James Trew

Former Editor-at-Large

James started writing about music and audio before he was legally old enough to go to the nightclubs he was reviewing. Since then he's covered tech and culture for titles such as Men's Journal, Playboy, Future Music and High Snobiety. Since joining Engadget in 2011, James has continued to specialize in the creator space along with maintaining his interest in sub-cultures, with stories on everything from competitive Tetris to skateboard videos and the accidental invention of digital Reggae. In his spare time, he enjoys adding to his list of Podcast ideas that probably might not happen.

Articles by James Trew

Analogue's limited edition Pockets are delightful and frustrating
Retro gaming is more than just classic titles from the past, it's also about collecting and finding rare items. Something Analogue is acutely aware of.
Shure hid a preamp inside its latest SM7dB microphone
Now with a built-in preamp, the SM7 series no longer requires third-party gain lifters or heavyweight external audio interfaces for your voice to be heard.
Drop's BMR1 PC speakers are almost really good
There's plenty to like about Drop's BMR1 PC speakers, but there are also enough things that could be improved that make them hard to fully recommend.
GoPro Hero 12: Everything you need to know about all the new features
With features like Log and HDR, the latest GoPro can turn out even richer images while the new Bluetooth feature and built in tripod mount make it much more "vlog" friendly.
JackRabbit's XG e-bike adds more range, power, fun and expense
The original JackRabbit was quirky and fun, but lacked a few practicalities. The new XG model goes a long way to solving those issues, but at a price.
GoPro announces Hero 12 Black with AirPods support and better battery life
Perhaps the top requested "feature" from GoPro users these days is more longevity. The company claims its latest camera can run almost twice as long in some modes.
The Ayaneo 2S is the company's best gaming handheld, until the next one
Ayaneo isn't shy about besting other people's flagship products, or even its own. The 2S continues that trend, until the Ayaneo Kun replaces it, that is.
The NES at 40: Seven ways it changed the gaming world forever
Nintendo's 8-bit console casts an outsized shadow on the gaming world. As it turns 40, we look at the ways it imacted our gaming universe today.
Urtopia's Chord e-bike is a little overkill for a city ride and that's okay
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but Urtopia's Chord e-bike should have a broader appeal than its racey sibling. The good news is, it's still just as loaded with sensors and features.
The Ayaneo Air Plus is the next would-be Steam Deck killer
Ayaneo is fast becomeing a fan favorite in the handheld PC gaming world, but its Steam Deck rivals come at a premium.
Adobe Podcast's text-based editing turns limitation into liberation
Formerly known as Project Shasta, Adobe Podcast makes editing audio as simple as working with a text file
Ayaneo 2 review: A more premium (and pricier) take on the Steam Deck
For people searching for a more premium take on the Steam Deck, the Ayaneo 2 is it. It's got a faster CPU, a much nicer screen and a more compact design, though it costs more too.
Evercade's EXP handheld brings key improvements but it's still a curious concept
Blaze Entertainment's anachronistic take on retro gaming finds a new home in the improved EXP handheld.
Ayaneo’s Air Pro is a taste of the portable PC gaming future
A PC in a handheld, it's not a new idea, but thanks to new companies with high design standards and better mobile CPUs, true gaming on the go is finally happening.
GoPro's Hero 11 Black Mini fills a small niche
The Hero 11 Black Mini isn't going to be the best GoPro for most people, but for a slice of you, it is. If size is your first concern, or you just want a helmet camera, this is the way to go.
GoPro Hero 11 review: One change makes all the difference
It's a relatively modest update this time around for the GoPro Hero 11 Black. Though a new taller sensor does give it an edge over its rivals.
Ayn's Odin is the retro gaming handheld to beat
Retro gaming handhelds come in many shapes and sizes, but the Odin from newcomer Ayn might be the most impressive to date in terms of form, function and price.
JackRabbit review: If a scooter and an e-bike had a baby
Depending on your needs, the JackRabbit is either a highly portable e-bike or a bonkers scooter, or something in between. One thing we know for sure, is that it's 100 percent fun.
Keychron's Q2 is a compact take on its popular customizable keyboard
We really liked the 75% Q1 keyboard, so when Keychron revealed a smaller, 65% version with the same customization we were intrigued.
Analogue Pocket review: Vintage fun with a new age feel
Analogue made us wait a little too long for the Pocket handheld, but we're not mad. The modern Game Boy is so fun and so authentic that it's an easy recommendation for avid retro gamers.

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