Top 10 companies advancing natural language processing

On Good Authority: Our Favorite Tech And Gadgets In 2021

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Working for Android Authority is both a blessing and a (bit of a) curse — please, don't tell the boss we said that. You get to try a lot of cool new tech and gadgets throughout the year, but you rarely have time to enjoy the latest and greatest before the next thing rolls around. However, every once in a while, there's a standout product that really hits home. It quickly becomes our favorite item, whether by improving our daily life or by bringing a new cool and fun factor into it.

We've asked some of our team members to share the gadgets they most enjoyed using in 2021. We didn't want to limit ourselves to just Android-adjacent items, nor did we want to restrict ourselves to products that launched during the year. Loose rules mean looser answers, so you'll find a smorgasbord of gadgets below. My favorite is — oh I won't spoil it, you'll see it when you get there. It has to do with laundry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Perhaps the most curious aspect of this post is that the only phone that made it is one you wouldn't expect. Maybe we've become too jaded with mobile tech, maybe we're getting older and we need our ergonomic desks and massage guns more than our Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21. Who knows? Without further ado, here is Android Authority's favorite tech in 2021.

Bodgan Petrovan: Logitech MX Master Keys

Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority

I long loved Logitech's MX Master 2S mouse ($58), so when I decided to ditch my old Microsoft keyboard, the decision to get the MX Master Keys was easy. Or was it? Not gonna lie, $100 is a lot to pay for a keyboard, but in this case, I think you get what you pay for.

The MX Master Keys is excellent for typing — it's actually the first time I can touch-type almost 100% of the time.

The MX Master Keys is excellent for typing — it's actually the first time I can touch-type almost 100% of the time. It's well-made, (mostly) ergonomic, and it's a pleasure to use. It even survived an encounter with some vagrant black coffee. And that was good, because I'm not sure I could've gone back to another keyboard.

See more: All you need to know about mechanical keyboards

Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard

C. Scott Brown: Theragun Elite

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

I bought my partner the Theragun Elite for her birthday. She hurt her hip on one of our many hiking trips and needed to go to physical therapy. At her weekly appointments, they'd use a Theragun on her and she said it was really helpful. Now that we have it in the house, we use it on each other all the time. It helps a lot with "tech neck," which quite obviously afflicts a guy like me. It's definitely been a worthwhile investment.

Eric Zeman: Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

In a year when working from home got weird, the iPad Pro was able to keep me productive in a greater range of spaces when I needed to get creative.

Check out: Your guide to the best tablets

2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 128GB)

See price at Amazon

Save $100.00

Hadlee Simons: vivo X60 Pro Plus

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

I was initially going to say the PlayStation 5, but I barely play it and even then, I end up playing PlayStation 4 games that I missed out on (having bought an Xbox One instead last time around).

But as weird as it is to say, I have to admit I really liked the vivo X60 Pro Plus in 2021 after reviewing it. The vivo X70 Pro Plus adds so many premium extras, like water resistance and wireless charging, but the combo of a more compact size and pleather back really made the X60 Pro Plus a phone that I loved to use in spite of its flaws. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it shares mostly the same camera specs as the new release. I wouldn't recommend that most people buy the X60 Pro Plus now, given the number of extra features seen on the newer phone and the similar price tags, but it definitely felt great to use.

Kaitlyn Cimino: Roborock S7+

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

With an inexplicable aversion to vacuuming, I can't express how nice it is to have an effective robot vacuum to delegate to instead. The Roborock S7+ vacuums, mops, and even auto-empties its own refuse. It responds to voice assistant commands but it also runs on a preset schedule so I literally don't even have to think about it. Instead, I simply wake up to a crumb-free floor.

Kris Carlon: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

Kris Carlon / Android Authority

I had no idea bedside lamp clocks could be this involved and feature-packed. From meditative breathing exercises to sunset and sunrise lighting, nature sounds, and environmental monitoring, this Philips SmartSleep lamp does it all. My alarm clock used to be my sworn enemy, now it's more like my sleep coach. The model I reviewed is no longer available, but a similar and cheaper one can still be found on Amazon.

My alarm clock used to be my sworn enemy, now it's more like my sleep coach.

Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light

Nick Fernandez: iPad Mini (2021)

Nick Fernandez / Android Authority

I love small tablets. The portability and ease of use are perfect for light web browsing and reading, or taking notes on the go. The new iPad Mini checks nearly every box for me, with the exception of maybe a slightly higher refresh rate screen.

Apple iPad Mini (2021)

See price at Amazon

Save $40.00

Paula Beaton: Sony PlayStation 5

Sarah Chaney / Android Authority

Rita El Khoury: Ikea Idasen sit-stand desk

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

2021 was a pivotal year in my personal and professional life. New country, new home, new job, new everything. Moving from part-time writing to full-time has also forced me to consider a better home office setup. My back and posture aren't what they used to be a decade ago, and I didn't want to spend my entire day sitting, so I started looking at sit-stand desks. Eventually, the Ikea Idasen lineup won based on price, availability, size, and smoothness. I do not regret that decision one bit.

The Ikea Idasen desk keeps my back sane and stops me from hunching over too much.

The desk has become an integral part of my work routine. I don't have to think about it: I start my day standing for a couple of hours, then I sit a bit, then I do another standing bout in the afternoon. It keeps my back sane and stops me from hunching over too much. The addition of a standing desk mat ($79) is essential if you want to go this route.

Ikea Idasen sit-stand desk

Robert Triggs: Meaco ABC 12L Dehumidifier

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Forget noisy, expensive, and inevitably useless tumble dryers, buy a dehumidifier to dry your clothes overnight in the winter. It really works, this thing even has a dedicated laundry setting. It's (mostly) quiet and costs just pennies an hour to run too. Plus you get the added benefit of a dehumidifier to keep your rooms dry and comfortable, all for just £170. Maybe it says something about the state of my 2021, but this has been my tech revelation of the year.

Meaco MeacoDry ABC Dehumidifier 12L

Roger Fingas: Oculus Quest 2

Roger Fingas / Android Authority

From the moment I started playing games, total immersion was the goal, making VR an obvious endpoint. The Quest 2 may not be the absolute best VR headset — especially given its Meta/Facebook ties — but it's affordable, fully wireless, has great controllers, and you can use it alone or with a PC. I spend most of my time playing Pavlov, but it's also fun watching movies or YouTube on simulated screens that are larger than I could ever fit in my real home.

Play more: Best VR games for most VR headsets

Tristan Rayner: Sony PlayStation 5

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Yeah, yeah, I got a PlayStation 5 and you didn't, sorry. I actually paid a Very Online Guy $10 to help me get one. Anyway, it's big and monstrous, but boy it's made gaming fast– I can get back into a game within about 30 seconds which is great. Plus the controllers are pretty awesome, though I wish battery life was a little stronger… Anyway, great times!

What about you? Did you buy a cool dehumidifier or any other neat gadget that made your life a little better in 2021? Let us know in the comments below.

Best Of CES 2021: The 25 Best New Products, Gadgets And Tech

The Best of CES 2021 includes gadgets, appliances, upgrades for your health and yes, masks. The Consumer Electronics Show took place online this year instead of spread across Las Vegas, but it remains the place for seeing the most exciting new tech of 2021.

We've roamed the virtual halls, joined Zooms and took deep dives to see what the best new tech of 2021 promises. The most impressive new gadgets include upgrades to TVs, Wi-Fi, refrigerators and other typical CES gadgets. But we also see new technology that can improve our lives this year as we continue to work from home, take more control of our health and continue to adapt to spending more time at home.

Here are the best products of CES 2021.

The Samsung Neo QLED 4K and 8K TV sets deliver better image quality and loads of smart features. The Samsung Neo QLED 4K and 8K TV sets deliver better image quality and loads of smart features. Samsung Samsung Neo QLED 4K & 8K TVs

The Samsung Neo QLED TV features a new mini-LED backlighting technology that uses incredibly small LEDs that allow Samsung to deliver better blacks and brighter HDR highlights without the brights spilling into shadows.

We also get enhanced upscaling, which makes HD content look better on the 4K and 8K models so that you can get the most out of your TV while you wait for more 8K content to arrive. Pair this with enhanced game mode, new health features, voice assistants and optional video chat features, and you have a well-rounded set of 4K and 8K TVs for 2021.

Acer Chromebook Spin 514 The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is a new AMD powered Chromebook for 2021. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is a new AMD powered Chromebook for 2021. Acer

The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 with AMD Ryzen Mobile processors and AMD Radeon graphics. These new processors deliver enhanced performance, quick startup and long battery life.

This 14-inch Chromebook also features a metal chassis and military-grade durability, a convertible form factor so that you can use it as a laptop or as a tablet. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 with AMD arrives in February, starting at $479.

Honor MagicBook Pro The Honor MagicBook Pro brings a lot to the table for around $1,000. The Honor MagicBook Pro brings a lot to the table for around $1,000. Honor

The Honor MagicBook Pro features a 16.1-inch display, Full HD screen, and it's now available with an Intel 10th generation processor and Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU. This model also includes 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Fast charging delivers a 50 percent charge in about 30 minutes, and battery life is rated at 11.5 hours on a full charge. You can expect the MagicBook Pro to start around $1,000 when it arrives in the U.S.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with Magsafe The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger is the perfect companion for your desk or nightstand. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger is the perfect companion for your desk or nightstand. Belkin

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe delivers 15W MagSafe charging and wireless charging for AirPods Pro or AirPods with Wireless Charging on the base.

This stand uses magnets to keep the iPhone 12 series on the charger. You can place the phone in portrait or landscape mode, so it's great for video calls or simply watching videos. It goes on sale in March or April for $99.95.

IOGEAR UpStream Mobile Video Capture Adapter The IOGEAR UpStream Mobile Capture Adapter is your go-to solution for mobile streaming. The IOGEAR UpStream Mobile Capture Adapter is your go-to solution for mobile streaming. IOGEAR

The IOGEAR UpStream Mobile Capture Adapter is a simple and easily portable live streaming solution that lets you capture up to 4K video from HDMI capable cameras and Android smartphones. You can attach the adapter to a camera, a tripod or other devices with the 1/4-inch mount.

This portable solution is great for DSLR, action cameras, game consoles and many other devices. This is an excellent option for a single camera streaming setup. The UpStream Mobile Capture Adapter is available now for $149.95.

Bose Sport Open Wireless Earbuds The Bose Sport Open Earbuds allow you to enjoy music while you workout and still stay aware of your surroundings. The Bose Sport Open Earbuds allow you to enjoy music while you workout and still stay aware of your surroundings. Bose

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds keep you going with music, calls, podcasts and audiobooks without blocking the world around you. This is essential if you work out or walk-in busy areas while you are on calls or enjoying music.

These headphones let you hear traffic, your surroundings and have conversations while listening. Unlike many solutions, these direct sound to your ear instead of relying on bone conduction. You can preorder now at Bose and Best Buy for $199.95, and they ship in mid-January.

LG Ultrafine OLED Pro Monitor The LG UltraFine OLED Pro monitor brings the OLED tech we love on their TVs to a monitor. The LG UltraFine OLED Pro monitor brings the OLED tech we love on their TVs to a monitor. LG

The LG UltraFine OLED Pro monitor joins the UltraFine monitor lineup with a 4K OLED display. This is a 31.5-inch 4K display that includes more than 8 million pixels. The display hits all the marks that creative professionals need, including 99 percent of DCI-P3 and the Adobe RGB color spectrum.

The monitor includes a USB C port cable of delivering 90W charging, two DisplayPorts, three USB A Ports, an HDMI port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. We're still waiting on pricing and specific release date.

Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug The Lutron Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug is an essential smart home upgrade. The Lutron Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug is an essential smart home upgrade. Lutron

The Lutron Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug is an outdoor plug that connects to your Lutron Caséta smart lighting setup, allowing you to connect your string lights, landscaping and other outdoor lights.

The IP65 rating means that it is safe for year-round use in dust, dirt and water. It can handle hot and cold environments. You can connect this to Ring to automatically turn on lights when motion is detected, set up schedules in the Lutron app and control with HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It arrives in March for $79.95.

Shure Motiv MVC5 Home Office Microphone The Motive MV5C Home Office Microphone is an essential work from home upgrade. The Motive MV5C Home Office Microphone is an essential work from home upgrade. Shure

The Shure Motive MV5C Home Office Microphone is a simple upgrade that dramatically improves your home office audio setup. After hearing a comparison of the MV5C and the microphone on an iMac, the difference is like night and day.

With simple setup and the option to plug in headphones to monitor your audio if you want that feature, it is a nice entry-level home office upgrade that can grow as your needs change. The microphone connects directly to Mac or PC with USB-A or USB-C. The MV5C is available now for $99.

PopSockets MagSafe Grips Now PopSockets work with MagSafe and make wireless charging easier. Now PopSockets work with MagSafe and make wireless charging easier. PopSockets

The PopSockets MagSafe Grips attach to the back of your new iPhone 12 with magnets and deliver the PopSocket that you've grown used to. Now it is easy to charge your iPhone 12 wirelessly by removing the PopSocket Grip and then using MagSafe accessories.

PopSocket announced an array of accessories, but we are most impressed with the PopGrip for MagSafe, PopWallet+ for MagSafe and the PopMount for MagSafe lineup that includes a home and car mount. The PopGrip and PopWallet+ arrive this spring.

TCL XL Collection TVs The TCL XL Collection includes three 85-inch TVs starting at $1,599. The TCL XL Collection includes three 85-inch TVs starting at $1,599. TCL

While TCL is making waves of the 6 Series arriving with an 8K resolution, the new TCL XL Collection stands out by delivering huge screens in our homes with an incredibly tempting starting price.

These new 85-inch 4k TCL XL Collection TVs start with an 85-inch 4 Series at $1,599 and will go up to an 85-inch 4k HDR QLED, and even an 85-inch Mini LED 8K TV. Pricing on the higher-end models is not yet available.

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige toothbrush adapts to your brushing style. The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige toothbrush adapts to your brushing style. Philips

Does your dentist continually tell you that you brush too hard? If so, the new Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige toothbrush is exactly what you need. The toothbrush uses sensors to detect the pressure and motions you use and then adjust the intensity if you are pushing too hard.

The toothbrush connects to an app that can track your brushing habits, give you feedback on better brushing. The Sonicare 9900 Prestige features a premium design and comes with a vegan leather case that charges by USB-C.

Kensington StudioDock The Kensington StudioDock is an iPad Pro docking station with built in chargers. The Kensington StudioDock is an iPad Pro docking station with built in chargers. Kensington

The Kensington StudioDock is an iPad Pro docking station for your desk. It's designed for people who use the iPad Pro as a standalone tool or to use it next to your computer when drawing, using the iPad as an external display or for video calls.

This dock includes three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, HDMI 2.0, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an SD card reader and a Gigabit Ethernet port. We're still waiting on pricing and availability.

Roborock S7 The Roborock S7 takes robot mopping to a new level with the ability to recognize surfaces. The Roborock S7 takes robot mopping to a new level with the ability to recognize surfaces. Roborock

The Roborock S7 is a robot vacuum and mop that can detect the surface to lift the mop and avoid carpets automatically. When mopping, it can scrub at 1,650 times a minute to 3,000 times a minute. This speed and power allow it to break up even dried-on messes.

When the S7 detects carpet, it automatically lifts the mop, allowing it to clean hard floors and carpets in one go without anyone stepping in. The large battery promises up to three hours of cleaning in quiet mode. The Roborock S7 goes on sale in March for $649.

Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light The Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light keeps yoru mouse and keyboard clean. The Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light keeps yoru mouse and keyboard clean. Targus

The Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light uses a UV-C LED to clean your keyboard and mouse, or anything you leave sitting under it at your desk. The cleaning light runs for five minutes an hour, and if you are using your computer, the motion sensors will delay cleaning until you leave.

We're waiting on pricing and availability, but if you want to keep your work area clean at home or in an office, this looks like an essential accessory for 2021.

TP-Link Deco Voice X20 The TP-Link Deco Voice X20is a mesh Wi-Fi system that is also a smart speaker. The TP-Link Deco Voice X20is a mesh Wi-Fi system that is also a smart speaker. TP-Link

While Wi-Fi 6e is making waves at CES 2021, it will be a little while before we see it in tons of devices. The TP-Link Deco Voice X20 is a mesh Wi-Fi system that supports wi-fi 6 and is a smart speaker with Alexa built-in.

Now you can improve Wi-Fi around your home and add speakers to rooms at the same time. This is compatible with existing Deco mesh networks. You can stream Spotify, Amazon Music and other services on the smart speaker.

AirPop Active+ Face Mask The AirPop Active+ mask tracks breathing data and much more. The AirPop Active+ mask tracks breathing data and much more. AirPop

At CES 2021, we saw several masks and mask concepts, but the one that stood out the most is the AirPop Active+ face mask. This is a smart mask that can collect data about your breathing and connect that to air quality based on your location.

This mask is also designed to capture biometric data during normal use and while working out. The AirPop Halo sensor tracks breathing behavior and cycles as well as pollutants blocked. In Active Mode, it can even track breathers per minute or per pace. It's expensive at $149.99, but it is a tempting option for users looking to track data.

Noopl Noopl is a hearing accessory for the iPhone that works with AirPods Pro. Noopl is a hearing accessory for the iPhone that works with AirPods Pro. Noopl

Noopl is a made for iPhone accessory that plugs into an iPhone and works with AirPods Pro to deliver better hearing in noisy situations. While we might not be spending our evenings in noisy restaurants, this can also help users hear better at the store where masks muffle speech.

With the Noopl device plugged into the iPhone and AirPods Pro in your ears, the user can better hear conversations around them without losing important details to background noise. It is coming this year for $199.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Soundbar The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is an affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar. The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is an affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar. Harman

The JBL Bar 5.0 MulitBeam soundbar is a very affordable entry into Dolby Atmos with a $399.95 price tag, and it includes smart features like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support for streaming.

This is a virtual Dolby Atmos setup, and it uses MultiBeam, which is JBL's beam-forming tech, to deliver a more immersive experience without surround speakers. The price point and features help it stand out in a sea of soundbars.

Dell UltraSharp 40-Inch Curved Monitor The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD monitor is ideal for creative professionals or users working deep in data all day. The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD monitor is ideal for creative professionals or users working deep in data all day. Dell

The newest Dell monitor is the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD monitor, and it packs in a breathtaking array of features. The 40-inch curved display features a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution and delivers the color accuracy that creative professionals need.

It also includes a 90W charging port over Thunderbolt 3, a wide array of ports, and it includes eye comfort technology to help keep your eyes fresh after staring at the monitor all day. This monitor goes on sale January 28 and starts at $2,099.99.

Rise Personal Garden The Rise Personal Garden simplifies growing your own vegetables at home. The Rise Personal Garden simplifies growing your own vegetables at home. Rise

The Rise Personal Garden is a small, smart hydroponic garden that you can keep on your countertop and use to grow fresh food at home without outdoor space. This smaller version of the Rise gardens can grow four large plants, eight medium-sized plants or a dozen small plants.

The system can accommodate a wide range of vegetables and even supports microgreens. You can use voice control with Alexa to activate lights and pumps as well as get care and harvest advice. The Rise Personal Garden is $279.

2021 Razer Blade Gaming Laptops The new 2021 Razer Blade Gaming laptops offer a wide array of display options and various power configurations. The new 2021 Razer Blade Gaming laptops offer a wide array of display options and various power configurations. Razer

The Razer Blade 15 and Razer Blade Pro 17 gaming laptops arrive with a fresh 2021 update delivering upgraded graphics options and new pricing that starts at $1,699.

These gaming laptops are available with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, delivering better ray-tracing in games. Both sizes are available with three different display options at various refresh rates starting at 360Hz in full HD, and there is an Ultra HD OLED screen option on the Razer Blade 15.

Catalyst Total Protection Case for iPhone 12 Series The Catalyst Total Protection Case for iPhone 12 delivers complete protection and still works with MagSafe. The Catalyst Total Protection Case for iPhone 12 delivers complete protection and still works with MagSafe. Catalyst

The Catalyst Total Protection Case for iPhone 12 Series offers 33-foot waterproof protection and 6.6-foot drop protection. It includes a built-in screen protector, rotating mute switch and is designed to deliver good sound even when sealed.

This design works with MagSafe charging and Qi wireless charging, plus there is an oversized Lightning port for when you want to charge with a cable. The Total Protection Case is available for all the new iPhone 12 models. It is up for preorder for $89.99.

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator With Craft Ice and UVnano LG's latest refrigerator expands the Instaview feature and adds Craft Ice. LG's latest refrigerator expands the Instaview feature and adds Craft Ice. LG

The new LG side-by-side refrigerator features the Instaview Door-in-Door technology to show you what is inside your fridge with two knocks. This keeps the fridge cool while you browse for a snack. This model features a larger viewing window than the previous model.

One of the most impressive features is the Craft Icemaker, which churns out slow-melting ice spheres that are perfect for upping your home cocktail game. The water dispenser on this model can also automatically clean itself.

Honor Band 6 The Honor Band 6 is an affordable fitness band with tons of must-have features. The Honor Band 6 is an affordable fitness band with tons of must-have features. Honor

The Honor Band 6 is a super affordable fitness tracker with a 1.47-inch screen. It includes a heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and can track an array of workouts.

It is water-resistant and includes up to 14 days of battery life. The Band 6 can show notifications for texts, apps and calls. It is available in three colors and will retail for approximately $35.

Here Are The Best Gadgets Of 2021

Whether you were a homebody or aggressively outdoorsy in 2021, technology almost certainly played a role in your lifestyle throughout the year. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at the very best tech products that came out this past year.

From a colorful desktop for your home office to a portable Bluetooth speaker that's ideal for backyard reunions with loved ones, here is a list of the best gadgets of 2021.

Best desktop to brighten your work days

Yellow is the way to go. Credit: molly flores / mashable

If you're going to be stuck staring at a computer all day, it might as well be nice to look at. And what better than a stunning 24-inch iMac that comes in seven different colors? With a choice between blue, yellow, green, purple, orange, and silver, there's something here to match all types of interior decor and personalities.

With a starting price of $1,299, it's tough to find a reason not to buy such a fun desktop computer.

Best affordable earbuds for noisy commutes

Yeah, these aren't cute. Credit: alex perry / mashable

If your weekdays consist of going to and from the office or classroom, your mornings probably aren't as zen as they used to be. Whether you're within walking distance from work or have to hop on a noisy bus, you won't want to leave the house without a great pair of noise-canceling earbuds.

Enter: Amazon's Echo Buds. (The second-generation version, that is).

Compared to the first iteration, these Echo Buds are smaller, slimmer, and come with real active noise cancelation — as opposed to the "noise reduction" feature included with the first-generation effort.

While these aren't the flashiest pair of buds (they're actually really ugly), you can rest assured you'll get the best bang for your buck. At $119, the Echo Buds offer great noise cancelation, solid sound quality, and feel comfortable to wear for hours at a time.

They also come with a variety of ear tips and wing tips in the box to fit ear canals both big and small.

Best streaming stick to watch box office hits

The movie theaters can wait. Credit: alex perry / mashable

Don't feel fully comfortable sitting in a packed movie theater yet? Well, that's fine because you can always recreate that cinematic viewing experience at home. If you're on somewhat of a budget, you can snag a 4K TV for under $300 and then pair it with the Roku Express 4K+ for only $40.

Mashable Light Speed

True to its name, the Express 4K+ has the ability to play 4K content at 60 frames per second, giving you impressive video quality for such an affordable, entry-level device. Sadly, there isn't a lot of 4K content to choose from on streaming services, but you can find some options on HBO Max.

Best smartphone for all-day adventures

It's overkill, but it does make sense for specific situations. Credit: zlata ivleva / mashable

Yes, Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra is the embodiment of absolute feature overkill in a smartphone. But it also takes excellent scenic photos thanks to a combination of its 108-megapixel main shooter and improved imaging software. The S21 Ultra captures really crisp, bright images that don't look overly processed.

It also comes equipped with Samsung's proprietary Space Zoom technology, allowing you to zoom in on a subject up to 100x. Even when taking shots that close up, the photo quality remains impressive.

And with a 5,000mAh battery, this phone will last you through an entire day of capturing content and then some.

Best Bluetooth speaker for beach days with friends

Excellent design AND sound. What more could you ask for? Credit: alex perry / mashable

For most of us, it's been a while since we've had to make small talk at public gatherings. So if you're feeling a little social anxiety before that pool party or BBQ, the Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker will make for excellent emotional support. Just put on a good playlist and feel the awkwardness in the atmosphere melt away.

The Roam's portable and durable design makes it easy to throw into your tote bag or backpack to transport from spot to spot. It also links to over 100 streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Tidal, and provides really rich audio quality.

At $179, its price tag is a little steep, but its compact build and large catalogue of compatible streaming services make it worth the cost. Plus, we all know your friends are begging you to stop bringing that cheap Bluetooth speaker from the drugstore to social gatherings anyway.

Best laptop to get a head start on Windows 11

You won't find a better intro to Windows 11 this year. Credit: molly flores / mashable

In the fall of 2021, a momentous occasion occurred. Microsoft released a new, numbered version of its PC operating system: Windows 11.

And there's no better portable device on the market for learning to love Windows 11 (and its newly centered Start button) than the Surface Laptop Studio. Sure, its $1,599 starting price (which can balloon far beyond that with enough upgrades) is daunting and likely disqualifying for many folks. But if you can swing it, you'll get the most elegant, sturdy, and high-performing product in the new Surface lineup.

It can be a laptop, with a real and excellent keyboard attached to it. Or you can pull the screen forward a bit using the unique hinge and turn it into a presentational display, which is great for watching content or making art with a stylus. Pull it forward even more and the display will sit flush with the keyboard, turning the Surface Laptop Studio into a full-on tablet.

Versatility aside, it's an incredibly sleek laptop with great construction, excellent performance, and solid battery life.

Best all-around wireless earbuds

Apple released a new pair of AirPods this fall, but they weren't even the best wireless earbuds the company released that month.

The Beats Fit Pro may not outwardly bear Apple's name, but they are by far the best wireless earbuds Tim Cook and co. Have ever made. At $200, they're cheaper than AirPods Pro while being better in almost every way that matters. The design is strong, with a silicone ear tip providing all-day comfort and a small wingtip ensuring they'll never fall out. A six-hour battery with ANC turned on also puts them far above any AirPods.

And then there's the sound quality. Your favorite songs won't sound better in any pair of AirPods than they do here. They get Apple's fancy spatial audio features and, to top it all off, their active noise canceling capabilities are nearly flawless. Finally, Android users can get some use out of them, too, as they don't lock all their best features to iOS like AirPods do.

What more can we say? If you're in the market for new wireless earbuds, this is as good as it gets.

---