Top 25 Gadgets 2012
25. Nike+ FuelBand
The beauty behind this high-tech fitness bracelet is its simplicity to measure and motivate daily activities using Nike’s Fuelband points system. So whether it's running a few miles, having sex, or taking out the garbage, the FuelBand uses its three-axis accelerometer to detect motion and tally up your points. Use the accompanying iOS app to track your progress throughout the year. Motorola's MotoACTV better watch its back.
The beauty behind this high-tech fitness bracelet is its simplicity to measure and motivate daily activities using Nike’s Fuelband points system. So whether it's running a few miles, having sex, or taking out the garbage, the FuelBand uses its three-axis accelerometer to detect motion and tally up your points. Use the accompanying iOS app to track your progress throughout the year. Motorola's MotoACTV better watch its back.
24. Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx
Many see the Maxx as a carbon copy of the first Droid RAZR, except with a larger battery. That's one way of putting it. Another would be to acknowledge it as an Android powerhouse that embodies the sleek profile and special features of its predecessor, while sustaining the best battery life of any smartphone out. And you'll have to include Verizon’s lightening fast LTE network, a vivid touchscreen, and game-changing battery software. Motorola's just breaking the ice for what it has in store come holiday season.
Many see the Maxx as a carbon copy of the first Droid RAZR, except with a larger battery. That's one way of putting it. Another would be to acknowledge it as an Android powerhouse that embodies the sleek profile and special features of its predecessor, while sustaining the best battery life of any smartphone out. And you'll have to include Verizon’s lightening fast LTE network, a vivid touchscreen, and game-changing battery software. Motorola's just breaking the ice for what it has in store come holiday season.
23. V-Moda VAMP
Audiophiles looking to boost the sound on their iPhone 4/4S should consider V-Moda's mobile amp. The VAMP utilizes a 150mW x 2 amplifier to convert digital audio to analog, yielding two high-fidelity listening modes: Pure and VQ. And as a bonus, the audio optical output device provides eight hours of playback from its built-in battery pack. The $650 price tag is steep, but try finding another headphone amp/DAC/battery pack combo of this caliber.
Audiophiles looking to boost the sound on their iPhone 4/4S should consider V-Moda's mobile amp. The VAMP utilizes a 150mW x 2 amplifier to convert digital audio to analog, yielding two high-fidelity listening modes: Pure and VQ. And as a bonus, the audio optical output device provides eight hours of playback from its built-in battery pack. The $650 price tag is steep, but try finding another headphone amp/DAC/battery pack combo of this caliber.
22. JVC GY-HMQ10 4K Camcorder
The world’s first 4K camera flaunts a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor that generates a whopping a 8.3 million pixels, and records video at 3840 x 2160 resolution with three frame rate options: 24p, 50p, and 60p. Sound dope? Store up to 2 hours of footage on an SD card and mirror content onto a projector or monitor thanks to JVQ’s new Falconbird LSI chip.
The world’s first 4K camera flaunts a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor that generates a whopping a 8.3 million pixels, and records video at 3840 x 2160 resolution with three frame rate options: 24p, 50p, and 60p. Sound dope? Store up to 2 hours of footage on an SD card and mirror content onto a projector or monitor thanks to JVQ’s new Falconbird LSI chip.
21. The Hopper By Dish Network
Why have a DVR installed on every HDTV in your crib when you can store everything on the Hopper and access recordings through any terminal device. Recently scoring “Best of Show†honors at the 2012 CEA Line Shows, Dish’s new ad-skipping box is outfitted with three tuners and 2TB of memory storage, and runs a user-friendly interface with instant access to several streaming and social media services. The inexpensive price options add to its value.
Why have a DVR installed on every HDTV in your crib when you can store everything on the Hopper and access recordings through any terminal device. Recently scoring “Best of Show†honors at the 2012 CEA Line Shows, Dish’s new ad-skipping box is outfitted with three tuners and 2TB of memory storage, and runs a user-friendly interface with instant access to several streaming and social media services. The inexpensive price options add to its value.
20. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
Although the Transformer Pad TF300 was considered a solid Android tablet, Asus went to work on its true Transformer Prime successor: the Infinity TF700. This higher-end model packs a monstrous 1.6GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, improved 8MP rear camera, and a higher display resolution (1920Ã--1200) only surpassed by the new iPad. Even when docking the attachable (and resourceful) keyboard, the Infinity carries a slim and seductive profile. NVIDIA's hardware also pushes the gaming experience to heights no other Android tablet can touch.
Although the Transformer Pad TF300 was considered a solid Android tablet, Asus went to work on its true Transformer Prime successor: the Infinity TF700. This higher-end model packs a monstrous 1.6GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, improved 8MP rear camera, and a higher display resolution (1920Ã--1200) only surpassed by the new iPad. Even when docking the attachable (and resourceful) keyboard, the Infinity carries a slim and seductive profile. NVIDIA's hardware also pushes the gaming experience to heights no other Android tablet can touch.
19. Monster Gratitude Headphones
Tuned to the audio specifics of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Monster’s in-ear headphones combine brassy band sound with different harmonic levels to create an immersive listening experience. The premium build and rose-gold finish, along with its clarity output and comforting in-ear feel are enough to lure audiophiles away from Beats By Dre. The sleek packaging and additional treats (two carrying cases & 12 ear tips) make up for the $230 price tag.
Tuned to the audio specifics of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Monster’s in-ear headphones combine brassy band sound with different harmonic levels to create an immersive listening experience. The premium build and rose-gold finish, along with its clarity output and comforting in-ear feel are enough to lure audiophiles away from Beats By Dre. The sleek packaging and additional treats (two carrying cases & 12 ear tips) make up for the $230 price tag.
18. Pebble E-Ink Watch
What was once a Kickstarter project would go on to raise over $10 million in funding and become one of the most sought after gadgets. The Pebble works with most iOS and Android devices, and employs e-paper technology to display calls, texts, and email subject lines on its screen. You can also download apps to control music playback and view the distance of over 25,000 golf courses when practicing your long stroke on the green. And like Android’s development platform, Pebble supports an open SDK to build apps and notifications. Ugh, nice watch.
What was once a Kickstarter project would go on to raise over $10 million in funding and become one of the most sought after gadgets. The Pebble works with most iOS and Android devices, and employs e-paper technology to display calls, texts, and email subject lines on its screen. You can also download apps to control music playback and view the distance of over 25,000 golf courses when practicing your long stroke on the green. And like Android’s development platform, Pebble supports an open SDK to build apps and notifications. Ugh, nice watch.
17. Sharp 90-inch LED Aquos TV
Peep the world's largest LED TV. Beautiful, right? Obviously the image doesn't do it justice, but at four feet tall and six-and-a-half feet wide, it produces jaw-dropping visuals and comes stocked with a number of media features: built-in wi-fi, active 3D, web browser, and Skype support. You'll also be able to stream content from Netflix, YouTube and several other outlets via SmartCentral hub. Sharp's latest tube might set you back $11,000, but image what football Sundays will look like on this beast. Hey, just a thought.
Peep the world's largest LED TV. Beautiful, right? Obviously the image doesn't do it justice, but at four feet tall and six-and-a-half feet wide, it produces jaw-dropping visuals and comes stocked with a number of media features: built-in wi-fi, active 3D, web browser, and Skype support. You'll also be able to stream content from Netflix, YouTube and several other outlets via SmartCentral hub. Sharp's latest tube might set you back $11,000, but image what football Sundays will look like on this beast. Hey, just a thought.
16. MakerBot Replicator
Those who fancy 3D modeling need the MarkerBot in their life. This 3D printer uses raw feedstock or biodegradable material known as PLA to build some amazing 3D replicas. Whether its an entire chess set, iPhone 4S protection case, or reproductions of famous sculptures, hobbyists have an endless number of crafting options to play with. They’ll just have to crank out $1,800 to get their build on.
Those who fancy 3D modeling need the MarkerBot in their life. This 3D printer uses raw feedstock or biodegradable material known as PLA to build some amazing 3D replicas. Whether its an entire chess set, iPhone 4S protection case, or reproductions of famous sculptures, hobbyists have an endless number of crafting options to play with. They’ll just have to crank out $1,800 to get their build on.
15. Samsung Series 9 (2012)
The MacBook Air’s biggest threat carries the lightest weight of any ultrabook in its class, while sporting some impressive benchmarks and a gorgeous display. Even at 15 millimeters thick, Samsung’s second-gen laptop packs in a dominant 1.6 dual-core Core i7 processor, 128GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and two USB 3.0 ports. Battery life holds up at an est. six hours and the new Silent Mode option leaves users operating in a noise-free environment
The MacBook Air’s biggest threat carries the lightest weight of any ultrabook in its class, while sporting some impressive benchmarks and a gorgeous display. Even at 15 millimeters thick, Samsung’s second-gen laptop packs in a dominant 1.6 dual-core Core i7 processor, 128GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and two USB 3.0 ports. Battery life holds up at an est. six hours and the new Silent Mode option leaves users operating in a noise-free environment
14. Jawbone Big Jambox
Jawbone shocked us with its first-gen compact portable speaker. Now the Bluetooth specialists stepped everything up with the Big Jamboxâ€"packaging loud audio, dope speakerphone functionality, and great battery life into a rugged and attractive design. Throw one of these in your cubicle or in the backyard and make some noise.
Jawbone shocked us with its first-gen compact portable speaker. Now the Bluetooth specialists stepped everything up with the Big Jamboxâ€"packaging loud audio, dope speakerphone functionality, and great battery life into a rugged and attractive design. Throw one of these in your cubicle or in the backyard and make some noise.
13. Fujifilm X-Pro1
Will Fujifilm ever slow down? Doesn't look like it. The Japanese camera manufacturer introduces a stunning shooter that might lack the physical attractiveness of past releases, but works just as well. Not only does the X-Pro1 capture stunning photos and video, it features an array of controls designed to satisfy and test professional photographers. Expect nothing but sharp imagery from its “X-Trans†CMOS design. The $1,700 expense is a stretch for a mirrorless camera, but the visual payoff is priceless.
Will Fujifilm ever slow down? Doesn't look like it. The Japanese camera manufacturer introduces a stunning shooter that might lack the physical attractiveness of past releases, but works just as well. Not only does the X-Pro1 capture stunning photos and video, it features an array of controls designed to satisfy and test professional photographers. Expect nothing but sharp imagery from its “X-Trans†CMOS design. The $1,700 expense is a stretch for a mirrorless camera, but the visual payoff is priceless.
12. Nokia Lumia 900
Nokia takes its most attractive unibody design yet and pairs it with Microsoft’s beautiful mobile OS to create the premium WP 7 device we’ve eagerly anticipated. With AT&T’s LTE network, high-end features, and a sharp 4.3-inch screen, the Lumia 900 is well deserving of “best of year†contention come December. Plus its $100 price tag makes it the best mobile deal on the market.
Nokia takes its most attractive unibody design yet and pairs it with Microsoft’s beautiful mobile OS to create the premium WP 7 device we’ve eagerly anticipated. With AT&T’s LTE network, high-end features, and a sharp 4.3-inch screen, the Lumia 900 is well deserving of “best of year†contention come December. Plus its $100 price tag makes it the best mobile deal on the market.
11. PlayStation Vita
After fading out of the portable gaming limelight, Sony’s upped the ante massively with the PS Vita. Combining physical controls with touchscreen functionality, the next-gen handheld has wowed gamers with its PS3-like graphics and impressive first-party launch lineup of titles. The operating system makes for simple navigation and offers a variety of features including web browsing, social media integration (Facebook, Twitter), and access to the PS Store. Best believe Mario just broke a sweat.
Tags: playstation-vita
After fading out of the portable gaming limelight, Sony’s upped the ante massively with the PS Vita. Combining physical controls with touchscreen functionality, the next-gen handheld has wowed gamers with its PS3-like graphics and impressive first-party launch lineup of titles. The operating system makes for simple navigation and offers a variety of features including web browsing, social media integration (Facebook, Twitter), and access to the PS Store. Best believe Mario just broke a sweat.
Tags: playstation-vita
10. LG 55-inch 3D OLED HD TV
This 55-inch 3D display not only stole the show at CES this year, but has put OLED HDTVs back on the map. With the use of WRGB technology, LG managed to add a white sub-pixel to its standard pixel set-up, and with a contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1, is capable of producing brighter and more vivid on-screen visuals. Even at 4mm thick, which is slimmer than most smartphones, it produces great viewing angles. Other standout attributes include a 0.02-second response time, smart TV and social media streaming, and Magic Motion remote with four modes.
This 55-inch 3D display not only stole the show at CES this year, but has put OLED HDTVs back on the map. With the use of WRGB technology, LG managed to add a white sub-pixel to its standard pixel set-up, and with a contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1, is capable of producing brighter and more vivid on-screen visuals. Even at 4mm thick, which is slimmer than most smartphones, it produces great viewing angles. Other standout attributes include a 0.02-second response time, smart TV and social media streaming, and Magic Motion remote with four modes.
9. Google Nexus 7 Tablet
Judging from the massive response its received earlier last week, Google's official Android tablet (manufactured by Asus) is due to catch wreck on the market once it hits stores later this month. The promise of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) sounds rewarding, with many tech experts claiming the device's performance and gaming experience are beyond compare. It's 1280-by-800 display generates beautiful graphics and pulls fast benchmarks. In addition, its $200 price tag places it in serious contention with the Kindle Fire and "new" iPad. Google's creepin' on the come up.
Judging from the massive response its received earlier last week, Google's official Android tablet (manufactured by Asus) is due to catch wreck on the market once it hits stores later this month. The promise of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) sounds rewarding, with many tech experts claiming the device's performance and gaming experience are beyond compare. It's 1280-by-800 display generates beautiful graphics and pulls fast benchmarks. In addition, its $200 price tag places it in serious contention with the Kindle Fire and "new" iPad. Google's creepin' on the come up.
8. Leica M-Monochrom
An $8,000 camera that only captures black and white photos might not sound very enticing, but isn't just any black-and-white camera. Leica’s new shooter will surely transform pessimists into believers. Featuring an 18MP, full-frame sensor with no color filter, the camera is capable of catching more available light and helps generate more detailed and sharper images. Street photogs might want to consider placing this on their bucket list.
An $8,000 camera that only captures black and white photos might not sound very enticing, but isn't just any black-and-white camera. Leica’s new shooter will surely transform pessimists into believers. Featuring an 18MP, full-frame sensor with no color filter, the camera is capable of catching more available light and helps generate more detailed and sharper images. Street photogs might want to consider placing this on their bucket list.
7. Bowers & Wilkins P3
B&W’s newest headphones hit on the three biggest over-ear tenets: sound, design, and portability. The P3’s fine-tune higher bass levels and balance sound better than most high-end headphones, plus the lightweight construction makes for a more comfortable fit. There's no denying its opulent and stunning unibody design, either. In short, you won't find a a better or hotter pair of sound blasters out at the moment.
B&W’s newest headphones hit on the three biggest over-ear tenets: sound, design, and portability. The P3’s fine-tune higher bass levels and balance sound better than most high-end headphones, plus the lightweight construction makes for a more comfortable fit. There's no denying its opulent and stunning unibody design, either. In short, you won't find a a better or hotter pair of sound blasters out at the moment.
6. MacBook Air (2012)
With Apple's competitors turning up the heat on the ultrabook front, the company went to work on a new Air model, implementing a new range of upgrades that make it the valedictorian of its class once again. Pushing top-of-the-line performance is the coveted Ivy Bridge processor and faster flash memory, along with two USB 3.0 ports and its longer lasting battery. Need we touch on its industry-defining ergonomics? Didn't think so. At $100 cheaper than the standard starting price of its predecessor, Apple continues to think different.
With Apple's competitors turning up the heat on the ultrabook front, the company went to work on a new Air model, implementing a new range of upgrades that make it the valedictorian of its class once again. Pushing top-of-the-line performance is the coveted Ivy Bridge processor and faster flash memory, along with two USB 3.0 ports and its longer lasting battery. Need we touch on its industry-defining ergonomics? Didn't think so. At $100 cheaper than the standard starting price of its predecessor, Apple continues to think different.
5. Samsung Galaxy S III
The year's most anticipated Android smartphone lives up to its hype, and then some. Samsung introduces a number of innovative features in the form of its S Beam and reprogrammable TecTiles technology, which are equally used to share content from one Galaxy S III to another and perform services like check-in on Facebook. Though the U.S. release misses out on the heavily desired quad-core CPU, the trade-off of Qualcomm’s dual-core and 2GB of RAM more than suffices. Not convinced? Read our full review and be the judge.
4. Bang and Olufsen Beolit 12
4. Bang and Olufsen Beolit 12
This 6.2-pound cube might sport a frightening price tag of $800, but its audio quality, portability, and affluent build are worth evey Benjamin. B&O's music dock offers incredible AirPort support and delivers full and rich sound through its superb speaker system. Full functionality is designated to your iPhone, where you can crank out tunes for up to eight hours on the built-in rechargeable battery. Best summertime cookout dock money c
3. The "New' iPad
3. The "New' iPad
Many expected the “new†iPad to be a minor upgrade from the previous version, but Apple outdid itself and had people all across the globe running to the Apple Store to cop one. As we mentioned in our review, the 2048 x 1536 Retina Display is the best display we’ve ever seen, plus the battery life is impressively effective for a device running on faster processing and LTE speeds. The front-facing iSight camera captures quality 5MP still images and the rear shooter now records full 1080 videos. Amazing how a few tweaks can transform an already perfect device into a superior one.
The year's most anticipated Android smartphone lives up to its hype, and then some. Samsung introduces a number of innovative features in the form of its S Beam and reprogrammable TecTiles technology, which are equally used to share content from one Galaxy S III to another and perform services like check-in on Facebook. Though the U.S. release misses out on the heavily desired quad-core CPU, the trade-off of Qualcomm’s dual-core and 2GB of RAM more than suffices. Not convinced? Read our full review and be the judge.
4. Bang and Olufsen Beolit 12
4. Bang and Olufsen Beolit 12
This 6.2-pound cube might sport a frightening price tag of $800, but its audio quality, portability, and affluent build are worth evey Benjamin. B&O's music dock offers incredible AirPort support and delivers full and rich sound through its superb speaker system. Full functionality is designated to your iPhone, where you can crank out tunes for up to eight hours on the built-in rechargeable battery. Best summertime cookout dock money c
3. The "New' iPad
3. The "New' iPad
Many expected the “new†iPad to be a minor upgrade from the previous version, but Apple outdid itself and had people all across the globe running to the Apple Store to cop one. As we mentioned in our review, the 2048 x 1536 Retina Display is the best display we’ve ever seen, plus the battery life is impressively effective for a device running on faster processing and LTE speeds. The front-facing iSight camera captures quality 5MP still images and the rear shooter now records full 1080 videos. Amazing how a few tweaks can transform an already perfect device into a superior one.
2. HTC One Series
HTC’s new Android flagship series has dominated the mobile landscape and is by far the year’s best smartphone. The manufacturer's new camera technology spearheads the list of features: the One X (AT&T) and One S (T-Mobile) both carry an image chip that allows users to capture amazing 8MP photos and record hi-def videos, simultaneously, while shooting over 4 frames per second at insane shutter speeds of 0.7 seconds. It’s HTC’s slimmest and sexiest handset to date, plus it boasts a vivid display and our favorite Android UI overlay: Sense 4.0. Great call quality, LTE speeds, fast dual-core processing, and Beats Audio technology make it the complete Android package.
Tags: htc-one-series, htc
HTC’s new Android flagship series has dominated the mobile landscape and is by far the year’s best smartphone. The manufacturer's new camera technology spearheads the list of features: the One X (AT&T) and One S (T-Mobile) both carry an image chip that allows users to capture amazing 8MP photos and record hi-def videos, simultaneously, while shooting over 4 frames per second at insane shutter speeds of 0.7 seconds. It’s HTC’s slimmest and sexiest handset to date, plus it boasts a vivid display and our favorite Android UI overlay: Sense 4.0. Great call quality, LTE speeds, fast dual-core processing, and Beats Audio technology make it the complete Android package.
Tags: htc-one-series, htc
1. MacBook Pro with Retina Display
Rumors had the MacBook Pro falling in line with the MacBook Air and adopting a dramatically thinner profile. In typical fashion, Apple shocked the world introducing a new model of its top-of-the-line portable, welcoming the most beautiful panel to ever grace a laptop: the Retina Display. Aside from delivering phenomenal 2880-by-1800 resolution, Apple beefed up its hardware by adding a quad-core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM to the mix, enclosing the entire package in a slimmer and sturdier aluminum chassis. Expect to drop some serious bread for this one, in the range of $2200 and up, but it's totally worth the investment.
Rumors had the MacBook Pro falling in line with the MacBook Air and adopting a dramatically thinner profile. In typical fashion, Apple shocked the world introducing a new model of its top-of-the-line portable, welcoming the most beautiful panel to ever grace a laptop: the Retina Display. Aside from delivering phenomenal 2880-by-1800 resolution, Apple beefed up its hardware by adding a quad-core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM to the mix, enclosing the entire package in a slimmer and sturdier aluminum chassis. Expect to drop some serious bread for this one, in the range of $2200 and up, but it's totally worth the investment.
