The Buying Game

The Buying Game (Issue 12)

This week's picks include earbuds, a folding phone, action camera, and more

Tyler H

Tyler H

— 5 min read
Various gadget cutouts on a multicolor background.
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The Buying Game consists of me selecting three products worth buying at different price points. Each product is given a Value Score—based on price and function—and then one is crowned the winner at the end. Affiliate links may be used.

How I’d spend $500: Insta360 Go Ultra

Front view of the Go Ultra camera with a black background.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to action cameras, but I like the hybrid design of the new Insta360 Go Ultra. There's the main Go Ultra camera, which has a 70-minute battery life, and an included action pod that it magnetically attaches to, which has a 2.5-inch screen and an extra 130 minutes of battery. Compared to the Go 3S, the Go Ultra adds a larger image sensor, a light sensor, wider POV, removable storage, and more audio modes, among other things.

Price: $450 (link)
Value Score: Fair

The Go Ultra should be a competitive purchase within the action camera space. You don't have to use it exclusively, jumping out of a plane either. I've been using it to shoot clips of gadgets at my desk. Still, if you want a more domestic option, there are plenty of cheaper solutions.

How I’d spend $150: Pixel Buds 2a

Split image showing Pixel Buds 2a in someone's ear and a close up.

The new Pixel Buds 2a look like a good alternative to basic AirPods. They feature ANC and transparency modes to help block outside noise, or let it in when needed. The flashiest feature, however, is the Gemini integration for Android phone users.

Price: $130 (link)
Value Score: Good

These aren't as high-end as the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which feature adaptive audio, but the 2a are also $100 cheaper.

How I’d spend $50: Ember Cold Tumbler

Ember Cold Tumbler on a table with coffee insider.

Ember is known for its heating technology that can keep a beverage hot. However, its new double-walled glass Cold Tumbler should keep your drink cool. There aren't any electronics in this product, which might be obvious from its price. It looks to be good old materials engineering, keeping a drink cold for at least six hours.

Price: $40 (link)
Value Score: Poor

The Cold Tumbler is 16 ounces and comes with two lids and a removable silicone base. Its slender size should fit in most cup holders. Best of all, it's dishwasher safe. This travel mug is at the peak price of this product category. You're paying a premium. I also haven't seen too many similar options in the same form factor that include a straw and a sipping lid.

The winning pick: Pixel Buds 2a

Despite what you might believe, there are a lot of Android users out there. And while there are plenty of good Bluetooth earbuds out there that work well for iPhone and Android alike, sometimes it's nice to have a good first-party option. Most people should consider these first and then move on to the Pro 2 earbuds if they want something more.

Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.

An expensive pick: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Pixel 10 Pro Fold showing a Youtube video.

Google held its Made By Google event this week, which is why there are more Google products than normal. This year's Pro Fold phone is more refined than ever. Among other things, the phone finally gets Qi2 charging, which includes a magnet on the back so it can use MagSafe accessories.

Price: $1,800 (link)

Media pick: The James Bond Collection

Cover art for The James Bond Collection of movies.

Apple has The James Bond Collection of movies on sale this week. That's 25 movies for $100. In other words, $4 per movie. Even if you already have five of these movies, adding 20 of them for $5 each is a steal.

My favorites are Skyfall, The Spy Who Loved Me, and From Russia With Love, but don't overlook On Her Majesty's Secret Service and The Living Daylights.

This week's other interesting deals and product news

Screenshot showing guitar chords.
  • ChordMini uses large language models to extract chords from any song on YouTube.
  • Nothing's new headphones are $30 off, down to $270. These were great at full price, and even better now.
  • Belkin is showing off three new Qi2 25W chargers. (More on these soon.)
  • Nanoleaf has a new $100 TV light strip that changes color based on what's on the screen.
  • The HoverAir Aqua is a waterproof drone. It's now available to back on Indiegogo. Its pre-sale price is $1,000 and should ship before the end of the year.
  • Sony launched its new wireless gaming headset, the INZONE H9 II, for $350. It ships in early September.
  • The price of Apple TV+ is going up to $13 per month, increasing $3 from $10 per month. (The annual subscription price remains $99. And the Apple One bundle is not changing prices either.)
  • There are reports that ESPN is nearing a deal to buy MLB.TV, adding to its recently acquired NFL Network and Red Zone. For sports fans, you might be destined to have to pay for the network's streaming service.
  • The Google Pixel 10 starts at $799 and goes up from there, at most retailers, but Google is offering a free $100 gift card when bought through Amazon.

This week's published stories

Cover art with the stylized words coming soon.
  • Did you know there's a new Apple Music page for albums coming soon? (This Week The Trend)
  • I've been using different art-style TVs. Here's an overview of what to look for in each and who they might be best for. (Business Insider)
  • Thinking about buying a robot lawn mower? Here's what you should know (PCMag)
  • Tribit StormBox Mini+ speaker review (How-To Geek)

Read more