TechCrunch’s holiday picks: e-readers, smart appliances and more

The picks reflect products reviewers liked enough to buy or recommend themselves, though some come with caveats. The Xteink X3 costs $55 and can fit in a wallet or attach magnetically to a phone, but it lacks Kindle, Libby and other app integrations and takes some setup. The $99 Xteink X4 Pro is slightly larger and adds a backlight. For readers who want access to outside apps, the $400 Boox Palma Pro 2 is another option; the Kobo Libra Colour, at $259, is a favorite with a book-sized screen.

For the kitchen, the $99 Ember Mug 3 lets users adjust its temperature without a phone app. Reviewer Lauren Forristal said Ninja’s $449.99 Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer made a convincing case for replacing two appliances with one. The $499.99 GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro is aimed at people who particularly value “the good ice,” according to reviewer Aisha Malik.

The guide also includes OpenAI Codex Micro, priced at $230, which reviewer Lucas Ropek enjoyed exploring despite a mixed reception among some of the hardcore coders it targets. For people looking to curb phone use, the Brick costs $59 and Brick Night $129. The recommendation’s author said using Brick to block social media at bedtime and in the morning had significantly improved their sleep. Another option is the $20 Dumb Phone, a TCL flip phone loaded with software for apps including WhatsApp, Spotify, Apple Music and Uber; it is intended as a companion to an iPhone, not a full replacement.

For health tracking, Malik selected the Oura Ring 5, priced at $399 to $499, plus a $5.99 monthly subscription. She said it is more durable than earlier versions, has better battery life and looks more premium.