The Buying Game (Issue 18)

This week's picks include a new smart ring, home decoration, and a free web browser.

Tyler H

Tyler H

— 3 min read
The Buying Game (Issue 18)
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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: Oura Ring 4 Ceramic

Believe it or not, smart rings are catching on. I see them everywhere. While the Oura Ring 4 isn't new, this brand-new ceramic version looks fantastic. Since this is a product you wear, fashion is priority number one, or at least near the top. Now you can measure your sleep, activity, stress, and other vitals with a new style.

Price: $499 (link)
Value Score: Poor

If you're tempted by an Oura smart ring, you don't need to spend $500. The other materials start at $350. But the white, blue, green, and pink ceramic ones look cool.

How I’d spend $150: Govee Outdoor Decoration Projector Light

If, like me, holiday decorating is not your thing, then this Decoration Project Light might be a good fit. I'm testing it now and still have some concerns about needing to physically change the slides, but it seems bright and has lots of functionality baked in, including Matter support. That means you'll be able to add it to any smart home platform, beyond just using the Govee app.

Price: $90 (link)
Value Score: Fair

You can grab a generic projection light for really cheap. But if you want to be able to control it from your phone, set it to a schedule based on the changing sunset time, and other connectivity benefits, then it's going to cost more. This one is currently on sale.

How I’d spend $50: Perplexity Comet Browser

If you're already opening OpenAI's website regularly to use ChatGPT, then why not just use a browser with an AI built in? Perplexity's Comet browser is now available to use by everyone, regardless of whether you subscribe to the service or not. Use it to summarize YouTube videos or find something you saw on the web a few days ago. There are a ton of uses that don't require generative slop.

Price: Free (link)
Value Score: n/a

The winning pick: Govee Outdoor Decoration Projector Light

I'm excited to see how easy this connected outdoor light projector makes decorating. It's TBD for now, but it seems easier and cheaper than putting up lights or assembling a giant 14-foot skeleton.

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

Media pick: Taylor Swift - "Opalite"

This is an instant jam.

This week's other interesting deals and product news

  • Eight Sleep has a new water-cooled pillow case. The catch? It costs $1,000.
  • The Eufy X10 robot vacuum and mop is down to $587 with the on-site coupon. A good mid-range option for its price.
  • Peloton announced new fitness equipment that's more expensive than ever. The plus models have a movement-tracking camera to track reps and make suggestions.
  • LG's new 6K monitor, which looks a whole lot like Apple's, is now available for pre-order for $2,000.
  • Google is putting out a new smart speaker, built for its Gemini AI, in 2026 for $99.

This week's published stories

  • Beats Powerbeats Fit review (Yahoo)
  • Beats Powerbeats Fit first impressions (Yahoo)
  • Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station review (Yahoo)
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3 review (How-To Geek)
  • Sonos-tuned speakers come to new Peloton equipment (Yahoo)

Read more