Top 10 all-in-one computers in 2025 worth checking out if you want performance and space saving in one machine
That's why all-in-one computers are drawing attention. Everything is built into a single screen. No mess, no extra gear, just a simple way to stay focused. Whether it's for online classes, long video calls, or light editing work, these machines are quietly solving real problems without taking over your desk.
Loading Suggestions...
It's easy to stay focused when your desk isn't cluttered. This Dell Inspiron brings a roomy 23.8 inch FHD screen with a clean edge-to-edge look that feels right at home for work or calls. With 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it quietly handles multitasking while keeping everything within reach.
A wireless keyboard and mouse in the box means one less thing to worry about. A good pick if you're browsing through all-in-one computers that just get the job done.
Specifications
Processor
Intel Core i5-1235U
RAM and Storage
8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
Display
23.8-inch Full HD
OS & Software
Windows 11, MS Office 2021
Extras
Wireless KB + Mouse, 3 Years Onsite Warranty Reasons to buy
Comes pre-loaded with MS Office and Windows 11
Sleek, clutter-free design with solid day-to-day use Reasons to avoid
No touch display support
Basic graphics, not for heavy creative work Click Here to Buy
Dell All-in-One PC Inspiron 5410, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor/ 8GB/ 512GB/ 23.8 (60.45cm) FHD/Windows 11 + MSO21/ Pro Wireless Keyboard + Mouse/ 3 Years Onsite Hardware Service/White/ 5.39kg
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Quiet and smooth for regular office work
Why choose this product?
The layout feels calming and work ready from the moment you set it up.
Loading Suggestions...
Some machines feel like they belong on your desk the moment you switch them on. This HP all-in-one brings a 21.45 inch FHD screen with clear text, a tidy frame, and enough power in the Intel N200 chip to run browser tabs and apps without pause. The dual speakers and 720p HD camera with privacy shutter make daily tasks feel more at ease.
If you're starting out or want a simple work PC at home, this checks the basics. It quietly fits into the list of all-in-one computers worth looking at.
Specifications
Processor
Intel N200
RAM and Storage
8GB DDR5, 512GB SSD
Display
21.45" Full HD
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics
Camera & Audio
720p with privacy shutter, dual speakers Reasons to buy
DDR5 RAM adds speed for basic multitasking
Simple, quiet design for everyday users Reasons to avoid
Screen size may feel small for multitaskers
Not built for demanding software or gaming Click Here to Buy
HP All-in-One, Intel N200 (8GB DDR5, 512GB SSD) 21.45 (54.5 Cm), FHD, Win11, White, 4.17 Kg, Intel UHD Graphics, 720P HD Camera W/Privacy Shutter, Dual Speakers, Dg0154In
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Good for simple work and browsing, runs quietly.
Why choose this product?
It does the regular stuff right without adding clutter to your space.
Loading Suggestions...
If your desk feels crowded and your system slows you down, it might be time to simplify. This Lenovo IdeaCentre replaces the old clutter with a single screen setup that feels easier to work on and easier to live with.
With Ryzen 7 power, 16GB RAM, Windows 11, Office Home 2024, and clear FHD display, it handles daily needs without noise. Among all in one computers, this one brings it all together without taking up space.
Specifications
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
RAM and Storage
16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Display
23.8 inch Full HD IPS
Graphics
Integrated
Camera and Audio
5MP camera, 3W x2 speakers Reasons to buy
16GB RAM handles multitasking with ease
Full software suite included out of the box Reasons to avoid
No discrete graphics for heavier editing or gaming
Fixed base angle may not suit all desk setups Click Here to Buy
Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO Ryzen 7 7735HS 23.8 FHD IPS All-in-One Desktop (16GB RAM/512GB SSD/Win11/Microsoft 365 Basic + Office Home 2024/3Wx2 Speakers/5MP Camera/Wireless Keyboard & Mouse), F0HR008YIN
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Good speed and screen quality, works right away.
Why choose this product?
For those who want a serious work machine without turning their room into a tech hub.
Loading Suggestions...
You open your desk to work but end up sorting wires or staring at a lagging screen. The Inspiron 5415 solves that feeling with a clean 23.8 inch display and wireless accessories that actually let you focus. Ryzen 5 and 8GB RAM handle most of the daily digital load with no drama.
The setup includes Windows 11 and MS Office out of the box, making it less about fixing things and more about getting things done. One of the quieter but reliable all in one computers right now.
Specifications
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 7530U
RAM and Storage
8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
Display
23.8-inch Full HD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Camera
Integrated webcam Reasons to buy
Reliable performance for office and study use
Comes preloaded with MS Office and Windows Reasons to avoid
No dedicated graphics for editing or gaming
Slightly heavier than similar AIOs in this range Click Here to Buy
Dell All in One Inspiron 5415, AMD Ryzen 5-7530U/8GB/512GB/23.8/Windows 11 Home + MS Office | Wireless Keyboard + Mouse/3 Years Onsite Hardware Service/Pearl White
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Runs smooth for the office and classes, looks good too.
Why choose this product?
Great for someone tired of setting up bulky desktops.
Loading Suggestions...
You sit down to work and just want something that runs without dragging you into updates, errors or hardware clutter. The ASUS A3202 offers a quiet fix for those tired of messy desktops and slow load times. With its 21.45 inch screen and Celeron 7305, it's built more for browsing, classes, and light use than demanding apps.
It also includes Office 2024 and a wireless keyboard and mouse. One of the more no fuss entries in the space of all-in-one computers.
Specifications
Processor
Intel Celeron 7305
RAM and Storage
8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
Display
21.45-inch Full HD
Operating System
Windows 11
Software
Office 2024 + 1 year Microsoft 365 Basic Reasons to buy
Great for basic use and school work
Comes with both Office 2024 and Microsoft 365 Reasons to avoid
Not meant for multitasking or editing work
Small screen may feel tight for long use Click Here to Buy
ASUS AIO A3202,21.45 FHD,Intel Celeron 7305, All-in-One PC (8GB/512GB/Windows 11/MS Office 365 Basic (1Year)*/Office 2024/Black/4.84 Kg), with Wireless Keyboard & Wireless Mouse, A3202WBA-BPB006WS
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Smooth for browsing and writing tasks
Why choose this product?
It handles daily use without trying to be more than it should.
Loading Suggestions...
Some machines just stay out of the way and do what they're supposed to. The Lenovo A100 fits that mood well, especially for anyone tired of clunky towers and cables. With a nearly borderless 23.8 inch display and Intel N100 processor, it keeps things clean and useful for browsing, writing, and light office work.
Add MS Office 2024 and a 5MP webcam and you've got one of those all-in-one computers that's made for real everyday tasks at home or school.
Specifications
Processor
Intel N100
Display
23.8 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), 3-side edgeless
RAM
8GB
Storage
512GB SSD
Camera
5MP webcam Reasons to buy
Borderless screen looks clean on desk
Comes with Office 2024 preinstalled Reasons to avoid
Not built for creative work or editing
Plastic feel might not appeal to all Click Here to Buy
Lenovo A100 All in one Intel® N100 23.8 FHD (1920x1080) 3-Side Edgeless All-in-One Desktop (8GB/512GB SSD/Win11/MS Office 2024/5MP Camera/USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse) F0J6005FIN
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Easy to set up and good for home tasks.
Why choose this product?
It does just enough for your everyday family or study setup.
Loading Suggestions...
There's something oddly calming about having one big screen and no mess around it. That's the feel this 27 inch HP All-in-One brings. With 13th Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it handles daily office work, calls, docs, and browsing without the clutter or lag. Just boot and go.
It's bundled with Windows 11 and MS Office 2021 and even throws in a wireless keyboard and mouse combo. A tidy way to try all-in-one computers.
Specifications
Processor
13th Gen Intel Core i5
Display
27 inch Full HD (68.6 cm)
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB SSD
Graphics
Intel UMA Graphics Reasons to buy
Huge 27 inch screen makes multitasking smoother
16GB RAM + 1TB SSD gives solid speed and space Reasons to avoid
Takes up more desk space than smaller AIOs
Not meant for gaming or graphic work Click Here to Buy
HP All-in-One PC 13th Gen Intel Core i5 27 (68.6cm) FHD 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel UMA Graphics, 710 White Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo (Windows 11 Home, MSO 21, Shell White, 6.72 Kg) 27-cr0407in
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Good display size and fast performance for work from home.
Why choose this product?
You won't feel cramped when working on large files or meetings.
Loading Suggestions...
When you're tired of bulky towers and messy cables, this Lenovo A100 makes things simpler. With a 23.8 inch Full HD screen and a 3-side edgeless design, it looks neat on the desk and feels easy to work on. The Intel Core i3-N305 and 8GB RAM take care of tasks like browsing, docs, and meetings without lag.
The built in 5MP camera is sharp for video calls and the wired keyboard and mouse are ready out of the box. One of the more balanced all-in-one computers in this range.
Specifications
Processor
Intel Core i3-N305
Display
23.8 inch FHD (1920x1080)
RAM
8GB
Storage
512GB SSD
Camera
5MP
Accessories
USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse Reasons to buy
Clean design with edge-to-edge screen
Comes with Office 2024 and 5MP webcam Reasons to avoid
Not built for heavy editing or gaming
Wired accessories may feel dated for some Click Here to Buy
Lenovo A100 All in one Intel® Core™ i3-N305 23.8 FHD (1920x1080) 3-Side Edgeless All-in-One Desktop (8GB/512GB SSD/Win11/MS Office 2024/5MP Camera/USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse) F0J6005GIN
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Satisfying daily use machine with clear display and decent speed.
Why choose this product?
It's an easy desktop switch for home or student use.
Loading Suggestions...
If you've been craving a machine that feels as open as your desk needs to be, the ASUS AiO V470 fills that space well. The 27 inch screen with 100Hz refresh makes even emails and Excel sheets easier on the eyes. With a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and 16GB RAM, things move fast without waiting for loading bars.
The retractable webcam keeps your space looking neat when not in use. It fits well into the rhythm of all-in-one computers made for real workdays.
Specifications
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H (13th Gen)
Display
27 inch FHD, 100Hz
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB SSD
Camera
Retractable webcam
Software
Office 2024, Microsoft 365 Basic (1 Year) Reasons to buy
Crisp 100Hz display for smoother visuals
High RAM and storage for multitasking Reasons to avoid
Large footprint for smaller desks
Webcam retracts but lacks auto-close option Click Here to Buy
ASUS AiO V470,13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H, 27 FHD,100Hz,All-in-One PC(16GB RAM/1TB SSD/Windows 11/Office 24/Retractable Camera/with Wireless Keyboard & Mouse/M365 Basic (1Year)*) V470VA-KWPE005WS
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Good screen quality and fast for daily and office work.
Why choose this product?
It suits both work hours and binge hours without breaking focus.
Loading Suggestions...
Sometimes, all you want is a clean desk and a machine that doesn't make a sound about it. The Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO with a 24 inch FHD display, Intel Core i3 13th Gen processor, and 8GB RAM lets you work, stream, and video call without slowdowns. The Harman speakers and Alexa built-in give it more than just a desk presence.
It doesn't scream power but delivers a setup that just works every day. That's why it quietly earns its place in today's lineup of all-in-one computers.
Specifications
Processor
Intel Core i3-1315U (13th Gen)
Display
24 inch FHD IPS, anti-glare
Memory and Storage
8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Speakers
Dual 3W Harman stereo speakers
Camera
Built-in with privacy shutter
Smart Features
Alexa built-in Reasons to buy
Great screen and speaker combo for video calls and music
Alexa integration adds smart convenience Reasons to avoid
Not built for demanding design or gaming work
No touch display or height adjustment Click Here to Buy
Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 13th Gen Core i3-1315U 24 FHD IPS (8GB RAM/512GB SSD/Windows11/Office 21/3Wx2 Harman Speakers/Alexa Built-in/Wireless EOS Keyboard & Mouse, Grey), F0HN00FWIN All-in-One Desktop
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Smooth for daily work and looks tidy on the desk.
Why choose this product?
Clean performance and a friendly interface make it easy to settle into.
Do you need a space saving setup that clears your desk from wires and clutter?
If your workspace often feels messy or cramped, all-in-one computers really help. You won't be dealing with separate CPUs, tangle of cables, or extra power strips. Just plug it in and go.
Will your daily use involve basic work like emails, browsing, and Office tools or heavier tasks like editing and design?
For regular office tasks, most mid range all-in-ones are more than enough. But if you're into editing, design, or multitasking across heavy apps, you'll want at least 16GB RAM and a stronger processor.
How important is screen size and clarity if you spend long hours in front of your computer?
A 23.8 inch or larger screen with Full HD resolution makes a real difference. You won't need to squint, scroll as much, or plug into a second monitor just to see things clearly.
Do you need built in features like webcam privacy shutters, Alexa voice control, or dual speakers?
Small features matter. A webcam shutter adds peace of mind, voice control can simplify routine tasks, and good speakers are helpful if you attend calls or meetings all day.
Factors to consider while choosing the best all in one computer:
Daily usage : Consider if it's for office work, content creation, or light web and media use.
: Consider if it's for office work, content creation, or light web and media use. Screen size : A 24 inch or larger screen helps with multitasking and reduces eye strain.
: A 24 inch or larger screen helps with multitasking and reduces eye strain. Processor and RAM : Aim for at least an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 with 8GB RAM for smooth performance.
: Aim for at least an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 with 8GB RAM for smooth performance. Storage : SSD storage (512GB or more) offers quicker boot time and quieter use.
: SSD storage (512GB or more) offers quicker boot time and quieter use. Built-in webcam and mic : Useful for regular video calls and remote meetings.
: Useful for regular video calls and remote meetings. Ports and connectivity : Look for enough USB ports and solid Wi-Fi support.
: Look for enough USB ports and solid Wi-Fi support. Design and footprint : A slimmer build makes more sense on smaller desks.
: A slimmer build makes more sense on smaller desks. Speakers and audio quality: Built-in good sound saves you from external gear.
Top 3 features of the top 10 all in one computers:
Top 10 All in One Computers Processor Speakers Special Features Dell All-in-One PC Inspiron 5410 Intel Core i5-1235U Integrated Stereo Speakers 23.8" FHD, Windows 11, MS Office 2021, Wireless KB & Mouse, 3-Year Onsite Support HP All-in-One Intel N200 (21.45") PC Intel N200 Dual Speakers FHD display, UHD Graphics, 720P HD Camera with Privacy Shutter, Windows 11 Lenovo Idea Centre AIO Ryzen 7 7735HS (23.8") PC AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS 3Wx2 Speakers FHD IPS, MS Office 2024, 5MP Camera, Wireless KB & Mouse, Win11 Dell All-in-One Inspiron 5415 PC AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Integrated Stereo Speakers 23.8" FHD, Windows 11, MS Office, Wireless KB & Mouse, 3-Year Onsite Support ASUS AIO A3202 (21.45") PC Intel Celeron 7305 Integrated Stereo Speakers FHD, Windows 11, MS Office 365 Basic (1 Year), Wireless KB & Mouse Lenovo A100 All-in-One Intel N100 (23.8") PC Intel N100 Integrated Speakers FHD 3-side edgeless, Win11, MS Office 2024, 5MP Camera, USB Calliope KB & Mouse HP All-in-One PC 13th Gen Intel Core i5 (27") Intel Core i5 (13th Gen) Dual Speakers FHD, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, MS Office 2021, Wireless KB & Mouse Lenovo A100 All-in-One Intel Core i3-N305 (23.8") PC Intel Core i3-N305 Integrated Speakers FHD, Win11, MS Office 2024, 5MP Camera, USB Calliope KB & Mouse ASUS AiO V470 (27") PC Intel Core i5-13420H Stereo Speakers FHD 100Hz, Windows 11, MS Office 2024, Retractable Camera, Wireless KB & Mouse Lenovo Idea Centre AIO Core i3-1315U (24") PC Intel Core i3-1315U 3Wx2 Harman Speakers FHD IPS, MS Office 2021, Alexa Built-in, Wireless EOS KB & Mouse, Win11
Similar stories for you:
Top 5 computers under ₹10000 full sets that cover all basics from display to keyboard for a ready-to-go experience
Top 10 laptops under 50,000 with latest processors, SSD storage and battery life
8 best desktop computers for gaming in 2025: Top picks for power and performance
Best laptops for business: Top 10 options from Lenovo, Dell and more that mean serious work
Top 10 handpicked laptops for the gamer in you! Editor's top recommendations with powerful graphics and fast processors
FAQs on top 10 all in one computers What are all-in-one computers and who are they for? They're PCs with a screen and CPU built into one unit, best for clean desk setups.
Are all-in-one computers good for work from home? Yes, they're ideal for everyday tasks like emails, video calls, and document work.
Can all-in-one computers run heavy software? High-spec models can, but entry-level ones may struggle with demanding programs.
Do all-in-one computers come with Windows and Office? Most include Windows 11 and often a version of Microsoft Office.
Can I upgrade an all-in-one PC later?
Usually only RAM or storage, other components are fixed.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to push wife Lauren Sánchez for big role in James Bond reboot despite her lack of acting background: Report
Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is making waves beyond the tech world with plans to catapult his wife, Lauren Sánchez, into a major acting role in Hollywood's upcoming James Bond reboot. Insiders say the billionaire's determination to see Sánchez on screen has become a serious priority, leveraging his growing influence in the entertainment industry to make it happen. Sources reveal Bezos' strong push to cast Lauren Sánchez in James Bond reboot According to OK Magazine, Bezos has developed a strong fixation on casting Lauren Sánchez in the new Bond film, describing the ambition as 'obsessed'. Despite Sánchez, a former journalist, not being a professional actress, Bezos' recent acquisition of MGM Studios grants him significant authority over casting and production decisions. According to sources, Sánchez is regarded as his muse, and with billions invested, Bezos expects his vision to be realised. Amazon's $8 billion acquisition of MGM expands Bezos' Hollywood power The 2022 purchase of MGM Studios by Bezos for $8 billion greatly expands his foothold in the entertainment industry. MGM's rich catalogue includes iconic franchises such as James Bond and Rocky, placing Bezos in a prime position to influence major upcoming productions. This acquisition has transformed Bezos from a tech mogul into a major Hollywood player with the ability to shape blockbuster projects. James Bond 26 reboot introduces a new creative team and sparks casting speculation The upcoming James Bond 26 reboot is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve and penned by Steven Knight, marking a fresh creative direction for the franchise. With Daniel Craig stepping down from the role of 007, the search for a new Bond has triggered widespread debate. Bezos himself fuelled speculation by tweeting about potential candidates for the role earlier this year. Rumours have since linked Lauren Sánchez to a significant part in the film, heightening interest in the reboot. Bezos and Sánchez's dreamy Venice wedding Bezos and Sánchez officially got married on June 27, 2025. The ceremony took place on the stunning island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, and it was quite the star-studded affair. Over 200 guests showed up, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady. The couple even arrived by helicopter; talk about making an entrance! Instead of asking for traditional gifts, they encouraged everyone to donate to local charities in Venice, showing some love to their host city. Their relationship first made headlines back in early 2019, right after Bezos announced his divorce from MacKenzie Scott. Lauren had just finalised her split from talent agent Patrick Whitesell. But the pair had been quietly seeing each other since around 2016. Fast forward a few years, and Bezos popped the question in May 2023 during a romantic trip to the South of France. It was the start of their official journey toward marriage. After the wedding, Jeff and Lauren kicked off their honeymoon with a grand European adventure. Recently, they were spotted having a blast in Ibiza, Spain, dancing the night away at a nightclub. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates on the James Bond reboot, including casting details. With Lauren Sánchez's rumored involvement, it will be interesting to see how longtime fans respond to this development.
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Indian Express
Fifty per cent off: Close to flagship-level ANC, now at a great price
It might have become a mainstream feature in headphones but the quality of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) often fluctuates depending on their price. While you can get headphones with ANC for as little as Rs 2,000, the ANC on them often cancels out very little noise. If you really practical ANC – the type that blocks out a fair amount of external noise – then you generally need to spend in excess of Rs 10,000. Well, until recently. For, thanks to a price cut, the Sony WH-CH720 headphones are now available for well under Rs 10,000, a drop of almost fifty per cent from their original price. Sony launched the WH-CH720 in 2023 as its budget ANC offering. While the headphones were initially available at a price of Rs 9,990, their price shot up substantially in the days that followed, going up to Rs 14,990. And Rs 14,990 remains their official price even today. However, they are often available at much lower prices, going down to almost Rs 7,000 – Rs 7,500 on many e-retailers, most notably Amazon. At the time of writing this piece, the Sony WH-CH720 were available on Amazon for Rs 7,551 and at Rs 7,994 at Croma, which is close to half their official price and also come with bank offers that further reduce their price. For instance, at the time of writing, the WH-CH720 came with a Rs 1,000 flat discount on all bank cards on Amazon, making their price effectively Rs 6,500. We think that even at their official price of Rs 14,990, the Sony WH-CH720 are a pretty good deal. At almost half that price, they get into the steal category. And that is because even more than two years after their release, these headphones pack quite a punch. Their design has remained totally unchanged, although Sony has recently added a very eye-catching pink colour to the existing options of black, blue and white. Although made mainly of plastic, they have a very premium look to them and have a design very similar to the ULT range of bass heavy headphones Sony released in 2024 – round cups connected with a headband. At 192 grams, these are among the lightest ANC headphones we have ever used – some might say they are even too light, although they have a solid feel to them. Both earcups and headband have padding on them, although we would call it adequate rather than generous. The headband does not exert too much pressure on your head, allowing you to wear these for hours without any discomfort. Controls are through buttons (no touch touches) with volume and ANC controls on the left earcup and on/off controls on the right (with a USB Type-C port for charging and 3.5 mm audio jack as well). All in all, the WH-CH720 cut a very smart figure (the pink ones look stunning) and thanks to their light weight and cushioning, are very comfortable to wear. Mind you, there is no carrying case in the box, and as the earcups can only rotate 90 degrees, they cannot fold totally inwards, which makes them a little bulky. The Sony WH-CH720 sound very good too, if you are mainly seeking clarity and a relatively balanced output. The headphones come with 30 mm drivers, and while they do not have the bass-centric sound that many Sony headphones have (you can tweak this using the equaliser options available in the companion app), they sound pleasant enough for most mainstream hearing tasks, whether it is casual listening to music, podcasts and watching films and shows. The sound stage is not the widest, but for their current price, they are comfortably among the best wireless headphones out there in terms of audio quality, although they do not come with support for Sony's own LDAC format (they support the more mainstream AAC and SBC). This is not audiophile level sound, but then you do not get that from any set of ANC headphones at this price point. Volume levels are very good, with quality not getting compromised even at high volumes (we generally found ourselves using these at about 75 per cent volume). There is support for 360 degree sound, but that is available only through limited (and paid) apps. While their audio quality is good, the best reason for investing in the Sony WH-CH720 is their noise cancellation. Most sub-Rs 10,000 ANC headphones come with very basic ANC that cancel out some noise, but are of little use in really noisy conditions. The WH-CH720, however, deliver the kind of ANC that we are used to at much higher price points, and are close to what you get from premium flagships. They largely removed regular traffic noises and the hum of the metro and even killed a lot of the chatter in the cafes where we worked. What's more, they come with Adaptive Sound Control, which changes the level of ANC, depending on your location and activity. This detects four conditions – staying, walking, running and riding a vehicle and adjusts the noise cancellation accordingly: ANC is turned on in staying, and riding a vehicle, while it is reduced or removed altogether and ambient sound mode is activated when you are walking or running, letting external sounds come in. You can even change settings for different locations using the very handy companion mode. The ambient sound mode is very good too, and actually quietens other sounds and keeps voices louder. As we said, this is the kind of facility you get in flagship phones. Another highlight of the WH-CH720 is their battery life. Sony claims 35 hours of battery life with ANC and 50 hours without, and the headphones deliver that. We found ourselves getting through a week easily on a single charge with 4-5 hours of daily usage, even while using ANC. Charging them does take time, though – a 33W charger took about three and a half hours to charge them fully after they got drained. They are not perfect, but the Sony WH-CH720 do deliver a lot at their current price of around Rs 7500. Audiophiles might wish for a more pristine sound, and even those who like to work on the move might expect a case to carry them, or greater foldability. Their being light is also a bit of a mixed blessing – we have been a little terrified that they might break, although they have been around for more than a year. But all of those quibbles fade into insignificance when you consider what these headphones deliver – very good audio quality for mainstream users, excellent battery life and best of all, superb ANC, which is comfortably the best in not just its price segment but even up to Rs 15,000. If you are looking for headphones with great ANC and are on a relatively tight budget, grab these. If you play your cards right (pun intended), you could even get them for Rs 6,500- Rs 7,000, which makes them staggering value for money!
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Indian Express
Alexa got an AI brain transplant. How smart is it now?
For the last few years, I've been waiting for Alexa's AI glow-up. I've been a loyal user of Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Amazon's home devices and smart speakers, for more than a decade. I have five Alexa-enabled speakers scattered throughout my house, and while I don't use them for anything complicated — playing music, setting timers and getting the weather forecast are basically it — they're good at what they do. But since 2023, when ChatGPT added an AI voice mode that could answer questions in a fluid, conversational way, it has been obvious that Alexa would need a brain transplant — a new AI system built around the same large language models, or LLMs, that power ChatGPT and other products. LLM-based systems are smarter and more versatile than older systems. They can handle more complex requests, making them an obvious pick for a next-generation voice assistant. Amazon agrees. For the last few years, the company has been working feverishly to upgrade the AI inside Alexa. It has been a slog. Replacing the AI technology inside a voice assistant isn't as easy as swapping in a new model, and the Alexa remodel was reportedly delayed by internal struggles and technical challenges along the way. LLMs also aren't a perfect match for this kind of product, which not only needs to work with tons of preexisting services and millions of Alexa-enabled devices but also needs to reliably perform basic tasks. But finally, the new Alexa — known as Alexa+ — is here. It's a big, ambitious remodel that is trying to marry the conversational skills of generative AI chatbots with the daily tasks that the old Alexa did well. Alexa+, which has been available to testers through an early-access program for a few months, is now being rolled out more widely. I got it recently after I bought a compatible device (the Echo Show 8, which has an 8-inch screen) and enrolled in the upgraded version. (Prime members will get Alexa+ at no cost, while non-Prime members will have to pay $19.99 per month.) The New York Times recently announced a licensing deal with Amazon, which will allow Amazon to use Times content in its AI systems, including Alexa+. The Times is also suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and Microsoft for alleged copyright violations related to the training of AI systems. I have good news and bad news for my fellow Alexa-heads. The good news is that the new Alexa+ is, in fact, more fun to talk to than the old one, with more realistic synthetic voices and a more humanlike cadence. (There are eight voices to choose from; I used the default setting, an upbeat female voice.) And I liked some of Alexa+'s new capabilities, such as booking a table at a restaurant and generating long stories and reading them to my 3-year-old. The new Alexa is also better at handling multistep requests. 'Set three kitchen timers for 15, 25 and 45 minutes' and 'write a one-day itinerary for a trip to San Diego and send it to my email' were two prompts that worked for me. And Alexa+ doesn't require you to say its wake word every time you talk to it, so you can go back and forth or ask it follow-up questions, which is a nice change. The bad news is that despite its new capabilities, Alexa+ is too buggy and unreliable for me to recommend. In my testing, it not only lagged behind ChatGPT's voice mode and other AI voice assistants I've tried but also was noticeably worse than the original Alexa at some basic tasks. When I asked Alexa+ to cancel an alarm the other morning — a request I had made to the old Alexa hundreds of times with no issues — it simply ignored me. When I emailed a research paper to alexa@ in order to hear Alexa+ summarize it while I washed the dishes, I got an error message saying the document couldn't be found. Alexa+ also hallucinated some facts and made some inexplicable errors. When I asked it to look up Wirecutter's recommended box grater and add it to my Amazon cart, it responded that 'according to Wirecutter, the best box grater is the OXO Good Grips Box Grater.' Wirecutter's actual box grater pick is the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater. Luckily, I caught the mistake before ordering. When I asked Alexa+ to walk me through installing a new AI model on my laptop, it got tripped up and started repeating, 'Oh, no, my wires got crossed.' And I didn't have access to some of the new Alexa+ features Amazon advertised, such as a 'routine' feature that triggers several different actions when a user enters a room. (I wanted to have Alexa+ greet me in the mornings with a motivational speech and a high-volume rendition of 'Eye of the Tiger,' but the presence-sensing feature hasn't been turned on yet, according to an Amazon spokesperson.) Daniel Rausch, the Amazon vice president who oversees Alexa and Echo, told me in a recent podcast interview that many of these flaws would be fixed soon as Alexa+ rolled out more widely and more of its features came online. 'We've got some edges to sand,' he said. Alexa, Give Me 500 Words on the History of Kitchen Timers Rausch said the biggest challenge in building generative AI models into Alexa was that they were fundamentally different types of systems. The old Alexa, he said, was built on a complicated web of rule-based, deterministic algorithms. Setting timers, playing songs on Spotify, turning off the lamp in your living room — all of these features required calling up different tools and connecting with different interfaces, and they all had to be programmed one by one. Adding generative AI to Alexa forced Amazon to rebuild many of these processes, Rausch said. Large language models, he said, are 'stochastic,' meaning they operate on probabilities rather than a strict set of rules. That made Alexa more creative but less reliable. It also made the voice assistant slow. Rausch recalled an early internal demo in which Alexa+ took more than 30 seconds to play a song — an 'excruciating' delay, he said, that led the team to rethink its approach. 'These models are slow to respond when they're following a deep set of instructions,' he said. 'We're asking them to do something quite hard.' Another challenge to overcome, Rausch said, was generative AI's wordiness. Initially, when engineers hooked Alexa up to large language models, the system would sometimes produce long, verbose answers or introduce needless complexity. Alexa+ might respond to a user's request for a 10-minute kitchen timer with a 500-word essay about the history of kitchen timers. The solution, Rausch said, was to spend several years combining more than 70 AI models — some Amazon's proprietary models and some from outside providers, like Anthropic's Claude — into a single, voice-based interface, with an orchestration system that routes a user's request to the model that is best suited to handle it. 'The magic, when it is working really well, is to get those new ways of speaking to Alexa to interface with those predictable outcomes or behaviors,' he said. There are other barriers, too. One of them, Rausch said, is that many longtime users have learned how to 'speak Alexa,' phrasing their daily requests in familiar commands that they know the system will understand. 'We all sort of came up with our way of setting a timer to get the pasta done on time,' he said. But Alexa+ processes language in a more fluid way. Users can talk to it as they would talk to a human — no robot pidgin required — and that may necessitate some retraining. I assume that many of the flaws will be ironed out and that most users will acclimate to the new way of speaking to Alexa+. I'm also inclined to cut Amazon some slack, since building LLM-based technology into a reliable voice assistant seems like a thorny technical problem, and it's not like anyone else has solved it. (Apple, which has been struggling to give Siri an AI upgrade for years, certainly hasn't.) I also don't think the limitations of Alexa+ suggest that generative AI models are inherently unreliable or that they'll never work as personal voice assistants. Ultimately, I think it's just really hard to combine generative AI with older, legacy systems — a lesson many companies, both inside and outside tech, are learning the hard way right now — and it's going to take some time to work out all the kinks. For now, I'm going to downgrade my devices to the older, less intelligent version of Alexa and leave the beta testing to others. With AI, as with humans, sometimes raw intelligence matters less than how you use it.
