Today in Gear: Start Your Week Here

What’s ahead for Apple? Look to Android, says Ian Carlos Campbell over at Inverse. In an intriguing article, Campbell lays out how Apple dovetails its advances with Android — and why that’s been a good thing for users.

“It’s been commonly accepted that Apple arrives late to ideas popularized by other platforms like Android so it can apply its signature level of polish and deep integration to its hardware and software,” Campbell writes. “In this way, Apple stays current (relatively) while keeping the implementation and look of new features distinctly Apple.” This is of course describing a normal, healthy relationship between competitors in our modern tech world. And, as Campbell notes, that dynamic looks to continue into the near future.

Today we’re taking a look at ostrich-and-goat cowboy boots, an après-ski ball cap, candles from Kyoto and more. This is Today in Gear.

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news from Gear Patrol Studios. Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

A Snappy Car Charger

ESR

The ESR 15W Car Charger with MagSafe + CryoBoost ($100) securely and easily attaches to almost any car’s vents with a three-point support clip, and connects to the latest iPhone 15 with an Apple-certified MagSafe charging mount. Both the mount and magnet will hold your phone rock-steady over even the bumpiest roads, and the fast charger with CryoBoost tech provides a cooling fan to keep your device from overheating while charging, protecting your battery life over the long term. Now through January 31, save ten percent with code GearPatrol10 to keep yourself and your device safe while driving.

Boots for the Modern Cowboy

Tecovas

Tecovas stores have been popping up across the country since 2014. The young brand is thriving, thanks to their great designs, build qualities and prices. Their latest boot, The Garret ($495), ups the ante with a classic snip-toe design and a blend of goat and ostrich leathers.

Weed Vape, Cali Surf Style

Bloom

The “passionate stoners and borderline weed snobs” at Bloom have been perfecting quality Cali marijuana vaping tools since 2014 and won the Cannabis Cup in 2018. Their latest One Gram Surf ($34) is an all-in-one disposable vape with ceramic heating elements and triple-airflow for smooth, consistent vapor and flavor.

A Crushable Après Ballcap

RELYK

Sleek and low-key, Relyk’s five-panel unstructured Lodge Hat ($65) was inspired by skate caps. Its shell is water resistant, its interior is lined with comfy mesh and its crushable crown means you can shove it in your parka pocket when the beanie needs to go back on for one last run.

Teacup Candles from Kyoto

NOSTALGIANA

Whether you’re looking for tasteful gifts for friends or just need a good bath candle, Kyoto- and LA-based brand Nostalgiana’s Signature Yunomi Candle ($55) is a good bet. Select from four different teacup designs (fish, dog, samurai and sumo) and expect lovely scents from this 100 percent soy candle that’s hand-poured in Japan. Along with a hand-made kimono coaster, it’s a deal that will make you say “arigatou gozaimasu!”

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