5 Professional.”

In fact, we’ll should get a tool in for testing earlier than we are able to deliberate on a rating and official verdict. However with quicker reminiscence, improved rendering in addition to assist for VRR, superior ray-tracing and “8K gaming,” the PS5 Professional looks as if a promising improve.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Knowledge overview

by Nathan Ingraham

Talking of gaming, deputy editor Nathan Ingraham revealed a overview this week of the newest within the Legend of Zelda collection: Echoes of Knowledge. Nate was a diehard Zelda fan rising up, and located himself taken proper again to his youth with this newest instalment.

My gaming tastes start at Solitaire and finish at Animal Crossing or Simply Dance, so one thing as concerned as Echoes of Knowledge is just not my cup of tea. However even simply trying on the footage in Nate’s review have me impressed on the dedication to element and high quality. As Nate places it, the story includes “a collection of otherworldly rifts which have opened up all through Hyrule, swallowing up large components of the land and the individuals who reside there.” That is completely the form of plot that may draw me in, and once I learn that this time round you’d play as Princess Zelda as she makes an attempt to rescue Hyperlink, I used to be much more intrigued.

Maybe that reversal of roles can even attraction to you, or possibly you are drawn in by the thought of finishing puzzles in an lovely 3D surroundings. I’ve to confess I am my Swap and contemplating taking part in this as a substitute of getting ludicrously upset at Match Manufacturing facility. Should you’re a fan of the collection, Nate thinks you must completely try Echoes of Knowledge.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm’s GFX100S II is an enormous enchancment over the unique and provides the identical image high quality because the GFX100 II for $2,500 much less.

Professionals

• Excellent picture high quality
• Improved autofocus
• Good dealing with
• First rate battery life

Cons

• Weak video capabilities
• High quality lowered for burst taking pictures

$4,999 at Adorama

Fujifilm GFX100S II and Logitech MX Creator Console critiques

by Steve Dent

Our pictures knowledgeable Steve Dent revealed a few critiques this week, showcasing his knowledgeable data of cameras and the modifying instruments that accompany them. His analysis of the Logitech MX Creator Console, for example, has me itching to get one so I can simply tweak and edit graphics in Adobe’s suite of apps. In the meantime, his review of the Fujifilm GFX100S II left me questioning what number of months I can go hungry so I can afford the $5,000 digicam as a result of I think about it will make me as adept at taking photographs as Steve. Should you’re curious in regards to the precise image and video high quality of Fujifilm’s digicam, try Steve’s video on our YouTube channel.

Up subsequent: What’s on the horizon

Like I mentioned, with all of the occasions happening these few weeks, there’s loads of gadget critiques to return. For instance, Samsung had a mini occasion this week the place it unveiled the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra, that are premium tablets which are considered the very best within the Android house. The corporate additionally confirmed off the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Watch FE LTE, that are decrease price variants of its flagship smartphone and smartwatch. All of those merchandise are good candidates for us to check, since our viewers (like your self!) is prone to be questioning about whether or not they’re higher than their premium counterparts.

This week, Meta additionally launched the Quest 3S, which is a budget-friendly VR headset that ought to take the place of the getting old Quest 2. Few individuals are on the market purchasing for VR headsets, at the very least, when in comparison with iPhones and even midrange Android telephones. But it surely’s nonetheless price our time to check one thing just like the Quest 3S, because it helps us be taught in regards to the know-how that is obtainable, even in comparatively small product classes.

Meta additionally confirmed off its Orion AR smart glasses, however as that is extra of a prototype proper now, I do not count on we’ll be correctly reviewing it. Equally, the fifth-gen Spectacles that Snap unveiled final week will solely be obtainable to accredited builders who’re keen to fork over $99 a month. That is not one thing we’re prone to formally overview, both.

It is exhausting to maintain up with all of the stuff that huge tech firms preserve launching and need you to purchase, however we do our greatest. We’re anticipating just some extra occasions coming this yr, and are preparing for the vacation purchasing season, too. I am certain folks exterior the tech business are feeling an analogous ramp up in work and life. Hopefully, all of us get a while to relaxation and care for ourselves quickly. As at all times, we recognize your time and want you the very best. Till the following Engadget Evaluation Recap, good luck.