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After recovering from holiday indulgences, the Engadget team has resumed operations in the testing facility. Although preparations for CES are underway, several gadgets still need final evaluations before the end of 2025. This summary covers recent reviews that readers might have overlooked, ideal for relaxed winter downtime.
The Dell 16 Premium maintains its striking appearance, yet it inherits usability shortcomings from Dell's XPS series.
The Dell 16 Premium's elegant styling certainly justifies its premium branding. However, this refinement comes at a cost: an elevated price tag and compromised functionality. Senior reporter Devindra Hardawar noted, 'As I examined the Dell 16 Premium's attractive exterior more closely, I yearned for additional practical elements.' He highlighted the need for ports such as HDMI and a standard SD card slot, along with discernible function keys that remain fixed and visible in sunlight for efficient typing, plus a visible trackpad design.
DJI's Osmo Action 6 introduces the industry's first adjustable aperture and an expanded square sensor, enabling superior performance in dim conditions and for social platforms, though its reduced video resolution poses a drawback.
DJI's U.S. drone operations face ongoing uncertainty, potentially affecting its action cameras too. Fortunately, contributing reporter Steve Dent, based in the EU, tested the Osmo Action 6 and praised its enhanced low-light capabilities and endurance. 'Thanks to its larger sensor and wider aperture compared to competitors, the Action 6 excels as the top choice for nighttime footage, offering clear, detailed clips with improved steadiness,' he stated. 'It's particularly suited for creators sharing on YouTube and TikTok.'
Nikon’s ZR delivers unmatched RAW video fidelity among consumer cameras, even pricier ones, while providing greater usability than professional cinema models due to its reliable autofocus and built-in stabilization. It misses an electronic viewfinder, however, and its battery endurance falls short.
Continuing the focus on video equipment, Steve Dent evaluated the Nikon ZR, a camera geared toward video production but enhanced by RED RAW support, precise focusing, and other strengths. 'Nikon has now matched and exceeded competitors in content production tools with the ZR,' he observed. 'From social media clips and YouTube videos to documentaries or film projects, this device offers flexibility and capability with minimal trade-offs.'
Ooni has thoroughly redesigned its electric pizza oven lineup with the Volt 2, creating a polished kitchen device equipped with useful accessories for home cooks of varying expertise.
Ooni's original Volt model marked the brand's entry into indoor pizza baking, though it had limitations. The Volt 2 represents a comprehensive redesign that surpasses its predecessor. 'Its straightforward interface and prominent screen make it accessible for beginners and veterans alike,' the reviewer stated. 'Built-in settings perform reliably and allow customization for advanced recipes. Most impressively, it produces pizzas rivaling or exceeding professional standards in diverse varieties.'
Antigravity's initial FPV drone stands out as enjoyable, innovative, and feature-packed, with no comparable alternative on the market.
Antigravity, a venture from Insta360, has begun delivering its inaugural drone, which UK bureau chief Mat Smith piloted during testing. The A1 includes a dedicated controller and FPV goggles for flight control, complemented by distinctive capabilities and high-quality video under optimal weather. 'The user-friendly handling and panoramic viewing set it apart from existing options,' he remarked. 'It serves as an engaging entry point into drone flying, whether FPV-focused or general, despite software glitches during evaluation.'
In gaming updates, Mat Smith explored Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, as deputy editor Nathan Ingraham tested Metroid Prime 4. Contributor Tim Stevens revisited Nintendo 64 titles using the Analogue 3D and also drove the 2025 Porsche Macan Electric.