It’s a December full of unforgettable moments. During the month, we received a robust gaming tower from Origin PC and a return of the handheld MSI Claw that redeems much from the previous generation’s shortcomings. We also completed our extensive evaluation of Google’s Pixel Watch 3, which was such a success that I directly purchased the 45mm variant. We further explored a watch that aids in rolling dice.

There were disappointments too. Though they didn’t make it into this review, they still deserve a mention. Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus is as light as air, but its stunning AMOLED display struggles under a 60Hz refresh rate—and in a laptop that suggests streaming games. Acer also demonstrated it could produce beautiful OLED screens for its notebooks, but the Swift 16 AI as a full package is largely unimpressive. Additionally, a heads-up for smart ring enthusiasts, particularly those who got a Samsung Galaxy Ring during the holidays and are curious about its resilience.

The upcoming month is CES 2025. We’re already gathering narratives on what the industry aims to introduce as fresh and innovative. Given that artificial intelligence infuses everything, it will play a significant role as the focus. It will also be an ideal opportunity to watch if you’re looking to enhance your home entertainment system, with all the novel TVs and smart home innovations being showcased. And remember the unique items, like laptops that unfurl to provide additional screen area. Expect next month’s review to be jam-packed as we transition from winter’s chill.

Google Pixel Watch 3

In our extended review refresh, I finally awarded the Pixel Watch 3 the comprehensive score it warrants. It’s a worthy trade-in if you’re debating whether to acquire a Pixel Watch. Available in two display sizes, large (41mm) and larger (45mm), it offers superior battery longevity and health monitoring than the first two iterations. Though not entirely flawless—for example, unlike the Apple Watch landscape, Google’s exclusive watchband connection makes it challenging to find interesting replacements to interchange. Yet, this remains the most outstanding smartwatch within the Android domain, even if you don’t utilize Fitbit.

See Google Pixel Watch 3 at Amazon

See Google Pixel Watch 3 at Best Buy

Timestop D-20

Though not a complete evaluation, it was a standout in this month’s Gizmodo recommendations. Kyle brought the Timestop D-20 to PAX Unplugged, swiftly becoming his “go-to gaming gadget of 2024.” The watch indicates time and simulates dice rolls. It looks impressive, wears comfortably, and was crafted with RPG and board game lovers in consideration. The watch likely won’t be acknowledged as dice in any current RPG, but you won’t need to recharge it nightly like a smartwatch.

Origin PC Neuron 3500X

The Origin PC Neuron 3500X is an outstanding gaming rig with peak specifications. Its silent fans promote optimal ventilation, and the RGB lighting makes the enclosure appear like a fishbowl from the ’90s. However, notwithstanding its reduced high price, it could possess more resilience. The casing is susceptible to bending, and the panels detach like parts of a random Boeing fuselage. Everything else about this PC is impressive.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

La inteligencia artificial se encuentra en todas partes, incluso en el título de una consola de videojuegos portátil de segunda generación. Claw 8 AI+ de MSI es una versión renovada del anterior Claw, que fue aceptable, aunque podría haber sido bastante mejor. Este nuevo dispositivo portátil promete una mejora en el rendimiento para juegos exigentes y casuales en una bonita pantalla más grande que la de sus competidores, el Steam Deck y Asus ROG Ally. Si bien su duración de batería es decente, el software podría necesitar pulirse un poco. En resumen, la dirección que MSI está tomando con sus consolas de juegos portátiles es más alentadora que la anterior.

Consultar MSI Claw 8 AI+ en Best Buy

Auriculares Pi8 de Bowers & Wilkins

No esperábamos que Bowers & Wilkins fuera incluido en este mes en la lista de gadgets destacados, pero los audífonos inalámbricos Pi8 que hemos revisado son los mejores que Sherri ha escuchado este año. Son pequeños, fáciles de guardar, y brindan una calidad de sonido excelente para música y podcasts. Además, son más sencillos de usar que la mayoría de los auriculares de terceros disponibles en el mercado y se ajustan sorprendentemente bien a una variedad de canales auditivos.

Consultar Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 en Amazon