Engadget review recap: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Meta Glasses and more

Samsung has reshaped its flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, by making the device shorter and wider, a change Sam Rutherford argues aligns the phone with the way users consume games and video. The redesign positions the “regular” Fold 8 as the more compelling option in Samsung’s three‑foldable lineup, even prompting a wish that the higher‑priced Z Fold Ultra had received a similar treatment. Meanwhile, Meta released its first in‑house smart glasses, pricing them below previous collaborations but delivering a less refined aesthetic; Karissa Bell notes that while prescription‑compatible Optics models and Oakley sport versions remain superior for specific needs, Meta’s own glasses offer solid value for casual users.

DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4P pushes the pocket‑sized gimbal line into a “pro” tier with a dual‑lens sensor, but distribution constraints keep it scarce in the United States, inflating resale prices. James Trew concludes the device justifies its cost for those who can secure it at MSRP, signaling DJI’s intent to defend its niche against emerging competitors in the compact camera market. Canon’s EOS R6 V, according to Steve Dent, excels as a vlogging tool thanks to raw video quality, in‑body stabilization, and reliable autofocus, yet its still‑image performance lags behind hybrid rivals like Sony’s A7 V, underscoring Canon’s strategic focus on video creators rather than all‑round photographers. Finally, Alienware’s new 15‑inch laptop arrives as a “budget” gaming option amid rising component prices; despite a subpar display and webcam, reviewers find the trade‑offs tolerable, especially on higher‑spec variants that deliver strong overall performance for cost‑conscious gamers.

The convergence of these reviews illustrates a market shift toward specialization: Samsung fine‑tunes hardware for media consumption, Meta targets price‑sensitive AR adopters, DJI doubles down on professional‑grade features while battling supply bottlenecks, Canon doubles‑down on video‑first creators, and Alienware seeks to democratize high‑performance laptops despite component inflation. Consumers should watch how these manufacturers balance feature sets against pricing and availability, as each product’s success will hinge on whether the trade‑offs align with targeted user segments.