For camping or just as a back-up power source in emergency situations, Raptic’s Titan 225 has a big 225Wh capacity—which results in charging a smartphone 20 times, a laptop five times, or GoPros and cameras 35 times. It’s super-versatile, with several different outlets: 12V car port, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports and an AC outlet. Plus, the add-on solar chargers are a nice touch for camping and other outdoor adventures.
In 1938, when esteemed architect and designer Franco Albini reconstructed a radio between two pieces of tempered glass, he created one of his most renowned works—a feat of technology as aesthetic praxis, a revolutionary blend between minimalism and modernity. In 2021, Albini’s radio continues to uphold the standard for innovation. Cassina’s Radio in Cristallo LE brings the original into the contemporary age with Bluetooth technology and an optional subwoofer that connects to WiFi for a truly immersive sound. The elegant piece features satin knobs and a matte black chassis. Limited to only five pieces, each Radio in Cristallo LE has a numbered metal plate and hand-soldered circuits.
Ideal for individuals and teams, Waverly Labs’ Ambassador Interpreter ensures you never miss a detail in the conversation—whether it’s in French, German, Vietnamese, Mandarin or another language. Equipped with two mics that can capture speech from up to eight feet away, easy click-to-talk translation settings and group options that allow up to four units to sync to a single device via their free IOS and Android app, these sleek over-the-ear units make translation in real time more seamless than ever. With 20 languages and 42 dialects, the Ambassador Interpreter comes in black or wine red, and features a carrying bag and micro-USB charging cables, making it extra easy to transport.
Nura’s newest audio product, the wireless NuraTrue earphones improve noise-cancellation along with the sound quality. Providing exceptional bass and clear phone calls, the buds are ideal for audiophiles. They’re also water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating—meaning they’re safe from splashes and sweat. They come with a fast-charging case as well as four sets of different sized silicone ear-tips.
The sound quality of in-ear headphones can be lacking that immersive feeling, but the PI7 In-Ear Wireless Headphones from English audio company Bowers & Wilkins provides big sound in a small package. Founded in the 1960s, the brand has been innovating audio products for 50+ years and these headphones are evidence of their success. With adaptive noise-cancelling capability, 24-bit connection and Qualcomm aptX technology, and dual hybrid drive units (with individual amplifiers), the sound delivered is clear and crisp. With their snug fit, they’re great for any level of activity and block outside sounds even when the active noise-cancellation is off. There are also six microphones for better phone calls. The charging case can be used with or without a cable, making them super-portable.
This patchable analog synthesizer kit from Moog is the legendary audio brand’s most affordable synth, and an ideal option for those just beginning to experiment. Easy to assemble, the device also comes with a CV Expander, which makes the synth compatible with CV-equipped analog gear. It’s also a great and flexible tool for more advanced enthusiasts who value simplicity and customization.
The new Polaroid Go instant film camera is smaller than any of the photo brand’s previous iterations, and it uses an all-new type of film. This starter kit includes the pocket-sized camera and a double-pack of color film. The camera’s self-timer and side mirror assist make self portraits a breeze. Weighing just .53 lbs (242 grams), it’s light enough to wear around your neck for long periods and comes with a strap to do so. The Polaroid Go is rechargeable via USB and a full charge should last 15 film packs—or 120 snaps.
Moment has developed a collection of seven sleek iPhone 12 MagSafe mounts—and our pick is the car vent version. It attaches to the vent with a rubberized press-on grip and features a stronger connection thanks to the brand’s patent-pending (M)Force magnet array. Strong, but not clunky, the mount is also padded to keep your phone even safer. iPhone content makers will want to check out the rest of the collection as well—it features a range of tripod and cold shoe mounts.
G Pen’s Connect Vaporizer aims to make cannabis concentrate consumption easier by stripping the process of the typical butane torch and nail. A ceramic heating element reaches temperature in five seconds and patented reverse airflow technology produces smooth yet sizable draws. To use, one simply installs the Connect in place of a bowl—or where there is a glass-to-glass connection. Charging the included battery works easily as it attaches magnetically and can be removed without detaching the heating element. Three settings allow for customization, while a manual option encourages experimentation.
When creating the Orba, the designers at Artiphon found inspiration from video game controllers. This compact, sleek and infinitely addicting new musical instrument is a hand-held synth, looper and MIDI device. It interfaces with Garage Band, Pro Tools and more for easy music-making. Eight capacitive-sensing pads, responsive multicolor LEDs and an embedded haptic engine offer visual and vibrational feedback. Orba features sound design from DJ and engineer Richard Devine. Create a drumbeat, bass, chord and lead parts that can play from the built-in speaker, headphones or through the output into amps and speakers. Professional musicians and amateurs alike will enjoy making music as soon as they have the Orba.
Lettuce Grow’s design-friendly and tech-forward hydroponic Farmstand system makes growing fruits, vegetables, leafy greens and herbs at home easy—using 95% less water than traditional gardening along the way. Each Farmstand (which comes in various size options to meet spatial and output needs) includes the stand (made of recycled ocean plastics), water pump, power cord and timer, as well as plant food for 130+ plants and a pH Testing Kit. When coupled with the brand’s Glow Rings, the self-sustaining system can be used in-doors to produce lush vegetation year-round.
Designed to power up an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time, Logitech’s Powered 3-In-1 Dock delivers a seamless, wireless charging experience. The item’s meticulous engineering also makes it an organizational tool for all your accessories whenever they’re not in use. For non-Apple users, the dock supports Qi-enabled devices from Google, LG and more (with up to 10W wireless charging).
From CH favorite, Stockholm-based Teenage Engineering, the OB–4 Portable Speaker offers about 100 decibels of super-clear sound via two four-inch bass drivers and two neodymium tweeters with 38 watts per channel. Minimal and modern, but with a distinctly old-school boombox vibe, the speaker plays music through Bluetooth, FM radio or line input (like an iPhone or RCA jack). There’s also disk mode, for which the brand will continue to experiment with features. (Right now, it offers three settings: Ambient, Metronome and Karma.) The speaker’s powerful battery provides eight hours of sound at maximum volume or (for more subdued listening experiences) about 40 hours on just one charge. Further, the OB-4 operates on a two-hour recorded loop, allowing you to rewind albums or live radio broadcasts.
Made in an edition of 50, record label Ghostly’s collaborative headphones with Kawasaki, Japan-based Phonon emphasize the next-generation audio company’s dynamic, high-quality sound experience. Phonon says that the 4400 model is their most user-friendly—which is foldable and lightweight but powerful. Ghostly’s spooky branding can be found on both ears, too.
Steward’s handy iOS app addresses the complexities of plant care. For $15 monthly (or $120 annually) you have access to the app’s numerous abilities: to identify plants, learn their care requirements, diagnose issues, find the correct light for species within your home and even select plants to match temperature requirements. Within, one can use the Plant Map to scan rooms or entire floors and find the best spots for all types of plants—from lush, low-lying ones to fruiting trees.
A sophisticated educational tool in the form of a charming little robot, ROYBI comes with 500 free daily lessons as well as 40 stories and songs. ROYBI encourages children (from pre-school age to elementary) to learn languages and acquire STEM skills. There’s also a companion app for parents to monitor progress.
