As much as we love celebrating products that improve our lives, 2024Not every release lives up to its potential. Some products we were excited about faltered due to their lack of performance. Questionable design choice or unable to meet the high expectations that were set
A product does not have to break or burn to be damaged. Sometimes simply not following through on a claim is enough. As we say every year We're not angry about these products, just disappointed.
Sony Bravia Theater U
Throat speakers have always been a niche alternative to traditional headphones. The idea is to wear them around your neck so that people nearby can't hear what you're listening to. What a pity about Sony Bravia Theater U That is, it sounds good under appropriate, limited conditions. Those conditions require you to sit still. like a statue That's inconsistent with how most people naturally hang out and watch TV on the couch. For $300, you'd be better off buying your roommate a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. So you can watch TV comfortably.
Dell XPS 13 (2024)
year Dell XPS The lineup should be a great series of laptops. Whether it's 13, 14, or 16 inches, the thin yet durable frame remains impressively quiet even under stress. And many models have bright OLED displays. So what's the problem? Light-sensitive and touch-sensitive function row Although we may have learned to live with or even love the invisible trackpad, But it's hard to appreciate the ESC key disappearing when the laptop is closed. What's worse is that Touch-sensitive keys may fade in direct light. This makes finding necessary controls like brightness or volume adjustment nearly impossible.
Apple Vision Pro
at Apple Vision Pro It's the most technologically advanced VR headset you can buy right now. It has some of the best displays around. Make watching movies or experiencing content The new “spatial” feels truly unique, however, the device is not very convenient to use without a third-party harness or headrest. This is mainly due to the front plate being metal and glass. Putting a spare battery in your bag adds to the inconvenience. Especially if you want to use it for quick spatial work. However, the biggest drawback is the lack of apps that fully utilize external sensors. Improvements will occur over time, though. But it's hard to ignore these shortcomings. Especially at $3,500, where you'd expect Apple to focus on usability.
Razor Freyja
We are hypnotized by Razor Freyja Ever since we first saw it at CES last January, This voice-activated haptic chair promises to immerse you in spine-tingling roars. And it feels good. Even though it might be too good. Because it responds to the low rumble of deep-voiced NPCs. Although there are many game-specific touch features, But these effects are activated periodically. Only in some games It feels more like a novelty than a genuine tool for increasing immersion. Another drawback is the reliance on power outlets for the cushions. As a result, the cables on your chair's swivel wheels become tangled too easily. Overall, it's an interesting device. But it is still a generation away from greatness. (and a little customization)
Rabbit R1
Just like the rest of the internet. We're obsessed with the orange color and cute squares. Rabbit R1 When it was announced at the beginning of the year The AI-powered companion device promises to do it all, however, once we got our hands on it, the $200 AI assistant struggled with even the most basic tasks. Its image recognition is wrong. It often made me wonder if it even had a camera, and its “all day” battery only lasted a few hours. To Rabbit's credit, the company has released regular software updates for the R1 since launch. But there is still a long way to go.
AirPods 4 with ANC
at Airpods 4 With active noise cancellation (ANC), it would be great. But the short battery life and loose fit make it difficult to recommend over previous-generation AirPods, although the addition of ANC is a welcome upgrade. But they struggle to block out louder city sounds like horns and sirens. If ANC is a top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 are a much better choice for those committed to the Apple ecosystem. AirPods 4 are even more disappointing It didn't last a full working day before needing to be recharged.
MSI Talon
at MSI Talon Launched at an unfortunate time, it enters a market flooded with impressive mobile devices. The design is reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally, but its ergonomics are a bit awkward and the shoulder buttons are disappointingly spongy. Although the mobile device received several updates to improve its performance. But it still lacks competition from AMD mobile devices powered by the Z1 Extreme. Worse, the $800 price tag feels steep for what it offers.
Roto VR Explorer Chair
$800 Roto VR Explorer The chair is a perfect example of a great idea foiled by poor execution. It's a VR gaming chair designed to rotate in the direction you turn your head. In theory, this sounds immersive and exciting. But in practice It felt like riding a grand carnival ride that was constantly stopping and starting. The biggest drawback is that Explorer doesn't perform well in games that require more dynamic movement than head turns. Although VR Explorer offers some interesting experiences, But it ultimately destroys what we love most about VR: freedom of movement.
Meta Ray Bans
Don't get me wrong. I really like wearing mine. Meta Ray Bans– Not only stylish But it's also great for capturing high-quality video and photos from a first-person perspective. It's also a convenient way to listen to music or text without picking up your phone. However, the big problem with Meta Ray-Bans is the AI feature, which can be hit or miss. They often give incorrect or unrelated answers to your questions or requests. We joke that the smart glasses have a bit of “dad brain” as they confidently give the wrong answer. Meta recently added a live translation feature, which is a nice addition. But it has trouble tracking when speakers speak too quickly in other languages.