Tom Hardware Innovation Awards 2025: Shock and Joyful Acknowledgement of Excellence
In the ever-evolving world of technology, 2025 has seen a flurry of exciting innovations that are redefining the way we interact, create, and play. Here are some noteworthy tech products that have made a significant impact this year.
First on our list is the Picade Max, a DIY arcade cabinet kit that seamlessly integrates the Raspberry Pi Pico's PR2040 into multiple aspects of the cabinet. The Picade Max boasts a large 19-inch IPS display, providing ample screen for two players to engage in thrilling games. The USB Controller handles 25 inputs for a two-player setup, working flawlessly with Recalbox.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Asus ProArt PA32UCDM 4K gaming monitor offers a top-tier experience. With a 240 Hz refresh rate, Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and ultra-low input lag, this monitor promises smooth and responsive gameplay. The monitor also features HDMI 2.1 connectivity and Thunderbolt 4 ports, turning it into a professional-oriented peripheral hub with support for up to 96-watt power delivery.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Dex mouse is another standout product, designed for gamers who demand precision and comfort. Weighing just 2.12 ounces (60g), this mouse is superlight, and it comes with precut grip tape in the box. The mouse features Logitech's Hero 2 sensor with a maximum resolution of 44,000 DPI, a maximum speed of 888 IPS, and can handle up to 88 G's of acceleration.
The Hyper7 R4 keyboard offers a unique layout with six blocks of keys, including labels like "SMOL," "Hold Input," "Suspend," and "Fun." This keyboard can be remapped using VIA, a popular keyboard mapping software, and it features a symmetrical shape that requires remapping of the Windows key and CTRL key for use with Windows.
In the realm of 3D printing, the Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer stands out for its versatility. This printer supports multi-color and multi-material printing, saving time and minimizing waste. The printer's upgraded AMS provides an optimal environment for filaments, keeping them dry and preventing cracking and storage issues.
For those seeking a powerful graphics card, the Nvidia RTX 5090 is a compelling choice. With 170 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), a 33% increase from the prior generation RTX 4090's 128 SMs, the RTX 5090 delivers impressive performance. The card also comes with 32GB of VRAM, another 33% increase, and a power limit of 575W.
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D are also worth mentioning. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT promises to bring real competition to the upper-mainstream market segment, while the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D preserves the full performance of the standard models' performance in productivity applications and ties the best CPU for gaming, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, in 1080p gaming performance.
Lastly, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, with its rollable screen that grows from 14 to 16.7 inches, adds a significant amount of additional real estate, making it an ideal choice for productivity-focused users.
These innovative tech products have undoubtedly left their mark on 2025, offering solutions that cater to various needs and preferences. As we move forward, we can expect even more exciting advancements in technology.
- Remarkably, the sphere of cybersecurity has been fortified with the emergence of advanced AI algorithms, working tirelessly to safeguard our data and cloud computing systems.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry, too, has been revolutionized with AI-powered virtual try-on applications, allowing customers to visualize makeup and clothing choices more accurately.
- Technology's influence on lifestyle also extends to the food-and-drink sector, with AI-assisted home-and-garden kits helping people grow fresh produce right in their own homes.
- Travel enthusiasts can now benefit from AI-driven itinerary planning services that offer personalized recommendations based on their interests, budget, and travel history.
- In the realm of entertainment, artificial intelligence has allowed for the creation of more immersive experiences, such as AI-generated music and movies tailored to an individual's preferences.
- The world of sports has also been transformed by technology, with AI-powered training and analysis tools allowing athletes to optimize their performance and recovery. Gadgets like wearable devices and motion-capture systems are now an integral part of a modern athlete's training regimen.