Awesome Tech

Nanoleaf’s interlocking triangular light panels transform any wall into a dynamic work of modern art. The starter kit includes nine panels, along with a controller, power supply, mounting hardware and connectors. Works with Apple HomeKit, Android and Alexa.

While we’re not big fans of its awkward styling, we have to hand it to the guys at Faraday Future for going balls-out against Tesla by building a 1050 hp family car that can go 0-to-60 in just 2.39 seconds, with a 378-mile driving range, and an array of autonomous driving features.

This compact accessory adds sophisticated digital stabilization capabilities to any camera with a flash mount and a microphone input. As your camera captures video, it records motion information which is later used to remove shake. A GoPro version is also in the works.

Amazing assistive tech for the blind, visually impaired, and color blind to help identify objects. Aipoly’s app uses sophisticated computer vision and deep learning algorithms to identify objects in real time, then speak their names out loud. Works in seven languages.

We’ve long since moved on to LCD and OLED displays, which render images a frame at a time, but for many years, televisions and monitors used cathode ray tubes. This slow-mo video shows how the picture was “painted” line by line using a scanning beam of electrons.

Interactive design firm Eness developed these modular LUMES light-emitting wall panels. They can be veneered with various materials including fabric, acrylic, and even blended into wood walls. This particular piece is installed at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern, Australia.

The latest version of Antlion’s detachable microphone for headphones. ModMic 5 now has two cables (3ft and 6ft), cable clips and a cable sleeve for a tidier setup. Alongside the unidirectional microphone is an omnidirectional mic for a fuller sound.

Samsung’s new flagship curved PC monitor. Available in 27″ or 31.5″, the nearly bezel-less CH711 has a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, up to 125% sRGB coverage and a 178º viewing angle. It also has various gaming settings and a picture-in-picture mode.

To show off their nanofabrication process, scientists at Western University used elecrton beam lithography to create this microscopic silica and platinum snowman that measures less than 3 microns tall. For comparison’s sake, a human hair is about 100 microns thick.

Norwegian company Griff Aviation has plans to launch these three highly customizable heavy-cargo drones. The Griff 125, 300 and 800 all get their model names from their respective gross carrying capacity in kilograms (i.e. 275lb, 660lb and 1,760lb).

Until now, if you wanted motion control and room-scale tracking for virtual reality, you needed a powerful PC, multiple sensors, and lots of wires. NOLO aims to change this with a reasonably priced system that pairs with smartphones and inexpensive VR headsets.

Engineers Jose Julio and Juan Pedro Calderon Negueroles show off their open source robot kit and companion Android app which uses the phone’s camera to detect the trajectory of the puck and move the robot’s arm quick enough to give most human players a run for their money.

Combining the safety and utility of a headlight with the enjoyment of a Bluetooth speaker, Photive’s 2-in-1 gadget is the perfect add-on for any bike. It’s weather-resistant, and detaches from its mount so you can take it with you, and for easy recharging.

DV Hardware shares this dashcam footage of a road accident in the Netherlands. The video was taken onboard a Tesla Model X, which sensed a sudden deceleration two cars away, then beeped and braked on its own. Fortunately, no one was badly hurt.

Comedian Louis C.K. has released a one-stop mobile shop for all his major stand-up comedy specials as well as his web series Horace and Pete. If you’ve already purchased some of his work, just enter your email address and you’re good to go. Available for iOS and Android.

Developed as an alternative to kerosene lamps, the Consol Solar Jar has four LEDs underneath its lid and a battery charged by the solar panel on top of the lid. It gives an hour of light for every hour of sunlight, has a clever magnetic switch, and can also be charged via MicroUSB.

Developed by the Suzumori Endo Lab and A2Lab, this hilariously awkward, yet somehow endearing robot walks around on six spindly legs, like a giant insect. It weighs just about 8 pounds, and is one of those rare robot’s we’re not worried about hunting down and killing us.

Looking for an interchangeable lens camera that won’t break the bank? YI’s digital camera has a Micro-4/3rds Sony sensor that shoots 20MP stills, and 4K video, has built-in Wi-Fi, and can currently be had with two lenses for just about 550 bucks. Available in black or silver.

Created by former Varmilo designer 0.01, the Z70 is a 70% mechanical keyboard. It is fully programmable, has two space bars for enhanced ergonomics and comes with your choice of Cherry MX, Gateron, or Zealio switches. On Massdrop starting 12/27/16.

From the makers of Big Ass Fans comes an over-engineered portable lamp. The Big Ass Light Bar has an IP66 dust- and waterproof rating and also resists common chemicals, oils and cleaners. It has six brightness settings and its battery lasts up to 48h per charge.

A mini version of People People’s Transparent Speaker. Unlike its big brother, the Small Transparent Speaker has built-in receivers for Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay and Google Cast. It has two 2.5″ mid drivers, a 3″ passive bass radiator and an amp with built-in DSP.

The LSPX-P1 is a portable ultra short throw projector that can create 720p screens between 22″ to 80″ wide diagonally. It can receive content from mobile devices, or from its included wireless HDMI transmitter. It lasts only 2h per charge though.

This light and compact charger will soon be available with a USB-C connector for the 2016 13″ MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 and other laptops with USB-C ports. If you already have the FINsix charger itself, you can purchase just the USB-C cable for $35.