Today in Gear: In-the-Know on New Releases

Sony has finally revealed the details surrounding its revamped PlayStation Plus offering, finally (sincerely) attempting to challenge Xbox’s blockbuster Game Pass service. For context, Xbox’s Game Pass is effectively like “Netflix for video games”; users pay a monthly subscription fee and can download over 300 games to play on their Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S. It’s been a major selling point in the current generation of the “console wars” and has made the Xbox one of the best values in modern gaming. PlayStation’s response revamps the PS Plus subscription model, integrating some features from PS Now (what was PlayStation’s subscription game service) and adding some new details to make it more closely resemble Xbox’s Game Pass. The three tiered system begins with “PlayStation Plus Essential” which is basically just current PlayStation Plus, with two free games per month, picked by PlayStation. The next level (which is more like a rebranded PlayStation Now) is “PlayStation Plus Extra.” This tier promises around 400 games to download — sticking only to games from the PS4 and PS5 generation. The final tier is “PlayStation Plus Premium” which throws in an additional archive of around 350 games from the PS1, PS2 and PS3 era (on top of everything from the lower subscription tiers). For more information on pricing, global availability and a closer look at each level’s specific features, head over here for more on this new PlayStation offering. Gaming aside, get info on a Breitling Navitimer revival, Devialet’s monstrous new wireless soundbar and the latest drop from running brand Forrest Running & Recreation. This is Today in Gear.

Thuma’s “The Bed” welcomes thoughtful design into your bedroom.

Thuma

Thuma has built its name on crafting thoughtfully designed pieces for the bedroom. The Bed is a sterling example of that commitment to excellence. Gorgeous materials abound, made from environmentally-friendly upcycled rubberwood in Walnut or Natural, The Bed (GREENGUARD Gold certified) features Japanese joinery-inspired construction, resulting in a 13 inch-tall, low-profile design that’s a breeze to set up. The same goes for The PillowBoard, offered in Dark Charcoal or Light Linen. With interchangeable covers (easy-to-remove and washable), The Bed can be refreshed depending on how you like to style your space.

Breitling’s Navitimer is celebrating its 70th anniversary in a big way.

Breitling

When it comes to Breitling watches, few can top the fan-favorite appeal of the Navitimer. As the watch celebrates its 70th birthday in 2022, the brand is releasing and entire suite of Navitimers, in three separate case sizes and two different case materials (and a myriad of different dial options). All of the 2022 Navitimers will feature details like the circular slide rule, baton indexes and the notched bezel. A new addition is COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement, found in all the options. For a more thorough look, take a look at the announcement down below.

Take a seat: Add Helinox’s ultralight Chair Zero High-Back to your camping kit.

Helinox

On-the-go seating needs to, no matter how you slice it, supportive and lightweight (or, at minimum, easy to carry). Helinox’s Chair Zero High-Back gives you everything you’d need in a camping chair, built on the foundation of Helinox’s Chair Zero program — emphasizing light and low-weight materials with a sturdy design. Sitting — pun not intended — at just a 1.8 pounds (with the ability to hold up to 265 pounds), the chair is built with an advanced aluminum alloy that’s anodized for extra durability.

Devialet’s first-ever wireless soundbar promises room-shaking sound with Dolby Atmos support.

Crutchfield

As our Tech Desk pointed out, “The Dione isn’t your average soundbar – it’s a monster” Devialet’s first-ever soundbar, the Dione, features 17 audio drivers for a 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system, all without the need for additional wireless subwoofer or satellite speakers needed. The most interesting detail is the small sphere that sits at the center of the Dione, which contains an active speaker and two passive radiators, using an integrated gyroscope to always keep the sphere emitting audio centrally. This is on top of the “Space” tech, which can upscale any mono or stereo signal to Dolby 5.1.2 sound.

Cult favorite running lifestyle label Forrest Running & Recreation drops new apparel.

Forrest

It’s a good thing that Forrest includes running and recreation alongside its full-on label name, given the brand’s penchant for streetwear-like nods to previous eras of style or pieces of pop culture. For the latest drop, fans will find tees and a coaches jacket, all cut, sewn and dyed in the USA. Forrest explained on Instagram that the drop is inspired by, “a variety of influences including ’70s and ’80s mountaineering, 2000s streetwear, the film Raging Bull, and tonal colors.” Admittedly, I’d never heard of Forrest until joining the crew here at Gear Patrol, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like what the brand is putting out.

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