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.
An elegant and timeless looking at-home coffee essential, Fellow’s powerful Ode Brew Grinder specializes in transforming beans into grinds for brewed coffee—pour-overs, drip, French press and more. The professional-grade appliance uses stainless steel flat burrs with 31 different grind settings for absolute customization. And delight is in the details, like the catch that magnetically aligns so grounds never make a mess.
Oda was born from the desire to bring live musical performances home. Comprised of two wood-paneled speakers, a controller and a membership plan, the system relays live performances from remarkable talent—somewhat bridging the gap left by the closure of many venues. Artists perform new tracks, experiment or work with collaborators on a commission, while listeners follows along in real time. These performances (which rotate with the seasons and are mostly performed on weekends) cannot be replayed, but you can play your own tunes, courtesy of in-line or Bluetooth audio, or tune in to Oda’s 24/7 live broadcast between the scheduled sessions. Oda uses the funds raised from their membership program to pay artists fairly, and performers retain the rights to their live Oda shows—plus, they can use them as they wish.
Staying in, cooking more and thinking about home improvement has led some of us to fantasize about kitchen upgrades. In their brand new range of ranges, Samsung has married crisp design with advanced technology. They’re not only WiFi-enabled for convenient connectivity, but they also now feature Smart Dial—an interface that learns your patterns to anticipate the right setting at the right moment. A built-in air fryer and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes add even more allure.
Palomar’s ingenious handheld radio lets users tap into local stations around the world. With 18 keys that can correspond to any number of global cities—from Athens and Barcelona to Istanbul and Jakarta—tuning in is as easy as tapping your selection. To play it, though, one must connect the radio to the CityRadio app, which is available to download on the iOS or Android store, in advance. In total, there are over 60,000 stations available on CityRadio. The device is available in a red and tan or black and blue colorway. Price is in Euros.
Ideal for beginners, Orion’s compact tabletop StarMax 90mm TableTop Telescope is powerful enough to bring the moon, our solar system’s planets and even innumerable bright deep space objects into view. For on the road use, the 6.5-pound device can also be affixed to a field tripod (though, it’s not included) if need be. It’s a cost-effective and easy-to-use option.
Designed specifically for 2015 to current Apple iMac and iMac Pro, Nack Studio’s Base lends height and stability to an office set-up. The domestically grown and sustainably sourced black maple ash stand comes in two- or four-inch versions, allowing for variability in how you configure your workspace. Finished with a coating of OSMO Poly-X oil, the Base will withstand regular use and its microporous surface means it’s extra easy to wipe clean.
For carbonating water at home, Aarke’s compact Carbonator II does the job in the most quality packaging option on the market, now available in a black chrome finish. The use of stainless steel instead of plastic sets the countertop device apart from competitors, promising a longer lifespan and delivering a more eye-pleasing look. With its lever-operated function, it’s also easier to use.
With the introduction of their 3X Bluicer Pro, Breville coined the term “bluicing,” a portmanteau of blending and juicing. That’s exactly what this countertop appliance does—preparing everything from green juices to smoothies and frozen cocktails in its 50oz. jug (and 101-oz. pulp bin). Its interchangeable design and pre-set programs allow for ease of use and precise results. And all parts—except the motor base and food pusher—are dishwasher safe.
As mixed reports and concerns continue to surround vaping, PAX ensures their updated devices are the safest and most effective way to vaporize cannabis concentrate. With their newest offering, the PAX Era Pro, an NFC chip inside each pod connects to a receptor within the body and provides the user the ability to control temperature and dose. The device also has the ability to remember settings for particular pods and display THC levels, producer information, and more within a connected app. (If you’re looking to experience effects immediately, a higher temperature would be your bet. Those looking for a mild dose should set the temperature to its lowest possible notch.) Plus, since PAX Era Pro pods are made, tested and distributed by cannabis producers in partnership with PAX, this is the best way to ensure that what’s inside will do no harm.
The latest iteration of Muse’s meditation-assisting technology, the Muse S multi-sensor headband offers real-time feedback on brain activity, body movement, heart rate and breathing as one meditates. Gone are the rubbery cushions of previous versions, replaced by comfortable plush fabric. This redesign takes into account users who’d like to meditate before sleep (or simply listen to soothing sounds), but all of the original value is here in the form of guided meditation and diagnostics on how you were feeling and when.
With a built-in microphone and 40-second sample memory, Teenage Engineering pocket-sized micro-sampler provides hours upon hours of entertainment. Craft your own beats and tunes on this portable device, which offers simple instructions on the back. There are also plenty of helpful tutorials online too.
Meant to stimulate the Vagus nerve (a regulatory bodily component that starts within the ear and runs through nearly every organ) while its user listens to music, this tech-forward set—which includes the Xen device, headphones, interchangeable earbuds, a display stand, and the necessary charging accessories—replaces typical listening devices. It connects via Bluetooth to your mobile device and streaming service and offers a proprietary in-ear treatment that improves sleep, enhances focus, and overall wellbeing. The stimulation is painless—equivalent to how it feels to use your usual earbuds. Best results (our testing coaxed on calmer sleep after listening just before bed) are achieved with consistent use.
