AWARDS 2021

It’s that time of the year again. Don your tuxedos and cocktail dresses, grab a glass of bubbly, and join us for a parade of tech excellence that’ll make both your eyes and mouth water

- Alex Cox, Carrie Marshall

Gadget of the year

SONY PLAYSTATION 5

The PlayStation 5 is just incredible. Probably the most anticipated launch of the past year, and still (thanks to stock sniping, retailer issues and a worldwide semiconductor shortage) a highly anticipated console for the millions that haven’t yet been able to get their hands on one. It didn’t win this award simply for its properly futuristic design language, or its brilliant upgraded controller. Nor is it here just for its games, a mixture of remastered classics, multi-platform favourites and (at least thus far) only a few high-end exclusives. And it’s not our Gadget of the Year only for its power, which drops true high-end gaming to a price point well below the second-mortgage PC market, or for its backwards compatibility, which effectively upgrades games from previous PlayStation generations to make them crisper and slicker.

It’s the impact of the PS5 elsewhere that gives it real Gadget of the Year credibility. It – and, to some extent, the marginally less popular Xbox Series X – has ushered in the acceleration of TV tech, pushing features like VRR, 120Hz refresh rates and automatic low latency to even the mid-range TV market. This isn’t just a console; it’s a benchmark, a statement, a kick in the pants to the entire industry. That’s exactly what next-generation hardware is supposed to be. From £360, playstation.com

Best gadget under £100

FITBIT ACE 3