10 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The XIO is a high-end in-ear monitor that is the joint creation of Astell&Kern, arguably the biggest name in portable hi-fi players, and 64 Audio, specialists in the premium in-ear monitor space. The earbuds have an advanced hybrid 10-driver system and are integrated with several patented technologies developed by 64 Audio. According to the brands, the XIO sets a new benchmark for IEMs are is able to deliver a magnificent sound with “a vivid sense of depth and a spacious, realistic soundstage.”

The Sony RX1R III is an updated version of the company’s 2015-released RX1R II premium fixed-lens compact camera. This third-generation model has many of the photo and video capabilities of Sony’s 2019-released a7R IV, as it features the same 61-megapixel full-frame image sensor and Sony’s new-generation Bionz XR and AI image processors. The fixed lens allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm and 70 mm. And while the body looks quite similar to its predecessor, the RX1R III has been redesigned with new control dials and a fixed rear screen, replacing the tilting one. Notably, the RX1R III costs $5,100, representing a significant increase over the $3,300 price of the RX1R II.

Pro-Ject’s Head Box E is a compact headphone amplifier designed to integrate your wired headphones into a traditional stereo setup, such as a CD or vinyl-based system. Unlike many other “cheap” amplifiers, it features a fully discrete design, allowing for greater control over the signal path and enabling it to be used in a variety of setups. On its back panel, there’s a pair of RCA input and output sockets, the latter serves as a bypass for the audio signal to be sent unaltered through to another amplifier or audio device, such as an integrated amplifier or set of powered speakers. This allows the Head Box E to be used as a standalone headphone amp or one that’s situated between hi-fi components and integrated into a larger stereo setup. On the front panel, it features two headphone jacks — a 3.5mm and a 6.35mm — and thus can work with a variety of wired headphones.

The GoldenEar T44 is a smaller version of the company’s award-winning T66 floorstanding loudspeakers ($6,900/pair). The two loudspeakers both have a three-way design, but the T44 loudspeaker has a five-driver array instead of six; one of the midrange drivers has been sacrificed. Just like the T66, the T44 is a hybrid loudspeaker, meaning the tweeter and midrange drivers are passive and require external amplification, while the woofer is powered by a built-in 56-bit DSP amplifier. The idea is that these loudspeakers can deliver room-filling sound with a deep, punchy bass that’d normally require an external subwoofer.

Campfire Audio’s Relay is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed to elevate the sound of its in-ear monitors — or any wired headphones — when you’re listening from a laptop or smartphone. It’s powered by a high-quality DAC (AKM SEQ 4493) chip and can play high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz, with support for PCM and DSD playback formats. It features dual headphone jacks, one 3.5mm (single-ended) and one 4.4mm (balanced), so it can work with a wide variety of wired headphones. It also has low and high gain modes, six selectable filters, and a 60-step volume control, all of which can help you achieve the exact sound (and volume) you want.

The FiiO SP5 is a compact active speaker system that’s primed for desktop use. The brand claims that it has been engineered from the ground up with a dual power supply system — so each speaker is individually powered — which “ensures consistent power delivery, minimized cross-channel interference, and a level of sonic stability typically reserved for component systems.” The system features an independent 4-channel amplifier design, delivering 80 watts of power per speaker. There are a variety of inputs (AUX, RCA, XLR, and USB-C) to accept both analog and digital sources, allowing you to connect the speakers directly to your computer or larger hi-fi system. It also supports streaming via Bluetooth.

This is a GaN wall charger with a slim design, foldable prongs and dual USB-C ports. It’s capable of outputting 67 watts through one port, making it powerful enough to charge a laptop, or 45 watts and 20 watts when using both USB-C ports. It features a soft-touch exterior, which the brand claims gives it a “premium feel.” And it’s available in three color finishes: Black, Sand or Desert Rose.

Anker’s Nano Charging Station plugs into the wall and is capable of distributing 100 watts of power, allowing it to charge four devices simultaneously. It features USB-C and USB-A ports on its side, as well as three AC outlets on the back. However, the most notable feature is its two retractable USB-C cables, which can extend up to 2.3 feet in length. It also features a 1.3-inch LCD display that displays charging information and indicates which ports/outlets are in use.

The FiiO QX13 is the company’s flagship pocketable DAC and headphone amplifier, designed to enhance the audio performance of any USB-C source, including the latest iPhones or Android smartphones, as well as laptops or desktops. It features a high-quality DAC chip (ESS Sabre Pro ES9027PRO) that promises performance levels comparable to those of a “full-sized” hi-fi system. It also supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz. Additionally, the little gadget features a fully carbon body with a 2-inch color display that displays playback information, including file format and audio resolution. And it has 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm jacks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones.

Since its release in 2024, Nomad’s Rocky Point Band has quickly become a fan favorite Apple Watch strap. It’s essentially a more rugged version of the company’s Sport Band, as it combines FKM rubber and grade 5 titanium hardware, and it just looks damn cool. Now, the popular Apple accessory has introduced a new Carbon Black colorway, which is a deeper black than the previous “Storm” colorway, and it looks even cooler. It’s compatible with 45mm Apple Watches and the 49mm Ultra models.