Tech Trends 2025: Switch 2, AI Video, Foldables, and Glasses

Engadget's annual technology review highlights the ideas most likely to shape 2025. From an upgraded gaming console to fast AI-powered video tools, these trends aim to make devices quicker, smarter, and more versatile for everyday use. Here’s a clear look at what’s driving the market this year.

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has improved battery life, redesigned the Joy-Con controllers with a more secure magnetic connection, and added a larger HDR-capable display. The system delivers higher performance and supports mouse-style input, with more built-in storage to accommodate a growing game library.

In its software push, Nintendo expanded its game lineup with new titles and expanded versions, while increasing support for independent developers. Available titles include Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, and Hitman: World of Assassination, with anticipated releases such as Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade content and a FromSoftware project codenamed The Duskbloods.

Reviewers note that the Switch 2 represents evolution rather than a radical shift, yet Nintendo has once again delivered a successful, popular system without drastic changes.

Nvidia

Nvidia continues its rapid growth and solidifies its role in artificial intelligence. Its stock rose dramatically—from about $13.56 in 2020 to roughly $202.49 in October 2024—reflecting strong demand for GPUs in neural network workloads. Parallel processing remains a core advantage, making these chips exceptionally well-suited for training and running complex AI models.

While newer AI processors optimized for consumer tasks are entering the market, Nvidia’s power and scale keep it ahead for now. Experts note that this leadership may face new competition as tech giants develop their own AI chips.

Still, the momentum suggests continued demand for high-performance GPUs, even as adjacent technologies evolve.

Tech Billionaires

According to Oxfam, the ten wealthiest American tech-focused billionaires increased their combined fortune by about $698 billion in 2025, underscoring the megafunding power concentrated in the sector.

AI-Video Generators

2025 marks a turning point for AI-generated video. Major players like Google and OpenAI simplified creating realistic clips, and platforms such as Pinterest and TikTok began offering controls to limit AI-created content.

Notable examples include OpenAI’s Sora, downloaded in the millions within days, and Google’s Flow, which produced tens of millions of videos in weeks and was integrated into YouTube Shorts. The result is AI tools that can generate convincing trailers and viral clips almost instantly, making it difficult to distinguish real from synthetic content.

Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 reaches a new milestone as a lighter, thinner foldable smartphone with a 200‑megapixel main camera, IPX8 water resistance, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging. Its 8-inch internal display reinforces the device’s hybrid phone-tablet appeal.

Industry observers note a 50% year‑over‑year sales increase for the Fold series and record shipments of foldables worldwide, signaling strong consumer interest in flexible devices.

Smart Glasses

Smart glasses are gaining momentum with models like Meta’s Ray‑Ban Display and Xreal’s Project Aura. Advances in optics, lightweight batteries, and on‑device intelligence are driving broader adoption, with the category still in early stages but showing solid growth momentum.

Analysts expect smart glasses to become a more common part of everyday tech arsenals as comfort, affordability, and software improve.

Fast Charging

Google announced a side charging approach for smartwatches that can boost from 20% to 50% in about 10 minutes. Apple introduced fast charging support to the iPad Pro M5, making quick recharges more practical across devices.

“This acceleration dramatically reduces downtime, letting people rely more on their devices throughout the day,” said Karissa Bell, Engadget senior editor.

Experts note that fast charging is spreading beyond phones, with wearables and tablets benefiting as ecosystems evolve. The big question remains how quickly other product categories, like electric cars, will adopt comparable charging speeds.

Magnets

Two years after the Qi2 wireless charging standard with MagSafe-style magnetic accessories was announced, Google began bringing the technology to Android phones, with Pixel 10 leading the way. Simpler accessories, such as the Apple Crossbody Strap, let users carry their phones hands‑free when pockets are unavailable. The length is adjusted by separating two magnetic pieces, sliding to the desired length, and rejoining.

“This magnetic technology update in 2025 really stood out for its practicality and ease of use,” noted Karissa Bell, Engadget senior editor. What stood out most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

*Meta Platforms Inc. and its Facebook and Instagram services are not accessible in some regions.

Expert comment

Industry analysts say AI chip development and faster charging will push product usefulness forward, intensifying competition among major players. They also caution that user-friendly software is essential to turn hardware advances into real everyday benefits.

Short summary

2025’s tech picture centers on stronger hardware, smarter AI, and more flexible devices. The Switch 2 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 illustrate how portability and power coexist, while AI video tools redefine content creation. Fast charging and magnetic accessories are reshaping how we power and carry devices, and the broader AI explosion underscores the need for responsible adoption.

Key insight: AI-enabled content, rapid charging, and flexible form factors are redefining consumer tech—but widespread, responsible adoption remains crucial for lasting impact.