365 days is a lot of time to seek out stories on adventure, gear, and everything in between. Here’s a look back at the best stories our tech writers tackled over the course of 2016 — from bizarre cameras to male sex toys to the most ambitious video game ever.
Quote of the Year
On the Next Big Space Game
“The whole concept is to have a living, breathing universe that reacts and responds to the players’ actions. We’re doing things like items, ships or even characters that age, wear and tear. You need to make sure that you’re servicing your spaceship or your equipment, otherwise it’s gets damaged. The idea is that nothing in this world should feel static. It should feel like your actions, and your friends’ actions, have an impact. And the world moves on whether you’re participating or not. I think that makes the game quite different from a lot of the MMOs out there.”
The Stories
Interviews, Reviews and Buying Guides
The Original Gadgets That Inspired the Men Behind Leica, Fender and More
We asked 9 influential people in the tech industry to talk about the gadgets that first inspired them. Here are their answers. – Tucker Bowe
How to Take Better Landscape Photographs
We talk to professional photographer Bradley Castañeda about the tips, techniques and gear you need to to take better landscape photographs. – Tucker Bowe
Meet the Man Behind ‘Star Citizen,’ the Most Ambitious Video Game Ever
Chris Roberts is brilliant, boundary-pushing, and stubborn as hell. But that’s what it takes to make the most ambitious video game in history. – Michael Finn
Will a Robot Take Your Job?
In a future where AI and robots can do everything we do — maybe even better — what are humans good for? Should you be worried? – Michael Finn
Designing the Superior Sex Toy, for Men
Adam Lewis, co-founder of Hot Octopuss, and Tom Owen, senior designer at Curventa, talk about how they designed the first high-end vibrating sex toy for men.
– Tucker Bowe
The Trading App That Can Make (and Save) You Money
An interview with Robinhood app co-founder Baiju Bhatt. – Matthew Ankeny
8 Bizarre Digital Cameras Worth Owning
From cameras with multiple lenses to one with a built-in digital projector, these are the most unique digital cameras available. – AJ Powell
Can a $200 Tube Amp Stand Up Against the Top Audio Systems?
This affordable throwback amplifier injects warm analog sound into modern digital tracks. – Eric Adams
How Audiophiles Shop for Audio Gear
Sound & Vision editor Rob Sabin explains how audiophiles decide what systems to buy to bring the absolute best in sound. – Eric Adams
An Argument for the Worst Audio Product Ever
The Sony HX500 is aimed to shake stigma of “worst audio product ever” that’s attached to USB turntables. Will it succeed? – Tucker Bowe
