Oscar Lavitt ’23
Contributor
With all the time we spent at home this year, technology has become even more important for communication and entertainment. Here are some of the best products released in 2020.
Best new tablet: iPad Air 2020
Apple completely redesigned its midrange tablet this year, removing the home button and enlarging the screen. The new model features improved Apple Pencil support. The camera, processor, and battery also got a huge upgrade. This iPad is a great option for those who do not need the features of the more expensive Pro model. It’s a great product for a more modest price.
Best new VR headset: Oculus Quest 2
Facebook took standalone VR to the next level this year with the Quest 2. It has a lighter body, a better processor, and sharper displays. All this without the hassle of wires. The Quest 2 is the perfect product for a rookie VR user or for seasoned users who want to go wireless.
A PC is not necessary, so users can enjoy VR without a PC’s added cost. For users who already have a VR headset, a PC can also use the Quest 2 wired, which allows for better graphics and an expanded library of games. This product allows for a full VR experience without the need for a PC, allowing users to play titles like Beat Saber and Superhot.
Best new headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
While many people don’t know what to think about the new Galaxy Buds, it is hard to argue against them. With pretty good active noise cancelling and a new bean-shaped design that is both subtle and comfortable in most ears, these headphones are similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro.
The main difference between the two is the market they appeal to. The Galaxy Buds are around $100 cheaper than the AirPods, making them a perfect choice for those who have a Samsung phone as well. For those in the Apple universe, the AirPods Pro or AirPods may be a more logical choice, as they feature better support for Apple’s phones.
Best new phone: iPhone 12
The iPhone 12, while not perfect, is likely to be the most popular new phone in our school community. This year Apple finally upgraded the displays on its non-pro models to OLED displays, which will make the blacks that the screen displays much darker.
The new phone also gets a significant boost to its battery life and an upgrade to its processor. The pro models also include a LIDAR sensor that will improve AR capability, but this feature is gimmicky to the average consumer.
While it would have been nice to transition to a higher refresh rate display and a smaller (or nonexistent) notch, the iPhone 12 is a solid choice for the Apple user. Features like MagSafe and 5G only add to the overall appeal of the device, making it a good choice for those looking for a new phone.
Photo credits: samsung.ca (Samsung Galaxy Buds Live), apple.ca (Apple iPhone 12)
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