Engadget assessment recap: ASUS ZenBook A16, AirPods Max 2, Sonos Play and LG Sound Suite

[ad_1] Spring has definitely sprung right here at Engadget. Nicely, it has by way of evaluations, at the very least. We’ve put over a dozen gadgets by means of their paces since my final roundup, which supplies you a large number to compensate for over the weekend. Learn on for the rundown of all of the evaluations you may’ve missed.

ASUS ZenBook A16 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/kMIIAb9RdtZRaSge4oAfUg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net/images/user-uploaded/asus-rec_2067.jpg" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> ASUS

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> The Zenbook A16 is the lightest 16-inch ultraportable we’ve seen but, and it’s surprisingly succesful because of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 chips.

Execs Surprisingly lightPolished designExcellent OLED display Tons of ports Massive efficiency leap over X1 chips Cons Potential Arm incompatibilitiesDoesn’t help all PC video games ASUS’ ZenBook A14 didn’t dwell as much as our expectations final 12 months, however now the corporate is again with a 16-inch machine and a shot at redemption: the A16. “Compatibility points apart, the ZenBook A16 delivers nearly all the pieces I would like in an ultraportable,” senior reporter Devindra Hardawar stated. “It’s received a beautiful OLED display and the entire ports you want. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite chips additionally give it a much-needed energy increase. And better of all, it is one of many lightest and sleekest 16-inch Home windows laptops I've come throughout.”

Apple AirPods Max 2 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/pyc4x6n0Hv9HsZ948TGE8w--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net/images/user-uploaded/airpodsmax2-rec_3302.jpg" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Apple/Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> The H2 chip delivers a bunch of recent options, however it’s time for a complete redesign on these dear headphones.

Execs ComfortableExcellent sound qualityLots of recent options Cons Identical design, againExpensiveOnly one listening to well being function Till this 12 months, Apple’s solely updates to the AirPods Max have been new colours and a USB-C port. The corporate lastly gave its dear over-ear headphones the highly effective H2 chip, delivering a bunch of useful options from the AirPods Professional. “The H2 chip brings Apple’s over-ear headphones on par with the remainder of the AirPods lineup, particularly the AirPods Professional 3,” I stated. “And since I don’t count on Apple to announce new earbuds this 12 months, that parity ought to stay for some time.”

Sonos Play <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/IiQih80bEQzEmJCQGj8PTg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net/images/user-uploaded/sonos-rec.jpg" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Sonos / Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> The Play sounds nice, has a large and versatile function set and received’t break the financial institution. It’s a welcome return to type for Sonos.

Execs Compact designGreat sound high quality for its sizeFeatures like line-in and Bluetooth grouping make it extraordinarily versatileLong battery life Cons Doesn’t include an influence adapterMore colours could be welcome Sonos badly wanted a win. Fortunately, the corporate regained a few of its mojo with a brand new transportable speaker that gives the very best of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the identical machine. “The most recent Sonos speaker provides spectacular sound high quality, flexibility and portability, and it’s the form of product that may assist Sonos rebuild its status after its latest difficulties,” deputy editor Nathan Ingraham stated.

LG Sound Suite <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/LuyCT2ox9558og3YCjeM7w--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net/images/user-uploaded/soundsuite-rec.jpg" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> LG/Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> LG’s newest house theater system provides immersive sound and plenty of choices. It’s costly although, and the marquee function isn’t at all times straightforward to make use of.

Execs Detailed and expansive house theater audioDolby FlexConnect is genuinely helpful Nice for musicEasy to make use of as particular person audio system Cons ExpensiveFrustrating setup and connectivityEach merchandise is offered separatelySome configurations require LG TVs After a powerful CES debut, LG’s Sound Suite was my most anticipated assessment of the 12 months. Regardless of spectacular sound high quality and Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, there are nonetheless some kinks to work out in each the setup and common use. “There’s no denying that LG has created a strong and immersive lounge expertise with its Sound Suite lineup,” I stated. “Whereas I did expertise some setup and software program points, these are issues LG can iron out over time — Sound Suite continues to be model new, in spite of everything.”

DJI Avata 360, Fender Audio, Nebula X1 Professional and extra The previous few weeks have been fairly audio-heavy right here at Engadget, together with the primary headphones and audio system from Fender Audio, two units of headphones from JBL and the Roland Go: Mixer Studio. I additionally reviewed the primary of Sony’s 2026 soundbars, the Bravia Theater Bar 5, and contributing reporter Steve Dent reviewed the Anker Soundcore Nebula X1 Professional all-in-one projector.

Senior reporter Sam Rutherford actually took one for the crew and spent a while with the Robosen Soundwave Transformers robotic. Lastly, Steve took flight with the DJI Avata 360 drone, which is a direct reply to Insta360’s Antigravity A1.