We’ve seen it all this year on our Geared Up podcast, from super-powerful video game consoles to super-goofy camera glasses. It’s been a year full of incredible technology, fascinating gadgets and a real change in how we all relate to the technology around us.
On this episode of Geared Up, co-hosts Andru Edwards of Gear Live and Todd Bishop of GeekWire celebrate the show’s first full year with a roundup of the best tech from 2017 — and a few of the worst flops.
Listen to the episode above and keep reading for details on our picks for the best tech of the year.
LG OLED TVs: Andru picked LG’s OLED line as the best TVs of the year, in part because of its huge range of models, from luxury to less pricey. The OLED technology makes pictures look more vibrant with higher contrast. Price: $2,299 — $19,999
Xbox One X: Something you might want to play on a brand new OLED TV, the Xbox One X is billed as the most powerful gaming console ever released. It allows for high-definition 4K graphics and a super fast gaming experience. Price: $499
iPhone X: Andru’s pick for smartphone of the year. The iPhone X represents the next stage of Apple’s smartphone evolution, offering a larger screen than its predecessors (5.8 inches) in a smaller piece of hardware than the earlier ‘iPhone Plus’ line, with advanced features that will justify the price for many smartphone users. Price: Starts at $999
Samsung Galaxy Note 8: The turnaround of the year. The Note 7 became infamous for exploding and catching fire, but the Note 8 has been a hit. Its 6.3-inch screen and included stylus are strong selling points. Price: Starts at $950
Google Pixel 2: The much-anticipated follow-up to Google’s first Pixel device didn’t disappoint. The device starts at a more affordable price point than many of the other flagship phones this year, but Google’s seemingly endless pool of data and artificial intelligence lends it some stellar features. Price: Starts at $599
One Plus 5T: The latest phone from this “flagship killer” company, the 5T comes with many of the features of brand name flagship phones, but without the sky-high price tag. Price: $499
And finally, our gadgets of the year:
Nintendo Switch: Andru’s pick for gadget of the year. The newest console from video game giant Nintendo marked a huge turnaround for the company and has become one of the best selling consoles in history. Andru says the Switch’s portable and home console hybrid is an exciting new form factor for video games. The Switch also launched with one of the most highly rated video games in history, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Price: $299
Amazon Echo Show: Todd’s pick for gadget of the year. The device was the first smart home speaker with a touchscreen, which Todd says was a real turning point for the Echo devices and for smart home devices in general. His family loves the device and it’s helping to boost Amazon’s presence in many homes. Price: $229
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