Breathometer
You knew it was just a matter of time. So far, your smartphone has been able to do pretty much anything you ask of it — except tell you when you've had one too many to get behind the wheel. Thanks to the Breathometer ($20 and up), now you can. This keychain-friendly device plugs into the headphone port of your iPhone or Android device, and interacts with an app to give you an accurate measurement of your BAC. Shipments start this July.
Samsung Galaxy S4
How do build the followup to the most successful smartphone in your company's history? You start by leaving a lot the same. At a glance, the Samsung Galaxy S4 ($TBA) looks much like the S3 — but look closer, and you'll notice changes like a 5-inch, 1080p Super AMOLED display, Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability, a 1.6GHz Exynos Octa 8-core processor, a larger battery, and a 13 megapixel camera. Of course, software plays a part too, with new features like Smart Scroll and Smart Pause that use eye-tracking and the accelerometer to scroll pages and pause videos automatically. Arriving Q2 2013.
Philips DesignLine TV
Well, we all knew it was coming. Apparently sick of ever-thinning bezels, the designers of the Philips DesignLine TV ($TBA) decided to get rid of it altogether, building it into a frameless sheet of glass. Thanks to the unusual design, it can be leaned against a wall, stood up, or hung on the wall, but still offers features like integrated Wi-Fi, a Full HD LED panel, 3D Max, Ambilight on three sides, and SimplyShare to easily send photos and videos from iPad and iPhone to the TV. No word yet on a US release.
Thermodo
Ever wish your mobile device could give you a more accurate reading of the current temperature than it gets from the weather app du jour? So did the folks behind Thermodo ($25). This itty-bitty sensor plugs into your headphone jack, working with a dedicated app to give you an accurate reading of the surrounding temperature, with not even an Internet connection required. When it's not in use, you can plug it into the included keychain holder, giving you one more thing to add to your janitor-like chain of trinkets.
Socks by Mack Weldon
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
Hater
Ever wish there was a "Hate" equivalent to the "Like" button on Facebook? Now there is one. Hater (Free) is a new service that lets you share your hate with the world. Features include a built-in Hater camera, rant-writing capabilities, the ability to share Hates anonymously under an Alter Ego, the ability to instantly share your Hates via Facebook and Twitter, and the ability to browse through the most popular hates. Just consider putting a passcode on your phone if you download it — a list of the things you hate *cough* mustard *cough* could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands.
Automatic
Don't worry if your car didn't come with a fancy on-board computer — just plug in Automatic ($70) and go. This smart gadget plugs into the same port that mechanics use to service your car, then links with your smartphone over Bluetooth 4.0 to provide data to a dedicated app. With the app running, you'll be able to see an overall score of how you're driving and how you could save more money, details about how much you drive, where, and your actual MPGs, and notifications when your check engine light comes on — along with a description of what's actually causing the problem. It'll even automatically notify 911 with your location in a crash, making it not just a potential money-saver, but a potential life-saver. [via]
Outex Waterproof Camera Covers
Breathtaking underwater photos? Awesome. Paying more than you paid for your camera for a dedicated housing? Not so awesome. Outex Waterproof Camera Covers ($190 and up) offer a reasonably-priced alternative, hermetically sealing your DSLR from the world and giving you protection from mud, snow, and water to depths of 30+ feet. Simply select the cover, lens attachment, and viewfinder that's right for your setup, bolt on any accessories you need, and start making some photos.
Carrot
Need a little extra motivation to help you tackle your to-do list? Carrot ($1) should do nicely. Touted as a to-do list "with a personality", this moody little app will reward you when you're being productive, while greeting you with a clean, white/black/blue interface. Start slacking, however, and you'll be greeted by an angry app, complete with a black/white/red interface and not-so-subtle hints that you need to stop being so lazy. With over 300 rewards and two full "chapters" to unlock, it's like a game inside a productivity app.
Nikon Coolpix A
Nikon loyalists looking for a high-end compact no longer need to run to the arms of Sony, Fuji, or — gasp! — Canon. The Nikon Coolpix A ($1,100) fills this gap in the lineup by pairing a 16.2 megapixel DX-format sensor with an all-glass 18.5mm f/2.8 prime lens that allows for a body that's easily stuffed into a jacket pocket. Other features include 4 fps burst shooting, full manual exposure controls, a manual focus ring, the ability to shoot RAW files, 1080p video recording, a 3-inch LCD monitor, and a Macro mode that allows for snapping shots from just four inches away. Coming later this month.
Cord Tacos
Keep your cords under control with a pack of Cord Tacos ($25/5-pack). Named for their shape, these small pieces of 100% leather snap around folded cords to keep them bundled in your bag, pocket, drawer, car, or anywhere else you have them stored. A metallic button ensures solid closure, and your choice of black or tan tacos — or an assortment of both — ensures that they'll match your existing stuff.
T3 Music Player
Ever feel like your iPhone needs a little more Dieter Rams in its life? Give it some with the T3 Music Player ($1). Inspired by Rams' iconic Braun radio of the same name, it sports a clean white interface with a circle in the middle for controlling playback (sounds familiar)? Not content to simply ape the T3, the music browsing interface takes after Rams' 606 shelving, and lets you sort your playlists alphabetically or by rank.
Myo Gesture Control Armband
Forget camera-based gesture controls — if you want complete control wherever you are, you need something like the Myo Gesture Control Armband ($150). This innovative new input device communicates with your Mac, PC, phone or tablet over Bluetooth 4.0, and uses proprietary muscle sensors as well as a 6-axis motion sensor to track your movement. The muscle sensors are advanced enough that it can detect changes in gestures down to the individual finger, and because your muscles pick up the signal to move before they actually do, you may see it respond to your movements before you even move. May be combined with a smartphone, Google Glass, and a jetpack to build a "Superhero Starter Pack". [Scouted by Gershon]
