James Trew
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Covers:
Culture, music, audio, podcasting, documentary, music production
Words @ Playboy, Men's Journal, High Snobiety. Editor at Large - Engadget. Producer at True Spies podcast.
Articles by James Trew
Insta360 Mic review: A midrange mic kit that's anything but boring
In an ocean of boring microphones, Insta360 adds a (customizable) pop of color. RATING : 8.2 / 10 Pros Customizable display Flexible storage Stellar battery life Class-leading range Cons Chunky transmitters Less budget-friendly than rivals It's been a transformative year for Insta360. The Luna Ultra and Luna Pro cameras, both released over the summer, cemented its reputation as a capable camera-maker that isn't limited to 360 video.
Insta360 Mic Review: A Midrange Mic Kit That's Anything But Boring
It's been a transformative year for Insta360. The Luna Ultra and Luna Pro cameras, both released over the summer, cemented its reputation as a capable camera-maker that isn't limited to 360 video. When it unveiled the Mic Pro, with its quirky e-ink display, the portfolio of creator products was almost complete. Well, almost, because there was a small gap between the $330 Mic Pro and the affordable Mic Air. Insta360 plugs that gap today with the $250 Mic.
Technics EAH-A1000 review: Superior sound and excellent ANC in a premium package
When Technics announced the EAH-A1000 over-ear Bluetooth headphones, everything seemed fairly ordinary. Another set of premium cans entering an already crowded category . Sure, they have a few standout features on the spec sheet — magnetic fluid drivers and three-device multipoint Bluetooth, for example.
Technics EAH-A1000 review: Superior sound and excellent ANC in a premium package
The company's flagship over-ear wireless headphones are light on compromises, but enter a competitive market. RATING : 8.9 / 10 Pros Superb sound Excellent ANC Comfortable design Solid battery life Cons Pricey Finicky multi-point Bluetooth When Technics announced the EAH-A1000 over-ear Bluetooth headphones, everything seemed fairly ordinary. Another set of premium cans entering an already crowded category.
Technics EAH-A1000 Review: Superior Sound And Excellent ANC In A Premium Package
Technics' flagship over-ear wireless headphones are light on compromises, but enter a competitive market. When Technics announced the EAH-A1000 over-ear Bluetooth headphones, everything seemed fairly ordinary. Another set of premium cans entering an already crowded category. Sure, they have a few standout features on the spec sheet — magnetic fluid drivers and three-device multipoint Bluetooth, for example.
Keychron Thunderbolt 5 Dock review: Unusually sensible Original
A company that’s best known for keyboards makes a strong entry into the high-end dock world. RATING : 8.3 / 10 Pros Excellent build quality Comprehensive connectivity Strong HDMI support Cons No internal SSD bay Lacks DisplayPort connectivity Keychron is best known for its mechanical keyboards that democratized higher-end customization and functionality. The company expanded that philosophy into mice with similar success. The next desk peripheral in the company's crosshairs is the PC/laptop dock.
Insta360 Luna Pro review: Your Instagram Reels are about to get an upgrade
It's been a bumper summer for pocketable cameras. DJI kicked off the season with the Pocket 4 , a much anticipated follow-up to the wildly popular Pocket 3. But that was just the warm up. Then came Insta360's Luna Ultra , with a dual-lens/optical zoom setup. This was swiftly answered by DJI with the Pocket 4P , formally establishing a "pro" tier to the gimbal-camera category. In between all that, GoPro delivered the Mission 1 Pro twice , and both DJI and Insta360 unveiled rugged 360 cams.
Insta360 Luna Pro review: Your Instagram Reels are about to get an upgrade
There’s now a direct rival to the Osmo Pocket 4 you can easily buy in the US. RATING : 9.3 / 10 Pros Detachable screen/remote Native 4K portrait mode Good digital zoom Impressive still photos Cons Premium price Slo-mo tops out at 120 fps It's been a bumper summer for pocketable cameras. DJI kicked off the season with the Pocket 4, a much anticipated follow-up to the wildly popular Pocket 3. But that was just the warm up. Then came Insta360's Luna Ultra, with a dual-lens/optical zoom setup.
Insta360 Luna Pro review: Your Instagram Reels are about to get an upgrade
There’s now a direct rival to the Osmo Pocket 4 you can easily buy in the US. RATING : 9.3 / 10 Pros Detachable screen/remote Native 4K portrait mode Good digital zoom Impressive still photos Cons Premium price Slo-mo tops out at 120 fps It's been a bumper summer for pocketable cameras. DJI kicked off the season with the Pocket 4, a much anticipated follow-up to the wildly popular Pocket 3. But that was just the warm up. Then came Insta360's Luna Ultra, with a dual-lens/optical zoom setup.
Insta360 Luna Pro Review: Your Instagram Reels Are About To Get An Upgrade
It's been a bumper summer for pocketable cameras. DJI kicked off the season with the Pocket 4, a much anticipated follow-up to the wildly popular Pocket 3. But that was just the warm up. Then came Insta360's Luna Ultra, with a dual-lens/optical zoom setup. This was swiftly answered by DJI with the Pocket 4P, formally establishing a "pro" tier to the gimbal-camera category. In between all that, GoPro delivered the Mission 1 Pro, twice, and both DJI and Insta360 unveiled rugged 360 cams.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS review: Interchangeable lenses make this a GoPro like no other
A leap forward in image quality, but effortless sharp video is (literally) out of reach. RATING : 8.2 / 10 Pros Professional image capability Compact for its class Established library of compatible lenses Rugged body Cons Lack of autofocus is frustrating Manual operation Isn’t waterproof After over a decade of focus on its Hero line of cameras, GoPro is trying something different. The Mission 1 Pro ILS ($699) is its first camera with interchangeable lenses.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS review: Interchangeable lenses make this a GoPro like no other
A leap forward in image quality, but effortless sharp video is (literally) out of reach. RATING : 8.2 / 10 Pros Professional image capability Compact for its class Established library of compatible lenses Rugged body Cons Lack of autofocus is frustrating Manual operation Isn’t waterproof After over a decade of focus on its Hero line of cameras, GoPro is trying something different. The Mission 1 Pro ILS ($699) is its first camera with interchangeable lenses.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS Review: Interchangeable Lenses Make This A GoPro Like No Other
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. After over a decade of focus on its Hero line of cameras, GoPro is trying something different. The Mission 1 Pro ILS ($699) is its first camera with interchangeable lenses. Specifically, Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses, of which there are many in a wide range of prices. The initial response to the brand trying something new has been positive.
Insta360 X6 review: A 360 camera with a little something for everyone
The high-spec X6 balances ease-of-use with pro features like i-Log and 10-bit color. RATING : 8.9 / 10 Pros Excellent image quality Dolby Vision and i-Log Onboard storage Easy editing Cons Occasional stitch lines Limited onboard storage Premium price With so many popular pocket cameras in its lineup, and despite being right there in the name, it's easy to forget that Insta360 started out making VR-friendly, spherical cameras.
Insta360 X6 review: A 360 camera with a little something for everyone
The high-spec X6 balances ease-of-use with pro features like i-Log and 10-bit color. RATING : 8.9 / 10 Pros Excellent image quality Dolby Vision and i-Log Onboard storage Easy editing Cons Occasional stitch lines Limited onboard storage Premium price With so many popular pocket cameras in its lineup, and despite being right there in the name, it's easy to forget that Insta360 started out making VR-friendly, spherical cameras.
PSB iQ2 review: Premium sound meets smart-speaker convenience Original
A great app experience turns this wireless stereo setup into a capable hub for your home audio. RATING : 8 / 10 Pros Confident, spacious stereo sound HDMI eARC and phono connectivity Wireless stereo setup for flexible placement Polished app experience Cons Premium price Underwhelming phono performance For the past decade, multi-room smart speakers have been dominated by the same companies that sell us our phones, tablets and cloud services.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P review: The best gimbal camera money can't buy Original
Reviews Photography The OG goes "pro" with two lenses, class-leading dynamic range and optical zoom. James Trew for Engadget RATING : 9 / 10 Pros Excellent image quality Optical zoom High dynamic range Onboard storage Cons D-Log 2 limitations Lens swapping isn't seamless To say it's been a long road to the Osmo Pocket 4P is an understatement. It first leaked in March, was officially teased in May, then fully launched in China in June while Europe and the US remained under embargo.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P review: The best gimbal camera money can't buy
Andoer L4 Pro motorized dolly review: This mini three-wheeled wonder allows your smartphone or mirrorless camera to make some moves When I first started making videos for a living back in the late 80s, my video production team used two long, smooth pieces of wood as tracks for the …
GoPro Wireless Mic System review: An audio upgrade with fixable flaws Original
Reviews Battery life, direct connectivity and sound quality are advantages here. James Trew for Engadget RATING : 7.8 / 10 Pros Compact and lightweight Versatile connectivity Good sound Direct GoPro connectivity Cons Direct connection is single mic only Minor usability quirks Premium price By my calculation, I've been waiting for GoPro's Wireless Mic System for almost exactly 175 months.
GoPro wireless mic system review: An audio upgrade with fixable flaws
By my calculation, I've been waiting for GoPro's Wireless Mic System for almost exactly 175 months. That's how long it's been since I reviewed the HD Hero 2 and realized the potential of a GoPro as a vlogging camera. It just needed a capable wireless microphone. Better still, one that connected directly to the camera without a receiver. Add noise reduction and a battery charging case, and you'd have the complete package. So here it is, the Wireless Mic System from GoPro, released in 2026.
Skullcandy Crusher 1080 review: Haptic bass meets whisper-quiet ANC Original
Reviews Headphones The new flagship headphones blend Bose audio and big bass. James Trew for Engadget RATING : 7.8 / 10 Pros Solid ANC Well-balanced sound Unique bass experience Cons Dated design Heavy for prolonged use Skullcandy has spent years carving out its own niche in the headphone market. While brands like Sony, Bose and Sennheiser were fighting over which had the best sound quality and noise cancellation, Skullcandy leaned into its reputation on one thing above all else: bass.
INIU’s New 100W Power Bank Is Smaller Than It Has Any Right to Be
This article was published in partnership with INIU The world of portable power is changing. Before, buying a battery pack usually came down to just two things: size and capacity. That was it. Life was simple and charging was slow but predictable. Today, it’s a whole other sport with different categories and confusing acronyms (Qi 2.0? PDS? FCP?) that feel like impenetrable code. On the flip side, there’s never been a better time to charge, well, anything on the go. Phone? Easy. Tablet? Sure. MacBook Pro?
I Thought Wireless Phone Chargers Were Pointless Until I Tried INIU’s Magnetic Snap Go Air
This article was published in partnership with INIU “Wireless” charging sounds like magic, but the reality is usually slow and so inefficient that your phone ends up like a hot-pocket fresh from the microwave. Charging speeds have crept up over the years, but it’s only now that we’re starting to see battery packs that can offer speeds you might get excited about. That’s why INIU’s Snap Go Air is such an exciting innovation.
Insta360 Luna Ultra review: Let the gimbal camera wars begin
Reviews Photography The company's first gimbal camera is a high-powered Osmo Pocket rival that you can actually buy. James Trew for Engadget RATING : 8.7 / 10 Pros Optical zoom Clever detachable display Solid image quality Dolby Vision and I-Log Cons Limited onboard storage for 8K Less pocket-friendly Pro-sumer price We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Insta360 recently launched the Luna Ultra gimbal camera, effectively ending DJI's monopoly on the category.
Marshall Milton ANC review: Making the rare case for premium on-ear headphones
Reviews Headphones It’s like the Major and the Monitor had a baby. James Trew for Engadget RATING : 8 / 10 Pros Impressive ANC Long battery life Very comfortable Replaceable battery Cons No aptX support Wired mode still requires power Marshall's Major headphones are now in their fifth iteration, an unusually long lifespan for the often-overlooked on-ear category.
INIU’s Latest Power Bank Is the Smallest 100W Portable Laptop Charger I’ve Ever Seen
This article was published in partnership with INIU Packing a carry-on for a weekend away has always meant making tough choices. Every extra item adds weight, every luxury comes with compromise. Do this dance enough and you soon learn to live with less—a few changes of clothes, basic essentials, maybe a camera. At least that’s how it used to be. Nowadays, it feels like modern weekend adventures come with an entirely different layer of expectation attached.
You’ll Never Have Dead Phone Anxiety Again With INIU’s Affordable New Portable Power Bank
This article was published in partnership with INIU As a tech journalist, I regularly travel for trade shows. I use the time in the air to plow through all the movies my partner doesn’t want to watch. On a recent transatlantic crossing, the unthinkable happened: My old portable power bank delivered its last ever electron an hour and half into a 10-hour flight. There’s only so much Big Bang Theory you can watch while vowing never to be caught short on power again.
Steelseries Arctis Nova Elite review: Ultra high-end gaming headsets are here
19 minutes ago Engadget How much do you appreciate good audio in your games? Do you love it enough to splurge $600 on a wireless headset? What if that headset promised class-leading low latency? Or the ability to connect a PC, PlayStation and Xbox — plus a Bluetooth device — all at the same time? That — along with "infinite" power; an AI-powered, retractable microphone; and, of course, premium audio fidelity — is what Steelseries is offering with the Arctis Nova Elite wireless headset.
Steelseries Arctis Nova Elite review: Ultra high-end gaming headsets are here Original
Reviews Headphones James Trew for Engadget RATING : 8.4 / 10 Pros True high-fidelity wireless audio for both games and music Multiple inputs Hot-swappable batteries Premium materials Cons Mic sounds a little unnatural Very expensive How much do you appreciate good audio in your games? Do you love it enough to splurge $600 on a wireless headset? What if that headset promised class-leading low latency?
InMusic will acquire Native Instruments, putting it under the same umbrella as Akai
32 minutes ago Engadget The music gear super-company inMusic is purchasing Native Instruments. This is a big deal for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the acquisition puts Native Instruments under the same umbrella as long-time hardware and software rival Akai. The US-based inMusic also owns Moog, M-Audio, Denon, Numark and several other high-profile brands.
Your Bulky Power Bank Is Officially Obsolete. This Mini 45W Portable Charger Earned a Permanent Spot in My Backpack
This article was published in partnership with INIU In an ideal world, battery packs wouldn’t exist. Phones would last for days, our laptops would soak in power from the sun, and every table and desk would boast discreet wireless charging. The reality is, as we start to demand more from our technology—be that megapixels, memory, or screen-size—we accept that battery life is the first limb we’re willing to sever to get it.
INIU Introduces Pocket Rocket P50—a Humble Portable Battery That’s a Legitimate EDC
This article was published in partnership with INIU The 2010s were all about disconnecting from technology. In 2026, research suggests we’ve conceded. The average American now owns more than 13 connected devices (up from eight less than a decade ago). The new dream isn’t to be free of tech, but to be free of worrying about it staying charged, especially since essentials, like your phone, watch, and headphones need to be juiced almost daily. We’re never truly free from the digital leash.
The Morning After: Our verdict on the DJI Osmo Pocket 4
1 day, 1 hour ago Engadget You’ve probably seen DJI’s stick vlogging cameras everywhere. At trade shows and tech events I’ve attended, it’s often the de facto video camera used by reporters and influencers alike. The Osmo Pocket 3 was easy to use, had sharp focus, potent image stabilization and handled vertical and horizontal video recording with minimal compromises. That was two years ago, so naturally it’s time for an update.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: The only vlogging camera you'll ever need
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: The only vlogging camera you'll ever need
Cameras Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (James Trew for Engadget) DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal-camera was a category-defining camera. Two years since its launch, everyone from vloggers to pro film makers continue to upload how-to guides and gushing reviews to YouTube.
Roland Go:Mixer Studio review: Portable, professional and plenty of polish
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
Roland Go:Mixer Studio review: Portable, professional and plenty of polish
Audio Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. Roland Go:Mixer Studio (James Trew for Engadget) Way back in 2017, Roland carved out a little niche for itself with the introduction of the Go:Mixer line.
Roland Go:Mixer Studio review: Portable, professional and plenty of polish
16 hours ago A series of Trump administration policy decisions – deportations, tariffs, and the Iran war – are ratcheting up the pressure on American farmers. It’s a group that tends to support the president, but persistent challenges may test their patience. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for …
Industry-Leading Hi-Res Sound and Smarter Noise Cancellation Make These the Best Earbuds to Buy in 2026
Whether you need to drown out the cacophony of your commute or find a slice of silence when working from home, earbuds are the more discreet answer to headphones. For the 2026 Men’s Journal Tech Awards, I set out to find the best pairs across a multitude of categories, whether you prioritize noise cancellation, sound, durability for workouts, or a budget buy.
I Spent Months Testing Headphones. I Didn’t Expect This Pair to Win Best Overall
With so many impressive options on the market, finding the best for you is challenging and relative. If you’re a frequent flier, you’ll want something portable with a hefty battery life. The active set will prioritize more rugged units with an IP5 rating or better to protect against sweat, water, heat, dust, and more. It should also fold up easily and last at least the length of a flight across the globe without needing to be recharged. For everyday use? That’s a bit trickier.
The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2026
24 minutes ago Engadget If you want to hear Apple Music’s lossless catalog the way it was meant to sound, you will need a little extra hardware. iPhones and most wireless headphones still have limitations when it comes to high-resolution audio, which means a good DAC can make a real difference in clarity and detail. Whether you listen through wired earbuds, studio headphones or a home speaker setup, the right DAC can bring out far more texture in your music.
The best mobile microphones for 2026
24 minutes ago Engadget There’s nothing more frustrating than shooting the perfect reel only to realize that the audio sounds like garbage. For budding creators, it’s a frustration; for those looking to make more professional content, it’s a dealbreaker. Fortunately, the world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has exploded with great options in the last few years.
DJI’s Osmo Nano Is the Most Versatile Action Camera Yet
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing. Oct 28, 2025 6:22 PM EDT After years of experience building cameras for drones, DJI eventually brought that expertise down to earth with its Osmo Action series of GoPro 4K action camera rivals.
GoPro Max 2 review: There's a new 360 camera contender in town
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
GoPro Max 2 review: There's a new 360 camera contender in town
8 minutes ago Engadget In a break from tradition, GoPro hasn’t announced a new Hero Black camera this fall. Instead, this year’s flagship is the much-rumored Max 2 360 camera ($500). The Max 2 lands at a time when spherical video is having a mini renaissance, taking on Insta360’s X5 ($550) and DJI’s Osmo 360 ($550).
GoPro Max 2 review: There's a new 360 camera contender in town
Cameras Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. James Trew for Engadget In a break from tradition, GoPro hasn’t announced a new Hero Black camera this fall. Instead, this year’s flagship is the much-rumored Max 2 360 camera ($500).
The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2025
28 minutes ago Engadget Apple Music is one of the few streaming services that offers high-resolution audio (aka “lossless”) at no extra charge. But enjoying that extra quality on your phone usually requires some extra hardware. That is the purpose of this guide, — to help you find exactly what you need depending on how you prefer to listen. Every product listed below will help you squeeze more audio quality out of your Apple Music subscription.
The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2025
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2025
Audio Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. James Trew for Engadget Apple Music is one of the few streaming services that offers high-resolution audio (aka “lossless”) at no extra charge. But enjoying that extra quality on your phone usually requires some extra hardware.
The best wireless mice for 2025
28 minutes ago Engadget We may deliberate for days when buying a laptop or computer or spend hours lining up the most comfortable and stylish keyboard before aimlessly adding a utilitarian mouse to our basket. The impact of a good, feature-rich and — perhaps most importantly — ergonomic mouse can be huge. Not just to your productivity, but to the quality and comfort of your worklife overall.
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