In the blink of an eye, 2024 is nearly gone, and there’s never a quiet moment when covering consumer technology. As is tradition, the GadgetGuy team got together to discuss our favourite tech of 2024. Some of the gadgets launched this year, while others have stood the test of time from previous years.
So, without further ado, here’s what we loved using throughout the year. From gaming to fitness, reading and making coffee, our favourite devices kept us going in 2024. There’s a mix of tech for work and play, but if we’re being completely honest with ourselves, it’s mostly play. And that’s totally okay; at the end of the day, the best tech is fun to use.
Chris Button: GadgetGuy Editor
PlayStation Portal
I’ve said this multiple times already but it bears repeating; I initially thought the PlayStation Portal was dead on arrival and was a fundamentally flawed concept. Boy, was I wrong.
Taking on the form of a remote streaming device, the Portal connects to your PS5 via an internet connection. Provided you’ve got a good-quality home network (speed is less important than stability here), playing console games from anywhere is possible.
With the PlayStation Portal, I powered through many RPGs on the couch, in bed, and even in hotel rooms in a completely different city. Despite its slightly goofy appearance of a stretched DualSense controller with a tablet whacked in the middle, it’s extremely comfortable, making it one of my most-used gadgets this year.
Rode Wireless Go II
Rode recently launched its third-generation wireless Rode Go microphones, and while I haven’t used this year’s model, I wanted to shout out its predecessor. The Rode Wireless Go II has been a staple of my kit since picking up a kit midway through the year.
Portable and easy to use, these mics instantly elevate any content production. Particularly if you use a phone to film most things, like I do, the Rode mics add much more audio clarity and depth than any built-in phone mic possibly could.
I’m still eyeing off Rode’s and DJI’s mini variants, but until then, the Wireless Go range remains excellent.
Anika Hillery: Content Director
Kindle Paperwhite
As a lifelong book nerd – and an editor of actual printed books back in the day – I was determined to dislike the Kindle Paperwhite when it was gifted to me. And I tried, but it is just so convenient. Small, light, and portable, it’s an easy choice for the daily commute, beach, or airport carry-on. Screen brightness and contrast are great, the built-in dictionary is super-handy, and with a vast library of titles ready for immediate download, I’ll never again have to settle for a rubbish read from an Airbnb book exchange.
Jura Z10 Automatic Coffee Machine
‘Internet radio lures you with the promise of thousands of stations, but most of us will pick a favourite and listen to it only. It’s the same with automatic coffee machines. Jura’s Z10 dazzles with 32 speciality recipes – including cold brew options for proper iced lattes straight from the machine – and I did try a few of them… before customising the perfect flat white to drink every morning from now on, forever and ever, amen. I enjoy that the Z10 is a looker too, adding a satisfying bit of posh to my kitchen benchtop.
Marcel Melick: Director of Strategy and Partnerships
Apple MacBook Air M3 (15-inch)
The M3 Apple MacBook Air has been a game-changer for me. Upgrading from my 2018 i7 MacBook Pro, I’ve been blown away by the performance of the M3 chip, which handles everything I’ve thrown at. It’s also much lighter, looks great (midnight blue), and I feel it offers the best value for money, especially when compared to what I spent on my three previous MacBook Pros.
Laser Wireless Dongle for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
This wireless dongle from Laser has transformed my driving experience by eliminating the hassle of dodgy cables to connect to Apple CarPlay. I’ve tried so many of these and have to say that for just $79 (at the time of writing, it’s $59 at most major retailers), it was excellent value for money.
DJI Neo drone
Finally, the DJI Neo drone is my favourite device of 2024. Its palm-sized design and lightweight build make it incredibly portable, while its clever features, like palm takeoff and intelligent shooting modes, make it so much fun to use. Whether flying indoors or capturing low-altitude shots, it’s the perfect personal videographer for almost everything.
Jay Marshall: Art Director
Garmin Fenix 8
I mentioned the Garmin Fenix 8 in my review of the Enduro 3 smartwatch; as good as the Enduro is, the Fenix is even better. In my mind, it’s the best GPS watch you can get, full stop.
Uncompromising on features, comfortable to wear, and stylish to boot, the Garmin Fenix 8 is an excellent watch for runners. Its AMOLED screen is second to none, and the fantastic battery life will see you through heavy training schedules and races with ease.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
These headphones are excellent for runners, cyclists, and all-around fitness fanatics. I wore the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 during my recent training and subsequent ultra marathon race, and they stood up to the challenge.
Because they’re open-ear headphones, they don’t sit uncomfortably in your ears, which is great when running long distances. I often forgot I was wearing them, they’re that comfortable. Excellent audio quality and great battery life are just the cream on top.
Valens Quinn: Managing Director
Apple Mac Mini M4
Apple performed engineering magic when it shrunk the Mac Mini down to the size of an Apple TV box. Now with the M4 chip, it’s a deceptively powerful desktop computer that doesn’t break the bank. Most of my workflow involves video editing and various media work, and the 2024 Mac Mini does an admirable job.
For the most intensive tasks, Apple’s MacBook Pro M3 Max from last year continues to be an absolute beast. As far as laptops go, there are none better at combining power, portablity, and battery life.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Considering my background in video and photography, I always gravitate towards devices with good cameras. And the Google Pixel 9 Pro has some of the best phone cameras, earning it a spot on our best phones list.
It competes strongly against the likes of Apple and Samsung, driving some much-needed competition in the smartphone stakes. Telephoto zoom quality is a big point of difference, and one that the Google Pixel 9 Pro certainly delivers on.
As always, a big thank you for supporting GadgetGuy in 2024. Independent media is more important than ever, so we appreciate you reading our articles, commenting, and sharing our work with your friends and family.
We’re now on break starting on 20 December 2024, returning on 6 January 2025 to tackle the mayhem of CES and beyond. See you then!
The post The GadgetGuy team’s favourite tech of 2024 appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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