Reviewing the Pixel 10a, testing a new Gozney oven, and getting my groove back

It's been a month. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to pull back the curtain and talk more openly about how I'd lost confidence in myself and my ability to not only write well but write at all. There were multiple factors that played into it, which I detail in the story. 

Opening up, being vulnerable, and admitting publicly what the voice in my head had been repeating for years was therapeutic, and a necessary step. I felt relieved and reinvigorated. And it shows. 

Over the last month I published a ton of stuff, covering the things I love: tech and pizza. And it felt damn good doing it. Here's what I published over the last month. 

Pixels

This past month, I've done a fair mix of publishing quick thoughts about a new product or announcement, along with longer form stories like reviews. 

When I announced I was going to start writing again, I was a bit nervous about how companies and PR contacts would react if I didn't necessarily have a big-name home for a review or story. And so far, I'm pleasantly surprised with the reception. 

As a small personal victory, Google sent me its new entry-level Pixel 10a to review, under embargo. Ok, maybe that's a big win. Below are all of the tech-related stories I covered over the last month. 

Mobile

• Pixel 10a: I received the Pixel 10a too close to the embargo to post a full review, so I published my first impressions, followed by an in-depth review the following week.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung announced its latest flagship S-series phone. It comes with a killer new privacy screen feature that I want on every phone, but it lacks native MagSafe-like magnets.

Quick hits

• MacBook Neo: Apple's most affordable (and turns out, capable) Mac ever was announced with what I can only describe as possibly the best launch video ever? I bet you can't watch it without smiling.
• Apple Vision Pro: Yes, it's still a thing. So much so that YouTube thought it worthy of an official app, nearly two years after launch. Does it even matter, though?
• iOS 26: Apple's gearing up to release iOS 26.4, and with it, plenty of new features are coming to the iPhone. What are you looking forward to the most? Here's mine.

Around the house

• Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal review: I reviewed a fancy robot vacuum/mop combo that has what's effectively a black light on it to see all the invisible stains around your house, and then clean them up. 
• Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat: I also spent some time with and reviewed a new smart thermostat that boasts a large display which acts as a video doorbell viewfinder. It's great, but has a few drawbacks. 

Pizza

I've mentioned the fact I recently had shoulder surgery in passing a few times now, but this last week I officially announced we won't be able to open Sips & Pies this season. I had surgery at the end of January and recovery time is up to 9 months. It was heartbreaking news. I'm still struggling with accepting it, if I'm being totally honest. 

That said, my pizza journey will continue. I have plans to stage later this summer with some of the best pizza makers in the country, where I plan to soak up every bit of knowledge I can. 

I recently published reviews of two gas-powered pizza ovens I've used for nearly two years now. Each one has its own place in my pizza workflow. 

In another win for Pixels & Pizza (and myself), Gozney sent me the just-released Arc Lite to review. It's a small, portable gas-powered oven. I can't wait to dig in. 

Oven reviews

• Ooni Koda 2 Max review: Ooni's biggest oven is one that I always go to when we're cooking for a small group. At one point, we even considered using a couple of them for Sips & Pies instead of a giant wood-fired oven.
• Gozney Arc XL: The bigger brother of the Arc Lite, the Arc XL is my oven of choice when I'm cooking for the fam or testing recipes.

Status update: My goals for 2026

I fully plan on holding myself accountable to my stated goals for this year. So, in that spirit, here's the current status: 

• Publish something at least twice a week: On track to exceed this number.
• Release one app (Docker, iPhone, Android... doesn't matter): Work in progress. I've honestly lost steam/motivation. I've been too focused on writing.
• Pass the General Class amateur radio test after passing my Technician Class in December:I better get to studying.
• Read three books: I've read zero books, but I do have Unreasonable Hospitality: The Field Guide (affiliate link) preordered and plan on working through it as soon as it arrives.
• Make better use of my downtime: I don't have much downtime right now. We'll also mark this as a work in progress.
• Related: Cut way down on my doom scrolling: Have you seen what's going on in the world? I've done a good job at cutting down, all things considered.
• Achieve "full" recovery from rotator cuff/bicep tendon surgery in 6 months: I'm following my doctor and physical therapist's instructions, without fail. One can only hope.

That's all I have for now. I'm considering moving these emails to every two weeks. Let me know if you have a strong opinion one way or another.

Even more importantly, though, if you have a book recommendation you think I could benefit from, hit reply and let me know. Heck, I'd love it if you hit reply and gave me an update about your life. 

I appreciate you, 

-- Jason