12 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

The Sonos Play is a portable speaker that’s sized (and priced) between the company’s Roam 2 and Move 2, and it works quite similarly to both. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, so you can integrate it with your home’s existing Sonos system or use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker outside. Like the Move 2, the USB-C port on the Play’s back supports charging and line-in audio, so you can connect it directly to your computer or turntable (with a built-in preamplifier) and use it as a wired speaker.

HiFiMan’s HE1000 WiFi is a reimagined version of the company’s wired HE1000. It’s an open-back headphone with planar magnetic drivers, but each unit integrates an onboard DAC, a Class A/B amplifier, a proprietary processor, and a battery. As its name suggests, its main feature is Wi-Fi streaming. So it’s designed for audiophiles who want a superior wireless listening experience at home, in the studio, or in any quiet listening space. 

BenQ’s 27-inch monitor, the MA270S, is positioned as an affordable rival to Apple’s recently refreshed Studio Display. It’s the same size, features a Nano Gloss panel with true 5K resolution, wide P3 color support, and single-cable Thunderbolt connectivity, so it works seamlessly with Macs. The main trade-offs are that it lacks a built-in speaker system and a fancy webcam, but at $600 less, it could be a bargain for many Mac users.

The Era 100 SL is a microphone-less version of the company’s Era 100, meaning it can’t be integrated with a voice assistant. Other than that, it looks and works the same. Two can be used as a stereo pair or as rear-channel speakers with a Sonos soundbar. It’s primarily designed for people who already have numerous Sonos speakers in their home and just want an affordable addition to their system.

The Arya WiFi is a reimagined, wireless version of HiFiMan’s Arya open-back wired headphones. Designed for audiophiles who want to listen to wireless headphones at home (or at work), they support Wi-Fi streaming and thus can play significantly higher-resolution audio than over Bluetooth. When streaming over Wi-Fi, each device can stream up to 32-bit/768kHz audio, with support for DSD512 and PCM (44.1kHz to 768kHz).

The Conductor Stellar combines a high-resolution DAC, a Class-A headphone amplifier, and a desktop preamp in a single spacecraft-inspired box.  It’s positioned between the company’s entry-level Party Playmate 3 ($599) and Conductor Grand Tourer 4 ($2,799). Naturally, the Conductor Stellar is designed to effortlessly power any type of headphone, including demanding planar magnetic models, but it’s really optimized for high-end in-ear monitors thanks to a dedicated ultra-low-noise IEM amplification stage. The brand claims it sets a new benchmark for IEM listening.

The BasX TA2+ is a “no fuss” stereo integrated amplifier designed to be the hub of an entry-level hi-fi system. It packs an amplifier, preamplifier, DAC and tuner into a bespoke black box. Compared to its predecessor, the 2023-released BasX TA2, the primary difference with BasX TA2+ is that it adds way more modern connections. Emotiva has given it HDMI Arc and USB-C inputs, allowing you to connect your TV, computer or tablet.

The JBL Live 780NC is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with active noise-cancellation. (They are slightly higher-end than the company’s wireless on-ear headphones, the Live 680NC.) They feature 40mm dynamic drivers, support spatial audio, and, as their name suggests, are designed to deliver a vibrant sound similar to a “live” concert. Their other headline feature is an incredible 80-hour battery life when ANC is off. Available in five different finishes.

UAG’s Metropolis Tracker Card is a credit card-shaped Bluetooth tracker that works with both Android smartphones and iPhones — it’s designed to help you keep track of your wallet. It has a high-quality polycarbonate housing and supports wireless charging (via Qi or MagSafe). Also, it has a built-in speaker to help you easily locate it if you misplace it.

Satechi’s Foldable Stand Hub is the newest addition to the brand’s OntheGo collection of travel-friendly accessories for various Apple gadgets. As its name suggests, it’s a stand and hub optimized for the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini (2021 and later). The hub adds USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting various accessories, microSD card and SD card slots, and an HDMI port so you can pair the tablet with an external display (up to 4K@60Hz). And when you’re not using it, the stand folds flat for easy transport.

The Final DX4000CL is the newest addition to the brand’s DX series of closed-back wired headphones, slotting between its $599 DX3000CL and its flagship $1,999 DX6000CL. And like those other headphones, the DX4000CL aims to deliver a more natural, balanced sound than traditional closed-back headphones, which often lean toward bass-heavy sound.

Skullcandy’s Push 540 Open is a pair of wireless earbuds with an open-ear design, so you can hear your surroundings while you run, bike or workout. The most interesting thing is that they come with a detachable neckband that magnetically clips to each earhook, providing added security so you don’t have to worry about the earbuds falling out of your ears. This cable doubles as a carry strap for the case. Available in two finishes: bone (white) or black.