Awesome Tech

Providing tremendous value compared to GoPro’s entry-level action cam, the Activeon CX shoots 1080/30p HD video through an f/2.4 lens, has a built-in LCD viewfinder, Wi-Fi, interchangeable batteries and faceplates, and a multitude of available mounting options.

V-MODA takes the bold style and exceptional sound of the Crossfade M-100 and cuts the cord, with their first Bluetooth over-the-ear cans. They offer up to 12 hours per charge, and interchangeable ear shields in a variety of colors and 3D printed materials.

A portable MIDI controller-only version of the touch- and pressure-sensitive Seaboard Grand piano. The Seaboard Rise has 25 keys, connects via USB or Bluetooth and has an internal battery. It also comes with Roli’s Equator software synth.

The YSP-5600 not only has a whopping 46 speakers, it also uses Dolby Atmos technology to bounce sound around the room. The result is a convincing emulation of a 7.1.2 setup that left folks at the IFA trade show dumbfounded. Drops 12/15 for $1700.

King of Random’s video was sponsored by weBoost, but it’s educational and does have a few practical tips. Learn about the basics of cellular networks, a tool to help you track signal strength, gadgets that improve your reception and more.

The new Apple TV has a remote with a built-in touchpad and can also be used as a controller for games like Disney Infinity, Guitar Hero Live as well as other apps coming to the media player’s new App Store. Drops 10/15 for $149-$199.

These underwater thrusters are not actually worn on the feet but are strapped to a belt. Jetboots let you travel up to three knots while keeping your hands free. They’re mainly for military use and cost about $20,000 back in 2012.

Studio Cheha’s latest batch of optical illusion lamps play on the lamp and lampshade silhouette with the addition of a birchwood stand and a steel base. The new models use stronger LEDs than the first Bulbing lamps and are now dimmable.

The 4.7″ iPhone 6s and 5.5″ 6s Plus have a pressure-sensitive touchscreen that enables more input options. It also has a 12mp rear camera that can take 4K videos, the new, faster A9 processor and a stronger aluminum case. Preorders start 9/12.

Bang & Olufsen’s new BeoPlay A6 home speaker has a curved design for a wide soundstage, and a swappable front grill with a wool fabric cover. It has two 5.5″ 60W woofers, two 0.75″ 30W tweeters and a 1.5″ 60W full-range driver. Drops 10/15 for $999.

The iPad Air 2’s big brother has a crazy-sharp 5.6 megapixel 12.9″ display, enhanced multitouch, a 1.8x faster CPU, four speakers, and an optional tactile keyboard cover ($169) and a pixel-precise, pressure- and tilt-sensitive stylus dubbed the Apple Pencil ($99).

Peculiar but versatile closed-back headphones. The new HD 630VB gets its name from its variable bass. It has a dial on the right earcup for adjusting the low-end and controlling mobile device playback. It also has an inline mic and removable earpads. More at Head-Fi.

The Satellite Radius 12 is the world’s first laptop-tablet hybrid with a 12.5″ 4K touchscreen display. It’s also certified by Technicolor for color accuracy. It also has Intel’s new Skylake CPUs and Windows 10 facial authentication. Drops Q4 2015 for $999+.

Similar to Livescribe, Bamboo Spark’s pen-and-paper combo digitizes your handwriting. It can store up to 100 pages on its own and transfers notes to mobile devices via Bluetooth. The Bamboo app lets you rewind, edit and share your notes. Drops 10/15 for $160.

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots have short battery lives. Alcatel OneTouch solves that problem for car-bound travelers with the 4G Car WiFi. It plugs into the cigarette lighter port and uses a Micro SIM to provide Wi-Fi to up to 15 users via 3G/LTE.

The SoundLink II Around-ear headphones eliminate its predecessor’s bulging Bluetooth dongle. They can also connect to and switch between two Bluetooth sources. The headphones last up to 15h per charge and come with an audio cable for wired usage.

Snap’s compact drone aims to bring awesome aerial image quality to the masses, with a 4K camera powered by Sony Exmor, 120fps/1080p video, gimbal stabilization, cinematic tracking and orbit, and the ability to collapse the drone to fit it in a backpack.

Philips improves its Ambilight technology with AmbiLux HDTVs. Starting with a 65″ model, these AmbiLux sets each have nine tiny projectors at the back that extend not just the color but also the general motion and shapes of objects on-screen.

The Z5 Premium has a 5.5″ 4K display, which is such overkill that the media and even Sony’s own people can’t tell the difference between it and a 1080p screen. That said, it does have a 2-day battery life, 23MP camera, and waterproof and dustproof body.

Motorola’s smartwatch is now available in 46mm or 42mm sizes. You’ll also be able to pick the color of its strap, case and bezel. It can also receive notifications and play music from Google Play on its own when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

A mechanical white noise generator, aka a horizontal fan. Its pitch video is funny, but it all boils down to this: does the sound of an electric fan help you fall asleep? If it does, Snooz is for you. You can adjust its tone and volume manually or with its app.

The Acer Revo Build’s modules – a wireless charger, a speaker and a GPU with more on the way – can be stacked and hot-swapped on and off the base unit. Each module also has a standard connection for use with other PCs. Drops Q4 2015 for ~$200+.

Marshall takes advantage of its iconic amp design once more, with a compact Bluetooth travel speaker. The Stockwell weighs just 2.65 lb., packs Class-D amplification for great sound, and offers up to 25 hrs. play time per charge. Drops Q4 2015.