Engadget review recap: Budget-friendly gadgets that are good

The tech industry has seen a slower October than usual, with many companies holding their typical fall hardware announcements earlier in the year. Despite this, several new devices have been revealed in the last two weeks, including Meta's Quest 3S VR headset and DJI's Air 3S drone. Many of these new devices are more affordable "un-flagships" that offer solid performance without the premium price tag. The Sony LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open, for example, offer decent sound and noise cancellation at a lower price point than flagship models. The Meta Quest 3S is a notable exception, offering a high-quality VR experience for just $300. The DJI Neo is another affordable option, offering excellent drone performance for just $200. The reMarkable Paper Pro is a niche device that offers a great e-paper writing experience with a color screen. Upcoming reviews include the new Kindle Scribe and Colorsoft, as well as the Analogue 3D retro gaming console. The Engadget team is also looking forward to reviewing the Apple iPad mini and Google TV Streamer. As the holiday season approaches, the team is gearing up to write their holiday gift guide and review a range of new devices. Despite the slower pace of new announcements, there are still many exciting products on the horizon.