13 Cool New Gadgets to Keep on Your Radar

iPhone 17 introduces several hardware improvements, most notably an updated Center Stage front camera with the first square sensor on an iPhone. This new sensor allows for up to 18MP photos and a wider field of view, enabling users to take selfies or record video in either portrait or landscape while holding the device vertically. AI-powered Center Stage automatically expands the frame for group photos and can rotate between portrait and landscape to keep more people in view. The front camera also offers stabilized 4K HDR video and supports Dual Capture, which records with both the front and rear cameras at the same time. Other hardware updates include the A19 chip for improved performance, a 6.3-inch ProMotion display, and an aluminum frame for increased durability.

The Apple iPhone Air stands out as the thinnest iPhone ever made, measuring just 5.6mm thick. Its aerospace-grade titanium frame delivers both remarkable strength and a uniquely lightweight, sleek profile, making the form factor not only visually distinctive but also exceptionally portable. The phone introduces a powerful 48MP Fusion main camera and an innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera, expanding creative options with features like AI-driven framing and Dual Capture for simultaneous front and rear photos or video. Pre-orders for iPhone Air begin September 12, with general availability starting September 19.

Apple’s Watch Series 11 adds new capabilities to its health monitoring suite, introducing hypertension notification alerts and a detailed sleep score system for a deeper look at nightly rest. The updated sensors provide more accurate real-time biometric data, while 5G cellular connectivity allows for independent calls, messages, and app use even without a paired phone. Battery life now supports a full 24 hours of continuous use. Built with strengthened materials for improved durability, the Series 11 is designed for users who want advanced health tracking and seamless daily connectivity in a single smartwatch.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 introduce a powerful set of upgrades, highlighted by the addition of a built-in heart rate monitor for real-time health tracking during workouts. Active Noise Cancellation is now twice as effective as the previous generation, providing even deeper immersion and quieter environments, while new foam-infused ear tips ensure a more secure fit for a wider range of users. The standout new Live Translation feature enables seamless, in-ear real-time conversations across multiple languages, leveraging Apple Intelligence for effortless communication. Together, these enhancements make AirPods Pro 3 an even more versatile and indispensable personal audio companion.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a new and improved version of the brand’s 2023-released Ultra 2. It features a similar rugged design to its predecessor, but Apple upgraded it with a slightly better display, support for  5G and, maybe most notably, an improved 42 hours of battery life (up from 36 hours). It also features two-way satellite connectivity, so you can text emergency services or share your location with friends and family when you’re off the grid without wi-fi or cellular service.

The Apple Watch SE 3 takes affordability and functionality to a new level. Now powered by the S10 chip, it introduces an Always-On display, fast charging, and robust 5G cellular capability. Health features see significant upgrades with sleep score tracking, sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature sensing, and retrospective ovulation estimates for deeper wellness insights. The highly durable Ion-X glass and fresh features in watchOS 26 ensure long-term value. These enhancements make the SE 3 a strong choice for both new and returning Apple Watch users seeking advanced fitness, health, and connectivity at an accessible price.

The Fiio K13 R2R is a desktop-friendly DAC and headphone amplifier that’s positioned just beneath the brand’s $549 K15 in its lineup. It features Fiio’s proprietary 24-bit resistor ladder DAC and a powerful amplifier (delivering 2400mW) that’s capable of driving most headphones. It’s equipped with balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm headphone jacks, along with selectable gain control, allowing you to match your headphones’ sensitivity. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to work as a standalone power amp or preamplifier, too.

The Nikon ZR is a cinema camera that combines Nikon’s renowned advanced auto focus capabilities and in-body stabilization with RED’s color science and exposure standards — it’s the first camera that the two iconic brands have collaborated on. The ZR features a full-frame sensor and is capable of capturing 12K RAW 6K video at 60fps. As the smallest model in Nikon’s Z CINEMA series, the ZR is designed for cinema, high-end productions and creators.

Beyerdynamic’s Aventho 200 is a wireless pair of over-ear headphones with active noise-cancellation. They pack German-engineered 45mm drivers that promise to deliver a detailed and balanced sound. There’s support for high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless. And they are also the brand’s first pair of wireless headphones to have a replaceable battery, ensuring that the product has a long lifespan. Available in white or black finishes.