THE BEST Tech

While the idea of a real-world lightsaber sounds awesome, the amount of power required makes the idea impractical. But to celebrate the release of Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, The Hacksmith came up with the next best thing, a battery-powered version of the predecessor of the weapon, known as a Protosaber. Demo at 14:03.

Everyone could use a Mickey Mouse clock on their wall, and this model has a trick up its sleeves. It pairs with your Amazon Echo device to work as a timer, displaying the countdown of remaining minutes one 60 individual LEDs along its perimeter.

Vivid Audio’s top-of-the-line loudspeakers feature a curvaceous cabinet design and the best in audio tech. Tapered Tube Loading tech and a curved bass absorber horn help eliminate unwanted resonances, for pure, uncolored audio, while their 3-way, 6-driver system can accurately reproduce sounds from 35Hz to 25kHz.

Despite its diminutive size, this gadget gives you six different kinds of charging cable in one. It includes USB to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C, USB to Lightning, USB-C to Lightning, USB to MicroUSB and USB-C to MicroUSB connectors, and is small enough to hang on your keychain. They also have a 1.5 meter version called the inCharge 6Max.

We’ve seen machines that can sort LEGO bricks before, but they’re generally limited to just a few specific shapes or colors. Daniel West’s machine is much smarter, using AI algorithms to identify and sort nearly 3,000 different LEGO shapes and colors. We think it’ll need more than 18 sorting bins to be really useful though.

YouTuber Phuc Nguyen shared this hypnotic video of an intricate image being engraved out of a thick disc of brass. He used a Woodpecker DP1212 CNC router, and a variety of different tooling bits to gradually increase the detail of the design.

Using a mix of off-the-shelf and 3D-printed parts, maker Ivan Miranda built himself an enormous 3D printer. It took a little trial and error to get the printer set up, but the first example print turned out perfectly – a 31″ wide replica of a combination wrench. If you want to make one like it, Ivan says he’s going to post the plans online.

Treblab’s over-the-ear wireless headphones are great for blocking out background noise. They pack high-performance 40mm neodymium drivers, Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX, and active noise canceling tech. Plus, they can run for up to 35 hours on a charge.

Sony’s flagship phone has a 6.5″, ultrawide 21:9 OLED display with 3840×1644 resolution. It packs an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, and captures brilliant images with its 12.0MP triple lens camera that can shoot 4K HDR and 960fps slow motion. Save $200 on the Sony Xperia 1 (Available Dec 9-22, 2019) at Best Buy.

After building an ingenious device to befuddle porch package thieves, Mark Rober is back with a new and improved version. Like the original, it shoots video of the thief, fires off glitter and fart bombs, but with a little help from his friend Sean Hodgins and Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin, this version is better in every way.

These true wireless earbuds are designed for active living, holding securely into your ears, and featuring a waterproof and sweatproof design. They play for up to 8 hours per charge, and their wireless charge case offers up to 100 hours of juice. Save an extra 15% off in The Awesomer Shop with code MerrySave15. (expires 12/25/19)

Innfos‘ modular desktop robot is designed for scientists and hobbyists alike. Configurable with up to six axes, this robotic arm has extremely dexterous and smooth actuators can be used can be used to pick up objects up to 1kg (2.2lb), hold machining tools, or to perform other precision tasks.

Looking for gift ideas for the man who has everything? We’ve picked some of the best gift items from 2019 which we think any guy would love to receive for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this December. We’ve got gadgets, wallets, watches, bags, tools, toys, and more.

This impressive piece of computer-controlled machinery from Germany’s J. Neu can take straight pieces of metal tubing, and bend them to its whim. We’re not getting the accompaniment of The Godfather music, but maybe it’s a threat that the machine will bend you like a pretzel if you go against it.

The SideTrak adds a second screen to your laptop, without the need for extra desktop space. After you attach the magnetic metal frame to your laptop, the display slides out, and can be angled both towards you or away for presentations. The 12.5″ display has a 1920×1080 (HD) resolution IPS panel, and connects via USB-A or USB-C.

Whether you travel for work or play, you want the right equipment for your journey. The folks at Everyday Carry picked some of their favorite gadgets for keeping you connected, powered up, on time, and for capturing memories of your travels this year and into the next.

While flat screen TVs are all the rage these days, sometimes a projector is still a better solution – especially if you want a huge image. Builder Laura Kampf shows off a neat design for a coffee table that has a cubby for concealing a projector neatly beneath its lid.

Unbox Therapy shows off one of the tiniest laptops we’ve ever seen. The Xammue OneMix 3S Yoga Platinum is a powerful little Windows PC, packing up to a Core i7-8500Y CPU, and an 8.4″ touchscreen display with 2560×1600 resolution. Its teensy keyboard and pointer might be hard to get used to though.

NEBO’s pocket tool combines three useful functions in one. In addition to working as a 2200mAh emergency power bank, it has a tri-mode 400 lumen flashlight, and a 3″ utility blade. It’s made from anodized aluminum, is water- and impact-resistant, and is USB rechargeable.

Tune out the stress of traveling with these lightweight, easy-to-pack, budget Bluetooth headphones. iFrogz Impulse 2 wireless cans have a 20-hour battery life and an aux cable for even longer play. They have 44 mm neodymium drivers, an integrated mic for hands-free phone calls, plus controls for volume and tracks.

Azio’s wireless mechanical keyboard takes inspiration from vintage camera design. Its case is made using aluminum and leather, and it features a multi-function control knob that both spins and works like a joystick. It has 81 Gateron switches, and customizable RGB backlighting. A 21-key numeric keypad is also available.

This amazing gadget for guitarists takes the analog sounds of your instrument and layers them with thick synthesized enhancements. The Boss Synth SY-1000 pedalboard gives guitars a whole new range of capability, with its sophisticated sound engine, and the ability to produce a mix of rich acoustic and electric tones.

Need a spare computer, or something for the kid’s room? Grab a certified refurb 21.5″ iMac. This previous-gen machine has an Dual Core i3-2100 3.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, and 250GB HD. This is the thicker, 2011 model, which means easier repairs and upgrades. Save an extra 20% with coupon code GREENMONDAY20 (Expires 12/10/19)

A bible for discriminating audiophiles and and industrial design junkies, Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design traces the evolution of all things audio, from the 1950s birth of specialty equipment to today’s cutting-edge design. Phaidon’s 272-page book has 300 images and the expertise of Gideon Schwartz, founder of Audioarts.