12 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

Bose’s flagship wireless noise-canceling headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), are a new-and-improved version of their 2023-released predecessors. They look basically identical, but Bose upgraded them with improved sound and ANC, as well as better battery life and on-ear detection. Most notably, these second-gen models support lossless audio via a USB-C wired connection.

The Technics SL-40CBT is another one of the brand’s affordable direct-drive turntables. It features classic Technics attributes — such as the iron-coreless direct drive motor and the high-precision S-shaped aluminum tonearm — but has an MDF wood construction and a refined aesthetic that is a better fit for today’s homes.  The SL-40CBT features a switchable moving-magnetic phono preamplifier, so you can connect it directly to a powered speaker setup or a traditional hi-fi system. Additionally, it has built-in Bluetooth, which allows it to stream your vinyl records to a pair of wireless headphones or speakers.

The Technics SL-50C is one of the Japanese hi-fi maker’s new entry-level, direct-drive turntables. It features classic characteristics of a Technics turntable, such as the iron-coreless direct drive motor and the high-precision S-shaped aluminum tonearm. But instead of a traditional aluminum die-cast chassis, it features minimalist MDF wood construction with a high-quality finish. The brand claims this refined aesthetic is a better fit for contemporary homes. The SL-50C lacks fancy features or a built-in phono preamp, but has been decked out with a high-end Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

Arcam has introduced new-and-improved versions of its A5, A15 and A25 stereo integrated amplifiers, which were just released in 2023. The “Plus” versions feature updated circuitry and better power management, resulting in superior performance. Each model still supports Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music to your system, but they now support aptX Lossless, LE Audio and Auracast. And the two larger amplifiers, the A15+ and A25+, how feature HDMI eARC, so you can integrated them into home theater setup.

Sony’s IER-EX15C are in-ear wired headphones with a USB-C connection, making them ideal for use with today’s smartphones and laptops. They feature compact 5mm drivers and an in-line remote for controlling volume and playback. Additionally, its textured cable serrated finish is designed to prevent tangling. At just $30, you can think of it as a hassle-free alternative to your AirPods or wireless headphones. Available in four colors: black, white, blue and pink.  

The Lenco LBT-515 is the Swiss audio manufacturer’s most high-end turntable to date. The direct-drive turntable features a switchable built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to easily connect it to a set of powered speakers or an existing hi-fi system. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can stream vinyl to your wireless headphones or speakers. The turntable comes in one wooden finish and will cost £580, making it approximately $780.

The Telos 670 is an ultra-high-end stereo integrated amplifier in the traditional sense. It combines a power amplifier and a preamplifier into a single box. There are no built-in streaming capabilities. The amp is capable of delivering 215 watts per channel into 8 ohms, which the Swiss audio manufacturer claims should be enough to drive a pair of high-end loudspeakers “with effortless authority.” It’s priced at £22,500, which comes out to just over $30,000.

Remarkable’s Paper Pro Move is essentially a smaller version of the Paper Pro that it released in late 2024 — instead of an 11.8-inch color e-ink display, the Move’s display is 7.3 inches, making it slim enough to be able to slip into your pants’ pocket. Like the Paper Pro, the Move is predominantly meant to be a beautiful note-taking device; unlike color e-readers like the Kindle Colorsoft, the Remarkable’s tablets don’t have access to online book stores.

Klipsch’s Courtyard Landscape Speaker System is a 4.1-channel system, consisting of four horn-loaded satellite speakers and a low-profile subwoofer, that is designed for hi-fi in your backyard. Additionally, the system is expandable. You can buy a two-pack of additional satellite speakers … or combine two complete Courtyard Landscape Speaker Systems to create, according to the brand, “the ultimate 8.2 outdoor system.”

The Grip is a small, cylindrical-shaped portable Bluetooth speaker that’s actually pretty similar to the JBL Flip 7 ($150), which is arguably its most popular portable speaker. The difference? The Grip is about half the size. Additionally, the Grip has an integrated LED light strip on its spine that can be used as a lantern for late-night reading (or grilling?), which is pretty unique.

JBL’s Boombox is the largest portable rugged Bluetooth speaker that the company makes — note, this is not counting its line of Party speakers, which are massive. The Boombox 4 is an upgraded version of the Boombox 3, which was released in 2022. It features the same boombox-style design, but is two pounds lighter and promises 50 percent more power. Additionally, JBL enhanced it with new audio technologies, such as AI Sound Boost and Auracast (for multi-room functionality). It also supports lossless audio playback via a wired USB-C connection. Available in four finishes: black, blue, white and camo.

Mophie’s desktop accessory serves dual purposes, acting as both an upside-down headphone stand for Apple’s AirPods Max and a charging station. Inside one of the earcup cradles is a special dongle that magnetically connects to the AirPods Max and wirelessly charges them — note, it only works with the new AirPods Max with a USB-C charging port. Additionally, there’s a Qi2 wireless charging pad on its base that can simultaneously charge your AirPods or iPhone.