13 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The FiiO M21 is an entry-level portable hi-fi player that is relatively affordable — it costs less than half the price of a new iPhone. It features a 4.7-inch touchscreen display, is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, and runs on the Android 13 operating system. And, most importantly, it has a quad-DAC architecture and dual-stage amplification, ensuring that it can play high-resolution audio and drive most headphones. It even supports Bluetooth (and high-res codecs like LDAC and aptXHD), so you can use it with your wireless headphones. Unlike the brand’s other portable hi-fi players, like the even more affordable FiiO JM21, the M21 supports a Desktop mode, so you can use it as a headphone amp/DAC for your computer.

Bose announced the second-generation versions of its flagship noise-cancelling wireless earbuds earlier this summer, but they’re finally available. As far as looks and features, they don’t stray too far away from the 2023-released originals. However, Bose upgraded in several key ways. They promise even better adaptive noise-cancellation thanks to new and improved AI, as well as superior call clarity. The case now supports wireless charging. They also have new ear tips that feature a built-in wax guard to prevent buildup and audio degradation. Available in three colors: Black, White Smoke and Deep Plum.

The Fujifilm X-E5 is a compact mirrorless camera that’s very similar to the company’s recently released X100 VI, but it features interchangeable lenses. It features the same X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and in-body image stabilization system, and is capable of capturing 40.2-megapixel stills and up to 6.2K (at 30fps) video. It can be bundled with Fujifilm’s 23mm f/2.8 lens ($500), which can match the focal length of the X100 VI’s fixed 35mm equivalent lens. The catch is that it’s expensive. It’s twice as expensive as its predecessor, the 2021-released X-E4, and it’s $100 more than the X100 VI … and that’s before you bundle it with a lens. Black and silver models will be available. It starts shipping in August 2025.

The Cambridge Audio MXW70 is a compact power amplifier and the newest addition to the British audio maker’s MX series. Like the others, the MXW70 is a half-width hi-fi component designed to fit into tight spaces. But despite its size, it doesn’t skimp on power — it’s capable of delivering 70 Watts (at 8 Ohms) per channel and, according to the brand, can drive “even demanding speakers without the bulk of traditional power amplifiers.”

The SoundLink Plus is a brand-new addition to Bose’s portable speaker lineup. It’s a mid-range speaker that falls between the SoundLink Flex ($149) and SoundLink Max ($399); it weighs 3.29 pounds, compared to the Flex’s 1.3 pounds and the Max’s 4.7 pounds. The SoundLink Plus packs six total drivers — one subwoofer, a tweeter and four passive radiators — and promises to deliver bass-heavy audio. It has an IP67 rating and is ideally suited for the pool or beach — Bose claims it even floats.

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is an updated version of Bose’s smallest portable Bluetooth speaker that was initially released in 2017. The new model looks very similar, but it packs improved sound, double the battery life (now up to 12 hours), and supports USB-C charging (instead of micro-USB). Additionally, it now comes with a removable fabric nylon strap that should make it easier to clip or loop the speaker onto things like a bag, golf cart or bike.

The Luna are the company’s most high-end pair of in-ear monitors to date. They feature custom 13mm micro planar-magnetic drivers — which have been developed with the help of Madoo, a Japanese earphone company that specializes in planar magnetic drivers — and promise to deliver high-fidelity sound with “outstanding response speed, exceptional resolution, and natural resonance.” The earbuds feature precision-crafted titanium shells inspired by the soft curves of the moon.

Logitech’s new Flip Folio is a case that fits both the iPad Pro and iPad Air, available in two sizes to accommodate Apple’s 11-inch and 13-inch tablets. It works like any folio case, protecting the back and front of the iPad while you travel, while also folding back on itself into a multi-angle kickstand to prop up the screen. The unique thing about the Flip Folio is that it comes with a slim wireless keyboard, which, when not in use, magnetically attaches to the back of the case. It’s available in four different color options.

The Sony SS-CS5M2 are entry-level passive bookshelf speakers with a three-way design with three drivers: a soft-dome tweeter, a wide-dispersion super tweeter and a 5.12-inch woofer. The speakers are Hi-Res Audio certified and have a frequency response of 53Hz to 50,000Hz. Sony claims that the speakers are ideal for music lovers residing in smaller living spaces.

The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 is a new-and-improved version of the brand’s 2022-released Dolby Atmos soundbar. Like the original, the “MK2” model is a 7.1.4-channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. It’s unique because it features detachable side speakers that can be placed behind the listener and used as rear-channel speakers, thereby transforming a standard soundbar into a full surround sound system. The main difference between the original Bar 1000 and the new MK2 version is power — the new model maxes out at 960 watts (compared to the original’s 880 watts), and therefore promises a louder and more immersive sound.

After three years, the Steam Deck is finally getting a bona fide rival. Microsoft and Asus have teamed up to create the first Xbox handheld consoles that, according to the brands, promise to bring “the best of Xbox and Windows together.” There are two models, the Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X, both of which share a 7-inch HD touchscreen IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the higher-end “X” model has a more powerful AMD processor, more RAM, more internal storage, and a larger battery. Each console promises to work like a portable Xbox console, allowing you to play your whole library of games through Xbox Cloud Gaming or Xbox Remote Play. However, since it runs Windows 11, you’ll have access to all your PC games (including Steam), as well.

After nearly eight years, the British audio maker has updated its most affordable set of desktop speakers. The “Mk3” version of its MR1 powered speaker system is virtually identical to the  2017-released Mk2 version, but the new models have been updated with modern technologies, as well as enhanced drivers and amplification, to produce better sound. They now have a USB-C input and improved Bluetooth support. Plus, they have a dedicated turntable input and a built-in phono preamp, so you can easily use them as turntable speakers.

LG’s S95AR is the company’s top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos soundbar system, which it recommends pairing with its best-in-class OLED TVs. It’s a 9.1.5-channel system that features an 8-inch subwoofer and two wireless surround sound speakers — in total, it has five up-firing drivers. According to the brand, it delivers the “ultimate Dolby home cinema experience.”