10 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The Audioengine HD4 Next Gen is a new-and-improved version of its original HD4 powered speaker system, which was released in 2021. The “Next Gen” models look virtually identical and have the same two-way design with a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter and a 4-inch aramid fiber woofer. They also have a range of wired connections, allowing you to hook them up to a computer or turntable, and support Bluetooth streaming. The difference is that they have a USB-C audio input for more modern connections and now support higher-resolution streaming thanks to support for Bluetooth aptX Adaptive.

LG’s high-end line of 4K LCD TVs, known as its QNED Evo series, packs premium features for less. They are powered by LG’s Alpha AI processor and feature the company’s Dynamic QNED Color solution, which replaces the quantum dot technology in its previous LCD TVs, and promises to deliver an improved picture. For the first time, they also feature Mini LED backlighting. In the range, there are three models: the entry-level QNED85, the midrange QNED92 and the premium QNED9M. The latter comes with LG’s Zero Connect Box, an external setup box that houses all ports and connections and wirelessly transmits content at 4K up to 144Hz for the TV; this is a feature that was previously exclusive to its acclaimed OLED TVs.

The Boston-based audio company has released a limited-edition collection of its popular Model One BT. It’s the same powered Bluetooth speaker that features a built-in AM/FM radio, but now comes in five colorful finishes (and walnut cabinet) that have distinct ’70s flair. The five finishes are: poppy red, highlighter yellow, avocado green, golden hour orange and navy blue.

The Anker Liberty 5 are the company’s new wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. The earbuds share a similar stem as the brand’s 2023-released Liberty 4 (and Apple’s original AirPods), but come with improved ANC, support for Dolby Atmos audio and slightly longer battery life. The big difference is that they actually lack the built-in heart rate sensor of their predecessors, but are $20 cheaper. They cost $130 and come in two finishes: black or white.

The Japanese audio brand’s first wireless headphones blend modern features with distinct retro flair. The Hp1 are on-ear wireless headphones that pack 40mm drivers, support Bluetooth 5.4 and, interestingly, have active noise-cancellation and transparency modes. They support wired and wireless playback and, thanks to an extremely lightweight design (weighing 103 grams), promise to be super comfortable to wear. Available in two colors, white or black.

The Beats Pill is the closest thing to an Apple-made portable Bluetooth speaker you can buy — it quickly pairs with your iPhone (just like AirPods) and supports Apple’s Find My Network. When it was released in the summer of 2024, the portable speaker was available in three colors (matte black, statement red and champagne gold), but it’s now available in two more: navy blue and blush pink. The navy blue option is a Walmart exclusive, while the blush pink option is a Target exclusive. Both cost $150, the same price as the other-colored speakers.

The Audiolab D7 is a DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier that shares a similar compact design (and is a successor) to the company’s popular M-DAC from 2011. It features a 2-channel 32-bit Sabre DAC (ES9038Q2M) and boasts a range of wired connections as well as built-in Bluetooth. It also has a high-power headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones.

The Elipson Connect 2130 Xi is a streaming stereo amplifier that is both powerful and versatile. It features Class D amplification and can deliver 130 watts per channel (into 4 and 8 ohms), making it best suited for driving high-end bookshelf and floorstanding loudspeakers. Its inconspicuous and rackable design lends itself to more nuanced use cases, such as professional installations — it can be bridged in mono mode and deliver up to 500 watts of power (at 8 ohms) — but it also makes it more affordable than similarly powered amps.

Shokz’s OpenDots One are open-ear wireless earbuds with a clip-on earbud design, which Bose has made popular with its Ultra Open Earbuds. At A$200, these are more affordable alternatives. The most interesting feature about the OpenDots One is that there’s no designated left and right earbud — they’re interchangeable. When clipped to your ears, the earbuds automatically detect which ear they are on and configure their sound accordingly.

The Panasonic RB-F10 are open-ear wireless earbuds with an earhook design. Like other open-ear options, the earbuds don’t cover your ear canal and naturally let ambient sounds in while wearing them. They have built-in mics that feature beamforming tech to reduce sound leakage, so people around you can’t hear you. They have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, support Bluetooth multi-point, and each earbud promises roughly seven hours of battery life on a single charge. Available in black or beige, they are expected to cost around $100. (US pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.)