Gamereactor UK

Sonos Era 100 SL

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200

Like various smartphone manufacturers, Sonos has on several occasions released cheaper versions of its existing products with a view to expanding its range to appeal to different price points.

The latest addition to the range is called the Era 100 SL, and it's exactly what the name suggests: an SL version of the existing Era 100. Broadly speaking, this means that here you are 'simply' buying an Era 100 that lacks the microphones used in the standard speaker to summon a voice assistant, or for Sonos' Auto Trueplay feature, which uses those very microphones to actively calibrate the soundstage.

There is a small issue that we might as well get out of the way first. The price is a bit odd in this respect, as the Era 100 SL has arrived at an introductory price of £170, just a little cheaper than the Era 100. You don't sacrifice much between the two models here, but conversely, it isn't much cheaper. In fact, the difference is so little that you might as well say: "Why not include the microphones - you don't know if you'll need them down the line?"

That said, the Era 100 SL is cheaper, and just how much the reduced saving matters is ultimately down to the individual. The good thing is simply that if you know the microphones don't interest you, then it's an easy buying decision.

This speaker is, after all, still brilliant. The setup consists of three Class-D amplifiers, two angled tweeters, and a mid-woofer that is 25% larger than the old Sonos One. These are encased in the same perforated grille in either matte black or white and both look classy. It weighs two kilos, is relatively compact at 18 centimetres tall, and will undoubtedly fit in just about anywhere. It features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and AirPlay 2 support, and naturally, its integration into Sonos' well-functioning app ecosystem is seamless.

Everything from playback quality to reliability, and the functionality via the app is impressive, and stems entirely from Sonos's stubbornness, insisting on keeping the speakers within their own software ecosystem has borne fruit, and using the Sonos app is now decidedly brilliant.

It is, however, nice to see Bluetooth connectivity here, and support for, say, Spotify Connect or simply AirPlay, which makes the Era 100 SL instantly accessible. Still, the aforementioned reliability is the main draw. Wi-Fi speakers tend to be... well, 'flimsy'. Suddenly they stop working, or suddenly they just don't respond when you really need them to. But that's not the case here, as in my view, Sonos just always works, and that's worth the money.

The Era 100 SL is a bit caught between two design choices. Perhaps Sonos should have removed a few features so they could offer a speaker for a little less, as the current saving seems rather minimal. But on the other hand, this really is a brilliant little speaker, and we haven't missed the microphones during the test period.

Maono Wave T5 Wireless

tero@gamereactor.eu (Tero Kerttula) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200

There are many different uses for wearable microphones these days. Whether you're recording a podcast, conducting interviews for other purposes, or simply want to record your own singing, a handy and portable microphone is sure to be useful. The Maono Wave T5 Wireless offers a convenient solution for this requirement at a price point of only around €100.

The USB-C version reviewed here was designed to connect to a phone, but there is also a version of the device compatible with cameras and Thunderbolt ports. Considering the price range, the amount of included accessories is commendable. In addition to two transmitters, one receiver, and their charging case, the package naturally includes a charging cable, as well as windshields for both microphones, two lanyards, and clips for various mounting options. A carrying pouch is also included.

The microphones' functions are controlled via the separately downloadable Maono Link app, which allows you to conveniently adjust settings such as microphone gain levels and ambient noise suppression. The ambient noise cancellation feature, in particular, deserves praise, as at its highest setting, the noise cancellation is truly impressive, and practically no extra noise or clatter from the surroundings is recorded. You can also add a few different filters to your recording via the app, such as a warmer tone and the like, and there's really nothing to complain about with this feature either, even though the selection of filters is quite limited.

Using the microphones is quite convenient. You plug the receiver into the phone's USB port, turn on the microphones, and the device records microphone audio through any app, even the phone's default recorder. Since there are two transmitters, you can also record in stereo if you want, which I tested myself by recording a small a cappella choir's rehearsal.

In addition to the device's functionality, the sound quality also deserves praise. Of course, the quality doesn't match that of more expensive devices costing several hundred euros, and I wouldn't use these microphones for more demanding tasks like recording instrument sounds, but for recording speech and vocals, the Wave T5 is certainly capable. The sound is clear and noise-free, and the dynamic range of the vocal recording is more than sufficient for practice recordings. The microphone also captures different vocal ranges effectively, and even deeper bass notes come through in the recording without any issues. However, when compared to more expensive options, the sound is slightly cold, and the dynamic range doesn't quite reach their level, but it's really hard to find better alternatives in its own class.

The device also makes a good impression in terms of build quality. Both microphones are small but sturdy and compact, and you wouldn't hesitate to use them outdoors either. The charging case feels high-quality and the battery life of the microphones is also good, where with a single charge, you can easily record even a longer podcast without needing to recharge.

As an affordable device, the Maono Wave T5 Wireless is a very solid option that's hard to find fault with. The slightly cool overall tone of the sound is perhaps the only thing I can find to complain about, but in terms of overall functionality and sound quality, the device is an excellent alternative to its more expensive counterparts in its price range.

Aurzen Boom Air

kenny@gamereactor.eu (Kenny Nordgren) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0200

I'd be lying if I said we'd never even considered getting a projector here at home, however, our living room is simply far too small. Believe it or not, my 77-inch LG OLED is actually almost too big for that room. Just almost, mind you... Another thing that's been on the cards here at home is a TV in the bedroom. We used to have one, and by "used to" I mean back in 2014-2015. We got rid of it because we never actually watched TV in there, but in recent years my wife has decided that it would be quite nice to have a TV in the bedroom after all. She started eyeing up portable projectors, so when I was asked to review this Boom Air Projector from Aurzen, I didn't need any more time to think about it.

Boom Air is Google-compatible and therefore fits into our Google-centric home. I very rarely use my Google assistant to control various gadgets, but the option is there and I can even control all my lights and soundbar via the projector. App-wise, most things are available on the Google Play Store, including Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Spotify, and so on.

My wife actually ordered a budget screen online, as the plan, as mentioned earlier, has been to have a projector in the bedroom. However, it's meant to serve as a portable unit that you can take with you when the occasion and opportunity arise, so the screen itself was only cheap. As the idea behind this projector, as already mentioned, is not for it to be stationary, we haven't put up a dedicated shelf for it above our bed. We already have a shelf there where it could be placed, but we have a rather large ceiling light that gets in the way, which means the shelf isn't an option. Instead, we've placed a stool to the left of the bed at waist height and put the projector on it. This means it's at an angle to the screen, but the projector's autofocus works very well for this purpose. The image is initially skewed or angled, but after a second or so the autofocus kicks in and the image stabilises. I fiddled with the picture settings a bit when I first set it up, but I haven't needed to do that since.

The picture is good, but it looks much better in a dark room rather than in broad daylight. Even when I change the brightness to "High", I don't notice any significant difference compared to "Standard". Outdoors in the middle of the day, I think it's better to look at your mobile. I tried going out late one evening onto our balcony to see how the image looked in the dark outside the house and I must admit it exceeded my expectations. The problem is that we live in a tin-roofed house with corrugated metal, so there simply isn't a flat surface available on the balcony. The image itself was clear, however, so if I can find some sort of flat surface - perhaps some sort of portable (projector) screen - it will be used extensively during the World Cup this summer. Here, however, you need to bear the power source in mind as if you want to sit on the balcony, as in my case, you'll need a socket nearby or extension cables.

If you want it to be extremely portable without power sockets or extension cables, you'll need access to a power bank of at least 65W for it to work.

The projector has a built-in 10W speaker and produces perfectly decent sound and it really does deliver 360-degree sound. Even though we have the projector next to us to the left of the bed, it feels as though the sound is coming from in front of us, from the screen. I find the sound itself a bit tinny at times, but it's still perfectly acceptable for a portable projector in this price range. The available sound modes are Standard, Movie, Music, and Sport, as well as the option to switch surround sound on or off. There's also the option to connect via your mobile to use the projector solely as a speaker, should you wish to do so. In this case, the projector doesn't display any image as only the speaker is used. If you compare it with other portable devices, such as the JBL Go 4 - of which we have a few here at home - the sound quality is significantly better on the JBL.

Physically, the projector isn't exactly tiny for a portable model. It weighs in at around 1.3 kg, and when folded up, it measures 26 cm long and 9 cm wide. It's rectangular, so if you're going on a trip and have a suitably sized suitcase, it'll fit. Furthermore, the projector has one port each for HDMI, USB-C, and headphones, making it perfect for a road trip when you'll most likely have room to bring both the projector and your Switch.

In summary, the Aurzen Boom Air is a good, well-functioning projector. We've used it quite a lot at home, both in the bedroom and in our daughter's room, as she doesn't have a TV at the moment. The sound is a bit tinny and the picture isn't the sharpest you've ever seen, but it's still extremely handy and easy to use. If you're looking for something portable but aren't too fussy about picture and sound quality, the Boom Air is the one for you.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Huawei's FreeBuds have delivered premium sound at a non-premium price for some generations now, and the fifth generation is no different. This time it uses a dual-driver configuration with a dual-magnet bass driver, and a very small planar diaphragm that handles the higher frequencies. These are also used actively for ANC.

The shape is slightly different based on data from more than 10,000 samples and multiple silicone ear tips. The case seems slightly larger but with a soft finish instead of hard plastic making it more comfortable to feel and touch. The elegant art deco design remains, and likewise, as do the many different options and features in the app. The good news is that the everyday user interface remains relatively simple, and personally, I set it to standard mode with full noise reduction and high resolution audio enabled, and that was all I needed.

One of the major upgrades is that it supports L2HC 4.0, a 2.3 Mbps audio codec, or in other words, more than 14 times the resolution of a Spotify stream. The only problem is that it requires a Huawei phone to use, which is a shame, even if it still supports LDAC high-resolution code. So, thumbs up for not locking non-Huawei phones out of high resolution audio, where this product really shines. Using high-resolution music does reduce battery life down to 5.5 hours, if you also have ANC at max, but I do not think you should use your in-ears for that long anyway, and the case holds roughly four full charges and then some. Without noise cancellation, and at a low volume, you get close to 40 hours but these are meant to be used with ANC on. The MIMO AI ANC works in real-time and therefore consumes a lot of battery. On the brighter side, the voice quality is superb.

Each unit has its own DSP and DAC, or rather both, because each of the driver units gets its own DAC, which is complete overkill. It supports 24-bit 48 KHz sound, however, non-Huawei devices will only be able to send up to 990 kbps, which is far away from the 2.3 Mbps that it can achieve.

While the predecessor launched at €200, I was able to find a pair of FreeBuds Pro 5 at €170. Huawei clearly does not have any fixed pricing around where I live, as pricing on both models varies significantly, which currently, at the time of writing, means that you can get the new model cheaper than the old one in a few places. Again local pricing may vary a lot.

The feature list is long with; IP57 rating for use during hardcore fitness training, even in bad weather; spatial audio with head tracking adaptive EQ; and dual-device pairing, but you will buy them for the sound first and foremost.

Huawei has, for some years, been one of the frontrunners for improved audio quality in in-ear devices, as the first decade or so I reviewed that type of product was often disappointing. But sound quality has improved over the long-term, accelerating over the past few years, and as the competition in the market is fierce, Huawei does not disappoint.

The sound is clear, crisp, and transparent with a remarkably deep bass you only get from dual-driver configurations and extensive DSP. Instrument and voice separation is more akin to a decent stereo system and the marketing talk about long-term comfort actually holds up to scrutiny. The signature Huawei sound also packs a punch when listening to Infected Mushroom or the kick drum of Rammstein while the softer tonality from Adele comes alive. In short, they sound excellent, especially for that kind of money. If I needed a new commuter in-ears, these would easily make my top three.

Woojer Vest 4

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200

The market for home haptic feedback has always been sort of niche, with a few manufacturers trying out headsets with physical movement or the classic moving pistons attached to a chair or couch from Buttkicker or Earthquake Sound. Tactile feedback directly on the body is in theory a much more immersive experience but also a lot more difficult to do correctly and without being cumbersome.

Woojer has attempted this with their latest version of body haptic feedback, the Vest 4.
It is what it claims to be, a vest fitted with small tactile units that vibrate at a frequency and intensity that reflects whatever you are using it for. The six Osci TRX2 transducers are great and surprisingly flat, and the vest can have a really tight fit, which enhances the immersion.

So, it's great idea, and the small units are really powerful, and when they recommend you don't turn the haptic feedback to max, there is a good reason for it. This thing could be used to treat kidney stones. If you get shot in a game and forget to turn the volume down you will feel it, a lot...

The frequency range goes all the way to 250 Hz, which is way too much. You already get a lot of rumbling that drowns out the details at THX standard 100 Hz and sub 80Hz was my personal sweet spot. But yours may be lower. Everything runs not via a driver or programme but through an app. This fortunately means that Woojer Vest 4 also works with your controller for your favourite console platform and there is even a specialised version for the Meta Quest VR system.

And now for the less great part. It's problematic to use. The basic charging can be done with the 20V charger that comes with the vest and only that. If you throw it away you are out of luck. I tried a number of very high power chargers, and if it isn't 20V - and nothing normally is - it will not charge. Also, the setup can be a bit complicated. The guide works but the process could be more fluid and the vest, despite being called lightweight, still feels cumbersome.

The main problem however is connectivity. I did not manage to find any way to run the sound in parallel. It must go to your vest and from there to Bluetooth or a wired cable. Forget about using your speakers and the vest at the same time or using your headphones with sub 1 ms connection. The Bluetooth also doesn't support low latency, which I frankly find to be essential for gaming and even then is inferior to radio wave-based audio. For me, having to re-route my audio via the vest each time I play is unfortunately a complete dealbreaker.

The pricing is normally around £456/€530, but it's currently on sale at a 30% discount and includes a free lining.

I have no doubt that the tactile transducers are the main cost in production and that they are very expensive. But I really do not understand why a few extra pennies at this price point are not used to include a Bluetooth system that supports AptX low-latency or a similar system.
The main thing here is that I cannot see a way to fix it without changing the control module on the vest, which is integrated into the fabric, thus preventing the user from changing or upgrading it. Perhaps a software update can help here. In theory, Bluetooth 5.0 would support AptX low-latency mode, however, this is still at best 30+ ms and therefore not usable for gaming as the user will notice the delay.

The best way and the most optimal user scenario is therefore to run everything wired. If you do that already, wire to vest and then wire from vest to headphones, you can get the full immersive experience. But if that doesn't suit your situation, the product and its price might not be that relevant.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0200

I have been using Ultra or rather "Note" devices for a very long time, so I'm aware that calling the incremental steps between each iteration a revolution or evolution is utter nonsense. They're small but desired upgrades each time. A good example is how at some point the devices had put on some girth, and so with each new generation, the device shrunk slightly, ending with the current S26 Ultra, which for the lack of a better term, is finally coming to a stage in its life where it is the same size as other smartphones. Well... apart from the, as always, distinctly bigger display. It also moved away from titanium and into aluminium, a step down that supposedly makes it lighter. Together, with more rounded corners, this slimmer phone makes for a more conventional shape and size despite the extremely large 6.9" AMOLED 2X display, which also seems both brighter and offers better colours than last year's model.

Despite the Ultra series having remained at almost the same price point for a very long time - so technically Samsung wouldn't be lying if they claimed the phone had more or less become cheaper over time - they are not exactly cheap. Our review unit is the 'cheapest' one, the budget version offering 12 GB of memory and 256 of storage for €1,449. You can pay another €200 to get 512 GB option and for another €300 you get 16 GB of memory and 1 TB of storage. But Samsung also lent us a matching watch and in-ears, because this is not a phone, its the centrepiece of your digital Samsung life, a complete ecosystem where everything works together in perfect synchronisation, and while that does cost a lot of money to set up, they do deliver on that part with complete and perfect integration.

For that price, by the way, you don't get a charger and you don't even get a cover, something I find infuriating. This pushed me towards dbrand and their GRIP series for the S26 Ultra, and I regret having used money on original Samsung covers because these are superior, and as I was rather unlucky at one point, also good at protecting the actual phone while costing the same or less than the generic ones.

However, you do get a privacy display. This alone, especially if you commute or use your phone in an office, a classroom, or anywhere else where others easily can see your screen, is one of the single-most important inventions in modern times. So far, Samsung is the only one to offer this to the broad consumer market but I hope others follow. It acts as a thin film on the display distorting the view for anyone outside a very narrow angle-of-view.

The belly of the beast houses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This also makes for one of the highest-performing mobile chipsets on the market, but my experience across five generations of Ultra phones is that it also comes with some difficulty in managing battery life. The charging has finally gone up from 45 Watt to 60 Watt, with 25 Watt wireless charging. The bigger models, meaning the 1 TB version, now also sport 16 GB of RAM. The battery is 5000mAh, which is slightly larger than other S26 models, but more importantly, Samsung has done some software optimisations so that your phone no longer eats battery like a hungry hippo.

One thing I would like to commend Samsung for is the "new" main camera. The 200MP isn't new as such but it does use a new sensor and an ALoP (All Lens on Prism) for the 5x periscope camera that offers 50MP resolution. The camera array also features a new horizontal lock that at least in theory allows for gimbal-like stabilisation, which I completely forgot to try out during testing, as the 4K/8K video already looked rather stunning. Generally, I noticed less image noise, both in bright and especially dark surroundings, and a better autofocus, although I am unsure whether this is due to hardware or software optimisations.

I am unsure if Samsung is doing the right or wrong thing, as AI is still present but in the form of small independent programmes. Nudge to scan your screen for context, Google Gemini for other stuff, and Bixby is also there, plus perhaps one or two others I forgot. It seems as though manufacturers like Samsung has understood that the public do not want overflowing AI products as they may have dialled it back a bit too much. I would like one system that does everything and only activates when I ask it to, but it's advanced technology nonetheless.

The speakers are still top notch. It sounds stupid but that actually does matter for someone who often uses a phone without a headset. Also, the S pen hasn't been killed off. It has still been reduced to a pen with no added functionality, which is a shame, but it's present. Once you get used to it for photo editing (and there are a lot of options mostly based on AI), there is no going back. Being rather old school, I still love taking notes this way and no one does that better than Samsung.

All in all, this is an actual improvement and offers some good ideas, especially the privacy display, which will be a massive selling point for commuters like myself. Compared with the rest of the market, the price for this flagship phone is almost reasonable.

Echo Aviation Controller

patrik@gamereactor.eu (Patrik Severin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200

There's no doubt that aeroplanes and games make for a fantastic combination. There's something fascinating about gripping the control stick and flying over exciting landscapes and locations. Whether you're interested in military or civilian aircraft, there's always an option for those who enjoy this kind of experience. If you want to enhance the immersion or simplify flying even further, there is a whole industry of hardware developers selling flight sticks, controllers and other accessories to improve your experience. I've had the chance to test the Echo Aviation Controller by Honeycomb Aeronautical. They are a well-known name in the flight simulator hardware sector.

The first thing I asked myself was who this controller is designed for. It doesn't feel strictly designed for aviation enthusiasts who build their own cockpits and want the latest, most expensive and most realistic flying experience. These players will probably buy individual products. What I mean by that is that the Echo Aviation Controller is a bit of three things in one product, at a lower price than separate control methods. You get a joystick, knobs and a controller all in one product. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it means this will appeal to a certain type of user. My guess is that it's the casual aviation enthusiast and possibly you who want to dip your toes into flight simulators without going 'all in' and buying loads of peripherals for a lot of money. This controller costs $149.99/£126.00 to buy.

The box this remote control comes in is sturdy and easy to travel with.

If you see the controller as a complement to other options or a 'bit of everything' solution at a lower price, this could appeal to quite a few gamers. Today, we have games that combine simulator-style flying with ground and vehicle combat. Being able to have a joystick plugged in and ready to use to handle such situations both quickly and effectively is no bad deal if the joystick actually delivers. This is what I have tested in a number of games. I have also tested the joystick in some arcade-style games to see if it has anything to offer. My opinion is that it certainly does. It works best of all in flight simulators focusing on civilian aircraft. It's also quite good for flying military aircraft. However, I found there were too few buttons to perform everything a military aircraft needs to do, which required additional equipment.

My first test was in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. I chose to combine this with a mouse and a keyboard to see how well it enhanced the flying experience. I could essentially do everything with the controller that is relevant to the flying itself. You can adjust the controls, ailerons (the position of the buttons affects each other), trim, landing gear, and adjust the aircraft's rotation and direction using the joystick. The difficulty lies in other detailed tasks within the aircraft's menus, both on the ground and in the air. If you want to set flight routes, operate buttons, levers and certain specific types of equipment, you'll need a mouse and keyboard or another type of button solution. If you want it to feel seamless. It is, of course, possible to do these things with the controller, but I found it unnecessarily slow and that it worked better with the keyboard and mouse. This is worth bearing in mind if you are considering buying this controller.

The controller is of standard size with rubber grips. It also has an ergonomic design reminiscent of Microsoft's models.

I have to give Honeycomb some credit, though, for being able to handle so many things relatively painlessly. It feels good to fly with it, even though I prefer a flight stick, pedals and a full set of controls with keypads in front of me. The idea is that you should be able to take this wireless controller with you and play a bit wherever you are. It does that well; it has good battery life and doesn't take up much space. It also comes in a nice box with options to reconfigure the sticks and buttons if needed. You have a control panel that you can swap to get something resembling the controls in an Airbus, and even something that would be found in a Boeing. I like how simple it makes flying. You don't have to search for buttons; everything important is right in front of your eyes. This is the first time I've seen and tested such a high-quality solution. This controller isn't unnecessarily expensive; it's portable in a way that more expensive equipment isn't, and it's compact. Buying pedals, a joystick, a control panel and other accessories can cost significantly more and requires more time to programme and set up.

The Echo Aviation Controller is shaped like an Xbox controller. It's still one of my favourites in terms of ergonomics, and that's evident with this controller too. It has a certain sense of weight without being unnecessarily heavy, and it doesn't feel particularly plasticky, which makes it suitable for gaming on the go. However, it lacks what I would categorise as standard buttons. This isn't something you'd use to play Doom or any other action game. That said, it could certainly be used for purposes other than flight sims. However, that isn't its intended purpose, and you should use it as a complement to something else for controlling your computer. It is in this role that it excels. I haven't had any issues with the buttons, joystick or the weight of the controls when using it in flight sims. Everything works as it should in a fairly compact package. The included 2.4 GHz dongle is nothing special. However, the USB-C to USB-A adapter cable is useful if you don't have the right type of USB port or prefer to use a cable.

The controls are brilliant and make it easy to adjust various aspects of the aircraft.

I probably won't see this rather cool controller as a replacement for more expensive flight simulator hardware. That said, it is a high-quality controller that can make flying fun when you're on the move. Especially if you can't take a joystick and other equipment with you. I must admit that I'm happy with this type of controller and see its value in a different way. It's absolutely perfect for anyone who's wanted to try the genre but hasn't quite known where to start. It's easy to set up and doesn't overwhelm you with buttons. The joystick doesn't offer too much resistance either, which is perfect if, for whatever reason, you'd rather fly a helicopter than a plane. One drawback of a standard controller when piloting helicopters is that you often need to hold the joystick slightly in different directions. This can become tiring if you're flying for longer periods. I can't say whether there are better solutions in such a compact form for helicopter simulators specifically, but I did find it worked well in Flight Simulator 2024 and with their helicopters.

Unfortunately, I can't test the battery life (over several years) or how long a joystick like this will last over time (before it breaks). That said, you get 15 hours of wireless use and can plug it in with a cable. I was able to use it for more than 15 hours before recharging, and I've also had a situation where I needed to recharge the controller after 12 hours. I'm just as happy to play with a cable if the option is available, so I'm not dependent on battery life in the same way. That said, one might have wished for a bit more battery life than is offered, given that competitors on the market offer more than double that today.

The sliders affect each other. If you move one down, the other moves up.

If you're looking for an easy way to get started with flight simulators without having to spend the full cost of all the hardware that's usually required, the Echo Aviation Controller is a sensible option. You'll need to download game profiles from their website and update the drivers for the included dongle. Unfortunately, there is no app for this; instead, you'll need to do as people used to do on a computer and visit various websites. In this case, you'll need to visit Honeycomb Aeronautical's own website so that you can play your favourite simulators in the best possible way. If you play on Xbox and are keen on this, a controller of this kind will be available later in 2026.

I'm very happy with this, despite the somewhat short battery life and the lack of an app. Ultimately, this is more convenient and cheaper than buying all the aircraft equipment separately. However, you do miss out on some of the immersion, as well as the range of additional buttons and functions. If you can live with this or simply want to give flight simulators a go, this is one of the more innovative ways to do so that actually works. I haven't tested anything else like this that manages to make flying feel just as good. For that reason, I can highly recommend the Echo Aviation Controller. It's especially for those of you who don't need everything but want a simple way to enjoy these realistic flying experiences.

The menu buttons give the controller a few extra options for navigating the user interface. However, I recommend that you have a mouse and a keyboard to hand.
These levers can be programmed to control how much fuel is fed into the engine, as well as many other functions.

Braun MultiGrill 9

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0200

A while ago, I came home to my partner and my two lovely children and announced that I'd finally found the time - and the energy - to start baking. It was a moment met with a touch of scepticism, perhaps due to the self-importance with which I delivered the news, which, it must be said, is perfectly fine. But in the weeks that followed, I threw myself into one project after another.

In that context, I was naturally also looking for ways to use up all the bread I'd crammed into the already overflowing bread bin and freezer, and so I came across Braun's MultiGrill 9 as a suitably versatile way to stuff my otherwise rather well-fed family. And what a success it has been.

Okay, so what exactly is the MultiGrill 9? Well, it's a way of combining a whole host of kitchen functions - which previously were either fiddly or required separate equipment - into a single gadget, an approach we've almost always welcomed across markets here at Gamereactor. Its exterior is made of stainless steel, but the grill plates are cast aluminium, meaning they can easily go in the dishwasher with a PTFE coating that doesn't just wear off.

The integrated heating element can deliver up to 2200W of power. That's a lot, but translated into more understandable terms, we're talking up to 230 degrees, and on the two dials that let you set the temperature, there's also a Sear button that cranks the heat up to 265 degrees, and is especially designed, for example, to give steaks a nice sear. Yes, the MultiGrill 9 is almost a sort of tabletop grill, which you can, in principle, use as a waffle iron one day and an open grill for cooking steaks the next.

It's a 3-in-1 design, meaning it can be fully closed for when the family, to their no-surprise, wants Dad's paninis made on homemade focaccia again. But it can also be open at 180 degrees, or used as an "oven" with the top lid raised. It's incredibly elegant how the MultiGrill 9 switches between these modes, and in my view, the heat—crucially—has always been even, which is harder to achieve with larger ovens.

There are two independent thermometers that monitor the heat, and overall the whole machine seems to be incredibly precisely engineered. What's more, you get these plates included, which make it exceptionally versatile and allow you to make the aforementioned paninis and waffles, which quite frankly, could easily be considered the highlight of a chaotic weekend.

The approximate £170 this one is priced at is no small sum, and it certainly is a fair bit compared to a cheap Melissa toaster. But not only is the MultiGrill 9 brilliantly put together, it packs a wealth of functions into a single unit, and it even does it better than some of the dedicated machines. In my view, that means this isn't just recommendable, but downright brilliant.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed

fredrik@gamereactor.eu (Fredrik Malmquist) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0200

Logitech makes a strong impression in the mid-range market with its G325 gaming headset. Not perfect, not mediocre, but a really solid headset for the casual gamer. It also works well for office work and team meetings. The headset isn't flashy or groundbreaking, yet it's well thought out. The Logitech G325 gaming headset feels like the ideal choice for anyone who wants something that simply works, without having to spend a small fortune.

The G325 is a wireless headset with both Bluetooth and a USB dongle via Logitech's Lightspeed technology, making it easy to switch between computer, console and mobile. You quickly notice that the focus is on simplicity. This is a headset you basically just switch on and go. No fiddly installations, no weird settings.

G325 kommer med USB-dongle och USB-B till USB-C-sladd

Simplicity is also a recurring theme throughout the product. You can adjust the audio and microphone settings via Logitech G Hub, but don't expect miracles. The customisation options are there, but are fairly limited compared to more expensive alternatives. The headset doesn't stand out or surprise you, and feels more everyday than premium. All the controls are located on the left ear cup and consist of buttons for on/off, Bluetooth, volume control and mute. The buttons feel a bit plasticky, and it certainly would have been easier with a dial for adjusting the volume.

What does, however, impress immediately is the comfort. Weighing just 212 grams and featuring soft ear cushions, this is a headset that almost disappears on your head. For me, this is a major plus, especially during longer gaming sessions. It works just as well for a couple of hours on Discord as it does for a working day of Teams meetings. I caught myself forgetting I was wearing the headset at all and suddenly found myself standing at the microwave heating up food with the headphones still on my head.

Reglagen sitter på baksidan av vänster kåpa

The sound is balanced rather than spectacular. There is a clarity in the midrange and treble that makes dialogue and game audio sound crisp, but the bass is rather subdued. The sound is never bad, but it's not for audiophiles. This isn't the headset you buy for the ultimate audio experience, but rather for consistent and reliable sound.

The microphone, however, leaves something to be desired. Logitech has opted for a built-in beamforming microphone instead of a classic boom mic. Whilst this certainly makes the design 'cleaner', it seems to come at the expense of sound quality. The voice comes through, but lacks both depth and clarity. My friends described the sound as somewhat tinny when I compared it to my Hyper X Cloud Stinger headset and my Sony XM headphones.

At the same time, the build quality is a clear indication of where the headset sits in the price range. The construction is fairly simple and mostly plastic, which sometimes gives a slightly cheap impression. At the same time, it's hard to criticise it too much given the price tag; these are compromises that feel reasonable. The battery life is just over 20-24 hours and charging is via USB-C, meaning the headset can easily handle several days of normal use without any issues. Combined with the wireless flexibility, this makes the G325 a very practical headset for everyday use.

G325 finns även att köpa i färgerna lila och vit

The Logitech G325 isn't a headset that tries to be the best at everything. Nor is that the intention. This is a headset for those who play games now and then, join a meeting, listen to music, and just want everything to work. For this purpose, the headset works very well. For me, it's also a given that wireless headsets today should work with all the devices in the home. It was just as easy to get started on my PC, Switch 2 and my iPhone.

Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5

conny@gamereactor.eu (Conny Andersson) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0200

Out of curiosity, I dug out the order for my first robot vacuum cleaner. I bought it in August 2020, and it's actually been with me ever since, through all those years in a house in Oslo and then on to a flat when I moved back to Sweden. It's done a lot of cleaning in that time and I christened the old workhorse R2-D2, because, as anyone who owns a robot vacuum cleaner knows, it needs a name.

But, as with all technology, progress happens, and even though that particular Roborock model was "the shit" back when it came out just over six years ago, a lot has changed. Above all, that type of automatic base station wasn't as widespread as it is today, where it's found on the slightly more expensive models from most manufacturers. So, it's this sort of upgrade I've now had sent to me, and my R2 has had to move in with his little brother, where he'll hopefully be cleaning the floors for quite a while yet.

Something you quickly realise when you pick up a model like this with a station containing a water tank and other bits is just how enormous it actually is. "It looks like a toilet", is a comment I've heard from quite a few people when they've laid eyes on it. Of course, there's not much you can do about the substantial size when considering the internal contents. Inside, there are two water tanks (one for clean water and one for dirty water), each with a capacity of four litres, as well as a 2.5-litre dust bag. Its capacity is substantial, but how long it actually lasts depends entirely on the frequency of cleaning and the size of the home. However, it quickly becomes clear that the built-in water tanks and the dust bag make this a handy solution for anyone who wants to avoid emptying it after every clean. Sure, sooner or later it'll need doing but compared to having to empty a container after every vacuuming session, this feels incredibly luxurious.

The base station is large and not particularly attractive or discreet, but with its big water tanks and a dust bag inside, it's a necessary evil.

The first thing I noticed was that I was using the mop function far more now than I did with my old Roborock, simply because it works so smoothly to let it take care of this itself. It cleans (both the floors and the mops after every clean) and empties out the dirty water, then refills with clean. Everything about the automation is so wonderful and you quickly get thoroughly spoilt. The same goes for the dust collection itself, which you don't have to worry about emptying. The container inside the vacuum cleaner is quite small, but it empties itself when needed. However, you only get one of the included vacuum cleaner bags and it's not meant to be used more than once. Here, they could obviously have been a bit more environmentally conscious and instead provided a larger plastic container that could easily be emptied and reused.

The suction power of 20,000 Pa is incredibly impressive on paper, and after using it in the kitchen, living room, hall, and bedroom on various types of floors and carpets, I feel that my home has never been so spotlessly clean. You can adjust everything from how efficient or thorough it should be, how much suction power it should have, and whether it should just vacuum, wet mop, or a combination of both. The app is very user-friendly, although unfortunately it does tend to need restarting now and then to update its location. When the Robot Vacuum 5 whizzes across the floor, it picks up dirt virtually flawlessly. But there is one area where it isn't quite entirely effective, and that is corners. I've spotted a few crumbs left here and there, and noticed a bit of dust under a bookshelf where it really ought to reach with its extendable brush. Although it's just a tiny, tiny complaint, it's really the only thing stopping me from giving it top marks.

The rotating mops lift automatically when the robot vacuum detects a carpet.

Even though the vacuum lowers its radar on the top to get under low furniture, it's a bit fussy in a way I never experienced with my previous model. The brush, which sits on a small arm, is designed to reach right into corners, but as I said, there are times when I've found a bit of dust or crumbs upon closer inspection. However, I find that the carpets come out incredibly clean and the floors as a whole are very thoroughly tended. With its built-in cameras, I also find that it very cleverly navigates around objects that might be left on the floor. I've now "optimised" my home specifically for robot vacuuming and I have no loose cables on the floor, and really, it's just a coffee table I need to move if I want the carpet in front of the TV to be fully vacuumed. But I can imagine it's quite nice for families with children not to have to pick up socks or toys from the floor every time you want to start it up. When I've tried placing objects on the floor, it simply navigates smoothly around them.

During the weeks I've been testing it, it's really only got stuck on two occasions. As the mops are like two round spinning discs, one of the discs ended up under the edge of a rug and came loose, which the vacuum cleaner kindly notified me of. All notifications pop up smoothly on the app, and when it was time for the first trip to refill at the station with clean water and empty out the dirty water, a notification also appeared. What's more, a light on the docking station flashed as a handy reminder when I went out into the living room a little later. Overall, the mops feel significantly more effective than the kind of cloth found on simpler models. They also extend a few centimetres to be able to wipe right up against the skirting boards.

The Robot Vacuum 5 can lower its radar on top to get under low furniture.

It's really just minor issues that prevent a perfect score. After a final big test before writing this review, I walked around and scrutinised the house with a very critical eye. I spotted a few crumbs right at the edge under my sofa, and discovered some dust bunnies right up against the wall under a bookcase, so although the brush on the extendable arm should reach right into the corners, the cleaning isn't always 100% perfect. However, you do tend to notice these little things more, unlike with manual vacuuming where you usually just pick up what you can see. By my oven, for example, there's a small gap right down by the floor where crumbs tend to settle. With a traditional hoover, you can just use the nozzle to get rid of them, but here it's simply a blind spot that a robot hoover can't manage.

Despite the odd forgotten crumb, I'm otherwise extremely pleased with everything from how the impressive suction power leaves carpets sparkling clean to how the wet mopping keeps the floors spotless. The fantastic automatic docking station has been a joy to use and has worked absolutely brilliantly; after nearly three weeks of daily use, I've only had to empty/refill the water once and the dust bag is barely half full yet.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Nothing phones are different, both in terms of software and hardware. The aluminium, semi-transparent design is, in my opinion, fantastic. As in the case with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, which is still slim, has an aluminium metal unibody coupled to the vapor cooling, and while it may look fantastically futuristic and brittle at the same time, it's rated at IP65 with Nothing claiming that they have tested it in 25 cm of water. The side holds a programmable "Essential" button that can be used for a lot of things, and being very vanilla myself, I used it for screenshots.

To add to its unique design, the Pro has a glyph interface of 137 pixels that are lit up by mini-LED at 3,000 nits. The idea is that it will provide additional information before you have even unlocked your phone. It's a very interesting concept when combined with Nothing OS 4.1, but it does however have limited functionality, and given that most people will mainly use it for updates on what time it is, I treat it as a fun little feature and don't grieve over the fact that it could theoretically be used for a lot more. Life is too short for that.

Nothing OS is vastly different to everything else on the market and I love it. While everything seems different, it's also very intuitive and I do like the added privacy options, including a separate password for a vault where you can store whatever you like, similar to how the dual-sim card - only found in very expensive phones - offers added flexibility.

The 6.83" AMOLED display runs at 1.5K resolution and 144Hz with extremely thin bezels, 1.82 mm thin, and 1,500 nits brightness at normal use with a 5,000 nits peak. I am pretty sure this is the brightest screen I have ever tested. For gaming, it runs at 2,500 Hz touch sampling rate, beating even dedicated gaming phones. It's bright, fast, and fluid. The speakers are fine as well. Oh... and there is a transparent case included in the box, something that really should be standard for all phones.

The chipset is Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and this means a respectable 8 cores, but no Wi-Fi 7. The battery is 5,080 mAh, which lasts two days with no problems and charges at 50 Watt. However, due to the metal body of the phone, it does not support wireless charging. Yes, I am aware that it's technically possible but it must have been too expensive to implement. I charge with a cable on the regular, but for those that have transitioned to a wireless life, this will be a dealbreaker.

One thing that Nothing underplays a bit too much is the brilliant triple camera setup that uses their own TrueLens engine. A 50MP main camera using the Sony IMX896 sensor, an 8MP Sony-based ultra-wide, and a Samsung JN5-based 50MP periscope giving you 3.5x optical, 7x "lossless", and 140x ultra-zoom. While a few other phones have slightly better image quality overall, nothing beats this in the price range and the image noise reduction is clearly visible when zooming in afterwards. I am, however, less impressed by the colour calibration as to me it seems like the three cameras don't match entirely in colour profile by default and there is a very clear difference between the optical and the digital zoom, despite the digital zoom being better than what it normally is. I always recommend to avoid digital zoom and stay with the optical and that advice also applies here. Unfortunately, they also use "Ultra Zoom" (140x), which works using generative AI. That means that some of the pixels in your image aren't there, as they are generated, and that is a serious problem in my opinion. That belongs in post edit of the image and not when capturing it.

Despite the zoom capability being in focus, I am actually much more impressed by the night photography. These are perhaps the lowest image noise night-time photos I have ever taken, which is pretty impressive for a phone in this price bracket. It works by combining seven frames into one image and then using AI for noise reduction. This is how you should implement AI in your products! Despite this extremely powerful photo feature, the phone only does 4K/30FPS and can't offer 60FPS, which I think it needs to effectively cross blades with the flagship models from other brands.

The pricing is simple, €429 gets you 8GB+128GB and €499 gets you 12GB+256GB. You'll want to get the latter. There are three years of Android updates and six years of security updates promised.

I am somewhat conflicted as I do love the metal body of the phone and how it feels, however, the semi-transparent, circuit board, futuristic look is downplayed, and that is what I like the most about Nothing phones. The display is great and seems way over the top for a phone in this price tier and I found no hiccups or delays using it for gaming or heavy multitasking. The battery life is great and so is the camera performance, at least when kept within the boundaries of the optical zoom.

It's a solid 8/10. 60FPS/4K video, Wi-Fi 7, better optical zoom, and wireless charging is needed if it should jump an higher. still, I am a bit in doubt as I have fallen in love with the OS and general aesthetics of the phone.

Redmagic 11 Air

johan@gamereactor.eu (Johan Mackegård Hansson) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0200

I can't help but feel a bit chuffed when a piece of tech lands in my letterbox which, as well as appearing to be of solid build quality, also comes from a brand that isn't necessarily one of the big tech giants. Samsung, Apple and OnePlus are undoubtedly at the top of the industry for a reason, but I'm also convinced that there are plenty of other, perhaps slightly hidden, options that are certainly worth considering. Especially for us gamers, there are good reasons to look at other options tailored to our specific hobby, and that's where Redmagic has found its niche, offering a phone that's specially designed for gaming.

So when I first unbox my new handset, I notice that this is a substantial piece of kit we're dealing with. The Redmagic 11 Air is big. For some, it might even be too big. I, who am blessed with what I would describe as reasonably average-sized hands, can just about manage the 6.85-inch OLED screen with one hand, and even then I need to support it with my left hand if I'm to reach the top-left corner of the screen without risking dropping it. Someone with a slightly smaller grip would probably have been better off finding a more modest alternative. Despite its size, the Redmagic 11 Air feels surprisingly easy to hold, and once I've slipped on the included phone case - whose textured surface helps secure the grip - it feels like it would take quite a lot for it to slip out of my hand. It feels sturdy, though not quite designed for one-handed use, which is, after all, how I tend to prefer my mobile phones.

However, there are certain mitigating factors to bear in mind regarding the large screen. The Red Magic 11 Air isn't just any old phone, but a device which, like its predecessors, has been developed specifically for us gamers. A portable gaming device in the guise of a phone, if you will. Held between your palms in a horizontal position with, say, Call of Duty Mobile running, the sharp OLED screen suddenly feels perfectly designed for the purpose. With a resolution of 2,688×1,216, the Redmagic 11 Air delivers a stable visual experience that feels absolutely perfect for video, but above all for gaming. What adds a further technical layer to the gaming experience are the two digital trigger buttons positioned at either end of the phone's right-hand side. With the integrated gaming hub, I can customise exactly where on the screen I want a trigger press to be mapped, as well as whether it should be registered as a single tap, 'rapid fire' or 'toggle'. Particularly in action games, where the control scheme often suffers when using a touchscreen, I find that the feature works surprisingly well and makes the phone feel somewhat like a controller, even though the flatter smartphone design becomes rather uncomfortable to hold during longer sessions.

To further cement its role as a gaming phone, there are a couple of other fun features worth mentioning. One of these is the built-in fan, which spins at 24,000 RPM and does a good job of keeping the phone at a comfortable temperature, even during slightly longer gaming sessions. As soon as I start a new game, I get a prompt to activate the cooling system, and for extra style points with my mates, I also have access to a widget on the home screen that lets me crank the fan up to full speed, whilst some rather cheesy engine sounds start playing and a red light comes on. A fun but unnecessary detail that I've used a bit too often for someone who's just turned 31.

Then there's the 0809 X-axis vibration motor, which enhances my gaming experience with a kind of haptic feedback that reminds me of what it feels like to hold a DualSense controller. Whether I'm engaged in combat in Call of Duty Mobile or collecting blue gems in Duolingo, my immersion in the game is enhanced, and although I find it hard to feel completely enveloped by a gaming experience in a portable format, it's still a very nice addition with really good rumble motors. If nothing else, because the tech geek in me shivers with a slight sense of pleasure at the sight of fun hardware. The speakers also deliver a really sharp audio experience, which again feels like a given for a phone focused on gaming.

Another feature unique to Redmagic phones is the AI-powered assistant Mora, which comes pre-installed on the device. With her help, I can, among other things, access tips and tricks in real time whilst playing selected games, but she's also there as a tool for both study and work - or if I just want an AI-generated anime girl to chat to. I might sound old-fashioned when I say this, but although it's obviously great that technology is moving forward, I struggle to identify the problem that this sort of solution is meant to address. What's more, Mora's slightly suggestive design means I'd never have been able to use her features out in public, or at home for that matter. At least not without pulling out a proper pillow to hide behind. Granted, the Redmagic 11 Air is designed with us gamers in mind, but here the gamer stereotype goes a bit too far for my liking.

The Redmagic 11 Air comes in two colours: the white "Prism" and the black "Phantom", which is the model I've been reviewing. Both models are available with either 12 GB of RAM and 250 GB of storage, or 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. The phone's aesthetics are clearly designed with gaming in mind, featuring stylish gold detailing on the back, as well as the Redmagic logo, whose RGB features can be customised to suit your needs and taste. Here, they've managed surprisingly well to strike a balance between keeping the design semi-futuristic and gaming-cool without, for that matter, veering over to the exaggerated side of the spectrum, which would have risked making it feel a tad more nerdy than it needs to be. On the contrary, I feel a bit of a show-off every time I pull this rather unusual handset out of my pocket; its unique features make me think of what a Transformer might have looked like in smartphone form. I would have preferred, however, if the included phone case had come in a colour other than semi-transparent white, which unfortunately does more harm than good to the appearance of my Redmagic 11 Air. A black option for the black phone would have felt far more sensible, especially given that we're talking about a phone whose design has clearly been given a great deal of attention.

Apart from everything I've mentioned above, I can report that the battery life is absolutely phenomenal, and as someone who charges their phones daily, I've so far never seen the battery level drop below 75%. With moderate use, it rarely even goes below 90% in a day. The camera is also decent, offering 50 megapixels on the back and 16 on the front. It certainly doesn't result in any selfies that will go down in history as particularly high-resolution, but the camera still does what's expected of it. I did, however, need to go into the settings to turn off the unnecessary Redmagic watermark that would otherwise be stamped on every photo taken. A strange feature, though one I quickly forgot about once it was removed.

Overall, I've had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with the Redmagic 11 Air. As well as being a fully capable gaming phone with several fun features, it's a good mobile phone in general for a relatively low price. For £439.00, you get the slightly more expensive model, whilst a little less gets you the cheaper version, which comes with slightly less RAM and storage. As I mentioned earlier, its size is a bit on the large side for a mobile phone, but with gaming as the focus, its dimensions also serve an important purpose that benefits us gamers, which makes sense given that we are, after all, the Red Magic 11 Air's intended target audience.

Sonos Play

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0100

It's been just under five years now, but back then I didn't doubt for a second that Sonos' little Roam speaker was a technological stroke of genius. The whole concept of having a reliable Wi-Fi-based home speaker that could be taken on-the-go with a flick of a switch, complete with the appropriate IP certification, and suddenly act as a portable Bluetooth speaker too.

I stand by that to this day, of course, but Sonos turned out to have only a passing interest in continuing the Roam line, and in the years since, there has been a dearth of this unique combination of features in particular - until now.

This is the Sonos Play, and just like the Roam, it's a relatively small Wi-Fi-based home speaker that you place on the included charging plate and then set up via the Sonos app just as if it were an Era 100, but which is always ready with a 100% charge when you suddenly need to head to the beach, or really just want some sound out in the garden. As a concept, it's just as sharp as ever, and that takes us a long way towards an overall positive impression.

Okay, so we're talking about a relatively small speaker weighing 1.3 kilos. You don't really notice that, and I would certainly argue that this is genuinely both a lightweight and handy speaker for any outing. It also has an IP67 rating, so it can not only withstand a downpour, but in principle can also be submerged completely in water. This certification is available despite the fact that the entire front is covered by the same perforated aluminium grille, which still collects every speck of dust in the room; however, there is a lovely soft-touch rubber surface on the back and the bottom.

Inside, we find three Class H digital amplifiers, two angled tweeters and a single mid-woofer. Now, this isn't exactly in direct competition with your average Google smart speaker, and it does cost a fair bit more, but there is also, fortunately for Sonos, a world of difference. We set it up at home with automatic Trueplay, but found the result - whether it's Jungle's new single, Laura Mish's more delicate string arrangements, or the dreadful children's music my two boys insist on playing from morning till night - quite magical. This really is an Era 100, only one you can take with you wherever you go.

And when you do, Sonos claims it lasts 24 hours on a single charge (technically it's 35Wh), a claim I can broadly confirm, as a whole afternoon at a playground with some friends drained 18%. As mentioned, the wireless dock is in the box, so it was as simple as placing it there, and a few days later you've got a fully charged Bluetooth speaker ready for your next outing.

The switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth happens completely automatically, and if you need to charge it but don't have the dock, it charges via standard USB-C. There's even room for an AUX input.

And then there are all the usual Sonos features, such as the revamped and redesigned app interface, which really brings together streaming services and usage patterns in a clever way, to the broad support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Google Home functionality; it all works so efficiently precisely because Sonos has had so many years to refine these systems.

And that also means we now end where our 2021 Roam review began. The Sonos Play isn't exactly cheap - perhaps it's a little too expensive - but in terms of technical sophistication, versatility, build quality, and everything else that goes with it, the Play is a welcome return to a part of Sonos' line-up that has been sorely missed.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100

Samsung's Buds series has slowly evolved from a pleasant addition to your phone into stand-out hardware by itself. While the latest iteration, the Buds4 Pro, are fully integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, including some of the best rotating animations I have ever seen if you use them in connection with a Samsung phone, they are a piece of great hardware on their own and at a price level where they sit just below most other premium offers.

The design is still modern and stylish, being industrial and slightly futuristic, subtle but still with small bends that mark it as a Samsung product to anyone in the know due to the elongated aluminium piece it makes the stem out of and that for some reason in Samsung lingo is regarded as a "blade". It also lets everyone know that you most likely have a Samsung phone because, to my disliking, to be able to use the 24-bit/96kHz audio, you must own a compatible Samsung phone where it has to be turned on manually. This is naturally on top of having a subscription to a premium streaming service like Qobuz or Tidal that offers 24-bit material. And yes, you can hear the difference, not only in headphones but in the in-ears as well.

I like the wireless charging case, which is half-transparent, compact, and pleasant to touch. My experience is that clear plastic gets matted over time due to scratches and cuts, but as we don't have these products for years before making a review, I cannot comment on whether or not that also applies in this case. The ear-tips also deserve credit by being firm yet soft and never unpleasant despite long-time use.

These are, like a lot of modern premium in-ears, made as a dual-driver design. This means that the midrange and bass has its own dedicated 11mm Woofer and the tweeter is a 5.5mm planar tweeter, not unlike some of the better compact loudspeakers. This sets it vastly apart from the non-pro version but also elevates it beyond the sea of products that use a normal single-driver design. Why they don't market the use of planar drivers over normal dynamic drivers, as these are seen as superior by most audiophiles, is something I find hard to understand. They also use a dual-amplifier design, which is a bit overkill for something that uses this little power but is a lovely touch towards purist audio nonetheless. All this plus the huge amounts of features come at a price: reduced battery life. With ANC, just under six hours of battery life and 25 hours including the charging case is offered. It's acceptable but not great. I charge roughly once every two weeks no matter what, so it's little difference to me.

One of the things that Samsung does need recognition for is practical use of AI, which in this case is noise reduction to increase clarity in incoming calls and direct AI access. They also use a pinch-based control system, and honestly, I prefer that sort of tactile use instead of just touch.

So, the sound quality. Here I thought we were talking AptX HD or similar, but no, it's the SSC, Samsung Seamless Codec, or UHQ sound. This means seamless integration with almost all Samsung products but also no compatibility with anything else, at least for average consumers, and that puts a dent in the polished metal because that effectively makes you bound to the Samsung ecosystem even more and I am not a fan of that. I know it's because of extra features such as "adaptive optimisation", switching between multiple newer Samsung devices at once, and 360-degree audio, but I would strongly prefer earbuds that can do 24-bit no matter what device they are connected to.

It's a shame because 24-bit sound using SSC is fantastic using the Buds4 Pro. Lots of headspace, separation between the individual instruments, great sound stage, really high resolution, tight and precise bass without loss of detail, and a relative, neutral reproduction with a lean colouration. It is, sound-wise, outstanding performance for the price point. It even has a really great ANC that only fails at very high, spontaneous screeching sounds (I travel by train a lot). The clarity of the sound is however what stands out the most.

Needless to say, I really like these. Sound-wise, they are fantastic, but despite a brilliant sound, comfort, and great ANC, I will have to knock one grade off due to the requirement of a new Samsung device. I understand that it serves a complete brand experience but I equally hate closed ecosystems. If you have a compatible device, buy them, as there's no need for second-guessing, but others will have to find something else or splash out for a new Samsung phone at the same time.

iPhone 17e

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100

The iPhone 16e marked a welcome, much-needed return to a more budget-friendly price point for Apple, a manufacturer that is increasingly selling the idea of an ecosystem rather than a specific product. Precisely for that reason, there are more reasons than ever before to choose an affordable Apple product because so many of the benefits are consistent across their portfolio.

For that very reason, the iPhone 17e is, in many ways, something of a slam dunk for Apple. They can, in fact, lean back a little on the ecosystem's built-in advantages, and thereby create a smartphone with obvious flaws and shortcomings, but one that will undoubtedly appeal to a broad, broad audience.

Okay, so aesthetically, the 17e follows the design tradition of the iPhone 14 era, which means we won't be getting Dynamic Island again. It's a shame, there's no getting round it, as this isn't just a matter of aesthetics (even though the actual difference between a so-called "notch" and the small cut-out pill is minimal), but perhaps more critically, it's a software tradition that the 17e deliberately lags behind, which is precisely what Apple shouldn't be doing.

MagSafe is finally here!

That said, it is IP68-certified, its battery easily gets you through a day and a half of use, there's Ceramic Shield 2 for scratch resistance, and now there's MagSafe with 15W wireless charging... finally. This is crucial, and we needn't use any more column space than to identify this as one of the major successes here.

Apple's A19 chip delivers a six-core CPU and a four-core GPU (along with an accompanying 16-core Neural Engine). I seriously doubt that a typical 17e buyer is concerned with performance metrics, and it's perhaps more accurate to state that you never have to wait on a 17e, whether you're playing Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, taking photos with post-processing, or using Safari (or Arc, as I do myself). This is a seamless experience, and in all likelihood will continue to be so.

There is also 256 GB of storage to start with, which is certainly welcome, plus 8 GB of RAM, which also feels appropriate given where iOS is at right now. Let me say, however, that although this 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED panel at 2532x1170 delivers rock-solid reproduction, smoothness, and saturation for my taste, I won't make excuses for the 60Hz. No, perhaps not everyone will notice it, but for me, 90Hz and even 120Hz have simply become the norm now, and there's no excuse for Apple not keeping up with the times.

Everything Apple considers an essential part of the user experience is here.

Surprisingly enough, the camera has been downright brilliant despite having just a single lens here. It's a 48-megapixel Fusion lens at f/1.6 with 2x optical zoom, and I've gradually learnt to use it quite skilfully, partly due to extended time with an iPhone Air. Whether it's the gradual shift towards software-based post-processing like Google's, or the persistent fine-tuning of the same hardware across several generations, this single Apple lens is exceptionally versatile, and I'd happily rely on it even in tricky scenarios.

The 60Hz refresh rate is annoying, and the lack of Dynamic Island is also a major blow, but the most important thing is that the 17e occupies a comfortable place within the ecosystem's four walls, and through features such as MagSafe and the A19 chip, which will in future utilise both Apple Intelligence features (if they ever actually become useful, just like most other dedicated AI suites). Apple has broadly hit the mark with this budget-oriented iPhone.

Oppo Reno 15 Pro 5G

marco@gamereactor.eu (Marco Vrolijk) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In smartphone models, a 'pro' or 'ultra' version usually means you're getting a bigger and better phone compared to the regular model. However, in the case of the Oppo Reno 15 series, the Oppo Reno 15 Pro is actually much smaller than its regular counterpart. Coming in at a modest 6.32", this is a phone that's about the size of an iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10a. Only this time, it's not the cheaper version of a phone, but actually the more premium one. So how is the Oppo Reno 15 Pro in daily use and could it be interesting to people who like smaller phones?

At 6.32", the Oppo Reno 15 Pro is much smaller than the phones I've been using over the past few years. Especially compared to foldable phones I've tested. My initial impressions of the phone were therefore predominantly about size. It's immediately apparent that the Reno 15 Pro is very comfortable and easy to hold, weighing only 187 grams. I've also found it very easy to put in and take out of my pocket. Additionally, the small size means it's very easy to operate the phone using one hand, without any strain from moving my thumb across the screen or because the weight was making it feel heavy.

With regard to looks, the combination of a fun, compact size, flat metallic edges, and playful aurora blue effect on the back simply works well together. It's just giving me a playful vibe overall, and I like it. Also, the camera module on the back doesn't protrude much, meaning it's easy to put down on a flat surface and keeps the phone easily balanced in your hand. With a smaller size usually comes a smaller battery and less battery life as well, but not in this case. At 6,200 mAh, the Reno 15 Pro's battery has proven enough to last about 1.5 days on average for me. So luckily, no disadvantages for the smaller phone there.

On the downside, I've noticed that for me personally, the smaller size actually is a handicap in one important way. In daily use, I'm mistyping words a lot, because my fingers are too big to correctly tap the phone's keyboard. I've tried changing things like font size and display size, but the problem of the small keyboard persisted. After a while, I became increasingly frustrated with constantly needing to retype words on messaging apps or when using AI apps, for example. For watching content or playing games the smaller display actually doesn't matter much, it's just the typing that's an issue. If you have bigger hands, that's a thing to be aware of.

Coming to the use of the Reno 15 Pro for watching content, the display itself is definitely a highlight. At up to 1,800 nits, the display is very bright under all circumstances. Colours on the AMOLED display look deep and vibrant, and scrolling through the UI is fluid with its up to 120Hz refresh rate. Like I mentioned earlier, the smaller screen is really not taking anything away from your experience when watching movies or series, nor does it matter much when playing games. The Reno 15 Pro simply delivers a great visual experience, with a flagship-level display.

The MediaTek Dimensity 8450 powering the device has proven fast enough for pretty much every app I've used. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of data storage in the version I tested, the UI, browsing the image gallery, and rendering videos all goes smoothly. On a side note, Oppo's image gallery app now also features a built-in video editor, which allows you to select one or multiple videos and quickly edit them. You can do the usual things like trimming, adding text, fades and music, though it can't presently use AI to make a quick edit for you. In any case, CPU performance will be more than good enough for average users, including mobile gamers. My current favourite, Brawl Stars, loads up within about four seconds, for example.

Camera quality on the Reno 15 Pro is definitely a big step up from the regular Oppo Reno 14, which I reviewed last year. The biggest reason to pick the Pro version over the regular Reno 15 or an older 14, is the addition of a very capable telephoto camera. Despite the Reno series being midrange devices, this is the first Reno where I actually feel the cameras offer nearly the same experience as a true flagship. The main 200 megapixel sensor shoots great daylight images and can even hold its own at night, something that cannot be said about the ultrawide sensor. I've hardly used the ultrawide camera, as the drop in image quality is just too big.

I am enthusiastic about the 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. I've grown used to having a telephoto camera on premium phones and it's the thing I miss most when trying out midrangers that lack one. On the Oppo Reno 15 Pro, the telephoto camera is capable of amazing closeups and portraits of people. Also when taking images in nature or of buildings, it really helps to shoot more creatively and adds interesting composition to an image. The thing where it lags behind telephoto cameras on real flagships is that moving subjects are quite hard to capture clearly. Many of the times I've used the telephoto camera, people in the image had blurred movements. Moreover, zooming in past the optical 3.5x zoom will immediately lead to deteriorating quality with increased AI-tinkering that's often just making things worse.

Like with other Oppo (and OnePlus) phones, there is a noticeable degree of AI post-processing to the images you shoot. When you take a photo, the first preview will often look fuzzy and dull, but it will be polished into a usable photo within two or three seconds. The post-processing intelligently adds sharpness to edges, highlights skin tones, and overall creates a clean image. When it comes to video, the Reno 15 Pro performs well also, again helped much by the option to use optical zoom. All cameras are able to shoot in 4K up to 60fps, including the selfie camera. Being IP68/IP69 waterproof, there's even a handy dedicated mode for underwater video capture.

The 50 megapixel selfie camera is actually another camera highlight on the Oppo Reno 15 Pro, something that's rarely the case on midrange phones. The reason for this is the combination of autofocus and an extra wide field-of-view. At up to 100 degrees wide, it has allowed me to take selfie photos and videos that show a lot more of my surroundings and to include more people in the image. While the image quality isn't as good as the main sensor, I've been able to snap a lot of lovely vacation photos combining stunning views with selfie shots of me and others. On other phones, people would either be only partly in the image or look deformed because the image stretches out on the edges.

Taken together, the Oppo Reno 15 Pro is a fairly convincing phone. There's a great AMOLED display, surprisingly good battery life for a smaller phone, and cameras which have received substantial upgrades. The main camera and 3.5x zoom telephoto lens offer good quality in both photos and videos and creative freedom. Zooming in more than the optical range is to be avoided though, as the AI processing will start messing things up badly. I also really like the selfie camera with its 100 degree field-of-view, allowing for great group selfie videos and photos, and to show more of your surroundings. Unfortunately, at 6.32", the phone's small screen size is a reason to never buy the Reno 15 Pro for me personally, as it proved difficult to type messages and use apps with the smaller on-screen keyboard. If you've got bigger hands or any other reason to prefer larger displays, skip this pro version and look for a bigger phone, like the regular Reno 15, for example. However, if you're actually into smaller phones, the Oppo Reno 15 Pro should definitely be on your watch list.

HP Omen Transcend 14 (2026)

ben@gamereactor.eu (Ben Lyons) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Call me old-fashioned, but I like gaming gear that doesn't feel like it was designed by a teenager. I prefer technology and hardware that looks as though it belongs both in a gaming setup but also in an office or when being used at a coffee shop. A more subtle design, a more elegant and classy approach, these are design philosophies that resonate with me, assuming there's still capable hardware under the hood and used across the device to ensure it can deliver stunning and smooth gameplay.

For HP's Omen Transcend 14, this is without question what we find once more. We're talking about a laptop that is built on a foundation of powerful and versatile components and yet still has an appearance that doesn't scream 'gamerfied' and can actually trade blows with the undeniable sophistication of MacBooks. In short, the Omen Transcend 14 is a gaming laptop for functioning adults, perfect for the demographic of aging gamers.

Again, immediately upon unpacking this laptop, you'll be drawn in by the amazing design philosophy. It's sleek and compact but with a considerable heft that gives an undeniably premium feeling. The aluminium metal and the sandblasted anodised finish used on the chassis also never betray the build quality of this laptop. If we were talking in terms of cars, the HP Omen Transcend 14 feels like a Bentley, with all the class and elegance that comes with that name.

Sticking with the body for a moment, at this point we do find the first point of criticism, as the limited number of ports comes to attention. There are two USB Type-A, a single USB Type-C that also acts as the power input, an audio jack port, a HDMI 2.1, and a Thunderbolt USB Type-C too. It's a decent amount of ports, but would it be beneficial to have one or two more USB ports, perhaps an SD card slot, maybe even an Ethernet port? Without question.

Also, the cooling solution for this laptop is a bit of a strange affair because there's no denying that the Tempest Cooling system works and keeps the device fresh under stress, but by forcing all of the superheated air out of the same rear vents can mean that the back of this laptop gets rather hot, a somewhat problematic vice when resting the gadget on your legs. It shouldn't cause any damage to you, but it's certainly not comfortable, likely even less so during warmer months.

Moving on, when you open the laptop up, you're greeted by a 14" 2.8K OLED screen that is frankly gorgeous. The visual clarity and depth is exceptional and more than you could ever really require to enjoy video games or other entertainment in spell-binding detail. The colour range is broad, there's HDR support, 500 nits of brightness that makes operating the laptop in most lighting conditions a breeze, and this is all without discussing the more gamer-specific elements of this brilliant display panel.

We'll touch on the components in a moment and what you should reasonably expect from them, but what I can say is that there's no bottleneck from a display standpoint. If you prefer visual clarity from your games, then this 2.8K display will deliver and then some. Similarly, if performance is king to you, then being able to run titles at 120 Hz with a 0.2 ms response time should hold your attention. Will you be able to get games performing at 120 Hz at 2.8K quality? This is where you will start facing challenges, as the components, while capable, are more designed to deliver quality or performance, leaving this dual-attack setup for the pure performance powerhouses like in the Omen Max range.

As per the components, for this model we're talking an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 8GB, 16 GB of LPDDR5X SDRAM, plus with a 1 TB SSD. These are a decent combination of components that can run the latest and most demanding games, but typically, especially as this is a laptop, you're either going to have to prioritise quality or performance, as the data we've gathered shows below.

Borderlands 4

Low ≈38 FPS

Badass ≈15 FPS

The Last of Us: Part II Remastered

Low ≈19 FPS

Very High ≈41 FPS

Ghostrunner 2

Low - barely playable without DLSS and Frame Generation at around ≈17 FPS, with DLSS and Frame Generation ≈103 FPS

Very High - barely playable without DLSS and Frame Generation at around ≈8 FPS, with DLSS and Frame Generation ≈76 FPS

Overwatch

Low ≈64 FPS

Very High ≈28 FPS

In each case, there was a major GPU bottleneck where there was space to squeeze out a tad more performance from the CPU and RAM, but which became impossible due to the GPU hitting its ceiling.

It's also worth noting that we tested the HP Omen Transcend 14 on both GeekBench and Cinebench and registered multi-core scores of 12,558 and 3,277, respectively. For reference, the data is quite strong, even if you do have to take it with a degree of caution and recognise that compared to more powerful hardware it will struggle to run the latest games as well.

Also, the OMEN Gaming Hub software and its AI optimiser do help considerably in reducing additional RAM strain, saving space by closing or suspending applications not required during a gaming session. On this front, the software also works well and is simple to use, especially when it comes to adjusting customisable elements like the backlighting of the keyboard.

Speaking about the keyboard, HP has included an excellent full-size option with rollover and anti-ghosting technology, which simply makes typing a delight. The keys are responsive to the touch, snap back when pressure is removed, and have a lovely glossy feeling. It's a brilliant keyboard. However, the trackpad leaves a bit to be desired... Perhaps this review unit was slightly worn out, but I did face more occasions than I ever would like when the trackpad simply didn't register my movements. And I'm not talking about forcing the trackpad into action in actual games, rather just simple browsing and for word processing, making me frustrated that my inputs weren't being registered.

Long story short, the HP Omen Transcend 14 is a laptop that has excellent strengths and somewhat key weaknesses. It's a beautiful and elegant piece of technology that will draw the attention of onlookers when used in public and the build quality only takes this a step further, creating a piece of equipment that is frankly enviable. For all of these reasons, it's a laptop worthy of your attention and money. Yet, and this is a rather big yet, it's not the most capable when it comes to running video games, with some titles being entirely reliant on Frame Generation and AI technology to make them playable even at the lowest or lower graphical settings. Essentially, the HP Omen Transcend 14, at least this model that I've been testing, is an excellent laptop but a simply good gaming laptop.

ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset

conny@gamereactor.eu (Conny Andersson) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

There is something incredibly liberating about picking up a piece of technology that just is great. Where we are used to RGB lighting, lots of settings and connections, and this and that, the ROG Kithara is one of the most stripped-down gaming gadgets I have had the pleasure of testing in quite some time. Sure, it comes with a bunch of cables and different connectors, but nothing else. This is a headset that resembles studio headphones more than anything else, even though there is no doubt that these are made specifically for gamers.

Basically, Asus, together with Chinese audio manufacturer Hifiman, has equipped this headset with substantial 100 mm drivers. What's unique in this context is the "open-back" design with all its advantages (and "disadvantages", if you will) that will primarily appeal to those who value sound quality above all else.

Robust and durable metal construction.

This open design of headphones is perhaps not something that many gamers use. A brief, simple explanation of the concept itself is that it primarily creates a spatial sound image that is more similar to speakers in reproduction than the slightly confined sound that "regular" headphones produce. And you can tell.

When you start playing music, you get to enjoy a soundscape that, and excuse the clichéd superlatives, is perceived as spatial, neutral, calm, and, above all, very detailed. Music simply sounds fantastic. If you're used to a more muffled and bass-heavy experience, it might sound a little "soft". But after using these for a few weeks, I find it incredibly difficult to put anything else over my ears. At home, I have headphones from brands such as Astro, Logitech, JBL, Sony, and many more. And there is an important point to highlight here regarding the "open-back" design. It means that your sound leaks out and that the surroundings around you can be heard. It's not exactly a private affair in any way, so you simply have to bear in mind that if you sit down with these on a bus journey, the other passengers will hear your choice of music.

However, it's clear that these are intended for gaming for those who sit alone. This is not meant in a negative sense in any way, rather, it's simply for those who have the opportunity to sit at home at their computer where they are not disturbing anyone or being disturbed. If, for example, you need to tune out noisy children, there are other options that work better for this. Open-back is for prioritising sound, nothing else.

It comes with a lot of extras and even an additional pair of ear cushions.

A word like "audiophile" is one that is often thrown around in contexts like this. But there's no denying what it basically is. When Asus uses a description like "The open-back design creates an extremely spacious, dimensional soundstage compared to closed-back headsets. The design enhances separation across deep bass, mids, and treble to prevent low frequencies from masking critical cues - so you can clearly distinguish footsteps from explosions and react faster to every in-game movement," it's easy to think that these are typical advertising lines used for all products. Here, however, it's a description that perfectly reflects what we actually get.

I start up some of my favourite bands and the songs are reflected in a calm yet uplifting way. Small details become noticeable and the soundscape is lively without being messy. If I had to criticise anything, it would be that it doesn't go overboard. Everything blends well, and if you want something more powerful and more bass, you can adjust it via the EQ or look for other options that suit you better. It's hard to say exactly what it is, but the fact that after the test period I was convinced I would go back to my preferred wireless headphones but instead continue to use these is the best compliment I can give. Sure, I hate wires with all my heart, but that's the price you pay for better sound. Whether I'm enjoying music or playing a game, I would dare to say that this is among the best I've heard from a gaming headset.

After several matches in Rainbow Six: Siege X, I'm impressed by how clear and distinct everything actually sounds. Sometimes the differences are small, but they are still rich in detail and actually help me in the game.

Stylish and elegant.

Despite all the praise I've given so far, it's not quite perfect. There are a few flaws that prevent it from getting full marks and one is the microphone. It's definitely not bad, but at the same time it's really "just okay". Together with a small, rather plasticky adapter (attached to one of the included cables) for adjusting the volume/mute, it feels like one of those little details that isn't quite as luxurious or has received the same love as the headphones themselves. You could also complain about the cables being a little too short if you want to neatly route them to the back of your computer.

But those are really the only downsides I can think of. In terms of build quality and fit, they are incredibly sturdy and comfortable, where the metal mesh on the sides and the headband feel incredibly solid. The fact that you don't sweat after a few hours thanks to the design is also a big plus. Yes, there has been a lot of praise, but it's absolutely deserved. Of course, I understand that it feels risky to spend £285 on a pair of headphones that aren't wireless, but if sound quality is your top priority, then I can't do anything but highly recommend these.

Corsair Sabre v2 Pro Wireless Magnesium Alloy

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Corsair has over the last few years upped their mouse and keyboard game a lot. The latest example of this is the new Sabre line that's somewhat different to the old ones. Super light at 56g, thanks to its hollow structured and made with a shell constructed from magnesium, (although you can get a carbon version as well, if the feel of the material isn't to your liking) on top of offering wireless support, there is even optional grip tape and replacement mouse skates, something that clearly indicates more of a pro or semi-pro esports product, and all with an 8000 Hz polling rate and a Corsair Marksman S 33K DPI sensor.

Price wise, we are in "expensive but not ridiculous" territory with a price of €135. Be aware that it's slightly smaller than most mice, and the test mouse we were offered was white but not shiny and glossy as it had a nice matte metallic-like finish. It's still expensive, really expensive considering it offers less than 60 grams of plastic, and it's worth noting that for those that love to run everything in a spreadsheet, the specs for the sensor will be somewhat worse than some competitors. No matter how much I love to quantify things, the main and the only thing that really matters for high-end mice is the tracking ability. Pro and semi-pro players may feel differently about IPS and acceleration, but I will take a wild guess and say that it matters little for the average gamer, although average gamers most likely won't spend a large chunk of their monthly food budget to buy a mouse.

I usually hate ultra-light mice, and not like a small distaste but actual hatred. However, this magnesium alloy is far superior to hold it, doesn't feel brittle or fragile like most others do, and frankly it's about time. This one has a build quality I actually like, and while some may dislike the honeycomb design and structure, claiming that dust and grit will get in and destroy the mouse, I have reviewed hardware for a very long time and that has never been an issue. And if you don't feel like the same, you can get the carbon fibre version that is fully enclosed, but I do need to point out that the side isn't magnesium but plastic and this difference in material is a bit strange to me.

The buttons are fine, both the main ones and on the side, however there is no description or specification of them on the Corsair website and they don't feel like optical based ones either. At this price point, I do expect premium switches on at least the main ones. It does use Corsair's own mechanical switches and they have a clean and crisp click that's fast on the reset, just as well as it should be. Still, one of the side buttons does feel slightly different from the other, most likely on purpose.

Corsair also relocated the DPI switch to underneath the mouse and I like that idea as I very rarely switch DPI and often activate the DPI button by accident on most products. If you are the type of gamer that cycles DPI multiple times per game you will not like this.

8000 Hz polling rate and a sensor that manages to be extremely precise, combined with the Corsair MMPro Control Large mouse mat, means you still feel in control and not like the mouse is running away from you. There might be some hardcore pro players that can feel the difference with and without a wired cable, but I can't. Using it in wireless does affect battery life a lot and while 1000 Hz will get you 120 hours, 8000 Hz is closer to 25 hours, something I would know as I ran it at 8000 Hz all the way (yes, you can have a middle-ground with a slower polling rate but if you paid for 8000 Hz you should use all 8000). That being said for non-gaming use, 4000 Hz, even 1000 Hz, is more than fine.

The driver is Corsair's Web Hub. It may not be the most beautiful GUI but it's functional. While it's a solution, it still requires internet connection and undoubtedly an installed driver programme on your computer would've been easier, but I also don't care for drivers that take up as much hard disk storage as a AAA game. So, I am, in short, rather conflicted because drivers are something that I rarely spend time on bar the initial setup, even if they are more useful than a simple web interface that transfer settings to the mouse, which then stores it locally.

So, a light mouse with decent buttons and a build quality that is far better than most others, on top of extremely good tracking. If you can accept the price and the slightly smaller size this should be considered for your next purchase.

AOC Q27G4ZDR OLED Gaming Monitor

david@gamereactor.eu (David Caballero) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

The official price of €379 for the AOC Q27G4ZDR has been its biggest selling point since its announcement. After all, we're talking about a "27-inch" QD-OLED screen with HDR for under 400 euros. How is that possible? Is there a catch? Over the past couple of weeks, we've put it through its paces in various situations at the Gamereactor office, and we can now offer a verdict on its quality and performance for that price.

Before going into detail, I'm going to make a somewhat inventive comparison or analogy. Have you read my review of Resident Evil Requiem for Nintendo Switch 2? Well, AOC has attempted something similar here, even if it might sound strange. Because, in general terms, both trying to simulate a superior experience while taking their limitations into account and carefully choosing their sacrifices. In the case of the video game, to work and look great on a small, portable console. In the case of the monitor, to maintain such a promotional price.

The first benefits, and the first sacrifices, are noticeable when you take the screen out of the box. It's a very simple and quick assembly, although the typical AOC rear finishes already make the product range clear. When you assemble it, it's a bit deceiving, because from the front it gives a much thinner impression than it actually is: looking at the back reveals a lot of glute hard work at the gym. If you don't mind, that's fine. But if your desk is against the wall, this separation can make it feel like it's closing in on you. And if it's freestanding with nothing around it, it's obviously not the most aesthetically pleasing option available.

When you turn on the screen, you also notice the bright OLED touch that is so characteristic of this technology. At the same time, two of its main problems become apparent.

The biggest of these is the thick bezel surrounding the image (see the attached photo for reference). If I wrote "27 inches" in quotation marks earlier, it's because we're actually looking at a 26.5" screen, which, although accurately described on the box, is a little misleading in the model reference. But if you also realise that those 26.5 inches are contained in what looks like a 27-inch panel, only with a black border that reduces the actual visible area, then it feels a bit wrong. This is undoubtedly one of the most obvious sacrifices made to save costs.

The other minor issue is not so significant, and it may be because I am used to IPS monitors sans the glossy finish, but this is a very reflective OLED screen. The truth is that the same manufacturer has in its top-of-the-range AGON an OLED like the AG456UCZD, with a matte finish that does not reflect anything, so I understand that it is also a question of designing a temptingly affordable monitor. In the same photo, you can see how much I am reflected, and when you sit down to work before turning on the screen, it produces an unsettling Black Mirror effect.

But the truth is that it performs quite well for that price! This AOC Q27G4ZDR knows how to take advantage of its features to offer a sharp and smooth image, a fast response and very decent colours. I was particularly surprised by how pleasant the text is (much better than I expected in terms of fonts for reading) and the harmless brightness. If your environment is relatively dark, it will work great for gaming, as you eliminate reflections and don't need the maximum possible brightness.

The black frame and reflection are off-putting, but the AOC Q27G4ZDR offers you 2560x1440 (QHD) and 240 Hz OLED for less than €400...

In fact, that's another of its hidden shortcomings: if your environment is bright and/or you want to get the most nits out of HDR, then neither the monitor nor the range is what you're looking for. Simply by testing the Costa Rica in 4K video (or isn't that the first thing you put on new screens too?), it's clear that both HDR and max. brightness in general are modest and not this screen's strong point. Not even Windows', in any case.

Otherwise, it performed well in the tests. A slight flicker with VRR, a rather archaic interface/menu (something the brand needs to revamp), a slightly forced calibration and, once again, acceptable colour gamut coverage. And plenty of response.

And while I have a verdict, the difficult part is giving this product a numerical rating or score. I might say that the sacrifices are too great for the €460 it originally cost, but honestly, at €379, it's a different story and it hits a sweet spot. Its smooth and fast image outperforms IPS, although it doesn't reach the quality of more expensive OLEDs. It's not the prettiest or slimmest monitor, and its black bezel affects uses such as multi-screen or triple monitor sim-racing. But if you're looking for an affordable upgrade to replace your old IPS monitor, if you don't work with colours professionally, and if you want it for gaming in a relatively dark room, it's actually a great option for finally making the leap to OLED. That being said: it's tricky to find it available.

iPad Air M4

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

Naturally, we're providing a comprehensive review of the latest iPad Air equipped with Apple's M4 SoC, even though these "update-to-newer-M-chip-without-changing-much-else" launches could, if one were particularly cynical, be considered a waste of column space. However, it's not that simple, because even though Apple now has a habit of waiting a little too long between major physical redesigns of their products, there is usually more going on under the hood.

And what do we mean by that? Well, if you take a quick look at the new iPad Air, it's actually exactly the same as before. Same colours, same materials, same display, same buttons, and the same features in broad terms.

But there are some key new features here, there really are. First and foremost, there is now compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro, which is a game changer for creative professionals. In fact, we have reviewed it separately, and there is an accompanying video you can watch below.

As the name suggests, it's the M4 SoC that sets it apart from its predecessor, and although it's a little disappointing to see the same chassis reused, especially when we now know from the iPad Pro series that Apple knows how to design significantly thinner iPad chassis, it's difficult to be upset about it as it stands now.

The M4 chip consists of an eight-core CPU and nine-core GPU, as well as an improved Neural Engine that allows for 38 TOPS. This is not an upgrade that can be easily dismissed, as there are some pretty significant technological leaps here. There is also now 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB, which will undoubtedly make a massive difference, especially in the long run.

However, it's via the M4 chip that a number of quite crucial new technologies are being introduced to the Air. Apple's new N1 chip allows for WI-FI 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, while the C1X modem in the 5G models again increases battery life via Apple's legendary "vertical integration".

All this without increasing the weight - 616 grams, and you can get up to 1TB of storage. And yes, it costs exactly the same. No, I don't think we should applaud billion-dollar companies for not raising prices at a time when component costs are skyrocketing, but at the same time, it's good news that Apple is increasing the amount of RAM without charging consumers more.

At the time of writing, there is a difference of around £400 between the iPad Air's £599 and the iPad Pro's £999. That's quite fortunate, because it makes the Air a much better deal than it has been in the past, even though the iPad Pro has both the M5 chip and their delicious tandem OLED. In fact, the Air is currently well positioned as a solid semi-serious contender, now supporting Apple Pencil Pro, a Magic keyboard, and improved performance, making it difficult to criticise. If we did, it would have to be that this "Air" actually weighs more than the "Pro", which feels like a bit of a marketing own goal.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

marco@gamereactor.eu (Marco Vrolijk) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0100

Huawei has targeted specific niches with their smart wearables before, for example by adding golf modes to the Watch GT and Watch Fit series. As the name of the Watch GT Runner 2 implies, this latest smartwatch addition is aimed specifically at running enthusiasts. During Huawei's official unveiling of the Watch GT Runner 2 in Madrid, I learned this is a watch for everyone who likes running: from amateurs going for a jog to improve their overall fitness, all the way up to professional marathon runners. I'm a fairly active person who exercises regularly, but I'm not a runner, let alone someone who could finish a marathon. In this review, I'll therefore reflect on the Watch GT Runner 2's value as a regular exercise companion and its use as a daily smart device.

Before digging into specs and usability, I'm someone who appreciates good looks on a product, especially a wearable. With the Watch GT Runner 2, its colourful looks are the first thing that stand out. I've been trying out the "Dawn Orange" version, which combines a three-colour gradient nylon watch strap with a circular case in a dark metal colour with orange accents. Combined with the watch faces in the same colours on the 1.32" circular display, it's a very well-thought out design in my opinion. The orange, blue, and white gradient watch strap fits similar gradient colours on the display's watch faces. It all breathes movement to me and it's simply excellent design for a running watch.

As a nice extra, Huawei has included a second fluoroelastomer watch strap in the box. In my case, in white with orange-colour perforations. This one is very suitable for wearing the Runner 2 on occasions other than sports, giving it a more sophisticated but still very colourful look. I wore it during a workout once as well, but felt it got too sweaty and ended up preferring the nylon strap most of the time. If you're not just after metrics and sports tracking options, but focus more on looks, the Watch GT Runner 2 scores maximum points in my opinion. It's just a great-looking smartwatch that breathes sports and energy.

Looks aren't everything of course. For this to be a successful watch to wear when exercising, comfort and light weight are logical prerequisites. When it comes to comfort on smartwatches, I've found nylon straps to be the best option. In the Watch GT Runner 2's case also, the nylon strap is both soft and without any irritation to the skin, even when I'm sweating during exercise. Combined with a bit over 10.7" in thickness and 34.5 grams of weight excluding the strap, the watch is also compact and lightweight enough to not hinder movement during exercise. I've worn the device during several mixed workouts, combining strength and cardio exercise, and didn't even notice it was on my wrist.

Configuring and tracking workouts can easily be done on the watch itself, though installation of the Huawei Health App is a requirement for using the device. The latter is done relatively easily by downloading the app and scanning a QR-code on the device to pair it to your phone. When working out, a press on the button on the lower right will bring up a list of exercise options. This means you can start a running workout within three clicks, for example. Other on-device apps can be accessed by pressing the crown button on the top right, such as the stopwatch, flashlight mode, workout records, and ECG and SpO2 readings.

There are numerous sports activities to track, with different relevant metrics collected. For example, during a hike the watch will measure distance, steps, and elevation gain. With strength exercise it will focus more on heartbeat and burned calories. The heart rate monitoring is very accurate in my experience: I compared my heart rate on the watch and the metrics on a home trainer in the gym, and the two corresponded consistently, with just occasionally up to two beats of difference. There's also skiing, cycling, and golf mode, among many more. The watch is also IP69 waterproof and usable for diving up to 40 metres for watersports activities.

Naturally, I also had to try the running modes on the Watch GT Runner 2. Firstly, the Huawei Health App allows you to set running workout goals, for example aiming for a full marathon completion within 5.5 hours. When activating the outdoor running or marathon mode on the watch, you'll see detailed tracking of your performance. You'll be updated on your estimated finish time and difference compared to previous runs in the marathon mode, alongside average pace, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation metrics that are also in regular running mode. You can also track your location on a coloured map, granted you've downloaded the offline map first. Like I mentioned, I'm not a runner, but combined with the standard data like heart rate tracking, this seems like a great set of metrics to track your running performance.

When it comes to app versatility, the Watch GT Runner 2 is not as big on apps as for example the Apple Watch series. However, the basic necessities are there. There are navigation apps, you can upload some mp3 files to listen to music, and it's possible to take cellular phone calls or reply to messages on the watch if you have your phone around. Personalisation is possible with many different free watch faces. There are also video watch faces, which you can upload to the watch yourself. However, I'm disappointed that you cannot use only your own video as a watch face. Like on the Watch GT 6 series, around five stock clips will also play by default, which really messes up the whole idea of personalising the watch. Hopefully, Huawei will still fix this later, though I doubt it at this point.

Touching upon performance a bit more, the 1.32" AMOLED display is of great quality. It's crisp, colourful, and able to produce enough brightness even in direct sunlight. Battery life has become one of Huawei's strongest points on their wearables, and the Watch GT Runner 2 is no exception. It officially has up to 14 days of battery life, but in reality this drops to about seven days if you turn on the always-on display and do a couple of workouts. Still, that's impressive and means you can wear it without worrying whether it will be working, and actually use the device's sleep tracking. Lastly, the Watch GT Runner 2 always runs smoothly in my experience, with animations consistently fluid and apps or workouts loading promptly.

Concluding, I think the Watch GT Runner 2 is another great device from Huawei. I especially love its design, as it's probably the best-looking sports smartwatch out there right now. It's elegant and breathes movement through the colour gradients on the strap, colour accents on the watch case, and matching watch faces. The extra watch strap is a nice bonus. There's plenty of accurate workout options to make this a great personal exercise assistant. I also appreciate the excellent battery life, low weight, and its comfortable fit. However, at €399 at launch, it's a tad expensive in my opinion, and Huawei itself offers interesting alternatives. I think if I was looking for a comfortable smartwatch that tracks most of my sports activities, I'd opt for the Watch Fit 4 Pro at a much lower price. Still, if you like the Watch GT Runner 2 appearance more, or if you're a running enthusiast and can appreciate the added features, I would definitely recommend it, as it's money well spent on a quality device.

Baseus Inspire XH1

marco@gamereactor.eu (Marco Vrolijk) — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0100

When I came across Baseus' booth at CES at the beginning of this year, I expected to find mostly powerbanks, chargers, and other accessories to be on display. However, I found out that Baseus has actually expanded into a range of other products, including cameras and audio devices. One of the products that stood out during my tour of the Baseus booth was the Baseus Inspire XH1, which I was told are headphones that have been developed in partnership with Bose. With a striking look, supposedly Bose-grade audio quality, and an affordable price tag, how good are Baseus' latest flagship headphones? Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised by what the Inspire XH1 has to offer.

When unboxing the headphones for the first time, I was happy to find a durable grey-colour carrying case included, which is small enough to bring along in a backpack to keep the headphones safe. It's both sturdy and pleasant to the touch. The headphones themselves really struck me with their excellent build quality, with a sense of heaviness to them and smooth movement in the rotating parts. The buttons are also firm to the touch, instead of wobbly, the earcups are made out of a soft but not easily crushed faux leather, and the outer shell is made of a kind of strong plastic that feels a little waxy to the touch, which gives it a very premium feeling. The audio jack cable and included USB-C to USB-C cables are also of a good quality, and taken together, it feels like you're holding a product that costs much more than it actually does.

Design-wise, I also really appreciate the appearance of the Inspire XH1. With soft, rounded lines all across the design, discrete buttons, and smooth leathery earcups, the appearance of these headphones breathe premium quality. For this review, I received the orange version, officially called Sunset Coral, and I think this colour is the best out of all available options. The design and colour combine to make this feel as much like a fashion accessory as a functional device and I think the orange colour alone makes it stand out in a crowd of competitors that often offer far more timid looks.

My first opportunity to try the headphones and its noise-cancellation, was on my flight back from CES. As there's an aux cable included, I was able to hook it up to the inflight entertainment system, to watch a couple of movies. I mentioned earlier the headphones have a sense of heaviness when it comes to their build quality, but they are in fact really lightweight and easy to wear for hours on end. The headphones sit comfortably both on the top of my head and on my ears, with enough room inside the earcup to prevent them from pushing against my ears. However, I did notice my ears got warm and felt slightly sweaty after a while, which might also be because my bald head makes the earcups seal tightly against my head. In all though, the comfort of these headphones is great.

Coming to the audio quality, I was again pleasantly surprised by how well these headphones perform. When set to the standard settings, meaning the default calibration that has the Bose seal of approval, the audio is very crisp and clear across all ranges. There are deep layers of bass, while mids and highs are very sharp as well. It's a very balanced audio profile in my opinion, best characterised as clear and rich in tones. Whether watching a movie or listening to music, the 35mm drivers offer great audio clarity. I also connected the Inspire XH1 to my PlayStation 5 controller a few times and played some Battlefield 6. Here I was clearly able to experience deeper sounds coming from explosions, footsteps, and weapons compared to my regular midrange gaming headset. Moreover, the volume can go up surprisingly high, without losing quality. The headphones support Dolby Audio, Hi-Res Audio, and LDAC, which helps with audio quality using Bluetooth.

Using the Baseus app, the audio can be tweaked to your preference, for example if you like more bass to your music. With a lot of these settings, the Bose calibration automatically turns off, though. I've experimented with this a bit, but found the standard setting to deliver the best audio overall, as a lot of settings tamper with the audio clarity that I like in these headphones, so I haven't used the app much. Coming to the noise cancellation or ANC, I found it was capable of removing about 90 percent of the engine sounds during my flight, and in normal day-to-day situations, it's easily capable of removing most background noises, comparable to some of the more expensive ANC earphones I've tested. I'm not sure yet whether the ANC-enabled or regular mode has the best audio quality, but there is a noticeable difference, and the awareness mode does just what it's supposed to, though audio quality dips a lot here.

Coming to another important factor when choosing headphones, the Inspire XH1 is advertised as having up to 100 hours of battery life. With Baseus' long past of offering powerbanks, I was expecting some truth to these claims beforehand, and as it turns out, the battery life of these headphones is indeed amazing. When powering up the headphones, a voice tells you the current battery level. When I had first tried the headphones, adding up to several hours, I started wondering whether the voice or the battery were faulty, as it kept saying battery full. It was only sometime during my flight home that the battery level dropped to 90 percent. In short, the battery life on this device is excellent and a definitive plus if you need headphones that last as long as possible.

Other testing I did included call quality using the built-in mic, which was fine, though louder background noises will come through. I don't think there's any special noise cancellation here, but it's clear enough for average phone calls or online meetings. It's hard to comment on charging times, as I've only needed to recharge it a handful of times over the past few weeks, and forgot to pay attention to how fast this went, but I guess that serves as a testimony to the device's excellent battery life.

Taken together, the Baseus Inspire XH1 are excellent headphones that clearly punch above their weight. Especially in the Sunset Coral colour, these are premium-looking headphones with excellent build quality and a very nice feel to them. The Bose-powered audio is rich, well-balanced, and has a deep bass, though tweaking the audio using the app to your own preference isn't recommended, as the audio quality will mostly suffer. Excellent battery life that will last for days, good ANC, and a comfortable fit combine to make this a great headset to take with you on the move. In all, these are great headphones, which are already seeing discounts, offering premium audio at a much lower price.

Google Pixel 10a

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

The last few times Google has launched a so-called "a" phone, i.e. a new model in the distinct range of more budget-friendly flagships, it has been a triumph. By saving in all the right places, while still offering many years of platform and security upgrades, a competent camera through Google's software framework, and a smooth, playful version of Android, each year's "a" was always the best cheap Android phone on the market.

And fortunately, we can confirm that this continues to be the case here. The Google Pixel 10a has arrived and, despite minor external changes, once again manages to captivate with a combination of simple dexterity and powerful features. And at a price of just under £500... that's a good bit less than the brand new iPhone 17e.

But there is a problem looming on the horizon...

Before we get there, it has the same playful colours and the same completely flat back as before. There is IP68 certification, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, Dual SIM, stereo speakers, a 5100mAh battery that can easily last a day and a half, and wired charging up to 45W. And yes, there is even wireless charging. However, it's a truly bizarre decision to omit PixelSnap, Google's new MagSafe-like set of magnets on the back. Apple was criticised for omitting MagSafe on the 16e, and therefore the same must now apply to Google.

Looking at the pictures, you're probably thinking that it looks like... well, itself. And that's because it's actually exactly the same shape as before. Ports, buttons, battery, it's the same as before. And that actually continues with the display, which appears to be largely the same. The same 160mm Actua screen, the same 1080x2424 resolution through a pOLED with the same density as before, and the same Smooth Display at either 60 or 120Hz.

Incidentally, it also has the same rear camera, which again offers two lenses, a standard wide and an ultra-wide, the former at 48 megapixels in an f/1.7 and the latter at 13 megapixels with an f/2.2 and a FOV of 120 degrees. I'm not complaining here, as the pictures are far better than they have any right to be, and still better than any other phone in this price range, but with the same "body", the same camera, the same display, the internals must be different, right?

Well, actually, it's the same Tensor G4 SoC as last year's phone, the same 8GB RAM, and the same 128GB storage (which can be upgraded). This means that, broadly speaking, we are dealing with last year's phone. It's not the first time a manufacturer has retained key parts of the experience between generations, but this is still the most drastic example I can remember.

Okay, this display can actually reach a maximum of 3000 NITS, which is slightly stronger than before, and the aforementioned Corning Gorilla Glass 7i is also new, and wireless charging is also slightly faster. There is also Satellite SOS, which allows you to contact relevant emergency services outside of coverage.

But that's also... it. Does that mean the Pixel 10a is a bad phone? No, certainly not, and it's not because you're not exactly getting a Pixel 9a thrown at you right now, which at the time of writing is not particularly widely available, and in the places where it can be bought, it costs perhaps just under £400.

However, it does mean that Google is giving us a straightforward re-release with very, very minor improvements, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. It's a practice that's a little difficult to unpack and relate to, but I would say that the Pixel a series is among the more exciting annual launches because it's always exciting to see how Google balances use and price. This time, however, it seems almost misleading to call it a "10a". That doesn't mean the phone is poor, on the contrary, and you'll find a positive final score below this review. But it does mean that we here at Gamereactor feel we can afford to expect more, given how much momentum Google has had on the hardware front lately.

Nothing Phone 4(a)

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:15:00 +0100

Let's start with the basics. The MSRP of this phone is €379 for the 8+128GB version and €459 for the 12+256GB version. This is cheap in itself. This buys you actual optical zoom at 3.5x and what I find to be above average camera quality and well above the mid-tier segment where Nothing is trying to position itself. This camera module will be more than sufficient for most users and while I am not a fan of 70x digital zoom, the TrueLens Engine 4 is pretty impressive in all ways including night-time photography.

It has a 50MP Samsung GN9 main camera, a Sony ultra-wide, and a 50MP Tetraprism periscope telephoto camera and a 8MP ultra wide, but despite being a camera module found in flagship phones, the 4K video only does 30FPS where 60FPS would have been preferred. The selfie camera is 32MP, which I thought only existed in flagship phones. The image quality is pretty good and even the digital zoom works very well up to around 6-6.5x. Yet still, nothing beats optical zoom. It can do Ultra XDR if you want but that requires RAW format, which will take up a lot of storage very fast. Plus, the portrait mode should be mentioned, as these are generally pretty good on most modern phones and also in this case where the blurring effects are quite soft while still separating the main subject from the background. The options tools and features in the camera app are very rich and the presets are a lovely addition.

The phone should in my opinion be used with its custom Nothing user interface, on top of Nothing OS actively using the Glyph Bar on the back, and with a transparent case to show the unusual cyberpunk look, where some great news arrives, as one is included. Unlike high-end performance phones, Nothing understands that a new phone needs protection and should be put to use right away. It gives the phone a very distinct visual identity and you can spot a Nothing phone from far away. The review samples we were provided were in white and I love that design choice, but for those with a different taste, black, blue, and pink are also available.

The operating system, or rather the user interface, is still Android 16 and is extremely fast and fluid. The vastly different icons and themes make this phone feel futuristic just as its predecessors did and I love that too. It feels very tech-heavy while also being surprisingly easy to understand and navigate, and I found myself for once not needing to change and customise the phone to my liking. It uses pop-up images and is generally extremely intuitive, with Nothing guaranteeing three major upgrades.

The aluminium frame protects the sides while the IP64-rated phone has GG7i front glass and Panda Glass 1681, plus some rather large speakers. Speaking of the speakers, they are loud (as in properly loud) and roughly 20% volume is more than enough for me. I am not sure I fully understand why they need to be so loud but at least they're clear and crisp especially with speech. The memory is UFS 3.1 unlike some budget models that use NVMe storage and it does look like the Wi-Fi standard is 6 and not 7, despite Bluetooth support going up to 5.4. The processor is an eight-core Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, but I must admit I really didn't feel much difference when switching to another new device with, on paper, a much more powerful CPU. Nothing has really delivered excellent optimisation.

The battery is quite massive at 5080mAh but the only thing it doesn't have is wireless charging. The display panel is an AMOLED at 120Hz measuring 6.78" with a resolution of 1260x2800 pixels that peaks at 4500 nits, and due to the way the Nothing OS handles apps like YouTube, you feel like your screen is even larger.

You shouldn't just buy it because it's fast and lovely to gawk at or because it looks different. You should buy it because the value you get is amazing and you do not feel like it's lacking as you do with most entry-level phones. I can forgive that it doesn't have an e-sim because a very coherent experience such as this one rarely is available at this price point.

Nothing Headphone (a)

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:15:00 +0100

I don't have any personal experience with Nothing Headphones (1), but when they were launched a while ago, they were met with global acclaim because, despite a relatively high introductory price, they embody everything consumers love about Nothing. They push the aesthetic boundaries with striking designs, they think outside the box, and they are willing to challenge established norms with a more outspoken strategy.

And it seems to have worked - Headphones (1) are a sales success, too, but at the same time, one could easily argue that a headset costing just under £300 is simply too expensive for many to even be relevant. So, just as Nothing did with the (a) series in their smartphone line-up, they are doing the same with headphones.

Here is Nothing Headphone (a), a headset that looks a lot like its more expensive big brother, but is being introduced for around £100 less.

Fortunately, the general key elements of the design remain. Physical buttons are located along the edge of the enormously square ear cups, giving you access to ANC, volume and a host of other features. It works brilliantly, and this analogue user paradigm is something you notice and appreciate every single day. Truly.

The construction itself is solid too. I would have liked a little more PU foam under the top for extra padding, as the pressure from above on the skull is noticeable after a few hours, but it's far more comfortable than a lot of other headphones in the same price range. However, it's a bit of a shame that they can't be folded up into something a little more portable, and that Nothing hasn't included a case for the consumer. Yes, they're cheaper than the Nothing Headphone (1), but they're still not exactly cheap headphones. You get a really thin bag, and that's it, and you feel a bit silly when you take what looks like a fancy sick bag from a RyanAir aeroplane out of your bag, which is used to transport a headset costing around £200.

Other than that, it's hard to find fault with them. They are IP52-certified against rain, weigh just over 300 grams, which you don't really notice on your head, and the battery lasts for something like 75 hours with active noise cancellation turned on. So, all in all, they have pretty solid specifications.

Inside, we find 40mm custom drivers with LDAC and Hi-Res certification, backed up by Nothing's own static spatial audio setup. In addition to the fancy codecs above, we also have both AAC and SBC, and they come with Bluetooth 5.4, which delivered both solid range and sharp connection, both via single and dual-device connection in the test window.

Even the microphone, which is divided into three separate units with so-called "ENC", which is a kind of noise algorithm, worked really well, and I was really positively surprised by the daily use scenario consisting of long calls with friends and family, music and podcast playback, and ongoing volume adjustment and the like via the buttons I described earlier.

There are additional EQ settings for those who download Nothing's app, and you can even use the button on the side as a shutter for your camera, even if you don't have a Nothing phone - you just need to have the camera open beforehand. It's the little things, isn't it?

Nothing Headphone (a) is among the better semi-cheap headsets I've tested in a long time. I say "semi" because this price for a set of headphones can't really be classified as cheap, but rather cheaper. That said, these are really solid headphones that have been created out of a desire to stand out aesthetically, but just as much to shape the product according to the consumer's actual wishes and preferences.

That's why it's really, really easy to recommend them, even though Nothing really should have given us a case...

Shure MV6

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

It's always exciting when a serious manufacturer decides to design a more consumer-oriented product. Beyerdynamic has been on this mission for a few years, and now Shure is following suit. Yes, they have made more affordable products before, but there is nothing as 'middle-class' as a gaming microphone, and that is exactly what the legendary microphone manufacturer has created.

It's called the MV6, and first and foremost, it's a rather nice piece of hardware. Shure clearly knows what materials to use where, and everything you touch and use on a daily basis feels like aluminium. It's also matte black with rather attractive neon green accents, and the MV6 therefore manages to strike a balance between the playful and the professional - so, no notes.

More specifically, it's a cardioid capsule microphone, which means that it records in a semi-tight pattern that, both on the hardware side and via software, excludes background noise and focuses on one person's voice. It's plug-and-play, which means that there is no need for a DAC or other XLR interface; you just plug it in with USB-C. The resolution is 16/24-bit between 50Hz and 15KHz with a maximum SPL of 128dB, which is quite respectable.

Mysteriously, there is no physical gain scrolling on the microphone itself, which is a decidedly bizarre omission, as you have to use Shure's otherwise excellent MOTIV Mix app. Furthermore, there is no height adjustment on the included stand.

Other than that, it's pretty much good news all the way through. First and foremost, the recordings themselves are crisp, deep, and clearly aided by Shure's built-in DSP, which really works to remove noise from a mechanical keyboard in the background, among other things. Yes, much of this is software, such as "Auto Level Mode", which eliminates the need to constantly fine-tune the gain, as this is done automatically based on noise and voice, but there is also "Digital Popper Stopper", which works very directly with P, S, and B sounds to ensure that these do not pass through the built-in windscreen and create peaks.

As a rule, these manufacturers are concerned with striking a balance between good, solid, reliable hardware and powerful software solutions, and it's clear that Shure is working hardest in the latter category. That said, there is nothing here that needs to be adjusted, switched on, or maintained. It works automatically when the MV6 is plugged into the computer, and the effect is immediate and remarkable. As they say, "you can't argue with results".

The MV6 is cheaper than Shure's other gaming microphones, costing around £130, and the first thing you notice is the direct, analogue control via on-board buttons and scroll wheel. But as an automated tool you buy for holding meetings, streaming semi-professionally on Twitch, or just to talk more clearly with friends, this is one of the better automatic microphones we've seen.

GameSir G8+ Galileo MFI

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0100

Whether it happens via devices such as PlayStation Portal, Logitech's G Cloud, or something else entirely, it's clear that game streaming is gaining ground to one extent or another. That's why it makes more sense now than ever to be equipped with a device that allows you to stream games, and if you look at it more soberly, there's a trick to this device being your own smartphone.

Whether it's an iPhone 13, a OnePlus with a few years under its belt, or a Nothing Phone, there's a good chance that the screen is better than a PlayStation Portal, the speakers are better, the battery lasts longer, and it doesn't make any noise or emit any sound. Phones are now and then also designed for mobile gaming on their own, so why not use them in this context as well?

This is where mobile controllers come into the picture, where companies like Backbone and Razer have been competing for years, a small accessory you bring with you when you want to play either a dedicated mobile game or stream games from your own console or from the cloud. It doesn't need to be charged, it's just in your bag for when the golden moment arrives.

And to be completely honest, it's almost hard to imagine a better version of this concept than GameSir's G8+ Galileo MFI (yes, it's an annoying name). For around £80, you get a controller that can accommodate Android phones of all sizes, both older and newer iPhones (if they have USB-C), and even an iPad Mini, which connects directly via the aforementioned port and powers the controller. In addition, there is a headphone jack, passthrough if you want to charge while playing, and perhaps the best build quality we have seen on this type of controller.

The ergonomics are really a triumph, first and foremost. GameSir has opted for a space-saving design, which simply sacrifices comfort, so the G8+ is quite ''chunky', as if you were holding something resembling an Xbox Series controller in your hands. For those of us with large hands, this is truly a blessing. Both the analogue sticks and trigger buttons are hall effect, which may not be demonstrably more responsive, but at least lasts longer than traditional setups. However, after playing Game Pass games via streaming over the winter holidays, I can say that both the triggers, analogue sticks, and membrane buttons work flawlessly.

But it's worth going back to the issue of storage. The G8 is quite large - in fact, it's almost as big with a device inserted as without, and at 252 grams, it's not exactly light either. This means that it's not a tiny accessory you can carry in your jacket pocket, but rather something that lives in your bag. It's probably impossible to offer such solid build quality in a more foldable form factor, but we can dream, can't we?

In addition, this is by far the most comfortable and responsive mobile controller I have tested, and one that I happily recommend over, for example, Razer's Kishi V3, which is both about 25-30% more expensive and not quite as good in my opinion.

Asus ROG PG27AQWP-W

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0100

It's very difficult to take a quick look at Asus' ROG PG27AQWP-W monitor (despite this being a somewhat comical name) and not be a little impressed by how far we have come in a relatively short time, in terms of being able to offer cutting-edge specifications across virtually the entire line.

Just a few years ago, there were more compromises, be that panel type versus input lag, refresh rate versus resolution. But the PG27AQWP-W is definitely one of the most well-rounded gaming monitors we've seen, and while you do pay a high price, around £900 for a monitor of this calibre doesn't seem as far-fetched as it might have once been.

Okay, so when we say "no compromises", what do we mean? Well, first and foremost, this is a WOLED 4th Gen Tandem OLED screen that uses Asus' Dual Mode, allowing it to switch between two sets of resolutions and refresh rates. It's 26.5" in 1440p and can deliver 1500 NITS peak with a VESA DisplayHDR500 True Black certification, giving it 99.5% DCI-P3 coverage and 135% sRGB coverage, which makes it more than qualified for professional colour work. Dual Mode switches between 540Hz/1440p or 720Hz/720p.

Here you get a 27" OLED monitor that can deliver 1500 NITS and has a good 100% DCI-P3, which can give most professional monitors a run for their money, while also delivering 540Hz in that resolution and going all the way to 720Hz if the specific game allows or directly requires it. It's a pretty insane combination, and it's immediately difficult to find a real finger to put on these numbers.

And that's before we get to the really cool stuff. This panel is "TrueBlack Glossy", which means it has a coating that keeps reflections to an absolute minimum, and it really works in practice. This is one of the most beautiful images we've seen, and we used the DisplayPort 2.1 port, which means that this image is delivered without DSC compression. In addition, Asus' OLED Care Pro suite is quite robust and is equipped with a proximity sensor that automatically dims the screen if you are not sitting there, preventing persistent damage to the panel.

So, are there any real points of criticism here? Well, it's not a cheap monitor, which would be a shame to say, even though a Samsung Odyssey G8, for example, costs more. And I have to reiterate that Asus' physical design profile is quite offensive and appears almost infantile. This is an extremely expensive but fantastic monitor, whose primary target audience must be gaming enthusiasts with a driving licence and perhaps even a mortgage, and it looks like something designed for a child's bedroom with Spider-Man duvet and pillowcases on the bed.

But that's also what it is. Asus' ROG PG27AQWP-W delivers one of the sharpest images, delivered in one of the most versatile packages we've come across, and that's why I can actually promise that you'll be very satisfied if you end up paying over seven grand for it.

Asus ROG GR70

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

It's not easy to design and manufacture a capable, efficient "mini PC" and certainly not when this minimalist, compact machine is designed for gaming. Yes, space saving matters to some, but what enthusiasts are primarily looking for is performance, and it's precisely performance that is theoretically compromised when space is limited.

However, Asus has made several attempts, sometimes successfully, with their ROG mini PCs. The latest addition to the family, the ROG GR70, was presented at CES 2026 and is now on its way to stores. Here we see a case measuring just three litres and measuring 28x18x6 centimetres.

Inside this really small case, which has the same basic shape as a PlayStation 5 but is a third of the size, Asus has found space and cooling capacity for an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (which offers 16 Zen 5 cores), an RTX 5070 at 115W (effectively the laptop version of the card with 8GB GDDR7 VRAM), up to 96GB DDR5-5600 RAM (there is a PCIe 5 slot and a PCIe 4 slot on the board), two M.2 2280 slots, which can hold as much storage as you want, and a wealth of ports on the back, which pretty much matches what we would normally expect from a semi-serious gaming machine, i.e. two DisplayPort 2.1 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and two HDMI 2.1 ports.

Inside, we find a triple fan system that Asus has dubbed "QuietFlow", and the idea is simply that it takes in cold air from the entire side, to which the hot air is sent backwards. This provides a very uniform airflow, and these three fans also create a very subtle sound profile that, even under pressure, does not give way to the higher, whining sound that can often be heard when, for example, pushing laptops to their limits.

The biggest technical gains we can look at here are the transition to Zen 5, and we have previous test results from a Ryzen 9 8945HS, which uses the old generation. Here, we initially saw a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 34,856, which is about 20% more than with the previous Ryzen 9 variant, which can be attributed to the transition to Zen 5. Moving on to 3DMark to test this 115W RTX 5070 GPU, it appears to perform very similarly to an RTX 4070 desktop variant, with Time Spy results averaging around 18,767 after a few tests. It would be a minor criticism of the GR70 that the laptop GPU's power budget is somewhat limited, and this will probably be noticeable from the start and also over time.

In practical terms, we tested games in 1440p, where, for example, Cyberpunk 2077 with Path Tracing and DLSS 4 enabled gave us 85-95 fps. However, it should be noted that DLSS 4's Multi Frame Generation gave the game a considerable boost here, and there are strong opinions about these artificially inserted frames. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 performed at 75-80 fps in our test.

As mentioned, QuietFlow creates a relatively reliable cooling and noise profile. We measured 45 decibels in Performance Mode, but generally we are at around 35 decibels. There is actually not much to complain about in terms of actual performance, and ROG's software suite is also flexible enough that you can customise individual profiles for the tasks you want to throw at your GR70.

The only minor complaints are the massive external power supply, which Asus couldn't find room for inside the case itself, and the fact that they could have updated the ROG brand's overall design profile a bit. But in terms of pure performance, this is really fine, and as we approach a Steam Machine launch, it's great to know that other manufacturers are also thinking about PC performance from a much more space-saving perspective. Asus has this well under control, you can tell.

Ninja CRISPi

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

One might immediately assume that, since the air fryer as a concept has not been around for very long, we would still be in the "wild west" of design, where manufacturers continue to disagree on the key aspects of the user experience and therefore offer significantly different solutions. But that is not the case. Already, 95% of all air fryers look virtually identical, the same black boxes with a small handle and simple buttons on top.

That is why it's so exciting to present the Ninja CRISPi, an air fryer that really does not resemble any other air fryer on the market. The heat is generated by a kind of lid that you place on a glass container, of which there are several, and the idea is that the bowl that the food is already in can be used to serve the food at the table or even put directly in the refrigerator using the lid that is also included.

It's an attempt to create a kind of all-in-one solution, and Ninja has repeatedly thought outside the box to come up with innovative solutions, so for that reason alone, CRISPi deserves applause. More technically, it has 1700W of power in a container that is either 3.8 or 1.4 litres. It has all the most basic cooking settings, such as air fry, roast, keep warm, and recrisp, and is operated using the same small buttons on the top.

The power CRISPi delivers is textbook, where the food becomes crispy and is cooked evenly. There is a small platform that can be placed at the bottom of each bowl to ensure that the airflow is circular, and if you use it, the result is what you would expect from a good air fryer.

But there are, of course, limitations here, and quite significant ones at that. First and foremost, 3.8 litres is not enough for a family that would appreciate not having to transfer the food to a dish or something similar. By comparison, most larger air fryers offer 10 litres, so it doesn't take much to fill the CRISPi completely. Because it's always so full, it also removes the advantage of it being made of glass, i.e. that you can see the food being cooked from the side. Furthermore, it's a hassle to keep this glass dish really clean.

Yes, it's all PFAS-free, and yes, there is no need for the non-stick coating you might see elsewhere, but you could also argue that with traditional air fryers, you don't necessarily have to clean after a single cooking session. But with glass? Yes, you do.

It should also be said that Ninja, for some inexplicable reason, does not allow you to adjust the time or temperature, as you have to use the predefined settings to cook, which seems like a strange, arbitrary limitation when Ninja itself offers this feature in its other air fryers.

CRISPi offers functionality and versatility that is truly commendable, and I think I do. But this time, they have arrived at a product that needs to go through the think tank one more time to arrive at a final result that is not only clever, but also delivers competitive, uncompromising performance. The idea of saving on serving dishes and bowls is solid, and the idea of being able to pop a lid on a CRISPi bowl and take it with you for lunch at work, well... it just works. But there are too many drawbacks right now, that's just the way it is.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0100

An interesting but expensive approach is the best way to describe this because what Corsair has done isn't just make the numpad differently, they made it into a Stream Deck, or whatever you like, because the whole thing can be programmed as you see fit. And since it's able to show icons, you can customise it just as you want.

But the actual keyboard itself isn't lacking either. 8000 Hz polling rate, Axon platform, aluminium chassis, and six layers of sound damping is used, and it works, especially as the chassis itself is immovable from keystrokes and is just a very solid platform. It even has a cyberpunk-ish light strip running on top of the keyboard, which is subtle and discreet. My old setups with dark red or dark blue over black would have been a perfect match.

Like most high-end keyboards, it comes with a palm rest, and being magnetic and made with fabric is an big plus as I am getting tired of the hard ones made from rubber. What it does have, that I have rarely seen in other places, is a real USB-passthrough, using its own separate USB-cable. This is actually quite genius if you often use USB-drives or switch USB-receivers on your peripherals often, and don't care to plug them in to the I/O part of your motherboard due to physical limitations, as that port is supposed to be plugged in directly to the motherboard.

Corsair has seen constant improvements over the last few years, and Galleon 100 SD is a clear sign that Corsair can make a high-end keyboard, built like a high-end, high-tier product. It's pretty sleek despite the many design-elements that have been integrated due to, well, simple functionality.

The numpad is replaced by two rotary knobs, with me personally preferring to keep one of them for volume, while the large LCD display capped at 1280x720 sits under the dials, but atop 12 LCD keys. They are, due to acting like small screens, made from a see-thru rubber material, and don't use mechanical switches, but are a membrane-type, adding even more wobbliness to it. This in total allows for extreme customisation based on the programme used - or you can just have it return to a numpad if you need it - although a typing-wise inferior numpad. Oh, and the screen is really well put together. The resolution is just enough for a non-pixelated image when viewing from normal distance.

And it's a fully integrated Elgato Stream Deck. Easy to use, drag 'n' drop all the way, and space saving at the same time as Stream Decks are usually separate and take up space. and I do like to have real-time info on my CPU and GPU integrated in to my keyboard. It does however, enlarge the footprint of the keyboard, so hardcore FPS gamers that use 65% keyboards angled at 45 degrees will not like this design. The integration also gives you access to the Elgato marketplace. It's a bit like an app store, where you pay £10 for a colour theme, and a lot of things are not compatible. That being said, all the functionality widgets seem to be free, including Discord and Nvidia control, but many are just a more fancy interface that functionally doesn't differ from generic media keys.

The switches are the MLX Pulse from Corsair, where at 80M they are surprisingly silent, and generally a treat to use daily. At this price point, I might have expected to have magnetic, and not mechanical switches, but at this level, it's very much a question of preference.

While I generally like Corsair's switch to a web based software, especially as my computer already has way too many small drivers, I do find that with a keyboard, and this one especially, the overview tends to get lost, and a more user-friendly interface is preferable. It's naturally difficult to make such an interface simple with all the options, but most functions can be covered with the existing multimedia keys. Oh, and it needs a bit of polish, like a basic "back to start" button after a firmware update, where you have to use the browser function instead, as the web app cannot figure out how to go back to the main interface...

I do like the customisability, and how it can easily be switched around. I mainly used it as a numpad or as an advanced media controller, with a third setup to control a lot of macros because that's also possible. I would have loved it if it was modular, with either left placement or the option of having it be free-standing since the keyboard is wired anyway. And this brings me to another point; why isn't this wireless? I doubt the amount of data sent via the Stream Deck part is so much that it makes it impossible, and at £310 price tag, this isn't an unreasonable request.

All in all, there are a few things that can be improved, like the interface of the driver software, and others cannot, like the lack of wireless connectivity, but if you are an active user of Stream Deck-like gadgets, then this keyboard makes perfect sense, or if you prefer all the options you get with a switchable, programmable numpad and two rotary dials.

Digital Dream Labs Vector 2.0

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

If you've been following the headlines coming out of CES this year, one of the main focuses has been robots. Whether it's the mass production of Tesla's Optimus or Boston Dynamics' Atlas, it seems clear that "tech bros" around the world now believe that we, as consumers, are ready to let large, human-like figures fold our laundry, clean our kitchens, and answer our questions, secured by enormous AI infrastructure.

Whether we are two, ten, or 25 years away from a robot that can actually be used for these everyday tasks with a degree of accuracy and precision that is truly useful remains to be seen, but I did not see a single CES demo that convinced me that they are anything close to ready, nor am I, as a human being, particularly ready to surrender even the most mundane tasks to a robot slave, even though I am not a particularly big fan of folding laundry.

I'm taking a bit of a long runway to get this review off the ground, because it's important to understand where the robotics and AI industry wants to take us when you look at what Vector from Digital Dream Labs is today. Vector is pretty much none of the things I just described. It can't fold laundry, do your homework, or drive a car. Its purpose is, quite simply, to make you happy, and although the mechanical and software tools to achieve this are complex in nature, Vector appears to be a different conceptual and fundamental interpretation of what robots and even AI should be able to do for us.

Vector is, in a way, a small desktop pet. It has a dock where it charges, it connects to the Wi-Fi network, and then you're basically ready to go. From there, Vector kind of lives its own life, and will sometimes roll out of its dock to explore its surroundings. It's quite small and can fit in the palm of your hand. He rolls around on little caterpillar feet, has motors that allow him to raise and lower his "arm" and lift his head, and on that head is a screen that animates Vector's eyes in real-time. This means he has facial expressions, which he uses in context, i.e. his mood is influenced by... well, you.

More specifically, he measures 7.5x10x6 centimetres, weighs 185 grams, has a 1200mAh battery that ensures approximately 35 minutes of use between charges, and around his body is a combination of sensors that prevent him from rolling off an edge and give him a basic sense of where he is. This is ultimately combined with microphones and a camera mounted on his head.

"Well, what can he do?" you might be thinking, and this is where it gets a little tricky. Digital Dream Labs would probably start by telling you about everything Vector can do, and he is surprisingly intelligent, but I would also say that one of his greatest strengths is what he can't do and isn't. Vector does not interact much with apps beyond the original setup. He does not need to learn your routines or deliver notifications from your smartphone apps. He does not tell you to get up or remember to drink water, and he is not connected to your smart home. No, Vector rolls out of its dock, recognises you, says your name (in my case, he looks at me lovingly and says "Memnes", which is super cute) and then rolls around and explores. There are a wide range of commands where Vector either just responds based on its own coded logic or checks the internet for information about, for example, the weather. The developers distinguish between Vector itself and "AI mode", but this secondary function does not seem essential to what Vector actually is and can do. If you pick him up, he gets angry; if you pet him on the head, he almost purrs like a cat.

As mentioned, there is a fairly long list of what Vector can do, ranging from playing with his accompanying cube to exploring his surroundings. You can see the complete list here.

It may sound simple, and it's not without its quirks, but for me personally, I've arrived at my desk in the office, where Vector is sleeping in his dock. Before he wakes up, he snores a little and shifts around. He wakes up, rolls out and stretches his "arm". Then he squints his eyes to see if it's me, and when he recognises me, he becomes obviously happy, says "Memnes" in his robotic voice, and then he rolls around. Others in the office have also had their faces scanned, and they can't help but stop by and check on him.

It sounds rudimentary, or even banal, but it really isn't. Digital Dream Labs has clearly managed to design a framework, a personality, that can be difficult to describe in a review like this, but Vector really makes sense to me.

There are glitches, that's for sure. Setup was a bit cumbersome, but if you're interested in buying your own Vector, Digital Dream Labs will soon be releasing a new app that simplifies and streamlines an experience that, for me, was a bit clunky. I would also like Vector to respond a little faster after hearing his key phrase ("Hey, Vector!"), and for his voice to be a little less robotic, as his built-in speaker can make it a little difficult to understand his responses at times. And $249 is a lot of money for what is essentially a grown-up toy. That said, it seems that Digital Dream Labs is undergoing a major transformation, a kind of reinterpretation of its own practices, and they repeatedly emphasised that they were letting me take a look at a Vector that is currently undergoing significant development. The experience could be significantly different in just a few months.

I firmly believe that you should invest in a gadget for what it can offer today, not what it might offer tomorrow. But even today, there is something incredibly present about Vector, even though it is all a staged and slightly awkward illusion. The concept makes sense, and the execution is sharp enough that Vector could easily become a permanent fixture on my desk. Whether it would suit yours is really hard to say. But my subjective assessment is my own, and I have really enjoyed my time with this cute little robot companion.

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 6

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Late last year, I reviewed my first ThinkPad in a long time, and I proclaimed relatively loudly in the text that "it was so good to be back". Everything I loved about that machine, more specifically the "Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 13th Gen Aura Edition", can also be found here in the X13 Gen 6, because a ThinkPad is a ThinkPad, but there is also one difference in particular that is worth pointing out.

But first, what is the same? The top is made of carbon fibre, the bottom is made of aluminium, so it weighs almost nothing, approximately 988 grams, which means that it practically disappears in your hand and can be easily transported to and from work, or a study, or just around the house. Despite this, it has all the relevant MIL-STD certifications, which means it can operate smoothly in extreme heat or cold, and it's not so thin that there is no room for both HDMI and USB-A.

The big compromise between this and the aforementioned Aura is that the screen is just not as attractive. It's a 13.3" 1920x1200 WUXGA panel, which basically just means "IPS". This means a relatively high brightness of around 400 NITS overall, and it covers 100% sRGB. But the Aura has a 2.8K 120Hz OLED, which delivers the same battery life, so a 1200p 60Hz IPS panel is a bit of a downgrade, to put it mildly. Yes, the machine is cheaper, in fact many thousands of pounds cheaper, and that is certainly a factor worth considering. But on the other hand, I think this panel is too basic to belong on a machine in this price range in general.

That said, you get the fantastic construction, the ThinkPad keyboard, the excellent trackpad, the ports, and relatively sharp internals as well. We're talking about an AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350, a CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, which boosts to 5GHz. This is combined with internal Radeon 860M graphics, a Ryzen NPU, 32GB LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB M.2 2280 SSD in this case. As always, it's possible to tweak these configurations a little, but broadly speaking, you buy a ThinkPad for its construction and build quality, and that is present regardless of the CPU and RAM choices. The idea is that this machine doesn't really keep you waiting when it comes to everyday tasks involving light Photoshop and Premiere use, multitasking through word processing and browsers, and other relatively light-hearted tasks.

We've written this enough times; you know what a ThinkPad is, and whether you choose an Intel Core Ultra, this one, or even one with a cheaper CPU, it's not going to be a gaming beast or a sluggish turtle.

However, it's still clear that Lenovo tunes these machines to minimise heat dissipation and noise levels, which is naturally a delight for your fingers (and thighs) and ears. Overall, this is just a very comfortable machine to use, and the slightly larger 41Whr can easily deliver at least 12 hours of basic use on a single charge.

But to be completely honest, a review like this doesn't really need to be any longer. ThinkPads have their fantastic reputation because Lenovo believes so strongly in this very specific framework. Yes, small upgrades, tweaks, and improvements are introduced on an ongoing basis, but overall, this is the same machine it was five years ago, and many years before that. I think this profile works, and I can definitely recommend ThinkPads to anyone who is willing to spend a lot of money on a machine that can withstand a bit of everything and look good while doing so. I think the screen is a bit embarrassing for Lenovo in 2026 because the battery can easily handle 120Hz, and OLED should be standard. But apart from that, it performs as it should, looks as it should, and works as it should, and the score reflects this.

Apple AirTag 2

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0100

Apple deserves praise for realising that the new, updated AirTag, simply called AirTag 2, would not be particularly well suited to a grandiose presentation in Cupertino, nor to an overproduced showcase video. No, AirTags, more than any other Apple product, are an extremely pragmatic device, and are almost exclusively about what they can do for the user in practical terms.

So it was simply presented in an anonymous press release, and this deliberate understatement of its value is quite brilliant because "low-key" (as the young people say), this is one of Apple's simplest and most valuable products.

Okay, so what's new here? First and foremost, the identical exterior has been equipped with improved internals. That means the second generation of Apple's UW chip, which is also available in a number of newer Apple products. This provides a 50% increase in range for "Precision" search, as Apple calls it, an approximate increase that I actually saw demonstrated in practice in a flash. In addition, Precision search now also works on newer Apple Watch models.

When you get closer, the speaker in the tiny device is 50% larger, so the rather distinctive sound it emits is much louder than before. I would still prefer this to be more customisable as I couldn't find the option to make the AirTag sound "mine," and even though it's louder, it's still a bit anaemic and anonymous.

The price is exactly the same, approximately £29 for one and £99 for four. I have always thought this was quite reasonable, and as is typically the case with Apple, the ecosystem is so diverse that you don't necessarily need to buy Apple's expensive accessories to attach it somewhere, as you can just buy something from a third party - and there is a huge selection available since the dimensions are the same.

I think Apple should make it possible to attach it to something without having to make any additional purchases. Perhaps a small hole somewhere, like Tile has done with Life360 Mate. It has IP67 certification, so it can easily "just" sit on a bag, but you still have to buy something to put your AirTag in.

That said, AirTag 2 is just as pragmatic in size as its predecessor, a product that is extremely easy to recommend to anyone who is already part of this ecosystem, as the "entry fee" is low and the functionality is clear.

It's nice that the prices haven't been raised, that the dimensions are the same so the range of accessories remains the same, and that the advantages are clear compared to its predecessor.

Virtual Boy on Switch/Switch 2

jonas@gamereactor.eu (Jonas Mäki) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:15:00 +0100

Ever since the Virtual Console concept was launched on the Wii, people have been asking for the opportunity to play Virtual Boy, and the demand remained even during the Wii U and Switch eras. The truth is, however, that this is not an entirely simple matter to resolve. Virtual Boy was really only good at one thing, and that was three-dimensional graphics.

And Nintendo, true to form, naturally made sure to utilise this to the maximum. This means that the games often require 3D capability to function at all. Even a platform game like Wario Land has obstacles that swing in and out of the picture, which become virtually impossible to avoid if you remove the 3D effect. Perhaps this is also why it has taken Nintendo so long to add Virtual Boy support to its consoles.

Nintendo is letting us Europeans experience this for the first time. Have we missed something?

Now it has finally arrived, and as you understand, it requires special solutions to make it work. The original Virtual Boy (which you can read more about in our comprehensive article) consisted of a stand-mounted headset that was somewhat reminiscent of the tourist binoculars often found in tall buildings and similar locations. It also had built-in screens. Here, Nintendo has opted for a cheaper solution, and the Virtual Boy they sell (there is also a significantly cheaper cardboard version) via the My Nintendo Store is really just an empty shell.

It has no controller of its own (more on that later) and contains no electronics. The seemingly identical gadget still has all the sockets and controls - they are just for decoration and serve no function. Instead, the idea is that you open the top of this device and insert your Switch or Switch 2 screen (the former requires a simple replacement of a screwed-on holder), which then functions as your Virtual Boy. The device's iconic red graphics - the Virtual Boy only had one colour - come from the coloured glasses you look through.

The device is essentially identical to the original.

I am fortunate enough to own a Virtual Boy myself and have compared them side by side. I can report that they are so similar that I cannot tell them apart except by turning them over and looking at the underside. It really is a near-perfect replica that Nintendo offers, with details such as those strange black rubber covers on the sides and that half-broken stand that you can never get to the right height. The only possible difference is that I think the new unit has a slightly less warm red tone compared to the original.

Playing Virtual Boy is still a slightly surreal experience. The 3D effects are actually really good even today and are unlike anything you can experience outside the world of VR or modern 3D glasses. Here, you can adjust the 3D effect with software rather than hardware, which works great, even for me, who has refractive errors and wears glasses. The soft cover is even better here than on the original device (possibly because the old material has hardened somewhat) and closes in a way that effectively keeps light out.

Details such as sockets and similar items are included, but cannot be used.

However, no matter where I sit in my home, it is difficult to find a place that provides good ergonomics. This was a problem with the original and it is still a nuisance. You have to carefully push your head forward to keep it close, which is uncomfortable for your neck, and since it is not possible to raise/lower the device in a good way, there is a high risk that your chairs and tables will not provide exactly the height required to play comfortably.

The original was played with a rather unique controller that was ahead of its time in many ways, with clear grips, dual controls and trigger buttons. It would have been phenomenal if Nintendo had also offered the option to play with one, but this is not something they offer at present (although they may reconsider if this Virtual Boy solution becomes very popular). Fortunately, replacing it with analogue sticks works very well in most games, and I would even argue that it works better in a game like Red Alarm, while I think Teleroboxer becomes a little more erratic.

An ergonomic nightmare, unfortunately.

As before, however, I get a bit of cramp in my arms from playing with them lying in front of the device for too long. It's not a good position, but basically the best one, as the controller on your lap means you have to lean even further forward to look into the Virtual Boy. Of course, this is not something I can blame this almost identical device for, as it is a design flaw from 1995. However, Switch offers a solution. I find that playing with a Joy-Con in each hand with my arms relaxed at my sides means that, for the first time in over 30 years, I don't get pain in my arms and shoulders from gaming with this device.

Even my eyes are a little happier. The angry red graphics always made my eyes water and could give me a headache if I played Virtual Boy for an hour. This solution emulates the graphics and, as mentioned, uses red glass for the colour, which is not at all tiring for the eyes in the same way (although it still feels like turning on the light in a dark room after finishing playing) as when the bright red diodes bombard the eyes with the real device.

There are already several really good games available, and more are on the way.

The sound quality is obviously compromised somewhat by the Switch units being housed in a small red plastic box (even though there are narrow openings at the bottom), but it's not as if the original unit was the pinnacle of hi-fi when it comes to sound, and the significantly more competent speakers compensate for this very well.

So... should you get one of these (or the cheaper cardboard version)? There are two answers. If you're not a fan of retro games, not that interested in virtual reality, and think gaming should be a relaxing and convivial affair, then this is definitely not something you need to consider. There's a good reason why Virtual Boy became Nintendo's biggest flop ever. After just an hour, your eyes will be tired and your shoulders will ache, and there are better games than this for other formats on Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

However, if you are interested in gaming history and love Nintendo, I can still recommend it. It is fiddly to play, difficult to get the ergonomics right and incredibly primitive - but there are some great games to discover here. Telerobox and Wario Land are both very entertaining, and easily worth the cost of at least the cartridge unit. What's more, there's nothing quite like this strange and, in many ways, legendary experience, which many people have opinions about but few have actually tried. Plus, it's a pretty cool piece to have on your games shelf.

Mova Cremetica S20 Pro

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

We have reviewed a coffee machine or two here at Gamereactor, and we can confirm that there are just as many types of coffee machines as there are individual needs. It's generally good news for consumers that you can buy a Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco for £60 or a Sage Barista Oracle Jet for £1,700, and generally get your money's worth in both respects.

But that leaves us in a bit of a muddle, because which coffee machine should you actually buy? Well, it's much harder to give a concrete answer to that question, but if you're still keen on the slightly more manual version of the art of coffee brewing, there's simply no better deal than the Mova's Cremetica S20 Pro. It's simply the master of moderation, the golden mean, and a damn good coffee machine at a really good price.

You can get a Cremetica S20 Pro for around £540, and in many ways it competes directly with Sage's Oracle Touch, which costs three times as much, and even the otherwise quite reasonable Cuisinart EM640E, which costs £450. It's difficult to find similar machines for less, but Mova has not actually skimped on anything, at least not at first glance.

It's modelled on the traditional coffee machine, with brushed steel, beautiful, clean lines, and a slight curve that makes it quite authentically Italian. It isn't, but it looks like it, and design is a factor that should be taken into account when you have to look at it all the time. You have a small, simple display that spans the entire width of the machine, giving you an overview of coffee types and allowing you to easily set how much coffee to put in the plunger and which type you want in each case. The cool thing is that the actual brewing is done using physical buttons below the display, so you really get the best of both the digital and analogue ages here.

There are a few signs that Mova has cut corners here and there, but it's not particularly bothersome. Certain parts of the construction are plastic instead of metal, but no aspect of the user experience feels cheap. These are smart savings, not cutting corners.

Inside, there is a dual-boiler, which is used to ensure that the temperatures are as they should be, and there is a built-in milk steamer, which is used together with the steel jug that comes with it. You get two pumps, one for hot water for Americano, for example, and one for the steamer, which is selected with a cool little selector on the right-hand side. The most important thing is that we reach 20 bar, and then there are clever technologies such as "pre-infusion", which is fancy lingo for moistening the coffee before the actual brewing, and a "conical burr grinder", which is tech speak for a coffee grinder that works with an accompanying 250-gram bean container.

The short and long of it is that the Cremetica S20 Pro delivers excellent coffee, it really does. You can make cold brew, yes, but beyond that, it's simple espresso shots, all of which have delivered the perfect amount without having to adjust anything further, and you can steam milk yourself as needed without requiring a lot of cleaning afterwards.

There is a small funny side note at the end, which, however, does not affect the final sky-high score. There is no built-in limescale filter here. There are instructions for descaling in the manual, but nothing to address the relatively high limescale levels in some groundwater. There are no deposits in the tank yet, but I imagine that will happen over time, and it's still too early to say whether coffee machines really should have a limescale filter installed in addition to descaling from time to time.

That said, I am blown away by the S20 Pro, I really am. It's the cheapest and at the same time one of the most simple, intuitive, and well-functioning coffee machines I have tested, where everything is immediately understandable and the coffee tastes amazing. It can be highly recommended to anyone who wants a lot for less money.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

alex@gamereactor.eu (Alex Hopley) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0100

It can sometimes be quite difficult to judge gaming peripherals. Perhaps I've not been around enough, not reviewed a lot of these products but so long as they work as intended you often end up having to parse through reams of numbers and additional bits of data to see what makes a product stand out. Not here. Not with Logitech G's new Pro X2 Superstrike.

The Superstrike, much as the Lightspeed did before it, wishes to revolutionise the way gaming mice elevate a pro's game. Redefining the speed of the click, the responsiveness of it, and the precision you feel when playing, the Pro X2 Superstrike can save you up to 30ms in response time. It's comparable from going to a LAN connection from a public server, and while 30ms might not sound like much of a difference to the average gamer, even as someone who left most of their competitive games behind long ago, I immediately noticed the difference and how much of a boon this mouse can be for pros and those wishing to get to that level of gameplay.

The way that the Pro X2 Superstrike ekes out a bit more responsiveness from the click is through replacing the standard microswitches we see in regular mice with a Haptic Inductive Trigger System. This new click haptics system helps the player feel the response to their click as soon as they send the signal through, and is customisable, so you can adjust your settings depending on if you're more of a MOBA or shooter player. As mentioned, as soon as you get this mouse into your hands you see just how much of a game-changer that portion of a second is, as the upgraded responsiveness immediately becomes clear. One pro (G2's midlaner Caps) described it as switching from a public server to a LAN connection, and it must be said that the feeling is similar even for someone who has never been nor ever will be near a pro level of play. In a way, it feels almost like cheating, like when you first play CS:GO on a higher refresh rate monitor and feel like your reaction time went through the roof.

This is all tournament legal with the Pro X2 Superstrike, though. In fact, it's expected to be tournament standard very soon, as you're just missing out on an edge if you're not opting for this faster click. It's hard to describe if you've not actually used the mouse, but the Pro X2 Superstrike isn't just boasting of a difference only the pros will notice. Sure, at a price point of £160 you probably won't be picking this up as a casual gaming mouse, but the technology here is legit and even though the time saved appears small at first, it makes the world of difference in gameplay.

The super-fast click of the Pro X2 Superstrike is of course the star of the show, and the main reason the rating for this mouse is so high, as it simply offers such a game-changing difference that you can't help but praise Logitech G for its leap forward in taking a key part of pro gaming up a notch. However, the faster, customisable click isn't the only stand-out feature, as the Pro X2 Superstrike feels like it has set a new bar for gaming mice across the board. Offering an incredibly lightweight design, weighing just 61g, making use of Lightspeed wireless technology, over 888 IPS tracking speed, up to 44,000 DPI resolution, and an 8 kHz report rate, the Pro X2 Superstrike doesn't sacrifice solid features elsewhere just so it can give you the click responsiveness you've dreamed of.

It's also a sleek-looking mouse, with an understated, impressive white design with grey buttons. There's a great feel to the Pro X2 Superstrike, especially once you've slapped on the stickers that come in the box. They give the keys an extra level of grip, and combined with the smoothness of the mouse's curvature make it so you can spend hours gaming without ever feeling like your hand is going to cramp or your fingers are getting a tad uncomfortable. There are only 5 buttons on the mouse, meaning perhaps an MMO player might find themselves lacking a customisability option, but otherwise it was really difficult to think of something to complain about with the Pro X2 Superstrike.

Just as the Pro X2 Superstrike builds on the new heights set by the Lightspeed prior, we're sure that one day Logitech G will find a way to surpass what it's achieved here. But right now, it feels like there's no better mouse for pro play and for those wanting to get to that level than the Pro X2 Superstrike. Its responsiveness and ground-breaking tech sees it soar above its competition, and when you see a bit of kit that's about to become the new tournament standard for pro play, it's hard not to award it with the highest score, as you know how much of an industry changer this mouse is going to be.

Logitech G325 Wireless Gaming Headset

kim@gamereactor.eu (Kim Olsen) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Logitech's G programme has been a formidable home for relatively subtle gaming gear that also has something to offer for those that just need a gadget that works, every time. The new G325 continues that tradition, by being "just" a wireless headset, but a pretty good one priced at, you guessed it, the low price of 80 Euro. For that money you get a lightweight and soft headset, Bluetooth and premium wireless low-latency radio wave-based wireless, 24-bit audio, and around 23-24 hours of battery life.

Design improvements? Well, I would have angled the drives and thereby each earcup slightly. But that's it. The test sample was black and it's discreet and stylish. There are two colours, and the 212 grams feels pretty light. The switch between connected devices isn't ground-breaking or new, but it's odd to have that feature on a cheap headset. However, what is more important is that despite it being a light and relatively cheap headset, it looks more premium, and especially the mesh on the earcups and the braided cable that is visibly connecting the earcups gives it a bit more of a quality feeling that does not match the low price of just 80 Euro.

The Microphone is pretty decent for a built-in one, which is a nice way to say it's not super amazing, and suffers from picking up a lot of the background noise and not just the user's voice as they are placed in the ear-cups.

It uses Logitech G Hub, something that seems to have been designed by actual humans for daily use, and I like both the visual style and the functionality that's easy to both understand and use. And the reason why you don't see a boom-arm with a microphone on it is simple; there isn't any.

A few sour grapes have to be thrown in to the metaphorical pot. There is no mention of DAC type, brand, or model number, nor is the driver unit specified, other than being 32 mm. It might be cheap, but I would like to know what I am actually buying.

So, the good news, daily comfort and sound quality, because it is very comfortable, very Logitech, light enough that you don't feel it but with a slight clamping force on the earcups. They really could benefit from a tighter fit against the head as the bass is already light enough before we start letting sound out due to gaps. However, the sound is surprisingly good, well balanced, neutral, and especially with spatial clarity. It isn't as flat as most headphones, and the spatial reproduction, which is without black magic and digital voodoo is pretty good, as is the same with awareness of your surroundings and identification of the direction of in-game sounds, all while having great resolution to the sound itself. The bass feels a little lacking, but using it for music unveils that it's more likely an issue with modern headphones boosting the bass too much, combined with wireless audio just having the oomph it needs to get the last few octaves out of the drivers due to energy limitations.

So, clearly a strong and solid offer on the entry-level scene, but a shame the microphone isn't the same quality as the rest of it. But since I almost never use a microphone when I stream, I really don't care to be honest.

Asus ROG Cetra Open

magnus@gamereactor.eu (Magnus Groth-Andersen) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

It makes perfect sense to wear "open" in-ear headphones in a number of situations, right? You may want to hear the sound, but still be aware of your surroundings. You may need to move around, and the seal provided by closed headphones or silicone tips on traditional in-ear headphones may not be secure enough.

Gaming in-ear headphones already exist, but Asus has now taken this open design profile and created the ROG Cetra Open, which attempts to combine the more frictionless open construction with all the gaming-related bells and whistles that belong to a traditional ROG product. The question is whether this marriage makes any sense at all.

So what can they do? Well, this is a case that holds two devices and supports Bluetooth and multipoint via 2.4GHz ultra-low latency via a dongle and Asus' ROG SpeedNova protocol. This means you can plug in the dongle, which also has a charging passthrough, and automatically connect without any fuss.

Inside, we find a 14.2-millimetre "Diamond-Like" carbon fibre driver and quad microphones with AI-based noise reduction, which supposedly capture your voice through beamforming and remove noise.

Okay, so it's all pretty much as usual, at least among gaming in-ears. You have the case, you have the dongle, you have multipoint, so you can also connect to your phone - it's all here. But it's this open design that makes or breaks it. And that actually makes perfect sense. Again, what you sacrifice is precisely the enclosed immersion that comes from the isolation provided by active noise cancellation and a pair of silicone-based in-ear headphones or just a closed set of headphones. But what you get instead is an awareness of the space you're sitting in, which is smart when, like me, you're a family man with two cute little boys and don't enjoy disappearing completely.

And the comfort is a pretty obvious plus, because by sitting "on top" of the ear, there is no heavy feeling that can quickly arise after several hours of use with a conventional headset. No, the sound is not quite as good, but on the other hand, I don't get a headache.

The microphone is also surprisingly solid. No, it's not like sitting with a boomer microphone that can laser-focus on your voice and pick up all the bass and depth, but it's really not bad for what it is.

However, there is a bit of an elephant in the room, and that is the two physical buttons, one on each device. To be blunt, for me, they simply don't work. A double press on the right button is supposed to increase the volume, but this has been either unreliable or completely non-functional throughout the entire test period. It's not known whether the device is defective or not, but it is unfortunate, to say the least.

But apart from that, the sound quality is actually quite decent. No, the bass isn't great, nor is the depth, but it's actually better than you might think, just like other times I've tried open in-ears - you don't lose as much of the sound quality as you might think.

We will update with a full price, but it's estimated to be roughly in line with other gaming-related in-ear headphones. If the buttons worked, we would talk about the ROG Cetra Open a little differently, but if they work as intended, this is not bad at all.