Today in Gear: The Day’s Best Product News

We talk a lot about the possibilities of electric vehicles, but not nearly as much about how much those innovations might cost the consumer looking to buy in. A new partnership between Honda and General Motors might just be the answer. The new partnership, announced via press release today, will focus on, “future EV battery technology collaboration opportunities, to further drive down the cost of electrification, improve performance and drive sustainability for future vehicles.” While the two are already individually working on moving forward EV battery technology (GM on lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries; Honda on solid-state batteries), the pair have already been sharing information on battery R&D since 2018. The exciting (albeit obvious) perk of this partnership isn’t just that two of the largest car manufacturers are teaming up, it’s that the duo are directly addressing the need for affordable EVs to help make the movement truly take hold globally. Sure, we’re always in the market for a sharp looking car that’s trusty and efficient, but a partnership like this also makes the eco-friendly goals of EV adoption seem a little bit more in reach. Car company collabs aside, a Bell & Ross watch that’s built three individual tachymeters (and then some), Arc’teryx’s retooled Norvan LD 3 sneaker and a new flavor of Coca-Cola that tastes like pixels make the rounds today. As always, this is Today in Gear.

Row anywhere in the world from home with Hydrow.

Hydrow

Hydrow sits above the competition not only because of its advanced, expert-designed machine but also for the incredible roster of coached workouts membership provides. Live Outdoor Reality™ programs are virtual workouts led by Olympians, Paralympians and U.S. Rowing team members, all coached live and outdoors in actual waterways around the world, from Boston and Los Angeles to London and Switzerland. The Hydrow community is global too: during a workout, you’ll likely be rowing in sync with someone thousands of miles away every single time you log on.

Bell & Ross’ BR 03-94 Multimeter is built for racing (and we mean every kind of race).

Bell & Ross

The watch world is flush with race-ready watches, but Bell & Ross’ new BR 03-94 Multimeter might just take the cake. The model’s bold colored rings on the face aren’t just aesthetic; each ring correlates to a pulsometer, asthmometer and three individual tachymeters. This is on top of a traditional chronograph. With a cockpit clock-inspired 42mm square case and BR-CAL.301 automatic movement make this not just a workhorse for tracking your mile times, but an eye-grabbing daily wear.

Get the most out of your trail runs with the redesigned Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3.

Arc’teryx

While Arc’teryx’s Norvan sneaker isn’t necessarily brand new, the redesign for 2022 makes a few concessions to make trail running more comfortable. This includes an expanded toebox and the use of ventilated Cordura mesh on the upper. A combination of a Vibram Litebase sole, InFuse midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole work in concert to keep the shoe lightweight, reduce running fatigue in the long haul, and deliver superior grip no matter what condition the trail might be in.

This origami-inspired kayak lightest non-inflatable kayak in the business.

Oru Kayak

Innovation, regardless of the industry, often means pushing to make things lighter and easier to carry. Oru Kayak has embodied this approach to innovation, launching the Lake Kayak, which weighs in at a staggering 18 pounds. Inspired by the folding techniques of origami, the kayak comes together in about 2 minutes thanks to smart detailing like a clamshell seat and folding floorboard. This isn’t to imply that the Lake Kayak isn’t durable; created with 5mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10 year UV treatment, the Lake kayak is ready for anything from rock beds to rugged waterways.

A coke that tastes like pixels? You read that right.

Coca-Cola

Do you know what pixels (yes, pixels) taste like? Coca-Cola has reportedly crafted a new coke — courtesy of its “Coca-Cola Creations” arm — called Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte. Inspired by the digital world and the gaming community, it’s, senior director of strategy at Coca-Cola Oana Vlad, “the Coca-Cola taste you know and love with bright elements upfront and refreshing with the finish.” It’s another testament to the power of Fortnite, which is where Coca-Cola Byte originally appeared back in March. The flavor will be available online starting May 2.

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