9 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The Audioengine A2+ Wireless have been among the best and most popular desktop speakers for years. The versatile speakers combine excellent sound and wireless streaming capabilities, all at a relatively affordable price. The 2025 editions of these compact speakers (which have dropped the “Wireless” name) are identical to their predecessors but add the ability to play 24-bit audio and a USB-C input, making it easier to connect to today’s laptops and desktops.

The Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch is a first-of-a-kind USB-C to USB-C charging cable with an integrated puck for wirelessly fast charging an Apple Watch (Series 7 or later). It can distribute up to 100 watts of power and charge two devices simultaneously.

Audio-Technica has updated its R-Series of open-back headphones designed for musicians, sound engineers and other audio professionals. The Japanese audio brand has introduced the flagship ATH-R70xa, which are “enhanced” versions of its 2015-released ATH-R70x, as well as two more affordable models, the midrange ATH-R50x and entry-level ATH-R30x.

The OM System OM-3 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera designed to resemble the Olympus OM-1, a beloved film camera from the early 1970s. But on the inside, it has the same 20.37-megapixel stacked BSI sensor as the 2024-released OM-1 Mark II, as well as many of the same shooting capabilities and computational photography modes. Aside from its vintage looks, the main difference is that the OM-3 has a smaller body and is more affordable than the $2,400 OM-1 Mark II.

The Leica Lux Grip is a high-end MagSafe-compatible camera grip that essentially turns your iPhone into a Leica camera. It has a two-stage shutter release, a control dial for adjusting settings and two customizable buttons. And it works with Leica’s iPhone app, the Leica Lux, giving users access to lens simulations and 35mm film filters so that their iPhone photos look more Leica-esque, too. The downside is that it doesn’t work with any other camera app, including your iPhone’s default one, and it’s significantly more expensive than other MagSafe-compatible camera grips on the market.

The CalDigit Element 5 Hub is the company’s first Thunderbolt 5-enabled hub. It has nine total ports — including six USB-C (four of which support Thunderbolt 5) and three USB-A — that can distribute up to 90 watts of power. When paired with a Mac, it can support up to dual 60K (at 60Hz) or dual 4K (at 240Hz) external displays. Additionally, that Element 5 Hub is notably more compact than other Thunderbolt 5-enabled hubs.

The Lenco LBT-345WA is the Swiss audio maker’s belt-drive turntable. It has a traditional look and features high-end components, including a custom carbon fiber tonearm and an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. It has a built-in switchable phono preamplifier, allowing it to easily connect to powered speakers. And with support for Bluetooth, it can stream vinyl to your wireless speakers or headphones. As of February 2025, it’s now available in the US.

BioLite Dash 450 is the company’s slimmest and lightest rechargeable headlamp to date — and its first specifically designed for runners. It features a snug “no-bounce” fit, along with a reflective band and a rear red light for added visibility. The headlamp gets its name for its 450-lumen front light that promises to beam light up to 90 meters ahead of you. It has a three-hour battery (when on the highest brightness setting) and recharges via USB-C.

The Mixx Revival 55 is a suitcase-style record player (similar to the ones made popular by Victrola) designed as an easy and affordable way to play vinyl records. It’s a true all-in-one turntable with built-in speakers, although it features a line-level output for connecting to a more extensive audio system or set of powered speakers. It supports Bluetooth, so you can stream music to it when not playing vinyl. And despite its portable design, it lacks a built-in battery and needs to be connected to power.