Engadget Review Roundup: iPhone Duo, Rivian R2 and More

We’ve reached the point in the technology calendar where the pace of new devices is simply absurd. Over the past two weeks, the Engadget team has published more than a dozen reviews. These in-depth tests run the gamut from Switch 2 controllers to serviceable laptops and from a new Alexa tablet to unique wireless microphones. I can’t fit them all into this roundup, so be sure to check out our review center after reading the biggest recently tested products below.

There is no doubt that the iPhone Duo was one of the most anticipated devices of the year. Surprisingly, Apple’s first attempt at a foldable phone doesn’t look like a first-generation device. Yes, it’s heavy and expensive, and many apps still need to be optimized for its interior screen, but there’s a lot to like here if you can afford it.

“The company has had the luxury of learning from the achievements and missteps of its competitors, which means the iPhone Duo has avoided most of the growing pains that a new class of gadget might normally encounter,” said Sam Rutherford, the Reviews’ senior reporter.

Before folding the latest iPhone, Sam spent some time behind the wheel of the mid-size Rivian R2. He discovered a spacious SUV with great power and range, and an interior that ticked all the boxes. There are still some tweaks to be made and you may want to wait until the base model arrives next year.

“Rivian proves that just because an electric SUV is smaller and more affordable doesn’t mean it has to make major compromises in style, power and technology compared to the rest of its siblings,” he said. “For a family of four, the R2 looks like the Goldilocks SUV that could inspire people who currently drive gas-powered rivals to upgrade to an EV and never look back. :

If you’ve ever wanted the benefits of a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses without the scary cameras, there’s now a sleek, audio-only option in the Ray-Ban Meta Audio. The frame styles look more like “normal” glasses, they offer longer battery life due to the lack of cameras, and most importantly, they are comfortable to wear.

“One of my favorite things about the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses is their ‘normal’ look and feel,” said senior reporter Karissa Bell. “I could still enjoy the open speakers and other audio features without constantly being aware that I was wearing smart glasses or that other people around me might notice them.”

Technics impressed us in 2025 with its AZ100 true wireless earbuds and now the company has integrated its magnetic fluid driver technology into a set of over-ear headphones. With the A1000, the company offers excellent sound quality and ANC performance along with a comfortable design and solid battery life. The two problems? They cost $450 and one of the most notable features is unreliable.

“The true wireless AZ100 made a big impression, thanks in part to those magnetic fluid speakers, and the A1000 builds on that success with equally impressive sound,” said review writer James Trew. “Really, it’s a pleasure to wear and listen to.”

Senior Reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar spent the last week testing the first laptop he could get his hands on with NVIDIA’s new RTX Spark chip: the ASUS ProArt P16. He discovered an expensive but extremely powerful laptop that is not intended for use by most of us.

“The ASUS ProArt P16 is undoubtedly an impressive high-end laptop. But its high starting cost and unique hardware make it something that’s only really tempting for AI professionals,” he said. “I would give the entire RTX Spark platform at least a year before I can recommend it to general users or even gamers.”