CES 2022 has crept up on us at frightful speed since 2021's digital only event. Now that the renowned tech expo is well underway, MUO has trawled through the gadgets released this year to bring you a selection of what we deem to be the best devices.
Without further ado, let's take a look at what we've got in the MUO Awards: Best of CES 2022...
Best TV Award: LG OLED C2 Series
LG is renowned for delivering beautiful displays and, as it demonstrates at this year's CES expo, that form isn't about to change soon. The brand has debuted its C2 Series OLED TVs; an upgrade to the 2021 C1 range of tantalizing TVs.
We love how the LG OLED C2 Series offers a breadth of choice unmatched when compared to LG's previous releases. With six screen sizes available, buyers can be sure to find a TV that suits their living space, no matter how large or small it may be. This includes a world first; the impressive 42" OLED C2.
However, the main draw here is the gaming aspect, which LG rightfully makes much of at CES 2022. Packing LG's OLED evo technology, gamers will be able to enjoy crisp visuals, with bright colors and deep blacks, and a 1-millisecond lag time that makes the C2 Series perfect for competitive online play.
Best Gaming Laptop Award: Razer Blade Series
Razer cuts through the noise with surgical precision, showcasing updated versions of its popular Blade gaming laptops; namely the Blade 14, Blade 15, and Blade 17. If you're serious about PC gaming, and want to take it on the go, then Razer's gaming laptops should be your first port of call.
Building on the 2021 releases of its powerful gaming rigs, Razer somehow brings even more to the table in 2022. We are most awestruck by the lightning fast GPUs courtesy of NVIDIAs 3080 Ti Series residing in certain models, and the optimized stability and efficiency of DDR5 RAM.
Aside from the specs, you only have to look at the design of Razer’s Blade laptops to get that wow-factor. Sleek, stylish, and sharp, the Chroma-brightness of Razer’s Blade Series laptops outshine any other mobile gaming device. You can be sure you’ll get the one-up on your opponents with a Blade in your hands.
Best Earbuds Award: Jabra Elite 4 Active
Jabra has upgraded its Elite range of in-ear headphones with the Elite 4 Active. The focus here is on active use, hence the name, so if you listen to music during your workout (and who doesn't) then Jabra's earbuds have got every avenue covered.
You have the classic great bass-driven sound that has always impressed us at MUO, and your fitness focus won't falter thanks to the active noise cancellation. This allows you to enjoy your own music without the gym's choice of sonic encouragement bleeding into your favorite workout playlist; a factor we rate highly.
Importantly, and something you should always consider when buying workout earbuds, the Elite Active 4 boast an IP57 rating, which not only keeps sweat at bay, but can also withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep. No need to worry if you accidentally drop them in the pool.
Best Portable Projector Award: XGIMI AURA UST
Ultra short throw projectors are amazing if you need to save on space. So we've selected the XGIMI AURA UST as our best portable projector of CES 2022. Not only can you take it anywhere, but thanks to that short throw distance, it sits right next to the surface on which you choose to project.
Not only is it a UST (ultra-short throw) projector—it provides a 4K image as well. No need for an expensive 4K TV here; you can literally place the AURA projector next to a wall, switch it on, and project all 150 inches of display if you have the space.
With its Android TV operating system, you can experience all the popular apps you'd expect to see, including Google Stadia, if you want to enjoy 4K gaming on the go. You just need a Bluetooth controller and you've got a full entertainment system ready to rock, no matter where you are.
Best Budget Laptop Award: TCL Book 14 Go
Students and digital nomads have something to look forward, namely the TCL Book 14 Go. This device gets our vote for best budget laptop; the first Windows-based laptop from the popular brand. Why? It is incredibly affordable at just $349.
Productivity is at the forefront of TCL's ethos with the Book 14 Go. It is incredibly thin, enhancing the portability of the device, meaning you can take it anywhere, unhindered. Whip it out and, in a snap, you're tackling your latest task with all the power that Windows 11 provides.
The battery life is also exemplary if you need to work away from a power source. With up to 12 hours of juice in the tank, you can easily access and complete your work no matter where you are. It even has 4G compatibility, so you don't need to worry about how you're going to browse the internet for information.
If you need to get that report finished before close of play, then TCL's inexpensive option could easily be your go-to workhorse if you've packed one in your laptop bag. A fantastic choice for those on a budget.
Best Smartwatch Award: Razer x Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch
Razer steps back up to the plate for a second award; this time its collaboration with watchmaker, Fossil. The two brands designed the Gen 6 Smartwatch with the gamer in mind, and it is this twist on the wearable trend that sets this smartwatch in front of its competition, and what we really like about it (aside from the typically Chroma-loaded appearance a la other Razer products).
Gamers spend a lot of time sitting in front of a screen. Razer knows this better than anyone, so its mission with the Fossil crossover is simple; gamer wellness. Don't forget, Razer recently launched its Champions Start From Within initiative; a scheme designed to ensure that eSports players maintain peak physical and mental fitness.
To do so, the Razer x Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch offers a full suite of fitness tracking tools, alongside customizable sleep monitoring, to help you perform at the peak of your abilities when it is time to game. A healthy gamer is a happy gamer, and that means the Razer x Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch is our choice for CES 2022.
Best Smartphone Award: 5G Nokia G400
Doing things on a budget doesn't mean you trade a financial saving for lower standards. HMD Global, owner of the Nokia brand, recognizes the importance of not overlooking quality when producing affordable handsets. Step in the Nokia G400 5G; an ultra wallet-friendly smartphone with plenty to shout about.
Debuting at CES 2022, the G400 5G is part of a range of inexpensive devices set to launch Stateside in 2022. Priced at an eye-popping $239, you're getting a surprisingly excellent deal, here, not least thanks to 5G connectivity and that 120 Hz screen. This, interestingly, is the first Nokia phone to possess such a display feature.
Boasting a 48 MP camera and 5,000 mAh battery, there is absolutely no doubt here that the Nokia G400 5G will cause quite a stir when it lands in the hands of the public, especially at this price point.
Best Extended Reality Device Award: Kura Gallium AR Glasses
Extended reality is becoming more and more part of our daily lives, so Kura Technologies' Gallium AR glasses have arrived on the scene at just the right time. Representing style and substance, these alternative reality specs feature a fine array of technologies to enhance our existence, by immersing us in a semi-virtual world.
Imagine the implications of such technology. Surgeons could perform complex operations without looking at a screen, reducing strain on the neck. Students could view lecture slides via the Kura Gallium lens, while simultaneously taking notes, streamlining the learning process.
The quality of the viewed image and the innovative microLED silicon display will undoubtedly place Kura Gallium way ahead of its competition once the product finally reaches mass production. By then, who knows how much more we'll be able to achieve with extended reality leading the charge?
Best Work From Home Device Award: Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Video Conferencing Monitor
Dell debuted its new UltraSharp 32 4K Video Conferencing Monitor at CES 2022; a shrewd move considering that fact that so many of us are now working from home, at least in some capacity. It isn't just a monitor, though; this device carries quite the innovative feature...
The monitor packs a 4K display, as you might expect from the nomenclature, meaning you'll be able to see your video conferencing colleagues in crystal clarity. Not only that, but in a groundbreaking industry-first, Dell has revealed that the monitor also houses a built-in 4K Sony camera, so your colleagues will see your image in pinpoint accuracy, too.
Aside from the obvious video conferencing aspect, the UltraSharp enables you to work on a sizeable 31 inch display; plenty of real estate for productivity. Plus, when you're done with work, Netflix looks pretty nice on a UHD screen.
Best Wellness Device Award: Kryo Dock Pro + Chilipad Pro Sleep System
Aside from the need for practicality when working from home, there is also a need to make sure you are looking after number one; you. Your mental and physical health are important—the degree of change can take its toll on our minds and bodies.
The Kryo Dock Pro and Chilipad Pro Sleep System makes sure your slumber is as fulfilling as it should be. If you overheat while you're in bed, this leads to disturbances that reduce the quality of your sleep, meaning you don't feel rested. As a result, you might not feel as sharp as you should.
This is an excellent product, with an ingenious idea at its core; it monitors your sleeping temperature and, as you overheat, it cools you down, ensuring your slumber is a restful one. That way, you'll be at peak performance during the day, no matter how you spend your time. You can also monitor your sleep patterns with the Sleepme app!
See You at CES 2023
Well, now you know exactly what MUO thinks is the best of the best at CES 2022, all that remains is for us to wave goodbye to Vegas (or the digital variant if you didn't attend) and look forward to the innovations tech brands deliver in 2023.