Techwise Corner

The Red Light Therapy LED Face Mask: Series 2 is the sort of skincare gadget that initially feels a little futuristic, but quickly becomes surprisingly easy to work into a daily routine. Designed to deliver light-based skincare treatment at home, it combines a sleek, wearable design with a straightforward approach that requires very little effort. The mask itself feels well made and thoughtfully designed. Its lightweight construction makes it reasonably comfortable to wear, while the adjustable fit helps it sit securely without feeling excessively tight. The LED lights are bright, of course, but once you settle into the experience, it is easy enough to relax, read or simply switch off for a few minutes. It is worth noting that wearing any rigid facial device takes a little getting used to, particularly around the nose and eye area. Where the Series 2 really appeals is its simplicity. There is no complicated routine to learn: put the mask on, start the treatment and carry on with your e...

 The Nike Men’s Air Max SC is the sort of everyday trainer that gets a lot right without trying too hard. With its familiar Air Max-inspired styling, layered upper and low-profile shape, it has a sporty look that feels equally at home with jeans, joggers or casual weekend wear. The design is understated enough for everyday use, yet the visible Air cushioning gives it a little extra character. Comfort is where the Air Max SC makes the strongest impression. The cushioning provides a pleasantly soft feel underfoot, while the padded collar and tongue add useful support around the ankle. It is not an especially technical running shoe, but for walking, commuting and general day-to-day wear, it offers a comfortable balance between cushioning and stability. The fit feels fairly straightforward, although those with wider feet may want to consider trying a larger size before buying. Build quality is generally reassuring. The combination of mesh and synthetic overlays gives the shoe a layered...

The GTR9 Pro is the sort of mini PC that makes you question whether a desktop computer really needs to be big. Despite its compact footprint, it packs an unusually ambitious specification, combining AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 128GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 2TB NVMe SSD. On paper, it is seriously capable; in everyday use, it largely lives up to the promise. Design-wise, the GTR9 Pro strikes a sensible balance between understated and distinctive. It looks more like a premium piece of desktop hardware than an oversized router, while its small form factor makes it easy to position on a desk without taking over valuable space. Connectivity is another major strength. Dual LAN ports, including 10GbE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and USB4 give it plenty of flexibility for modern peripherals and fast networking. Performance is where this machine really earns its keep. The 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen AI Max+ 395 handles demanding multitasking with ease, whether that means running numerous appl...

The ASUS ROG XREAL R1-N Gaming AR Glasses take a refreshingly different approach to portable gaming. Rather than carrying around a bulky monitor or settling for a small laptop display, these glasses create a personal screen that feels surprisingly immersive. They are clearly designed with gamers in mind, but the appeal extends to anyone who values a more private and flexible viewing experience. The Micro-OLED Full HD display is the real highlight. Images look crisp, detailed and vibrant, with the technology helping games and video content feel much more engaging than you might expect from such a compact device. Text remains reasonably clear, while darker scenes benefit from the strong contrast you would expect from an OLED panel. The large virtual viewing experience is particularly enjoyable for games, films and general media consumption. Design-wise, the R1-N keeps things relatively streamlined for gaming glasses. They look more like modern eyewear than traditional gaming hardware, wh...

The PlayStation VR2 in black is an impressive step into virtual reality, combining a sleek, understated design with the sort of immersive experience that makes VR feel considerably more natural. It looks distinctly PlayStation without being overly flashy, and the headset feels well constructed while remaining comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions. One of its biggest strengths is the display. The OLED panels deliver rich colours, deep blacks and excellent contrast, while the high resolution keeps games looking sharp and detailed. Eye tracking is another particularly clever feature, making menu navigation more intuitive and allowing compatible games to use eye-based controls. The headset’s inside-out tracking also means there is no need for external cameras or complicated room sensors, which makes getting started refreshingly straightforward. The Sense controllers deserve plenty of credit too. They feel comfortable in the hands and offer precise tracking, adaptive triggers and co...

 The Valve Index headset and controllers remain an impressive VR package, particularly for anyone who values immersion and precise interaction. Although the hardware is no longer the newest option on the market, it still feels thoughtfully designed and remarkably capable. The headset has a solid, premium feel without becoming excessively bulky. Its adjustable lenses, comfortable head strap and useful physical controls make it easy to find a good fit, while the wide field of view helps create a more natural sense of presence. The display is sharp and responsive, and the high refresh-rate options make movement feel exceptionally smooth. Audio is another highlight: the built-in speakers deliver surprisingly rich sound while sitting away from the ears, which is both comfortable and effective. The Index controllers are arguably the most distinctive part of the package. Their finger-tracking system allows you to open your hand, point and interact with virtual objects in a way that feels ...