Engadget review recap: Shokz OpenFit Pro, Nex Playground, Sony A7 V and more

Engadget review recap: Shokz OpenFit Pro, Nex Playground, Sony A7 V and more

We’re starting to hit our stride in 2026. Now that February is here, our reviews team is flush with new devices to test, which means you’ve got a lot to catch up on if you haven’t been following along. Read on for a roundup of the most compelling new gear we’ve tested recently from gaming,…

We’re starting to hit our stride in 2026. Now that February is here, our reviews team is flush with new devices to test, which means you’ve got a lot to catch up on if you haven’t been following along. Read on for a roundup of the most compelling new gear we’ve tested recently from gaming, PCs, cameras and more.

Nex Playground

Image for the large product module

Nex

The Nex Playground brings motion-tracked games to the entire family. Consider it the best of the Xbox Kinect in a tiny box.

Pros

  • Fun core titles
  • Solid motion-tracking
  • Well-designed hardware and UI
  • Large library of games
  • Works offline
Cons

  • Requires an ongoing subscription to access most games
  • Needs large open space for play

If you still have a fondness for the Xbox Kinect, the Nex Playground might be right up your alley. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar recently put the tiny box through its paces and found an active gaming experience that’s fun for the whole family. “While I have some concerns about the company’s subscription model, Nex has accomplished a rare feat: It developed a simple box that makes it easy for your entire family to jump into genuinely innovative games and experiences,” he wrote.

MSI’s Prestige 14 Flip AI+

Image for the large product module

MSI

MSI’s Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a remarkably powerful ultraportable, thanks to Intel’s Panther Lake chips. But it’s held back by a clunky trackpad and weak keyboard.

Pros

  • Excellent CPU performance
  • Solid gaming support
  • Bold OLED screen
  • Tons of ports
  • Relatively affordable
Cons

  • Awful mechanical trackpad
  • Dull-feeling keyboard
  • Display is limited to 60Hz

Devindra also tested MSI’s latest laptop, the powerful Prestige 14 Flip AI+. While the machine got high marks for its performance, display and connectivity, he noted that the overall experience is hindered by subpar keyboard and truly awful trackpad. “As one of the earliest Panther Lake laptops on the market, the $1,299 Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a solid machine, if you’re willing to overlook its touchpad flaws,” he explained. “More than anything though, the Prestige 14 makes me excited to see what other PC makers offer with Intel’s new chips.”

Shokz OpenFit Pro

Image for the large product module

Shokz/Engadget

Finally, a set of open earbuds that actually sound good and provide noticeable ambient noise reduction.

Pros

  • Effective noise reduction
  • Comfy fit
  • Great sound for open earbuds
  • Dolby Atmos support
Cons

  • Sound quality varies with ear shape
  • Over ear hook isn’t for everyone
  • Noise reduction isn’t as effective as ANC

Fresh off of its Best of CES selection, I conducted a full review of the OpenFit Pro earbuds from Shokz. I continue to be impressed by the earbuds’ ability to reduce ambient noise while keeping your ears open. And the overall sound quality is excellent for a product that sits outside of your ears.

Sony A7 V

Image for the large product module

Sony/Engadget

With a new partially-stacked 33MP sensor, Sony’s A7 V offers speed, autofocus accuracy and the best image quality in its class.

Pros

  • Fast shooting speeds
  • Quick and accurate autofocus
  • Outstanding photo quality
  • Good video stabilization
Cons

  • Video lags behind rivals
  • Uncomfortable to hold for long periods

Contributing reporter Steve Dent has been busy testing cameras to start the year. This week he added the Sony A7 V to the list, noting the excellent photo quality and accurate autofocus. “The A7 V is an incredible camera for photography, with speeds, autofocus accuracy and image quality ahead of rivals, including the Canon R6 III, Panasonic S1 II and Nikon Z6 III,” he said. “However, Sony isn’t keeping up with those models for video.”

Apple AirTag (2026)

Image for the large product module

Apple/Engadget

Apple has improved its Bluetooth tracker in practically every way, making it louder and extending its detection range.

Pros

  • Precise Finding is far more useful
  • Louder and easier to hear
  • Same price as the original AirTag
Cons

  • Still lacks a keyring hole
  • Apple’s AirTag accessories are too expensive

Our first Editors’ Choice device of 2026 is Apple’s updated AirTag. All of the upgrades lead to a better overall item tracker, according to UK bureau chief Mat Smith. “There’s no doubt the second-gen AirTags are improved, and thankfully, upgrading to the new capabilities doesn’t come at too steep a cost,” he concluded.

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