This week on gdgt: Samsung's F8500, the Basis Band and stock Android
Each week, our friends at gdgt go through the latest gadgets and score them to help you decide which ones to buy. Here are some of their most recent picks. Want more? Visit gdgt anytime to catch up on the latest, and subscribe to gdgt's newsletter to get a weekly roundup in your inbox.
Samsung F8500 Series
With the F8500 series, Samsung delivers exceptional picture quality that rivals some of the best sets from Panasonic. The F8500 series also comes loaded with Samsung's current Smart TV suite, as well their voice- and gesture-driven control software. A cost of $1500 places it in the higher price range of plasma panels, so if you want to save a few bucks without skimping on quality, check out the ST60 series from Panasonic.
Buy from $1597
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What does "stock" Android mean?
Google's desire to bring users pure, unaltered versions of its mobile operating system is why we've seen releases of Google Play editions of the popular Galaxy S4 and HTC One in recent months. But, what's the difference between one of these "stock" devices and one you might get from your carrier? In our gdgt Central post on the topic, we explain what it means to buy a "stock" phone directly from Google.
Fuji FinePix HS50EXR
Fuji's latest enthusiast-focused DSLR offers well-executed controls in a nicely designed body that doesn't skimp on photo quality. While not quite as cheap as it should be, the HS50EXR has every feature you need to take great photos easily.
Buy from $444
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What are your favorite gadgets right now?
As the fall refresh season rolls around for many of our favorite gadgets, we'd like to know which ones you're currently in love with and use regularly. In this week's featured discussion, we invite you to leave a comment about your favorite devices, and maybe even tell us what you're looking forward to in the coming months.
Basis B1 Band
All of the recent buzz about smartwatches hasn't stopped Basis from bringing its watch + fitness device combo to market. The B1 Band is a stylish and well-designed wrist device that satisfies our desire to keep track of time while enabling a host of fitness tracking features. It's water-resistant, takes your pulse and blood pressure, measures your sleep habits and workout details then uploads the data to its website. Unfortunately, at $199, the B1 Band is significantly more expensive than other fitness trackers. But, if you're looking for a stylish option that also provides robust fitness metrics, you might be willing to ignore the price.
