Awesome Tech

Sony’s upcoming Android flagship phone. The Xperia Z2 has a 5.2″ 1080p IPS screen, a 2.3GHz quad-core CPU, 3GB RAM, a 20.7mp rear camera that can shoot 4K video and the now customary dust-resistant and waterproof case.

LaCie now uses a 5TB 7200rpm hard drive in their desktop Thunderbolt external drives. The voluminous storage device is available in the single drive d2, the dual-bay RAID 2big and the five-bay RAID 5big with up to 25TB.

Nokian Tyres celebrates its 80th year of making winter tires by creating a prototype tire with retractable studs. When installed on a vehicle, the studs on all tires rise and retract at the same time at the press of a button.

Condition One’s documentary about the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. Along with its standard releases, Zero Point will also be the first movie to have an interactive 360º 3D version, which can be watched only on the Rift.

What audiophiles want for Xmas. The AK240 media player has two DAC chips, 256GB of storage, a microSD card slot, a 3.21″ AMOLED touchscreen, a case made of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber and a slick Android-based OS.

The spiritual successor to the legendary TR-808, the TR-8 Rhythm Performer combines the distinct sound of the TR-808 and TR-909 with a ton of new features for the modern musician. Part of Roland’s new AIRA series.

An improved version of the ATH-M50, one of the best pro-level yet affordable headphones. The ATH-M50x retains the sound of its predecessor but adds more comfortable ear cups and three detachable cables. Sound tests here.

Designed by Dennis Siegel, the RFID Bikealarm deters theft by emitting an ear-shattering 120dB alarm if it senses drastic movement. The owner uses a small RFID tag to wirelessly activate and deactivate the alarm.

A rubber case for the iPhone and iPod Touch charging cable and power adapter. The case keeps the cable and adapter together and can be used as a cable tie. It comes in nine colors to make it easier to identify your cable and adapter.

Iridium GO! is a battery-powered Wi-Fi hotspot that gives you satellite-based Internet access anywhere in the world. Use it to connect up to 5 devices within a 100ft. radius. It’s also water-resistant, shock-resistant and dustproof.

A device that automates venetian blinds. Jalousier adjusts blinds based on the weather, time, ambient light and room temperature. You can also control it remotely and make it open or close the blinds at preset times.

Verizon’s upcoming flagship Windows phone, the Nokia Lumia Icon has a 5″ 1080p AMOLED screen, a 20mp rear camera with dual LED flash, a quad-core 2.2GHz CPU, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. Drops 02/20 for $200 on contract.

Sinister is a hand-shaped gamepad for Windows, Linux and OS X computers. Not only are its length and arch adjustable to fit your hand, you can also reposition its buttons and analog stick. It also has an enhanced rumble feature.

This tiny pair of devices are much more than just headphones. Dash streams music via Bluetooth, but it’s also a music player by itself with 4GB of storage. It’s also a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth headset.

This lonely little robot has just one job to do – to tell the time by writing it down, then erasing it, over and over and over again. Even though it has no feelings, we’ve attached some and decided it’s the world’s most depressed robot.

Radiohead have released PolyFauna an app that combines sounds from Bloom off of 2011’s The King of Limbswith trippy visuals that transform your surroundings into digial landscapes just begging to be explored. Android version here.

The successor to the awesome NEX-6, it has a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, 100 to 25600 ISO, 1080/60p video, improved detail and autofocus, Wi-Fi, image apps, OLED viewfinder, built-in flash, hot shoe, and a direct mode dial. Out 4/2014.

Turn old bottles into lamps with Suck UK’s rechargeable light. The light is shaped like a stopper and even has a cork lid. It’s great for outdoor use but not as a dedicated lamp, because it lasts only 2.5 hours per charge.

A minimalist portable wireless speaker. Its aluminum frame, plastic body and textile grill are finished in monochrome. It works with Bluetooth, DLNA, AirPlay, Wi-Fi and ad-hoc wireless. It also has 3.5mm and optical inputs. Pricing TBD.

A minimalist aluminum dock. It fits Apple’s Lightning connector perfectly, but it can be used with other devices thanks to an included custom micro-USB cable. An elegant lock makes it easy to attach and remove the cable.

Streams music directly via Wi-Fi to speakers with a 3.5mm, RCA or optical input. Streams from Pandora or the songs saved on your iOS or Android device, with more services soon. Multiple Beeps can be networked for whole home audio.

SuperDroid makes remote-controlled snow plowing robots. Each has a 6-wheel drive system, 13″ tiller tires and a 52″ wide snow plow blade. Add-ons include wheel chains, cameras and remote control via the Internet. More here.

This substantial sound system has two 25mm tweeters, two 2″ mid-ranges and two 5.25″ woofers, each with a 50w amp. Streams via Bluetooth, DLNA and AirPlay. Has 3.5mm, RCA and optical inputs and two USB charging ports.