Engadget review recap: 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 reviews team is flush with new devices to test, which means you’ve got a lot to catch up on if you haven’t been following along. Read on for a roundup of the most compelling new gear we’ve tested recently from gaming, PCs, cameras and more.Quick OverviewNex PlaygroundMSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+Shokz OpenFit ProSony A7 V Apple AirTag (2026)Nex PlaygroundThe Nex Playground brings motion-tracked games to the entire family. Consider it the best of the Xbox Kinect in a tiny box.ProsFun core titlesSolid motion-trackingWell-designed hardware and UILarge library of gamesWorks offlineConsRequires an ongoing subscription to access most gamesNeeds large open space for play If you still have a fondness for the Xbox Kinect, the Nex Playground might be right up your alley. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar recently put the tiny box through its paces and found an active gaming experience that’s fun for the whole family. “While I have some concerns about the company’s subscription model, Nex has accomplished a rare feat: It developed a simple box that makes it easy for your entire family to jump into genuinely innovative games and experiences,” he wrote.MSI's Prestige 14 Flip AI+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 clunky trackpad and weak keyboard.ProsExcellent CPU performanceSolid gaming supportBold OLED screenTons of portsRelatively affordableConsAwful mechanical trackpadDull-feeling keyboardDisplay is limited to 60HzDevindra also tested MSI’s latest laptop, the powerful Prestige 14 Flip AI+. While the machine got high marks for its performance, display and connectivity, he noted that the overall experience is hindered by subpar keyboard and truly awful trackpad. “As one of the earliest Panther Lake laptops on the market, the $1,299 Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a solid machine, if you're willing to overlook its touchpad flaws,” he explained. “More than anything though, the Prestige 14 makes me excited to see what other PC makers offer with Intel's new chips.”Shokz OpenFit ProFinally, a set of open earbuds that actually sound good and provide noticeable ambient noise reduction.ProsEffective noise reductionComfy fitGreat sound for open earbudsDolby Atmos supportConsSound quality varies with ear shapeOver ear hook isn’t for everyoneNoise reduction isn’t as effective as ANCFresh off of its Best of CES selection, I conducted a full review of the OpenFit Pro earbuds from Shokz. I continue to be impressed by the earbuds’ ability to reduce ambient noise while keeping your ears open. And the overall sound quality is excellent for a product that sits outside of your ears.Sony A7 VWith a new partially-stacked 33MP sensor, Sony’s A7 V offers speed, autofocus accuracy and the best image quality in its class.ProsFast shooting speedsQuick and accurate autofocusOutstanding photo qualityGood video stabilizationConsVideo lags behind rivalsUncomfortable to hold for long periodsContributing 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 accurate autofocus. “The A7 V is an incredible camera for photography, with speeds, autofocus accuracy and image quality ahead of rivals, including the Canon R6 III, Panasonic S1 II and Nikon Z6 III,” he said. “However, Sony isn’t keeping up with those models for video.”Apple AirTag (2026)Apple has improved its Bluetooth tracker in practically every way, making it louder and extending its detection range.ProsPrecise Finding is far more usefulLouder and easier to hearSame price as the original AirTagConsStill lacks a keyring holeApple’s AirTag accessories are too expensiveOur first Editors’ Choice device of 2026 is Apple’s updated AirTag. All of the upgrades lead to a better overall item tracker, according to UK bureau chief Mat Smith. “There's no doubt the second-gen AirTags are improved, and thankfully, upgrading to the new capabilities doesn’t come at too steep a cost,” he concluded.
