Top Gadgets for January 2026: Must-Have Tech
▼ Summary
– Gizmodo’s tech team reviewed standout, wacky, and innovative products from the year, including gadgets that finally launched in December.
– Several highlighted products offer high value or unique features, like affordable earbuds with good ANC, a portable MagSafe game controller, and an at-home facial device.
– Notable innovations include a 360-camera drone that provides an immersive flying experience and an MP3 player catering to audio nostalgia with modern ports.
– The article warns that some tech, like a bogus AI translator, proves companies can’t always be trusted, and an ongoing RAM shortage will spike computing prices in 2026.
– Upcoming CES 2026 will feature a flood of new tech, including TVs, AR glasses, and AI-promising gadgets, making the year ahead seem chaotic.
The holiday rush has settled, leaving a quiet space before New Year’s celebrations begin. This lull offers a perfect moment to reflect on the standout technology that arrived in the final month of the year. While many were busy with festivities, the tech world delivered a fascinating mix of long-awaited gadgets, impressive affordable finds, and a few cautionary tales about overhyped innovations. December proved to be a surprisingly strong month for new tech releases, setting a dynamic stage for the year ahead.
Several products that had been teased for months finally became available. Consumers got their hands on everything from collapsible mobile game controllers and unique camera drones to budget-friendly high-performance earbuds and at-home skincare tools. The month also served as a reminder to maintain a healthy skepticism toward marketing claims, particularly around artificial intelligence. One so-called “AI translator” device performed so poorly that its manufacturer requested the review be shelved entirely.
Looking forward, the upcoming year promises a whirlwind of new gadgets. The CES 2026 exhibition in January will flood the market with announcements, with major brands already hinting at next-generation displays, laptops, augmented reality glasses, and a tidal wave of products touting AI integration. However, this innovation comes with a potential cost. A widespread RAM shortage, driven by the expansion of AI data centers, is expected to drive up prices for computers and gaming consoles across the board. The stage is set for 2026 to be a year of both exciting advancement and market challenges.
For those seeking salon-level skincare at home, the Shark FacialPro Glow offers a multi-attachment system designed to exfoliate, tighten pores, and improve circulation. While setup involves a few components, the actual experience is straightforward and enjoyable.
Excellent sound doesn’t require a massive investment. The Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ earbuds deliver remarkably clear audio and robust active noise cancellation for a fraction of the cost of premium brands. Their secure and comfortable fit enhances the overall listening experience.
Breaking the mold of conventional drones, the Antigravity A1 features a built-in 360-degree camera. Paired with an augmented reality headset, it creates an immersive flying experience, making you feel as if you’re floating inside the view. Its intuitive aim-and-fly controller also makes it highly accessible for beginners.
The MCON mobile controller emphasizes true portability. It attaches to a phone via MagSafe and, with a button press, expands to reveal a full set of controls including joysticks and analog triggers. While it may not match the ergonomics of a traditional gamepad, its compact, pop-out design is unmatched for on-the-go gaming.
The Boox Note Air 5C e-note taker makes compromises for a specific purpose. Its color E Ink display isn’t as vibrant or fast as a standard tablet screen. Yet, for reading and note-taking with the benefit of color and exceptional battery life, it’s a compelling and relatively affordable option in the E Ink category, complete with a high-quality stylus.
Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new tool for their classic cartridges. The SN Operator allows users to play physical Super Nintendo games on modern computers through software emulation. It can also backup game saves and verify cartridge authenticity, with app support for achievements.
Fueled by a wave of audio nostalgia, devices like the Snowsky Disc MP3 player are making a comeback. This model adds a modern circular touchscreen to the classic concept, includes multiple headphone jacks and USB-C, and supports massive storage via microSD cards. It represents a dedicated escape from streaming service algorithms.
Battery life is the headline feature for the JLab Epic Pods. These $100 earbuds boast an impressive 13 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 50 hours with the case. While audio quality faces stiff competition, their endurance at this price point is a major advantage.
The Pebble Index 01 is a minimalist, subscription-free voice recorder in the form of a stainless steel ring. A single button activates its microphone, with no internet connection or AI features. Its unique sustainability model involves no internal battery; once it’s depleted, users return the device to the company for recycling.
Finally, for the ultimate collector, Robosen has unveiled a transforming Soundwave figure. This highly detailed model automatically converts from robot to tape deck mode, functioning as a Bluetooth speaker. The premium experience comes with a premium price tag, highlighting that cool robot transformations are a costly luxury.
(Source: Gizmodo)
