Awesome Tech

30 years ago, Apple introduced the first Macintosh with its trademark flash and panache. Today, the Mac has been eclipsed by its smaller siblings, but it’s still the personal computer of choice for many people. Look back here.

Line 6’s AmpliFi is a solid state guitar amp and a Bluetooth speaker. Use the AmpliFi Remote iOS app to access nearly 200 tones and effects. You can chain up to eight effects and save and share your configurations. Available in 75W or 150W.

The Glyph is a mobile head-mounted display that doubles as a pair of headphones. It reflects 720p video directly to your retinas. It uses an HDMI input and lasts up to 3h per charge. Note that the Kickstarter reward is a beta unit.

A mobile robot capable of turning any surface into a screen, KEECKER is controlled via smartphone to run apps, browse the web, play games and music or capture 360° video. It also provides home analytics and security.

Because everything is a remix. Samplify is a meta-Shazam: it can identify the origin – both the original song and its artist – of samples used in a song (if any). Pick from your library or have it listen to the song playing around you.

There’s still no confirmation that Apple is working on an iOS-powered wristband, but that hasn’t stopped us from wondering what one might actually look like. We’re particularly enamored of the UI on Todd Hamilton’s concept design.

Powerful dual-channel Bluetooth-enabled bookshelf speakers. Each speaker has a 4″ woofer, a 1″ dome, and a 2x50W amp. The set comes with detachable grills, 3.5mm and optical inputs, a remote plus all the cables you need.

Designed by Duncan Hellmers, the Blub is a nixie tube clock with a modern and minimalist look. It also has an alarm mode and can also display the date and temperature. Its aluminum base comes in clear or black anodized finish.

A stylish Bluetooth wireless speaker built into a handcrafted walnut wood cabinet. The triangular design provides a stable base, while helping its design stand out from the crowd. Pair two for stereo sound. Coming soon.

Jabra Rox earphones use Bluetooth or NFC to connect to media players. They have a built-in mic and playback buttons. Embedded magnets let you attach the earbuds to each other, prompting Rox to enter a power-saving mode.

The Smart Grill is a voice-activated grill that adjusts its settings based on what you’re cooking, helping you through voice prompts. But it does have a manual mode for grilling pros. Consumer Reports says it will be out in 2015 for ~$7,000.

The Backup Plus Fast is a USB 3.0 portable hard drive with a massive 4TB of storage – the highest capacity external drive that doesn’t need a power supply. It also comes with user-friendly backup software.

TimberCraft offers guitar cabinets and speakers with a rustic aesthetic. The hand-built cabinets come in a variety of sizes and finishes, and use electronics from Warehouse Guitar Speakers or Celestion Speakers.

The Reference Series is Vizio’s upcoming flagship line of TVs must be seen in person to be appreciated. Available in 65″ and 120″, they have 4K resolution, high dynamic range, a built-in 5.1 sound bar and a 10″ wireless subwoofer.

Developer Evil Window Dog wants to save us from a 21st century plague. Horizon is a video recording app for iOS that always takes videos in landscape mode, regardless of device orientation. This should be standard on all phones.

SeeSpace InAiR is an HDMI add-on for HDTVs. It searches online for information related to what you’re watching, and displays it as a floating overlay. It also connects to your social networks. The 3D version can float info in front of the TV.

Equil JOT is an ink pen that can record what you’re writing or drawing on paper in real time. You can then edit, annotate and share your work from your iOS device. However, your device cannot be in sleep mode while you’re recording.

The x12 bed can analyze its user’s sleeping habits. It also has many customizable options, including firmness, articulation and even massage settings, all adjustable via a remote control or via voice control. Available this year for $8,000+.

Galaxy Pro tablets have 2560×1600 screens. They have large tiles instead of app icons and let you see up to 4 windowed apps at once. The NotePro has a 12.2″ screen and a stylus while the TabPro has a 12.2″, 10.1″ or 8.4″ screen.

A thermal camera attachment for the iPhone 5 & 5S. FLIR One uses a two cameras to create a composite image, making it easier to discern objects. Also works as a battery pack for the phone. Available spring 2014 for $349.

The Clio is a 2.1 Bluetooth speaker. It has a 2″ woofer at the bottom of its base, but instead of additional drivers it has a sheet of acrylic as its transducer. The result is a discreet speaker that radiates sound in multiple directions.

The 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector uses laser technology to beam video at up to 4096×2160 just a few inches from your wall or screen. Its modular construction lets you separate its speakers and cabinets from the actual projector.

To show off its autonomous driving technology, BMW took The Verge for a ride in a 2 Series that not only drove itself but drifted in both dry and wet tracks as well. BMW estimates that they will have fully automated cars by 2020.