13 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro are wired closed-back, over-ear headphones. They look very similar to the brand’s other Pro series headphones, but they are lighter (at 194 grams) and more affordable. Beyerdynamic claims they’re designed to bring “professional performance to creators working in compact spaces or on the go.”

The Blade One Meta is KEF’s flagship pair of floorstanding speakers. Released in 2022, they’re essentially new and improved versions of the 2012-released Blade — KEF updated them with next-gen Uni-Q drivers that feature Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), a proprietary tech that absorbs unwanted sounds that lead to distortion. And now, KEF has introduced them in three new high-gloss metallic finishes: Grigio (silver), Garnet (deep wine red) and Sapphire (blue). (Note: KEF has added the same color options for the Blade Two Meta ($28,000), which are slightly more affordable alternatives.)

Pro-Ject’s Elvis Turntable is a special-edition turntable that pays homage to the legendary “Hound Dog” singer. It’s based on Pro-Ject’s T2, which is one of the brand’s mid-range audiophile turntables that sells for $650. Yet its plinth is integrated with red LEDs that spell out the singer’s name in all caps; this design is based on the legendary “ELVIS” light logo, which was famously illuminated behind Presley during his 1968 NBC “Comeback Special.”

Originally released in 2012, the PAL BT is a small portable Bluetooth speaker and a tabletop AM/FM radio. This 2025 iteration retains the vintage charm of its predecessors but has been upgraded with improved sound and battery life, as well as being introduced in several new matte finishes.

Apple has refreshed its iPad Pro lineup with its new M5 chip. The upgraded silicon promises key performance and efficiency gains, as well as up to 3.5x the AI performance compared to the iPad Pro with M4 and up to 5.6x faster than the iPad Pro with M1. They also feature the Apple N1 chip, which should make Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread connections more reliable. And for cellular models, they’ve been updated with Apple’s C1X modem (replacing the Qualcomm modem in the M4 models), which should increase the iPad Pro’s speed when using cellular. Available for pre-order now, the M5 models start shipping on October 22.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s M5 chip is exactly the same as the M4-equipped model that was released in the fall of 2024. However, according to Apple, the M5 chip makes the new model “get even faster, more capable, and delivers a huge leap in AI performance.” It’s available for preorder now, with shipping starting on October 22. It starts at $1,599, just like its predecessor.

Apple just upgraded its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. The key feature of this second-generation model is its inclusion of Apple’s new M5 processor, which promises to deliver significant improvements in performance, graphics, and battery life compared to the first-generation model (which utilized Apple’s M2 chip). Additionally, it now comes with a new Dual Knit Band, which should make the headset more comfortable to wear. Other than that, the M5 Vision Pro looks, works and costs the same as the original Vision Pro, which was released in 2024. It goes on sale on October 22.

Grado’s S750 is the Brooklyn-based audio maker’s most affordable open-back headphones in its high-end Signature Series. They pack brand-new S2 50mm drivers and redesigned ear cushions. Grado says this combo helps them “deliver a natural musical presentation with definition and dynamic range.” Like its newest headphones, the S750 also come with detachable cables, which helps them work with a variety of sources as well as makes more repairable/upgradable.

As part of the brand’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the Norwegian hi-fi manufacturer has introduced a special-edition version of its flagship floorstanding speakers, the 1528 Tower 8, which normally sell for $10,900/pair. These “10th Anniversary Edition” models mostly have an aesthetic upgrade. Instead of the standard black or white finish, each loudspeaker’s cabinet features a gorgeous rosewood veneer finished with 12 layers of piano lacquer. Other details include a satin-black front baffle and waveguide assembly, as well as woofer trim rings and base bars. Only 50 loudspeakers, meaning 25 pairs, will be made.

The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ is a new and improved version of the original Instax LiPlay, released in 2019. Like before, it’s a hybrid instant camera that allows you to view the photo (via a rear digital display) before deciding to print it. Most interestingly, the mini LiPlay+ is the first Instax camera that lets you record sound and then add an associated QR code on the photo. People can then hear that recording (limited to 3-second audio clips) by scanning the QR code. The camera is available in two color options: Sand Beige or Midnight Blue. 

Pure’s Classic Stereo Mini is a small hi-fi system comprised of an integrated amplifier and two compact passive bookshelf speakers — it’s essentially a scaled-down version of the brand’s Classic Stereo. The little amp functions as a CD player, DAB+/FM radio and Bluetooth streamer, making the system quite versatile. Available in two different styles — Cotton White and Oak or Coffee Brown and Walnut — each of which oozes old-school charm.

We Are Rewind released a special edition of its WE-001 portable cassette tape player. Just like the standard model, it comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery and built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to charge it via USB-C and listen to it with your wireless headphones. But this model was created to celebrate Elvis Presley’s legacy. It has a matte black finish accented with gold detailing. On the back, there’s the singer’s name in all red caps, which is designed after the giant “Red ELVIS” sign made of light bulbs that was the background of his live performance in 1968 on NBC’s “Comeback Special.” Additionally, it comes with a collector’s box and an exclusive cassette reissue of Elvis’ Christmas Album, which has been remastered for this special release.

The Arctis Nova Elite is the company’s flagship gaming headset for 2025. It combines a premium build with “audiophile-grade” performance, plus support for all the advanced gaming features and technologies you’d expect from what SteelSeries is calling “the best high-end gaming headset on the planet.” Additionally, its versatility and bespoke design allow it to function as a premium pair of active noise-canceling wireless headphones when not used for gaming. It’s compatible with PCs and Macs, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles.