At a Glance
- Shark FacialPro Glow lets you do salon-level facial care at home.
- Antigravity A1 is the first 360-camera drone that pairs with an AR headset.
- SN Operator brings Super Nintendo cartridges to PC and Mac.
- Why it matters: These gadgets illustrate the year’s push for at-home convenience, immersive flight, and retro gaming revival.
2025’s tech scene was a mix of practical gadgets and surprising disappointments. Reviewers tested everything from at-home facial devices to AI translators that fell flat, and the results were eye-opening.
Home & Audio
The year’s affordable audio and beauty tech made headlines.
- Shark FacialPro Glow – at-home facial device with attachments for exfoliation, pore tightening, and circulation.
- Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ – $130 earbuds that deliver clear sound and robust ANC in a comfortable fit.
- JLab Epic Pods ANC – $100 earbuds offering 13 h battery life on the go and 50 h total with the case.
Drones & Controllers
New flight and gaming peripherals pushed the envelope.
- Antigravity A1 – a 360-camera drone that works with an AR headset for an immersive sky view.
- MCON – a mobile controller with a MagSafe disc that expands into a full suite of game controls.
- Robosen Soundwave – a $1,400 transformable robot speaker that collapses into a tape-deck-style figure.
E-Readers & Retro Gaming
E-Ink displays and classic game cartridges got fresh takes.
- Boox Note Air 5C – color E-Ink display with 4,096 colors, stylus, and a light touch.
- SN Operator – $60 device that lets you play Super Nintendo cartridges on PC, Mac, or Steam Deck, and checks cartridge authenticity.
- Pebble Index 01 – stainless steel ring with a mic; no battery, no subscription, and no internet required.
MP3 & Misc
Classic audio and quirky gadgets found their niche.
- Snowsky Disc – MP3 player with a circular touchscreen, 2 TB microSD slot, 3.5 mm/4.4 mm jacks, and USB-C.
Key Takeaways
- Shark’s at-home facial device proves salon-level care can be DIY.
- Antigravity A1 is a unique 360-camera drone that pairs with AR.
- SN Operator revives Super Nintendo cartridges on modern PCs.
The year’s gadgets show how tech can blend convenience, nostalgia, and innovation-though some products still miss the mark.
