27 Products We Consider Worthy of the 2024 Mashable Choice Awards.
Throughout the year, we evaluated various products and these were the best of 2024.
I received an invitation to try out a new action camera from a company a couple of months ago. As I began to respond, I wondered: in a world dominated by GoPro, why would I use any other action camera? After a few weeks, I was testing the new GoPro Hero 13 Black while jet skiing on the Hudson River in New York. For my review, I used the camera both in water and on land, although I couldn't test it in the air; I'll probably save that experiment for the Hero 14.
After a month of use with GoPro's new flagship camera, I can share my opinion: it seems too good to be true. While I found pros and cons, it's not surprising that GoPro maintains its dominant position in the action camera world.
Regarding the value of the new GoPro Hero 13 Black, I can say it fully justifies its price of $399.99. It offers professional-quality video recording, whether underwater, on trails, or in the snow. For content creators and professional videographers, the new accessories, ND filters, and lenses provide even more powerful tools for capturing stunning images. Moreover, GoPro has listened to its users and reintroduced the geolocation feature.
However, this doesn't mean it's the ideal camera for everyone. If you're a casual user and already have the Hero 12 Black, it might not be worth upgrading. For those focused on content creation for social media or primarily filming indoors, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal could be a better option.
On the other hand, in the realm of smartphones, the iPhone 16 and its variants are garnering attention. For instance, the Plus model offers nearly 19 hours of battery life, making it an attractive option for those who struggle with battery longevity in their devices. Additionally, it features notable improvements in the camera, controls, and new colors.
In summary, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a range of devices, each with its own distinct features. For example, the recent Sony ULT Wear headphones and the ULT Field 1 speaker are specially designed for bass lovers, something that is also evident in the new iPads and laptops being released to enhance productivity and creativity.
It seems this cycle of launches is addressing specific needs of different types of users, making the choice of technology increasingly interesting.
