Awesome Tech

This wired/wireless keypad from DOIO is perfect for programming custom macros. It’s got nine layers for saving presets and three encoder knobs. It has a sturdy aluminum alloy and acrylic case, and its circuit board has RGB backlighting and hot-swappable sockets if you want to change the included Gateron G Yellow Pro Linear switches.

This neat desktop accessory uses an LCD screen in its base and a crystal cube with an optical prism to create a tiny, see-through display. Its 240 x 240 pixel screen can show full-color images, GIF animations, news, weather, and other information. It connects via Wi-Fi and can be configured easily from a web browser. Setup instructions here.

Digital paper is really here. The ReMarkable Paper Pro is an E-ink tablet with an 11.8″ 2160 x 1620 display. It has colored ink particles that allow it to display nine colors, which can also be blended into new ones. It has a low-glare backlight, a satisfying paper-like texture, and comes with a stylus. It also has an optional keyboard attachment.

NWM One Wireless headphones look like one of those AI-generated concept renders that plague Instagram. But it’s an actual product, albeit for specific needs. Instead of ear cups, its drivers dangle in open frames. Its noise-canceling tech does a good job of minimizing sound leakage. They’re not the best sounding, but unique and comfortable.

The smaller sibling of the original Creator Board keyboard. Work Louder’s new Creator Micro is a macro pad that more than justifies its price in both form and function. It has 12 keys, a knob, and a scroll wheel, all programmable using VIA. You can switch between up to four layers on the fly using the touch sensor. It also has full RGB underglow lighting.

This versatile dock from Razer is ideal for Mac users who need more ports. It connects to a single Thunderbolt 4 port on your laptop or desktop and adds 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a UHS-II SD memory card slot, and a 3.5 mm audio combo jack. It can also deliver up to 90W of power and connect an external 4K display.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is all about improving graphical fidelity and speed. It packs an upgraded GPU that can render 45% faster than the PS5, enhanced ray tracing capabilities, and AI-powered upscaling. It also ups the performance of more than 8500 PS4 titles. It comes with a 2TB SSD, but the Blu-Ray drive is an add-on. Launches 11.7.24 with pre-orders starting 9.26.24.

Watch mechanical keyboard enthusiast Lightning build VK.Works’ The Compensator. It’s a hilarious monstrosity that takes the 40% layout and adds the arrow keys, the six specialized keys, the numpad, and eight macro keys. On both sides. See the finished build at 2:49:20 and join VK.Works’ Discord channel to learn more.

Bang & Olufsen’s new headphones are packed with premium tech and materials – 10 mics for active noise cancellation, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, lambskin leather headband, etc. But it’s also a modular platform. B&O promises to offer not just replacement parts but also upgraded versions of the headband, cushions, battery, and drivers in the future.

The latest GoPro HERO Black is all about creative options. It supports a new series of interchangeable lenses, including anamorphic, ultra-wide, macro, and more. It also has a more powerful battery, a fast-grip mount for tripod threads, and a magnetic-locking charge option. It supports up to 5.3K resolution, 400 fps slow-mo, HLG HDR, and has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

Because maker Allen Pan knows no bounds when it comes to engineering stupid things, he thought it might be fun to mow his lawn with lasers. After experimenting with a spinning blue laser rig, he moved on to a grid-style design with multiple lasers. We imagine that it fries some bugs while it’s cutting the grass.

The latest version of Razer’s Xbox and PC controller has six remappable inputs: four back paddles and two bumpers near the shoulder buttons. Its triggers can be toggled between analog and instant actuation. It uses Hall Effect joysticks for a drift-free experience. It has a wireless dongle, while its wired mode gets you a 1000 Hz polling rate.

Why would anyone pay five more than normal for a 3-in-1 wireless charger? Perhaps if it’s the only one that makes charging a fun and futuristic ritual. Its top charger doubles as a magnetic phone dock and can swivel, giving you a great angle to view your device’s display. Its two other wireless pads pop out from either side when pressed.

Creating metal parts for cars requires massive industrial stamping machines or labor-intensive hand-shaping. Desktop Metal’s Figur G15 machine can precisely shape sheet metal using a computer-controlled ball tool. In this video, car builder Rob Ida uses the Figur to craft parts to help realize Preston Tucker’s never-built Carioca concept car. (Thanks, Rob!)

One of the most compelling things about cassette tapes is their space for prints and decals, from straight-up branding to more creative album art. Many had blank lines to be written on. Graffiti artist neck lets us admire hundreds of tape designs on their free online gallery. You can filter the tapes by brand, color, and more.

A follow-up to the Xbox Adaptive Controller, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is essentially half of a modern gamepad. Its thumbstick’s topper is meant to be easily replaceable to better fit users with limited mobility, with Xbox promising 3D printable toppers. It’s also compatible with Windows 10/11, Android, and iOS. Available early 2025.