Top 10 Tech Gifts to Give
For Gamers
Racing simulation technology may deliver lifelike visuals with a realistic interface, but you can’t simulate the movement of a high-performance race car from the couch. That’s where the Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition Sim Racing Seat comes in. Conceived through a collaboration between Playseat and Logitech, the standalone, open-cockpit chair is comprised of a carbon steel and an anodized aluminum frame that sits on the floor, and you sit inside on Actifit cushioning that is wrapped in polyurethane leather. The seat itself is fully adjustable, which includes the positioning and placement of the pedal plates and steering wheel. Best of all, it weighs only 40 pounds, so you can move and store it out of sight after you’ve completed your final hot lap. $600; logitechg.com
For Cyclists
Taking inspiration from its RS Q e-tron Rally Paris-Dakar racing car—Audi has built its first electric mountain bike, the Audi eMTB. From enduro tours to downhill treks and off-road journeys, the two-wheeled dynamo is equipped to do a bit of everything. At the bike’s core (and charged by a 720-Wh battery pack) is a 250-watt Brose S-MAG motor that’s paired with a 12-speed mechanical drivetrain. Together they deliver more than 66 lb-ft of torque with four levels of pedal assistance. From $10,600; audi.co.uk
For Homeowners
If you consider mowing the lawn a chore, you’ll love the EcoFlow Blade Robotic Lawn Mower, a rover-like device that’s equipped with visual sensors to avoid obstacles or obstructions as it mows your lawn for you. Using an affiliated app, owners can program boundary lines, ensuring that the self-guided mower stays in their yard. A lawn sweeping kit is available, which converts the rover into a device that can remove debris (mostly leaves and sticks) from your yard while mowing, plus a weather sensor will return the mower to its charging station if it detects that rain has started. From $2,900; ecoflow.com
For Explorers
Made in Finland, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar Canyon Watch is a must-have for serious adventurers who take roads less traveled—or avoid roads altogether. Constructed of titanium and sapphire crystal, this military-tested timepiece is compatible with all major five satellite navigation systems and it can operate in some of the world’s harshest environments. The watch offers up to 85 hours of battery life in tracking mode, 500 hours in tour mode, and it can be outfitted with solar-charging capabilities. $840; suunto.com
For Auto Enthusiasts
Sports car fans already consider the robust growl of a Porsche 911 to be beautiful music, so it makes sense that Porsche Design chose tailpipe trim from a 911 GT3 to inspire its first portable speaker. The Porsche 911 Speaker 2.0 delivers 60 watts of power and 16 hours of playback between charges, and easily pairs with other Porsche Lifestyle sound products to create a dynamic, in-room sound experience. $650; porsche-design.com
For Audiophiles
The music industry’s leading amplifier manufacturer enters the portable speaker market with the Fender Audio RIFF, a 60-watt speaker with a built-in Class-D Power Amp that delivers loud, clean sound. Equipped with two bass radiators and four speakers, the compact device doubles as a battery-powered guitar amp, and thanks to auxiliary guitar cable input, users can simultaneously plug in their phones and their guitars. Adjust sliding scales for treble, bass, and volume; pair with additional speakers; through a partner app, users can adjust music playback as they strum along. $470; fenderaudio.com
For Watermen
In 1961, Swiss watchmaker Vulcain debuted the first diver’s watch equipped with an aquatic alarm. (The timepiece’s triple case back acted as a resonance chamber to alert divers when it was time to return to the surface.) This latest iteration, the Vulcain Cricket Nautical Diving Watch, is easy to read underwater given its size (42 mm in diameter), while its two superimposed dials—one fixed and one adjustable with a crown at 4 o’clock—allows divers to easily measure decompression times. The watch boasts a 42-hour power reserve and its underwater alarm chimes for about 20 seconds. $4,860; vulcain.ch
For Runners
An icon of the past has been resurrected with the new Sony NW-A306 Walkman A Series. Equipped with 32 gigabytes of storage that can be expanded via an SD cart slot, the 21st-century’s first Walkman boasts up to 36 hours of battery life, Bluetooth audio streaming, and immersive 360 Reality Audio technology. It’s also compatible with wireless headphones and features Sony’s proprietary S-Master HX digital amplifier, which reduces distortion and background noise. $350; electronics.sony.com
For Gourmands
When used frequently in the field, most kitchen knives are susceptible to corrosion, rolled edges, swollen handles, and bent tips. The Anzick Chef’s Knife, however, was designed specifically for outdoor use and is the result of a two-year collaboration between The James Brand and Sitka Gear. The blade is made from MagnaCut, an American steel known for its toughness and resistance to corrosion, while the two-tone, composite handle was designed to be easily gripped with wet hands. A Hypalon sheath means easy access and cleaning, and ensures the blade remains sharp and protected when not in use. $500; thejamesbrand.com
For Coffee Drinkers
Coffee connoisseurship is at an all-time high, with specialty cafés delivering refined pours and artfully finished lattes. With much of the technology needed to create those beverages at home now readily available, you can try a new routine. The Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso Machine features an integrated, hands-free steam wand that not only purges itself after each use but is programmed to heat and froth milk at three different temperatures and three distinct texture levels. Such specificity means that home brewers can even dabble in creating their own café-worthy latte art. $750; breville.com
