Andrew Myrick’s Top 10 of 2023

As I’m sitting right down to replicate on every little thing that is occurred up to now yr, I really feel as if this has been one of many wildest rides I’ve ever been on. We’ve seen the fast decline of one of the vital widespread social media platforms, AI is quickly taking on the world, and 2024 is already shaping as much as be even wilder.Originally, I used to be going to try to put these matters in a sure order, however, I ended up spending an excessive amount of time going forwards and backwards. Instead, I mentioned, “forget it,” and determined to glide. So, with out additional adieu, these are my favourite issues of 2023.More foldables – OnePlus Open, Pixel Fold(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)I’ve been beating the foldable telephone drum ever since I received my paws on the Galaxy Z Fold 2, however my curiosity began to wane a bit. Mainly as a result of Samsung has retained the identical design for the previous three years, and attempting to import any of the cool foldables from abroad is not precisely fiscally accountable. Thankfully, Google and OnePlus pulled me from the pits of despair, providing two comparable, but utterly completely different, experiences.For so long as I’ve been utilizing foldable telephones, I’ve been ready for the day that Google would launch one in every of its personal. The Pixel Fold lastly arrived, and I used to be capable of get it on launch day, changing my damaged Galaxy Z Fold 4. It’s just about every little thing I needed from a Google foldable, however I additionally discovered a number of issues about utilizing non-Samsung foldable telephones alongside the way in which.The finish of my day by day use of the Pixel Fold got here courtesy of OnePlus’ foray into the market with the OnePlus Open. If you suppose the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is simply too slim and the Pixel Fold is simply too extensive, then the Open is the right center floor. It continues to be the telephone I attain for essentially the most, due to the unimaginable cameras and a canopy display screen that feels extra pure to make use of than the others.Legion Go, Steam Deck OLED, and gaming handhelds galore(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As of late, we have been doing a bit bit extra protection in the way in which of gaming handhelds. This is just because there are so many implausible handhelds to select from, and I’m not simply speaking concerning the Razer Edge or Logitech G Cloud. This yr alone, Lenovo launched the Legion Go (a Windows handheld), Valve launched the Steam Deck OLED, ASUS got here swinging with the ROG Ally, and numerous different handhelds have been launched.That’s to not point out the likes of the Ayaneo Pocket AIR, AYN Odin 2, Retroid Pocket 2S Plus, Anbernic RG35XX Plus, Pimax Portal, and so many extra. All of those run some model of Android, making it so you possibly can both load up your favourite emulators or simply set up one of the best Android video games. All while not having to fret about bodily connecting a controller to your telephone and worrying about battery life.Honestly, these gaming handhelds have changed mechanical keyboards as my present obsession. I simply cannot get sufficient, and following Ayaneo’s announcement of the Pocket S, I could not be extra excited to see how way more highly effective these handhelds can get.Framework(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Something that I’ve come to study in 2023 is that the inside tinkerer did not truly disappear. I’ve began spending increasingly more time outdoors of Apple’s walled gardens and fell proper into the arms of Framework. The single Chromebook that I’ve saved coming again to over the previous yr is the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition, however it’s gone past that.I’m at the moment engaged on both getting a brand new Framework Laptop or Mainboard. The cause for this has to do with the brand new Framework Chromebox that I constructed utilizing the Framework Chromebook’s Mainboard and the Cooler Master Mainboard Case. Trying to determine why I could not get it to work ended up taking me down a deep rabbit gap, however once I got here out on the opposite aspect, it was so refreshing and thrilling.Despite having a MacBook Pro utilizing Apple’s M2 Max chip and understanding how way more highly effective and environment friendly it’s, I am unable to assist however be annoyed. Nothing concerning the MacBook is replaceable, so as an alternative, I’m attempting to “future-proof” myself a bit by shifting to Framework. Because I might write about Framework without end, simply head over to my Framework Chromebox piece if you wish to know extra about why I’m shifting away from Apple in some regards.Chromebooks proceed to get higher(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)After years of being caught in what felt like purgatory, Chromebooks have been thrust into the limelight. While I’d like to sit down right here and gush concerning the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, Acer Chromebook Spin 714, and Framework, this is not the place for that.Google continued to indicate its dedication to the platform with the announcement of the Chromebook Plus initiative. Not solely does this present a set of tips for Chromebook makers, however it additionally opens the door for much more helpful and thrilling options down the road. Google additionally did the best factor and introduced Chromebook Plus options to “older” units, which means that so long as the necessities are met, you need not rush out and purchase one simply to get particular options.ChatGPT, Bard, Claude 2(Image credit score: Android Central)ChatGPT burst onto the scene late final yr and, in doing so, turned 2023 into the “year of AI.” The prominence of OpenAI’s chatbot was so impactful that it seemingly compelled Google to launch its public-facing competitor in Bard. But these aren’t even the one two LLMs which might be simply accessible, as there are a plethora of choices akin to HuggingChat, Anthropic’s Claude 2, and even Elon Musk’s “Grok.”Not to say that because the platform appeared to stabilize round GPT-4, OpenAI launched extensions, whereas Google ultimately did the identical with Bard. Then, Google stunned many by introducing three new fashions, bringing Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8 Pro and infusing Gemini Pro into Bard. We’re additionally awaiting the arrival of Gemini Ultra, which may very well be Google’s reply to GPT-4, however that will not come till someday subsequent yr.So many nice video games (outdated and new)(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)I might have simply slotted this into the identical part as gaming handhelds, however that might be a disservice. 2023 noticed the launch of so many unimaginable video games, akin to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, and the record goes on.But, my ardour for retro gaming was reinvigorated, largely as a result of numerous gaming handhelds which have hit the market. Being capable of play a few of my favourite childhood classics on just about any system I need is solely unimaginable. The better part about all of it, for me a minimum of, is that I do not want to make use of my telephone and may simply depend on a devoted system.From a single system, I can go from taking part in Baldur’s Gate 3 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to firing up Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Tears of the Kingdom. Now, the one factor I want to fret about is ensuring that my moveable charger has sufficient juice to final till I get dwelling.AR/XR glasses are a game-changer(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Something that reared its ugly head in 2023 was having to cope with continual complications. It’s not associated to my eyes however as an alternative is due to the stress that I placed on my neck when testing out Chromebooks and tablets or taking part in video games on my telephone or different units. However, I’ve been lucky sufficient to have the ability to fiddle with sensible glasses such because the XREAL Air 2s and TCL NXTWEAR S.These largely work with just about any system on the market, together with one of the best Android telephones and Chromebooks. It has come in useful when taking journeys and using shotgun, because the glasses permit me to get work completed (or play video games) while not having to stare down at my laptop computer or pill display screen. I’ve even began utilizing these on the finish of the day once I simply need to lay down on the sofa however need to end my day by day targets in Call of Duty on my Legion Go or ROG Ally.The return of the ultrawide monitor (to me)(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)One of my massive WFH purchases after the pandemic began was an ultrawide monitor, as I wanted one thing bigger than what I had. Last yr, I gave that up in favor of the LG C2, because it provides 4K/120Hz and can be utilized as a monitor for Windows, macOS, and even ChromeOS. However, my total dwelling workplace setup was once more thrown into disarray after I laid my eyes on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9.This behemoth of a monitor is 49 inches extensive, with a 5120×1440 decision and as much as a 240Hz refresh fee, and provides me extra flexibility than I even imagined. It offers me the identical expertise as utilizing two 27-inch QHD displays with out the separation within the center. Unless one thing breaks, I do not see myself going again to common displays anytime quickly.New tablets in all styles and sizes(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)For essentially the most half, I’m nonetheless of the idea that for those who want a pill, it is best to a minimum of take into account an iPad. However, the hole between the iPad and one of the best Android tablets received fairly a bit smaller in 2023.There’s the Pixel Tablet that doubles as a wise dwelling hub, though Google says that wasn’t the purpose. Amazon’s Fire Max 11 stays one in every of my favourite tablets, so long as you get the one that does not continually throw advertisements in your face. And Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is nearly excellent if you need a laptop computer alternative.I’m unsure whether or not Android tablets will be capable of shut the hole any additional, as there are rumors that Apple is aiming to revamp its iPad lineup in 2024. This probably contains utilizing OLED shows for the iPad Pro fashions and introducing the most recent M3 chips to sure fashions. At the identical time, rumors additionally recommend a bigger iPad Air getting thrown into the combo. Even nonetheless, I’m excited to see what sort of response there might be from the likes of Samsung and, possibly, Google.A rising household(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)I do not speak an excessive amount of about my private life right here and even on the podcast, however there’s one more reason why 2023 has been such a curler coaster. After years of pleading with me, I lastly caved, and we adopted Leia, who has been essentially the most unimaginable coworker that anybody might ask for. She’s a mixture of 4 completely different breeds and, sadly, has a persona that is a mixture between my spouse and me.Just a number of months later, I took a break from working solely to have my spouse share the fantastic information that we have been anticipating! Things have been a whirlwind since then, and we nonetheless have a bit methods to go earlier than the massive day, however I’ve by no means been extra excited (and afraid) of something in my life. It’s at all times thrilling to start out the subsequent chapter of your life, and shortly after the calendar flips into 2024, my subsequent chapter will start.2024 is already shaping as much as be thrilling(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)When the yr began, I did not anticipate to finish up the place I’m at now. Not solely have there been some fairly huge adjustments in my private life, however 2023 has helped to vary the way in which that I take into consideration every little thing.As we prepare to show the calendar over and begin a brand new yr, I’m enthusiastic about what we would see. Gemini Ultra needs to be making its solution to us eventually, the Galaxy S24 launch is true across the nook, and who is aware of what the yr might maintain for Chromebooks and ChromeOS.More importantly, I’m extraordinarily grateful to be working with the group right here at Android Central. You actually could not ask for a greater band of misfits to work alongside, and if this yr has been any indication, it is solely going to get higher from right here.