Walmart is in the process of launching its new Google TV streamer lineup and, while I’m pretty intrigued by the Pro model, it’s the 4K streaming stick that was delivered first and, just as I hoped, it’s exactly the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) replacement I’ve been wanting.

“Cheap” Android phones are in an increasingly tough spot right now. The Moto G Stylus, one of Motorola’s most popular offerings, now costs $499 which puts it into the territory of more powerful and better-rounded smartphones like the Pixel 10a, but with the shortcomings of a cheaper device. That said, after using it, I think it’ll be a fine device if you really want that pen.

The display crease has plagued foldables from the beginning and, while it’s gotten better over the years, it’s still very much there on every new device. The Oppo Find N6, though, is the device that claims to defeat the crease and, while that’s not quite accurate, this is a major step forward, and that’s only one tiny part of what is easily the best foldable on the market – shame that hardly anyone can actually buy it.

Following last year’s choice between two priorities, Roborock’s new Saros 20 settles on enhanced navigation as a focus of what has become one of the best robot vacuums you can buy.

Smart TVs have been relatively static in terms of big new features for a while. Screen quality keeps getting better, software keeps learning new tricks, but it’s pretty uncommon to get a new hardware feature. That’s why I was pretty excited to check out TCL’s QM9K series and, after a few months using this flagship-tier Google TV set, its unique presence-sensing tech that turns on the TV whenever I walk in the room is still a mix of really cool, and perhaps a little pointless.

Item trackers are everywhere in the footsteps of the AirTag, and better options just keep appearing. Recently, a new Find Hub tracker from Nomad debuted for Android users, and I think it makes an argument for being the best option for your wallet – in more ways than one – right up against the Pebblebee Card 5 that launched last year.

One of the first things cut on budget phones is often long-term software support –I’m looking at you Motorola –, but that’s not the case with Samsung’s Galaxy A17, which is promised six years of Android OS updates. But, can anyone actually use this $199 phone for that long?

There are literally countless Qi2 charging docks available for the Pixel 10 series, each one with a different type of use case. One that I’ve been testing out lately is from UGreen, with the company’s Qi2 25W 3-in-1 “Magflow” dock being a perfect portable Qi2 dock for Pixel 10.

I think it’s safe to say that Qi2 has been the most meaningful part of upgrading to the Pixel 10, at least for me. I’m finding magnetic accessories invaluable in day-to-day life, and I’m not alone. One of my favorite ways to use Qi2 on the Pixel 10 is with car chargers as it’s probably the most convenient place to use the tech, yet also one of the most frustrating.

Smart home lighting has become pretty predictable over the years, but Philips Hue has a pretty clever idea in its new Wall Washer light. After using it for a few months, I’m pretty impressed by it, but it doesn’t exactly buck the stereotype for Hue’s pricing.

Bands have been by far the biggest headache of owning a Pixel Watch, at least for me. Google’s first-party collection is surprisingly expansive, but also pricey. In the third-party space, options are often limited or of low quality, but I recently picked up a super cheap Pixel Watch band that feels just as good as Google’s “Active Sport” band, but at a fraction of the price.

Chromebooks have been in a really weird place for the past few years, and its future is extremely uncertain. Front and center of it all is the current flagbearer for ChromeOS, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. After using it for the past couple of months, it’s a fine laptop, but one that sits in limbo.

While Android’s Find Hub network still has plenty of deficiecies in terms of actual performance, the hardware continues to improve. Recently, Pebblebee introduced its Gen 5 series with new Card and Clip trackers, and they continue to raise the bar on hardware quality.

There aren’t many devices that can synchronize your surrounding lighting with the visuals on your TV. Two companies come to mind, and there’s a massive disparity in price, especially when Govee’s TV Backlight 3 Pro does a rather good job with a couple of drawbacks for cheaper.

Qi2 has been absolutely my favorite upgrade for the Pixel 10 generation, and that’s largely because it opens up a new world of accessories. One of the best I’ve tried is a neat 5-in-1 charging dock from Baseus that lets you power up your Pixel 10 easily, while also having power for anything else right on hand.

Over the past several months, the Nothing Ear (Open) have quickly become my favorite pair of earbuds thanks to their comfortable fit and ability to deliver excellent audio quality without blocking out the world around me. But the problem with open-ear headphones is that they’re only ever a secondary option, so price matters. That’s why this $80 alternative – which has been on sale for far less at times – to the Nothing Ear (Open) has been so compelling.

The band situation with Pixel Watch has always been rough, especially if you want a nice leather band. But, finally, the day has come, as Nomad is now shipping a premium leather band for Pixel Watch that’s absolutely worth a look.

The Pixel 10’s Qi2 support opens a new world of accessories, but first in line should be Belkin’s clever little 3-in-1 stand that not only serves as an excellent travel charger, but also just a perfect starting point.

Home security cameras are commonplace at this point, but there’s something to be said about the ingenuity in the space. There’s a solution for every niche, and I think there are few better examples than the Wyze Bulb Cam and Wyze Duo Cam Pan I’ve been testing out as of late. They also serve as continued reminders of how much I wish Google would branch out a bit more.

It’s not hard to find a good high-end TV anymore, but to pair a good display, good software, and a good price? That’s a harder combo, but it’s exactly what I’ve been testing out in the Hisense U8QG series lately.

One of the latest Google Pixel accessories is a “wristlet” wrist strap that attaches to your case. It’s a fun little accessory and one that works well, though it is just a bit on the bulky side.

ADT’s Nest-integrated security system is one of my favorite parts of my smart home, in part because it has a lot of futuristic ideas. Recently, ADT added a new smart lock option to its lineup, and the fingerprint-enabled lock is such a welcome upgrade.

The flip phone market has a new entrant in Samsung’s more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE – short for “Fan Edition” – and, while that’s exciting in itself, I’m not sure Samsung’s option holds any ground up against the base Motorola Razr which, for 2025, is about as good as you could ask a more-affordable foldable flip phone to be.