The prospect of retirement doesn’t just signal the end of a career; it offers the chance to recalibrate and re-prioritize in life.
Editor's Picks: New Gifts for the Tech Geek
November 10, 2015
For the early adopter, tech evangelist, and gadget hobbyist on your list, we've created a gift guide of smart devices to simplify your holiday present hunt. Find more gift ideas, from textiles to furniture, in our Editor's Best 2015 special issue, on newsstands now.
Mini Lumio+ by Max Gunawan for Lumio, $125 at hellolumio.com
An extra lightweight companion to the original Lumio, a literal book light created by architect Max Gunawan, the mini Lumio+ achieves the same spellbinding LED effect as its predecessor, while also providing a portable means to charge electronics.
DIY Synth Kit by Technology Will Save Us, $40 at techwillsaveus.com
Technology Will Save Us makes even the most technical doodads simple to assemble. Their DIY Synth Kit is no different, teaching the joys of electronic music by empowering users to build their own instrument from scratch.
Drifter Energy by STM, $240 at stmbags.com
With a built-in smart power source, STM's Drifter Energy laptop backpack lets you charge your electronics while they're stowed between use. Its powerful energy supply is capable of delivering 15-20 extra hours of talk time for phones.
Piper nv by Piper, $279 at store.getpiper.com
Unlike other wireless home security systems, the Piper nv requires no fees for service. That means you can use its connected camera to monitor your home remotely, or program push notifications to alert you about alarming activity, all for the price on the package.
Pebble Time Round by Pebble, $249 at pebble.com
Pebble, the wearable tech company whose signature timepiece is a favorite among Silicon Valley disruptors, recently unveiled Pebble Round Time, the world's thinest, lightest smartwatch yet. Available in rich finishes, including rose gold, it is a dream accessory for the tech-forward and design-conscious.
Terz amplifier by Critter and Guitari, $250 at critterandguitari.com
Don't let its size (5-inches-by-3.4-inches-by-7-inches) and meager power requirements (four AA batteries) fool you, Critter and Guitari's Terz amplifier was built to harness the raw energy of Jack White's Third Man Records. The portable, powder-coated amp is made in America and sounds great with all audio sources, including guitar, synthesizer, and voice.
Whistle Activity Monitor by Whistle Labs, $100 at shop.whistle.com
This sleek device tracks your canine's health and well-being just like a human wearable. Attaching it to their collar enables you to monitor their exercise and meals via smartphone.
Hue Go by Philips, $100 at apple.com
Operating on a six hour rechargeable battery, the wireless Hue Go smart bulb breaks free from the socket, allowing users to extend light outdoors and other hard to reach places.
Originally appeared in The Prismatic Philips Hue Goes Portable and Wireless
Chip Drive by Pantone, from $14 at pantone.com
An inexpensive stocking-stuffer that lets you organize your digital files according to year and color, the Pantone USB flash drive (seen here in 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala) comes in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB sizes. Keep an eye peeled for Pantone's 2016 color announcement soon.
OD-11 by Teenage Engineering, $899 at store.dwell.com
Introduced in 1974 by Stig Carlsson, Lars Lallerstedt, and Jesper Kouthoofd, a power trio of Scandinavian industrial designers, the OD-11 recently received an update for the cloud computing era thanks to Teenage Engineering. Available from the Dwell Store, it is compatible with Apple Airplay, Windows, and can even stream from music services like Spotify.
Originally appeared in A Classic 1970s Speaker Gets New Life for a Modern Audience
Mini Lumio+ by Max Gunawan for Lumio, $125 at hellolumio.com
An extra lightweight companion to the original Lumio, a literal book light created by architect Max Gunawan, the mini Lumio+ achieves the same spellbinding LED effect as its predecessor, while also providing a portable means to charge electronics.
Check back from now until December as Dwell editors clue you to their favorite year end gift and product picks.
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