Even with Apple’s longstanding reputation for prioritizing individuals’ privacy, there’s no denying that the issues surrounding its AirTags — which have lead to high profile headlines highlighting the product’s ability to make it easier to track (or stalk) people without their knowledge — have made a bit of a headache for Tim Cook and company. In an effort address concerns surrounding safety and privacy, Apple has released a new Personal Safety User Guide with a special section aimed at AirTags. The most important (and actionable) subsection in the guide is a general-use, 13 point “Review and Take Action” list, which gives various ways users can tweak their privacy settings — ranging from modifying your sharing settings to completely erasing your data entirely if need be. While these fixes don’t necessarily dismiss the bad press and reports surrounding AirTags and unwanted tracking or stalking, we can at least appreciate Apple’s move at addressing consumer concerns. For more information around AirTags, check out Gear Patrol’s comprehensive guide on AirTag FAQs. Today we’re talking Citizen’s watch collab with automaker Nissan, Budweiser’s first-ever zero-carb beer and Mazda’s new challenger to the Subaru Forester. This is Today in Gear.
Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news. Want your question featured in our weekly “Ask an Expert” column? Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].
SeaVees’ Bolinas Boot is set to impress, rain or shine
SeaVees
SeaVees has you set with a boot that blends form and function: the Bolinas Boot. Made from matte-finished waterproof natural rubber and designed in a pull-on rubber rainboot silhouette, the boot is built to last under a variety of different wet-weather conditions (and look great while doing it). But just because the boot is built to perform doesn’t mean it’s sacrificing comfort; the soft knit lining keeps feet warm and the SeaVees heritage webbing on front and back make pulling the boot on and off a breeze.
Inspired by the Nissan Fairlady Z (aka 350Z), Citizen has created two chronographs (in Fairlady colors “Ikazuchi Yellow” or “Seiran Blue”) that honor the speed and sleek elegance of the classic Nissan sports cars. Notably, the watches use Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled tech, which remove the need for a conventional battery as all light is converted into energy to power the watch. These models also boast Atomic Timekeeping Technology, which self-adjusts and syncs to local time in four different regions.
Vosteed Cutlery pivots into the EDC space with modern outdoor-ready knives.
Vosteed
Designer Yue Dong (known as “Doctor EDC”), co-launched Vosteed Cutlery on the back of the “Morgan” suite of kitchen knives. Now the brand is pivoting into EDC blades, including the “Nightshade” — a flipper inspired by a traditional Taiwanese slipjoint — and the “Bellamy” — a multipurpose clip blade designed with support from Kizer Cutlery member Azo Mai.
Budweiser launches its first-ever zero-carb beer: Bud Light NEXT.
Jordan Strauss
In a world of spiked seltzers and new canned cocktails, the biggest beer brands need to be ready to innovate to stay relevant. Bud Light is doing just that by offering Bud Light NEXT. The brand’s first-ever carb-free beer, the beer is designed to compete directly with the popular spiked seltzer category, with a crisp taste and only 80 calories at 4 percent ABV. Bud Light NEXT should be available nationwide around February 7 (just in time for the Super Bowl).
Mazda plans to take on the Subaru Forester (and North America) with the all-new CX-50
Mazda
Mazda’s making big moves to increase its presence stateside, using the CX-50 — which recently began rolling off the line in Mazda’s Alabama plant —to do it. With i-Active All-Wheel Drive system and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select coming standard, there’s an option of two 2.5 liter engines and will feature new-to-Mazda creature comforts like a panoramic moonroof and details to help you pack in more gear to enjoy the outdoors.
SeaVees
