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Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also follow all our deal posts in the Deals section.
Sep 10, 2021
First teased by the iconic guitar maker more than a year ago, Fender’s hotly anticipated LEGO Stratocaster and amp set is finally tuned up. The byproduct of LEGO’s Music to Our Ears fan design contest, the 1,074-piece set features a red or black Fender Strat replica that plugs into a classic Princeton reverb amp. The guitar stands over 14-inches tall. It comes with six strings, an amp cable, and a branded strap. And yes—a whammy bar, too.
Sonos is gearing up to increase to price of many of its newest speakers, soundbars and audio components. As first reported by The Verge‘s Chris Welch, Sonos is set to raise the price of the Roam, One, One SL, Arc, Five, Sub and the Amp — all by 10 percent. Sonos confirmed to Gear Patrol that these price hikes will go into effect this Sunday (September 12).
So if you were thinking about buying one, you might want to act fast to save a few bucks.
Arc
Now: $799
9/12: $899 (+$100)
The Arc is Sonos’s flagship soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. It is getting the biggest price increase of any Sonos speaker.
Five
Now: $499
9/12: $549 (+$50)
The Five is the biggest and best-sounding standalone speaker that Sonos makes. It also has a line-in connection so you can hook up directly to a turntable. It’s getting a $50 price increase.
One SL
Now: $179
9/12: $199 (+$20)
The One SL is Sonos’s entry-level wireless speaker that can’t be integrated a smart voice assistant. It’s getting a $20 price increase.
One
Now: $199
9/12: $219 (+$20)
The One is Sonos’s entry-level smart speaker that can be integrated with your choice of voice assistant, either Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s getting a $20 price increase.
Roam
Now: $169
9/12: $179 (+$10)
The Roam is a small portable Bluetooth speaker that can also be connected to Wi-Fi and integrated into a larger Sonos multi-room setup. It’s getting a $10 price increase.
Sub
Now: $699
9/12: $749 (+$50)
The Sub is Sonos’s third-generation wireless subwoofer. It’s getting a $50 price increase.
Amp
Now: $649
9/12: $699 (+$50)
The Amp is a wireless amplifier that’s capable of driving larger passive speakers, distributing 125 watts per channel. It’s getting a $50 price bump.
The biggest price increase is set to affect the Arc, the company’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar, which is set to jump up $100 — the biggest price hike of any Sonos product. The Arc has been selling for $799 since its release in spring 2020, but that’s set to rise to $899.
Both the Amp and the Sub are getting $50 price increases. The wireless amplifier is going from $649 to $699, while the wireless subwoofer is going from $699 to $749.
The One SL and One, the company’s newest entry-level wireless speakers, are both set to get $20 price increases. Previously $179. the One SL is going to cost $199. And the One going to cost $219 (previously $199).
The Roam, Sonos’s small portable speaker that was announced this past Spring, is getting a $10 price bump, going from $169 to $179.
The Move, Port and Boost are not getting price increases. There’s no mention of the Beam, the company’s entry-level soundbar, getting a price bump either.
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Designed to integrate seamlessly into your home audio system, the Bose Smart SoundBar 900 is the brand’s first Dolby Atmos equipped sound bar. Its feature set includes a DMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2, and multi-room Wi-Fi connectivity plus support for Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa. Pairs with existing Bose components & subwoofers. Available in black or white with a metal grill & glass-top capacitive touch-control display.
If I had to pick just one Toyota Land Cruiser to own, it would be the FJ60. It’s one of the most influential SUVs ever made. It looks great, being nowhere near as bloated as its successors. The FJ60, I’d argue is the perfect combination of family practicality and off-road capability. And it may be the finest example of Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability and reliability. How many years and miles will an FJ60 last? We’re still trying to find out nearly 40 years later.
Corsetti Cruisers
Corsetti Cruisers
So I’m extra-excited to hear that California-based Land Cruiser restorers Corsetti Cruisers has announced they will be doing a new series of Land Cruiser builds. They will be complete 2,200-hour frame-off restorations that keep the look and vibe of the original, but dramatically enhance it to be far more livable by 2021 standards. And their first rebuilt 1984 FJ60 looks exquisite.
Corsetti Cruisers swaps out the classic Land Cruiser engine for GM’s LS3 6.2-liter V8 crate engine, mated to a four-speed automatic. That setup puts out 495 horsepower, more than triple the 135 hp of the stock engine. The build keeps the stock Toyota three-speed transfer case. Other modifications from Corsetti Cruisers include an Old Man Emu suspension, 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires, and rear disc brakes with a HydroBoost system.
According to Corsetti Cruisers, their FJ60 build can earn 22 to 24 mpg on the highway. The original FJ60, by contrast, was rated for 12 mpg highway under EPA testing — when new.
Corsetti Cruisers
The Corsetti Cruisers series build also brings the interior to modern comfort levels with custom leather on the seats and door panels, a 10-inch Pioneer infotainment screen, a reverse camera and a modern sound system. This Land Cruiser had rear jump seats added behind the second row.
Corsetti Cruisers says the cost of a series build is $135,000. That’s substantially more than you would typically pay for an FJ60 on Bring a Trailer. But those likely have not had a complete frame-off restoration. And it’s not that much more than you would pay for a new Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS.
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Designed & optimized for those who work from home, Logitech’s all-in-one Logi Dock is a well-equipped do-it-all dock. It’s comprised of a compact desktop speaker and an arsenal of ports: 2X USB-A 3.0, 2X USB-C 3.1, HDMI, Display Port, USB-C upstream, & a bluetooth pairing button. Meeting controls allow you to enable/disable audio & video with a tap. Choose graphite or white.
In case you’d forgotten about it amongst all the other chaos and news of recent years, the WRX is Subaru’s rally-inspired sports sedan. It’s a car we thirsted over in high school, and one of the influential cars that made us love cars. It’s also very long in the teeth.
Well, until now — as Subaru has just unveiled the all-new 2022 WRX. It isn’t a dramatic departure visually (though the sight of a WRX that isn’t festooned with aftermarket mods and JDM stickers can be jarring.) But unlike many combustion performance cars biding their time until being phased out, the WRX is legitimately all-new.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 Subaru WRX.
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We’re no strangers to odd collaborations every now and then, but more eager to talk about some unique ones. One just happened to drop and it’s the Driza-Bone x Mack Trucks Super-Liner. Here we have an iconic Australian clothing brand, while the other is an American truck manufacturer. Despite their different markets, both are ready to promote their respective wares.
They’re doing this via one heck of a road trip starting from Brisbane all the way to Mt Isa to join the rodeo. This creative project is the brainchild of Driza-Bone creative director Justin O’Shea. This massive undertaking demands an equally-sized platform, which comes in the form of a customized Mack Truck Super-Liner.
In an interview, he claims the inspiration came from his childhood. Growing up in a mining community, trucks are a regular fixture. Those who have seen a Mack Truck Super-Liner up close have an idea of how gargantuan these can be. This 18-wheeler receives a blackout makeover that adds to its imposing outline.
Now, this is how you make an impact! With its towering size, you bet people will notice this hulking beast as it drives by. There are several towns along the way and the publicity it generates will be one-of-a-kind. Driza-Bone is recognized for its tough apparel which somehow matches the beefy ruggedness of Mack Trucks.
This 85-foot big rig is going for a stealthy style with its matte black palette. Instead of shiny chrome accents, the behemoth features hints of yellow which surprisingly gives the dark canvas of its body a nice pop of contrast. The Driza-Bone x Mack Trucks Super-Liner is a must-see for those at the rodeo.
images courtesy of Driza-Bone/Mack Trucks
Cashmere has always been tied to exclusivity and luxury. As such, new cashmere garments that are both accessible and affordable upend conventional thoughts surrounding the fiber. So, to get a better grasp on the actual value of the fiber, we talked with Jeffrey Silberman, the chairperson of the Textile Development and Marketing Department at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Read more about the mysterious (and mega-soft) material below.
According to Silberman, there are a number of aspects that affect the quality of the fiber — and in turn, the price. There are many different grades of cashmere and four primary types: black, brown, red and white. “The darker the cashmere is when it starts out, the less rare it is,” he said. “But it’s considered lower cashmere in the cashmere markets because it does have to be bleached and that’s where you get the fiber damage.”
Along with the grade, the fineness of the fiber has a significant effect on the price. According to the U.S. Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, the average diameter of cashmere fibers in a knit product should not exceed 19 microns, and it should not contain more than three percent of fibers that exceed 30 microns. Generally, the finer the fiber, the higher the price. But, the best cashmere fibers also display a superior quality overall. “[The fibers] are going to be smoother, they’re going to be more lustrous and they’re going to be stronger in the more expensive cashmere,” Silberman said.
Companies offering affordable cashmere sweaters often utilize fibers that aren’t the highest grade and don’t disclose the details of the material they use. “Where you’ll see the difference is if you have beautiful long-fiber cashmere,” said Silberman. “It’s going to feel better, it’s going to look better and it’s going to clean better because it’s not going to lint out fibers. The shorter, coarser cashmere is going to lend itself to the cheaper products.” For apparel companies, shorter cashmere is cheaper to buy, cheaper to process and still allows for the “100% Cashmere” label. Few companies offering affordable cashmere, save Everlane, actually reveal the staple length of fibers used in the yarns of the sweaters.
Another factor that influences price is the country of origin. While Mongolia and China both produce excellent cashmere, companies can source more affordable cashmere from Turkey, Iran and India. In addition, market forces can create cycles where affordable cashmere sweaters come in and go out. “If [fiber dealers] are oversupplied and they need to get rid of their excess inventory, that may have something to do with it,” Silberman said.
“The people in Ulaanbaatar don’t have a lot of money, and yet every single one of them will wear cashmere. If you told them that they should wear sheep’s wool, they basically think that that’s something to insulate a pipe with.”
So though companies may not use the highest grade cashmere in inexpensive cashmere sweaters, they’re still using real cashmere — and it’s still a great fiber. For Silberman, a telling moment in his view of the fiber came when he was working on a project on cashmere identity for the Mongolian Cashmere FibreMark Society in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “The people in Ulaanbaatar don’t have a lot of money — they live on the steppes — and yet every single one of them will wear cashmere. If you told them that they should wear sheep’s wool, they basically think that that’s something to insulate a pipe with,” he said. “And I found out from there that you can wash cashmere with dishwashing liquid or shampoo with conditioner, and that they look at cashmere as ‘It’s really cold here and we need something that’s really warm. It’s a functional, utilitarian thing and we’re happy that people want to buy it and sell it for $500 sweaters.’”
With that in mind, a high price and respected provenance should not necessarily be requisites for your own cashmere purchase. “Really what comes down to is that you like the sweater and you like the way it feels,” Silberman said. “If you’re going to take your sweaters and hang them on the wall, that’s one thing. But if you’re getting them to wear, and you like it, I’m not sure that you care if it’s going to cost as much.”
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The following passage was excerpted from F. Paul Pacult’s new book on the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery, Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon, available now wherever books and eBooks are sold. It has been lightly edited from its original version.
Without a doubt, the whiskeys that provide the most radiant “halo” effect for the entire Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskey portfolio is the assemblage of two straight ryes and three straight bourbons that comprise the annual limited edition offering known as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). The three straight bourbons – George T. Stagg uncut/unfiltered/ barrel strength, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, and William Larue Weller uncut/ unfiltered/barrel strength – and the two straight ryes – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye uncut/unfiltered/barrel strength and Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye – have since 2006 headlined this yearly autumn release. In 2020, the suggested retail price of each whiskey was $99.99. Like the Van Winkles, however, the street prices can reach into the thousands of dollars per bottle due to the scarcity factor.
Wiley
Because of the small quantities, each BTAC is eked out seemingly through an eyedropper in painfully minute amounts that are released in allotments to key whiskey retailers across the nation, as once again the annual amount of each whiskey is determined solely by its advanced age. Following the release of the BTAC each fall, the resultant reactions predictably unfold in four stages. First is the initial outrage stage that no one ever gets enough to satisfy them and why doesn’t Buffalo Trace just make more; second is the deep anguish stage that leads to copious amounts of complaining, bickering, weeping, and gnashing of teeth across the nation; third is the chicanery stage in which regional fits of out-and-out bribery and horse-trading to hustle a BTAC or two break out; and fourth is the forbearance stage, meaning the sad embracing of the reality that most consumers will never taste the BTAC. Any Kentucky whiskey distiller toiling in the depressed 1970s or 1980s could never conceive of the time or circumstance in which this type of reaction to a five-bottle collection of bourbon and rye could occur. But in 2021, this is where we are.
The BTAC program was unveiled in 2000, with the inaugural collection totaling only three whiskeys that were priced at $49.99 each, Sazerac 18-Year-Old, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, and William Larue Weller 19-Year-Old. The reaction from the media was robust and positive from the very first release. Over the subsequent four years, the roster was juggled like tennis balls in the hands of Zippy the circus clown. The 2005 BTAC, for instance, boasted three individual George T. Stagg bottlings, which from a marketing standpoint made little sense and, in fact, seeded confusion in the marketplace, which was still adjusting to the concept of high-priced super-premium American whiskey. The quintet that we still see and covet today in 2021 was settled on in 2006.
Recollected Mark Brown about how the George T. Stagg element of the Antique Collection came to be, “A barrel-strength whiskey was then suggested by a West Virginia consumer. We did not think, to be honest, it would sell but were prepared to give it a shot. The whiskey was conceived and picked by a group of Buffalo Trace retirees, all in their 80s and 90s, including legends like Jimmy Johnson and Orville Schupp.”
Master distiller Harlen Wheatley talked to me about the BTAC program’s earliest days in our interview, “I remember when we launched the collection . . . it was an evolution in the first years. From the production side, it was the Sazerac 18-Year-Old [rye] that was first. I remember the conversation about Stagg [laughs] and someone from marketing questioning, ‘But who’s going to be willing to buy an uncut, unfiltered whiskey?’ To me, the collection is the halo of all that we do with making whiskey. They are the best offerings of our various recipes . . . each recipe for each edition checks all the boxes for what you want in either a great rye or bourbon . . . the variety is the key element that makes it [BTAC] special.”
Echoed Mark Brown in an email to me last October, “The consistent critical acclaim that our Antique Collection whiskeys have won on the global stage over the past 20 years has helped to elevate the status of American whiskey and Buffalo Trace Distillery. Which we believe is both justified and helpful to the development of the entire category. Making a fine bottle of bourbon or rye is every bit as complicated and stressful as making the world’s finest French Bordeaux . . .”
But, will the small quantities of the BTAC forever be a fact of life? What about introducing new bourbons or ryes? Replied Brown, “We have been laying away more Antique Collection barrels so we are pleased that we will be able to bring more to consumers in coming years. We do not have any current plans to add new expressions.”
In 2021, when the predictable controversies abound as to which American whiskey is the best of the best, it can come as no surprise that a Van Winkle or Antique Collection expression is frequently cited. This sort of exercise is, in my own view as a been-around-the-block spirits critic and writer, a pointless expenditure of gray matter energy. You will receive no argument from me concerning the quality of the Van Winkle, The Last Drop, or Antique Collection whiskeys. As advertised, they are each of unimpeachable pedigree, masterfully crafted and aged, and often are stupendously charming whiskeys. But, to lay claim that this rye or that bourbon is the finest American whiskey of all when in recent years there have existed so many wonderful bourbons, ryes, bottled in bonds, single barrels, small batches, single malts, and more domestic whiskeys produced both by mainstream and craft distillers is absurd, parochial, and myopic. Face it: such an exercise is always floated on the vast and undulating ocean of subjectivity.
So, here’s a personal hint from me to thee: the best American whiskey is not necessarily the one that the critics and the bloggers rave about. It’s actually the one that happens to be the whiskey that you prefer the most.
Excerpted with permission from the publisher, Wiley, from Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon by F. Paul Pacult. Copyright ©2021 by Spirit Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is available wherever books and eBooks are sold.
For those planning to host a killer backyard barbecue, we might just have the equipment you need. A good recipe and quality ingredients can give you the best results, but the grill also matters. All the way from Japan, Seiki Design Studio gives us the BBQ & Co. – a minimalist choice for any home.
While a modern freestanding or built-in gas grill can get the job done faster, what the Kyoto-based company offers is more traditional. Just make sure to set expectations before you invite people over for some burgers or steaks. You’ll need a little more prep time to get the fire going since it uses wood.
While waiting for the coals to come down the metal chimney, the large surface gives you more room to prepare whatever needs to be grilled. The BBQ & Co. allows you to cook longer as your favorite wood gradually burns. Seiki Design Studio says it’s perfect for various types of grilled goodies.
We count steak, rotisseries chicken, and South American churrasco meats. Of course, you can practically throw anything you want on the cooking grates. Hey! Your grill, your rules, right? We only wish that the manufacture gives us more information about its specifications.
Judging by the photos, the BBQ & Co. is shipping with an additional food preparation table. There’s even a shelf down below to store your tools and seasonings. The grill features two legs with casters so it’s easy to move around when you need to. So far, Seiki Design Studio only has it in black.
Images courtesy of Seiki Design Studio
At one point in our lives, we guys develop this obsession with heavy machinery. There’s just something so cool about seeing these behemoths going around and tackling challenging tasks. Given the sizes of these things, workers should always be careful around them. Therefore, Doosan Infracore proposes a cutting-edge solution they call the CONCEPT-X.
The South Korean company’s futuristic project is the recipient of the 2021 iF World Design Gold award. This recognition means that the equipment manufacturer is one to something remarkable here. What its proposal hopes to do to minimize the likelihood of workplace injuries.
This is where CONCEPT-X steps in to automate everything. Statistics show that even with safety measures in place and even in proper gear, injuries can still happen. As such, Doosan Infracore proposes an ambitious system that employs drones that fly over construction sites.
These then create 3D maps of the area and relay the data to the control center aptly dubbed the X-CENTER. The CONCEPT-X fleet features an excavator, ADT (adjective dump truck), and awheel loader. All of these are remotely monitored in real-time by drones and controlled by a proprietary program.
According to the Doosan Infracore, since there are no human operators, the machines can work continuously. This allows construction projects to be finished earlier than conventional methods. Also, a failure prediction algorithm should reduce maintenance costs.
From a design perspective, renders of the heavy equipment show sleek aesthetics. The CONCEPT-X fleet looks like something the guys over at Tesla might cook up. Perhaps this is what the construction industry envisions. A future wherein artificial intelligence and robotics are handling high-risk operations with minimal human intervention.
Images courtesy of Doosan Infracore
There is something menacing about the Federal House by Edition Office. It stands like a dark foreboding in the middle of a vast grassy field with its black-pigmented concrete and black timber exterior. The feeling flows into dark hallways. But as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover as the inside offers more brightness.
The structure is a stark reminder of the houses where cinematic villains are often featured hiding or staying. It has a dark aura to it upon first glance and as you walk through the long hallways. But a great part of the house opens to natural sunlight in the mornings thanks to floor-to-ceiling louvre windows.
This impressive house sits in the Byron Bay hinterland of Australia, overlooking acres of green treetops and grasslands. One might say it is secluded from civilization, with its black exterior standing out against its organic topography. The Federal House tries to bring the allure of nature in through a central fern garden that is reminiscent of Spanish heritage houses with their indoor gardens.
In terms of living spaces, it has a bedroom that expands into a covered outdoor living area. It even has a subterranean pool that opens the views to the flowing treetops. Meanwhile, an open floor plan seamlessly blends living and dining area with beautiful views of the natural topography.
Moreover, the Federal House uses wood and concrete furnishings for its interior walls and flooring. Likewise for pieces of furniture and the decorations. There is a notable choice of industrial color choices for the chairs, carpets, ceiling fan, and more.
Images courtesy of Edition Office
Have you ever heard the saying “there is beauty in simplicity” and thought about how it applies to design? Well, that’s what we call minimalism and it applies to almost anything you can think of. Over the years, people have embraced the concept of “less is more” which gives us jaw-dropping mechanical masterpieces like the Biancaneve.
This sleek and sexy build is the product of two Italian automotive designers: Gianluca Bartolini and Francesco Iannuzzi. They were both previously lending their talents to the legendary Pininfarina, but are now the heads of their own design house dubbed Dotto Creations. For their first project, we have this stunning custom 1997 Honda CX500.
They’re calling it the Biancaneve which means “Snow White” in English. We’re seeing a generous helping of black tones here to give the white bodywork some contrast. Another interesting aspect of this motorcycle is how it looks like a sculpture instead of a form of transportation.
According to the team, the approach was to craft something that would pass for a work of art. This theme should be applicable when the Biancaneve is both at a standstill or in motion. Thus, they give it a bespoke mechanism that opens to reveal an exquisite Alcantara and leather seat.
This gives the Biancaneve an aggressive stance when in use and retain a dynamic outline even when it’s not. After taking apart the donor bike, Dotto Creations was only keeping necessary components and discarding the rest. It seems like an odd process, but the resulting ride speaks otherwise. We hope to see them flex talents in more future builds.
Images courtesy of Dotto Creations
This was a short but jammed-packed week. Apple officially announced its big fall hardware event — where we expect new iPhones (and more) to get revealed — will happen on September 14 (next Tuesday). We got a teaser of Google’s next flagship smartphone, the Pixel 6. And Sony had its big PlayStation Showcase, where it announced (and gave extended looks) a number of upcoming PS5 games.
There was a ton of new gadgets that were announced, too.
Bose
This week, Bose introduced its latest flagship soundbar, the Smart Soundbar 900, and it’s exciting because it’s the company’s first ever soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos (finally!). The new soundbar — which replaces the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 in the company’s lineup — has a HDMI eARC connection, supports multiple streaming methods over Wi-Fi (including AirPlay 2) and Bluetooth, and it can be integrated to support Alexa and Google Assistant so you can summon music with your voice. At $900, this is very much a competitor to the Sonos Arc.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is available everywhere on September 23, but you can preorder it now.
Price: $900
LG
The Xboom 360 RP4 is LG’s newest portable party speaker. It’s not a small speaker, weighing nearly 13, but it’s able true 360-degree audio and output a hefty 120-watts of power. It has an integrated handle and, most conspicuously, a lantern that can be customized (via a companion app) to shine whatever color you want the party vibe to be. The speaker will be available this month.
Price: $400
DJI
The DJI OM 5 is the company’s newest smartphone gimbal and the successor to the OM 4. (FYI: “OM” is the new name for rebranded Osmo line.”) The new model has basically the same foldable design, but it’s slightly smaller and more compact. It has improved gimbal motors and an upgraded magnetic clamp (so it should be easier to attach and detach your smartphone). And, most significantly, the OM 5 has a telescoping selfie stick that’s built right into the handle — to help make getting the perfect shot a little bit easier.
Price: $119
Sony
The Sony HT-A5000 is the company’s newest Dolby Atmos soundbar, and it’s essentially a smaller and $400-cheaper version of the company’s HT-A7000 soundbar, which was recently announced in July. The HT-A5000 is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar (instead of a HT-A7000’s 7.1.2) and supports all the same technologies, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and 360 Reality Audio. It has one HDMI 2.1 (eARC) connection (instead of HT-A7000’s two), making it a great option for people with new TVs and next-generation consoles.
Price: $900
Logitech
The Logi Dock is Logitech’s newest all-in-one hub for your home workstation. It’s decked out with multiple ports — USB-C (3x), USB-A (2x), DisplayPort and HDMI — and it supports up to 100-watts of passthrough power, which allows it to power up to two external monitors and charge your laptop. However, what makes the Logi Dock really unique is its built-in speaker (along with excellent mics) that are designed to elevate your video conferencing experience. It’s compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs, as well as popular video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. It’s also available in two colors: white or graphite (shown).
Price: $399
Amazon
After years of licensing its Fire TV operating system to TV manufacturers like Toshiba and Insignia, Amazon is finally making its own hardware to pair with its software. That’s right, Amazon is getting into the TV business. The company announced this week that it’s going to make two lines of “Amazon-built” 4K TVs. There will be the higher-end Omni Series, which will range from a 43-inch model ($410) to a 75-inch model ($1,100), and a more budget-friendly 4-Series, which will range from a 43-inch model ($370) to a 55-inch model ($520). The biggest difference between the two lines is that the Omni Series will have Alexa integrated right into the TV, so you’ll be able to summon shows or adjust volume without touching the remote.
Both lines of “Amazon-built” TVs will start shipping in October and are available for preorder now.
Price: $410 — $1,100
Ray-Ban
The Ray-Ban Stories is a pair of smart glasses that were developed in tandem with Facebook. They have built-in cameras that allow you to record 30-second videos and take photos (which are intended to be easily shareable on Facebook or Instagram), as well as built-in speakers to listen to music from your smartphone or answer calls. In this way, the Ray-Ban Stories are kind of a mix between Snap’s Spectacles and Bose’s Frames, with the big difference being that they look disarmingly like regular Ray-Ban sunglasses. They are available in three different frames (including Wayfarers) and five different colored lenses.
Price: $299
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Did you see the news? No? Let me fill you in. Facebook worked with Ray-Ban to make sunglasses with cameras on them. With them, and a quick “Hey, Facebook,” you can take photos or videos of whatever it is you’re looking at. I just have one question: Who asked for this?
Ray-Ban Wayfarers are fine as is. Nothing more, I’ve argued. They should’ve stayed analog. So, who thought slapping two cameras onto the front of them was a smart idea? Further, two cameras with direct connection to a company plagued by user and data privacy issues — and with transparency issues to boot. With Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus in the rearview, and their missions nearly merged by now, are Ray-Ban Stories (yes, that’s what they’re called) a way of warming the general consumer up to the idea of “Facebook on your face?”
The reasons for having a hands-free device, and more specifically a camera, abound. You’re less likely to text (or snap photos) and drive or walk across the street or bike. You can continue with your task at hand while talking on the phone. Getting answers to questions like, “what’s the weather today?” becomes a non-physical task. But, you’re late, Facebook. The features embedded in the Ray-Ban Stories barely supersede those in Snap’s Spectacles, which have been around since 2016. So, what’s the point?
Rayban
With Ray-Ban Stories you open a channel: from your eye-level POV to a Facebook post. You can’t however stream straight from the glasses to a live video or to an actual post. You’ll have to download and then upload manually. It makes for a few more steps between point of capture and posting but it’s for your own safety, Facebook says. Facebook also promises it can’t see the photos and videos you take — only how many you do and how long they are. Plus, for people in your line of sight, awareness is everything: the shutter sound can’t be turned off and an LED light activates when in use.
Want others to see life through your eyes? Well, they literally can, courtesy of these new frames. But tell them to prepare for pixelation: the images captured on Ray-Ban Stories look less like those snapped on new-age iPhones — 12 megapixels vs 5 megapixels— and more like those you use to navigate a Street View on Google Maps. In plainer terms, they suck. Plus, if you have any semblance of camera experience, switching to verbal commands and pointing your eyes at your subject isn’t an easy adjustment. Fast Company Technology Editor, Harry McCracken, says he cut plenty of heads off in the photo-taking process.
For the detail oriented, the Ray-Ban Stories certainly look different from traditional Wayfarers (or Rounds or Meteors, which they’re making, too). In place of anchors, there are two cameras. Worn around the oblivious, these blend in — and feel roughly the same. (They’re only 5 grams heavier.) Although that’s likely what the designers strived for, both are undoubtedly bad things.
Rayban
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Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also follow all our deal posts in the Deals section.
Sep 9, 2021
The market for vehicle restorations shows no signs of slowing down even amid the health crisis right now. Although travel restrictions are in place, it doesn’t mean overlanding is a no-go. If you’re looking for something unique, then a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf from Expedition Motor Company is an interesting choice. So, let’s check out what they can do for clients.
Aside from Land Rovers, we also regularly spot awesome builds of this iconic German SUV. These range from luxe makeovers, electric conversions, and maybe some projects like what Expedition Motor Company offers. The effort and craftsmanship that go into the machines are remarkable.
Each Expedition Motor Company 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf that leaves their establishment undergoes close to 1,000 hours of work. The classic 4×4 can be personalized according to your specifications as long as it does not compromise performance. Another would be to pick from an extensive list of options on their website.
Already a reliable and capable platform, the tweaks and upgrades just make it even better. Expedition Motor Company sources each unit from reliable suppliers and is thoroughly inspected before work begins. What follows are a full disassembly and professional rebuild. Each 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf must pass a strict quality test before delivery.
Here are some of the add-ons buyers can request. Bumpers, winches, Jerry Can/Holder, soft top roofs, and more. Expedition Motor Company offers a level of customization not many can match. As long as the request is within reason, they will deliver exactly what the owner wants. Order your bespoke 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf and enjoy outdoor adventures anytime.
Images courtesy of Expedition Motor Company
There used to be a time when only select brands catered to adventurers. The great outdoors can be unforgiving and dangerous when ill-prepared, which is why your gear matters. Nowadays, almost every leading sportswear brand carry stuff designed for these demanding activities. Rebook Japan drops the Zig Kinetica II Edge GORE-TEX in two colorways and both look absolutely wild.
We’re saying that because these pair are barely recognizable in contrast to their running shoe counterparts. This is not a bad thing as Reebook probably wants to offer another striking silhouette. The Zig Kinetica II Edge GORE-TEX are no longer sneakers but rugged hiking boots for a specific market.
Starting with the upper, moisture is no longer a problem thanks to GORE-TEX. This fabric is a choice material when manufacturers demand superior waterproofing and breathability. Now your feet can stay fresh and dry while you navigate your way around all types of terrain.
The higher cut also lets Reebok add an ankle strap. Another pair of lockdown straps are on the heel and gives users a secure fit. Meanwhile, the zipper closure system makes the Zig Kinetica II Edge GORE-TEX easy to remove and slip on just whenever you need to.
Additional straps on the front combine with six cables for even more adjustments. GORE-TEX is slapping its branding on the lateral sides of the uppers. As for Reebok, its vector badge is visible on the ankle strap and midsole toward the heel area.
Finally, top-notch traction comes from the Vibram outsole unit. It may look like it’s removable, but images of the Zig Kinetica II Edge GORE-TEX do not confirm this feature. Anyway, these stylish kicks can be yours in Core Black or Chalk palettes.
Images courtesy of Reebok
If head to the beach this summer, you’re likely to find people engaged in various activities. It could be sports, swimming, surfing, and more. Those who can afford it take to the seas on their yachts, tenders, or motorboats. If you plan to join them and prefer a greener alternative, why not grab the Candela C-8 instead.
This vessel also addresses another issue when it moves. As the hull cuts through the surface, it creates swells that could endanger smaller watercraft and people. Therefore, you can potentially ruin someone’s day when close to shore. Candela overcomes this challenge via a hydrofoil setup.
Even when cruising at high speeds, the C-8 is slicing through effortlessly and barely leaving a wave. Adding to the awesomeness of it all is appearing like it’s flying above the water. Even in rough seas, its hydrodynamic configuration makes it feel like a relaxing ride.
Candela is crafting the hull out of 100% carbon fiber which is impressively lightweight for its size. Moreover, this material likewise boasts an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio in contrast to glass fiber. Add to that the all-electric propulsion from its powerful C-POD motor.
Depending on the situation, the versatile C-FOIL system can retract up into the hull. This allows the C-8 to navigate even in shallow water. Depending on the conditions, the top speed should be somewhere between 24-30 knots. Its batteries give it a maximum range of more than 50 nautical miles.
It measures 27.9 meters long and 8.2 wide with enough space for up to 8 passengers including the operator. Intuitive controls from its 15.4-inch touchscreen and proprietary candela UI even supports over-the-air updates. Below deck, the C-8 has can sleep up to two adults and two children.
Images courtesy of Candela
