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Gadgets Archive

Archives for December 2022

The Verge’s 2022 holiday gift guide for creators

Finding that perfect gift for a creator can be challenging, which is why we’ve compiled all kinds of useful and fun ideas for all kinds of folks, from TikTokers and Twitch streamers to photographers.

Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Dan Seifert
Dan Seifert
These are the kinds of folding phones we could have if Samsung had any competition in the US.

Oppo just announced its new Fold N 2, a Galaxy Z Fold-style folding phone that is once again only for the Chinese market.

It beats Samsung’s Fold 4 in a number of ways: it’s lighter, the outer screen is wider, the whole package is smaller, and there’s no gap when you fold it closed. It even has a faux leather finish on the back to make it less slippery, which I had to replicate with a dbrand skin on my Fold 4. The Fold 4 does offer IP water resistance and compatibility with Samsung’s S Pen, neither of which you can get on the Oppo.

Maybe someday someone will try to compete with Samsung on folding phones in the US. Is it you, Google?

Dan Seifert
Dan Seifert
Why is OnePlus making a mechanical keyboard?

Some more info has trickled out about OnePlus’ plans for its mechanical keyboard, which will be built in partnership with Keychron. The OnePlus board will apparently have a double-gasket design, aluminum frame, and the ability to work with Mac, Windows, or Linux computers which, as Ars Technica notes, sounds very similar to Keychron’s own Q2.

That’s all well and good, but you don’t have to wait for OnePlus to launch its keyboard to get that — just buy a Keychron Q2. I’m typing this post on one right now.

Chris Welch
Chris Welch
The Lightning connector must die so that we won’t need cables like this anymore.

I can’t help but laugh at this new sledgehammer-shaped charging cable from Native Union (via 9to5Mac). Besides a steep $50 price, there’s nothing wrong with the product; it looks durable, and there’s a neat slider mechanism for changing between USB-C and Lightning.

But.. enough already. I’ll just be over here eagerly awaiting September and Lightning’s farewell. These silly multi-headed cables have had a good run, but a simpler life is coming.

Image: Native Union
Mitchell Clark
Mitchell Clark
Looking for some cool board games?

Check out Polygon’s list of the ones that really stood out this year, which covers the gamut from easy party games, to Magic: The Gathering sets, and hardcore strategy.

It could also be useful if you’re still doing holiday shopping — board games are a great gift for those of us who struggle to find gaming partners, because at least one person will be obligated to play it with you.

Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen) review: smaller but not smarter

Amazon shrunk its second-gen Echo for your car, but it hasn’t gotten any more useful.

Allison Johnson