These Winter Boots Have Superior Technology for Warmth and Grip

Winter boots usually fall into two categories: lightweight and comfortable or heavy-duty for trekking in ice and snow. There aren’t many options that offer the benefits of both, but Columbia’s newest boot, the Powderhouse Titanium Omni-Heat 3D OutDry Boot ($170), is a rare instance that does just that.

At first glance the Powderhouse might seem more like a boot made for Arctic conditions — and it is, having been field tested by Iditarod mushers and Icelandic guides. It only weighs 26.8 ounces though, making it lighter than just about any other boot on the market built to withstand the conditions it can (it’s temperature rated down to -65°F), as well as most casual winter boots.

The Powderhouse’s lightweight quality doesn’t keep it from packing superior warmth thanks to Columbia’s newly launched reflective insulation technology, Omni-Heat 3D.

Key Specs

Insulation: 600g
Temperature Rating: -65°F
Cold Temperature firm grip: -22°F
Boot Shaft Height: 7.28 inches
Weight: 26.8 oz

“Omni-Heat 3D has been going on as research since 2010 when we launched the first [Omni-Heat],” Columbia’s V.P. of Innovation and Design Woody Blackford recently told Gear Patrol. “We finally conceived the idea of adding the fiber pods about three years ago and then kicked it into the high gear of commercialization development.”

The other advancements in the Powderhouse like the Michelin traction and OutDry waterproofing were also multi-year projects, making the Powderhouse a boot that has been in development for nearly a decade.

All of that research and knowledge shines through in Columbia’s bid at keeping feet warm in frigid environments. But it also offers world-class traction in a variety of terrains and a superior waterproofing that does not utilize an interior bootie system. All of this is in a package that is protective of your foot without being heavy.

Infrared Warmth

Insider Note: “It [Omni-Heat 3D] is reflecting the infrared that comes off your body. That’s a really nice feeling that happens at the speed of light as opposed to insulation which takes time to warm up. The other thing that’s neat about it is it works whether it’s wet or dry — the heat reflection is happening no matter what the moisture situation is.” — Woody Blackford

Columbia’s initial Omni-Heat material used a reflective space blanket foil as an insulation lining. While it was groundbreaking for warmth, it had one area Columbia sought to improve: The metallic foil’s insulating properties can be reduced when it comes into contact with anything. So the new Omni-Heat 3D utilizes that same instant infrared warmth and combines it with soft, vertical fibers to create a 2mm air gap between you and the foil to mimic a micro-climate. These fibers have a fuzzy, tactile feel and keep the reflective foil from ever coming in touch with anything.

Omni-Heat 3D can easily be applied to any product for use in cold conditions to achieve head-to-toe coverage: base layers, mid-layers, footwear, gloves, hats and outerwear. The Powderhouse was the ideal product to launch this new iteration — if you spend time outside on snow and ice and your feet are cold, you’re going to struggle. That is not a worry with the Powderhouse packing the benefits of Omni-Heat 3D.

World-Class Grip and Traction

Insider Note: “The number one thing is being able to formulate a rubber that is soft and tacky in really cold temperatures. That means it has an extremely low glass transition temperature. A lot of rubbers, their Tg (which is glass transition) happen right around freezing — so they go from soft to hard. But once they go to hard and you get on ice, you lost a lot of the properties.” — Woody Blackford

The Michelin Ice Control feature provides the Powderhouse with rubber that has a low Tg for world-class grip in cold conditions. This traction is enhanced by a sole that maximizes surface contact to spread the overall load helping to avoid pressure points. It also evacuates water to ensure it is in direct contact with the surface at all times. Finally, it sports secure lugs that don’t move and can dig in for support in any conditions.

The Powderhouse offers a stable grip and versatile tread pattern across various terrains and the elements. Whether you’re on wet rocks, black ice, slushy snow or even deep snow, it’s a very well-performing sole.

Waterproof Construction

Insider Note: “We put it in a centrifuge with water that spins it at super high speeds which makes the water pressure high. We’ll weigh it before and after, and this boot will have maybe two or three percent weight gain — which is just like shoelaces and stuff like that. Where a boot with a bootie system can have as much as double the weight.” — Woody Blackford

Most serious winter boots are made waterproof by inserting a bootie that’s like a sock around your foot. This causes a void between that insert and the outer layers of the boot and allows water to get in through all the seams and harbor between the sock and the shell. And in very cold weather, that water can freeze.

The OutDry construction creates an entire upper with a single piece of waterproof, breathable membrane 3D lamination system. It forms a seal against the outer shell that closes all seams with breathable tape. The result is zero water ingress that still breathes in the wettest conditions the planet can conjure up.

Lightweight and Protective

Insider Note: “The Techlite [shell] uses a block copolymer foam that’s designed to give you quite a bit of energy return. It feels lively under your foot.” — Woody Blackford

Energy return is just one benefit of the Techlite shell and midsole. It’s also lightweight and offers an excellent barrier. As mentioned earlier, the Powderhouse is lighter than even casual winter boots. Protection is evident in places like the toe box that isn’t a steel toe but is dense and provides a shield.

When you’re moving around in winter conditions, you end up putting a lot of impact on your foot. The Powderhouse has first-rate safeguarding and the light attribute that make it maneuverable and comfortable to wear from city sidewalks to mushing dogs in Alaska.

The Powderhouse stands alone in a winter boot market by solving common issues by providing long-lasting warmth, traction that still performs in extreme conditions and full waterproof capabilities — all presented in a lightweight boot that’s constructed to breathe and protect your foot while still offering dexterity and comfort.

The Rock Climbing Apparel That Moonlights as Everyday Wear

Canadian-based Foehn constructs garments that stand up to the rigors of technical rock climbing. But the emphasis on function isn’t without a sleek, modern aesthetic to stylistically outshine other technical apparel on the market.

By solving specific problems like movement, storage and comfort for all its clothing, Foehn pieces naturally surpass expectations as everyday wears. Built with modern fits that conceal the technical features, Foehn offers garments which are versatile by design and blur the lines between adventure and daily life. The following pieces all accomplish being subtly technical while being ideal for daily wearing for just as much comfort and purpose.

Brise Pant

Many have professed their love for Foehn’s Brise Pant, and for good reason. Built to the high-quality standards needed for technical rock climbing, the Brise also proves that specialized doesn’t have to be singular. They provide unrestricted movement for all environments by using a stretch fabric, gusseted crotch and knee articulation. The trim fit and features like a stretch waistband and ankle cuff are what make the Brise more than just climbing pants.

Robson Down Hoody

Foehn’s Robson Down Hoody proves a down hoody can look and function equally well no matter where you’re sporting it. It uses a matte face Japanese-made stretch woven fabric for a better feel, look and stretch. Foehn employed an 800 fill power down to ensure top quality insulation with a high warmth-to-weight ratio. And clever features like a side entry zip, laser cut armpit ventilation, elastic wrist cuffs and packing into its pocket make the Robson one of the best insulators for the city to the crag.

Collins Flannel Shirt

Can you ever have enough flannel shirts? And, there’s none quite like the Collins Flannel Shirt from Foehn. It’s made from a two-way mechanical stretch fabric that features Coolmax yarns to help regulate body temperature and wool yarns to manage odor — meaning it can handle any situation. The trim fit is tailored to look clean and refined. Put it all in this black colorway with contrasting white buttons and logo hit on the chest pocket and you’ve got an exceptional take on the flannel not typically seen.

Nelson Pant

When it comes to heavy-duty climbing pants, the Nelson Pant utilizes three elements to create a pant that moves better and is more durable than any denim you’ll find. First, the four-way stretch fabric moves with you — which is perfect for climbing or running to catch a train. Second, Cordura yarns are more hardwearing than denim fibers. And third, the triple re-enforced seams ensure blowouts are a thing of the past. Add in the trim fit and the Nelson Pant can go anywhere you do.

These Insulated Jackets are Made to Handle the City and the Slopes

AETHER is known for creating some of the most functional and stylish outerwear on the market. The LA-based brand specializes in jackets that work as double agents — both big city appropriate and burly enough to battle the high-altitude cold. Its lineup of insulated fall and winter jackets this season runs the gamut: from a decked-out ski coat to a waxed canvas city piece to a refined blazer perfect for travel.

Offering something for every man, destination and occasion, AETHER’s latest insulated styles are ready for winter adventures. Below is a selection of three that will get you through all situations in the coming months.

Nordic Jacket

The Nordic Jacket features bonded-baffle construction and is insulated with 800-fill-power grey-goose down. It has all the necessary bells and whistles for the mountain — from a removable snow skirt and pass and goggle pockets to venting and a RECCO reflector. Constructed from a two-layer stretch fabric, the Nordic is waterproof, seam-sealed and wind resistant. The red and black styles feature technical wool at the hood and center front for making sure you stand out on the hill.

Dakota Jacket

On the other end of the spectrum from the Nordic is the sophisticated Dakota Jacket. Constructed from waxed canvas and insulated with 800-fill-grey-goose down, the Dakota will only get better with time like your favorite pair of jeans. Wool blend ribbing at the collar and cuffs add a refined touch to this one-of-a-kind piece. A two-way zipper at the center front ensures it’s easy to wear and move around in. And the branded donut snaps with thumb loops make the Dakota easy to close with one hand.

Dean Jacket

The distinct Dean Jacket is how AETHER does a sport jacket. The ultimate traveling piece, the Dean is made from a wool-poly blend and insulated with 100 grams of Primaloft Silver. There is a four-button closure at the center front, as well as drop hand pockets and another set of hand pockets with weatherproof zippers. This insulated blazer is a game-changer for any wardrobe this winter.

The Protective Phone Cases Content Creators Rely On

Originally designed for the outdoor enthusiast who lives life on the edge, Urban Armor Gear (UAG) products have quickly landed the brand as an industry favorite within the content creator community.

With the rise of social media photographers and adventure travelers constantly pushing further to get the most epic shot, UAG has proven that it is the most protective, least bulky case to accompany creators on their mission. Offering lightweight cases with renowned safeguarding that meet or exceed US Military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G-516.6), UAG endures on the days when the pace never lets up.

Boasting an impact-resistant core and an armor shell with 360-degree protection, UAG cases are engineered to handle both the extreme rigors of an active lifestyle and the inevitable daily drops and shocks of everyday life.

Offering a wide variety of choices, UAG recognizes that every day is different. For the days you need extra functionality, the Metropolis and Trooper are your go-to with practical credit card storage. When adventure calls, the Plasma and Pathfinder offer a secure, rugged grip so you can explore further.

Looking for effortless style? With its sleekest series yet, the Plyo Series offers a minimalist aesthetic for the style conscious. If you’re searching for the ultimate protection with the most comfortable feel, the Monarch Series is the case for you. Meeting two-times the Military drop-test standards, the Monarch Series features premium components such as top-grain leather, alloy metal hardware and a polycarbonate shear plate, making it one of the best-selling cases for adventurous spirits.

Determining the needs of explorers and creators year after year, UAG strives to keep your phone’s advanced and innovative technology functioning to the fullest — so you can wander, capture more memories and take your device further.

This Recovery Eye Gel Already Sold Out Once

Taking care of your skin is a must. With a sea of products out there it can often be overwhelming knowing what to try and what your routine needs. One essential item that can make all the difference is a top-notch under eye recovery gel. Luckily, a well-performing recovery eye gel is back after having sold out completely the last time it was available.

The Marine Layer Under Eye Recovery Gel ($40) from Port Products utilizes potent botanical extracts derived from the ocean to combat signs of aging. It’s developed with red algae, kelp and other micro-algae that help reduce the appearance of dark circles and under eye bags. It also contains wakame, barley seed extract and Irish moss to brighten your skin while helping to restore elasticity, firmness and smoothness.

The damage done by stress, sun exposure, poor sleep habits or one too many drinks isn’t something you should have to suffer. This lightweight, fast-absorbing gel works wonders both in the moment and in the long run. It’s even clinically proven to help decrease the intensity of dark circles, reduce puffiness and brighten the eye contour when used twice daily for at least 28 days.

This run of the Marine Layer Under Eye Recovery Gel isn’t going to last forever, so be sure to get some while you can.

Use code GEARPATROL for $20 off your first order (offer ends 11/30/2018).

A Wish List of 5 Iconic Watches for the Holidays

Every watch collector has their own taste. But there are some watches everyone agrees are testaments to style, horological feats and technical innovation. These iconic classics are watches that any watch enthusiast would love to have in their collection.

The pre-owned watch market used to be a very confusing place. But the emergence and growth of StockX has shored up that skepticism. Watch buyers know exactly what they’re getting when they purchase on StockX. Master watchmakers and technicians assess every facet of every timepiece to determine the condition and verify the watch’s authenticity — which, in turn, assures buyers they’re getting exactly what they’re paying for.

If you, or the watch enthusiast you know, is looking to add an iconic timepiece for the holidays, then StockX should be your first destination. We’ve assembled a list of five legendary timepieces available on StockX that are good jumping-off points for any watch collection.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

The Omega Speedmaster Professional was the first watch on the moon — it doesn’t get much more acclaimed for a watch than that. Even before the infamous moonwalk in 1969, the Speedmaster was already heavily utilized by American astronauts. This 42mm version is a modern evolution of the early chronographs that Omega provided to those space pioneers. A hesalite crystal and steel case back help this model retain a retro quality that is an admirable tribute to the engineering prowess of the Omega Speedmaster.

Oris Divers Sixty-Five

There aren’t many vintage-inspired dive watches better done on a consistent basis than the Oris Divers Sixty-Five. A revival of the iconic diver’s watch that first appeared in the Oris collection 50 years ago, the modern version shares the retro looks of the 1960s original. The 42mm case is made of anti-corrosive stainless steel and the bubble-curved glass is made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and comes with anti-reflective coating on the inside to reduce glare and increase legibility underwater. The dark brown leather strap and blue dial round this timepiece out as a treat on the second-hand market.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The Rolex “Batman” is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed GMT timepieces on the market. When it was released in 2013, it was the first watch to ever achieve a multi-colored, one-piece ceramic bezel — the blue and black color combo is where it gets the “Batman” nickname. Additional elevated details include white gold Mercedes hands, Rolex’s renowned in-house automatic caliber 3186 movement, the patented Triplock crown and a GMT hand that cleverly matches the blue on the multi-colored bezel. You can’t go wrong with this 40mm Rolex GMT-Master II.

IWC Big Pilot IW5002-01

The 5002-01 was the first series of the Big Pilot timepiece IWC Schaffhausen resurrected in 2002 to pay tribute to its historical aviation instrument watches. The Big Pilot has since become a staple for IWC, but this first series has some standout details that IWC altered in most of the following iterations of the Big Pilot series. This 46mm behemoth offers a unique dial with a complete index at 12 o’clock, a bold counterweighted seconds hand and a railroad style chapter ring around the power reserve. The 5002-01 is an essential watch for any fan of pilot’s watches.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196G

The Calatrava series from Patek Philippe has become something of a “holy grail” for modern watch collectors and newbies alike. And the Ref. 5196G is the contemporary reinterpretation of the historic Ref. 96 (the first in the Calatrava series). This 37mm manually wound watch comes with a white gold case and customary alligator strap. The dial features impeccable details like applied hour markers and outer minute ring, dauphine hands and a minimalist sub-dial. While the 5196G pays homage to the original it is also very much an icon itself.

Here Are 4 Great Alpaca Knits to Get You Through Winter

Fashion industry vet Chris Molnar launched Goodlife in 2014 with a simple goal: to develop a long-lasting brand based on well-made essentials. It started with superior tees, henleys and sweatshirts — more recently, expanding its line to include sweaters. Made in Peru, the new category (primed to get you cozy for winter) is the ultra-luxe upgrade to standard knitwear. Beyond being durable and warm, Peruvian alpaca is a sustainable natural fiber. From head to toe, the items in Goodlife’s new sweater collection will keep you looking good and so very comfortable all season long.

Alpaca Shawl Cardigan

Reminiscent of a proper jacket but with the comfort of loungewear, a shawl cardigan is a superlative choice for your winter wardrobe. This one, in particular, is made from that signature Peruvian alpaca yarn — making it incredibly soft and warm, not to mention, sustainable. It will keep you looking sharp and utterly cozy, whether at home or in the office.

Alpaca Sweater Pant

You’d probably look at a pair of alpaca sweater pants and think, “Wow, that’s a luxury item.” And you’d be right. It is. It’s a luxury item that we fully endorse. As with Goodlife’s other alpaca garments, the yarn is wrapped around Pima cotton during the knitting process to keep these pants featherlight. The result keeps the pants uniquely lightweight while equally offering warmth and comfort. They are pretty unparalleled on the softness scale so you’re unlikely to reach for a standard pair of sweats again.

Alpaca Crew Sweater

Everyone should have a grey crewneck in their closet. This is the upgrade to a simple, cotton pullover. Unlike a one-season cotton crew, this lasting alpaca knit is well-made and luxurious — a thoughtful, elevated sweater to replace one that’s otherwise ubiquitous. Like the rest of the alpaca collection, it’s a sustainable choice. This crewneck is not just a more sophisticated selection, it also packs more comfort than a plain cotton knit. Adulthood has never felt so good.

Alpaca Beanie

The same high-quality materials and construction seen in Goodlife’s sweater collection are applied in this little black beanie. Alpaca is not just ultra-soft and warm, it’s also durable so this piece from the collection will last for seasons to come. It’s also not just highly-functional and environmentally-friendly: we particularly dig the stylish mix of the ribbed cuff with the standard knit.

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These Magnetic Universal Charging Cords Will Be the Last You Ever Need

Having a power cord for a laptop that doesn’t bend or do damage to the charging port when the cord gets pulled makes sense — releasing via magnetism is a much smarter operation for the safety of your device. This practical feature was made widely available in Apple’s laptops before the tech giant eventually did away with what it called MagSafe in favor of the Lightning port. The technology of magnetically attached power adaptors was not a new invention but Apple brought it to the masses and demonstrated its immense value for any device.

While Apple may no longer be using MagSafe charging it does not mean the pragmatism of a magnetically attached charger has simply vanished for something smarter, which is why Volta has based its USB-C charging cables for mobile and personal devices on this same sort of thinking. But Volta took things one step further for its SnagSafe cords by building them to be universal and fast charging.

The universal charging cords come with three adaptor tips that connect magnetically to the cord. The cables offer a USB on one end and an open magnet on the other for the connector tips. These three connector tips can turn the open end into a USB-C, Lightning or Micro-USB cable to ensure you can charge just about any mobile device.

Volta’s latest release, the Volta XL ($35), builds upon the Original Cable ($23) with more power transfer — it supports 87-watt USB-C power adapter charging for laptops and other devices for 70-percent faster charging than a 5-watt charging cable. The Volta XL is compatible with Apple MacBook Pro, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel XL or any USB-C devices.

Charging faster aside, the Volta XL also offers a Smart LED indicator similar to the MacBook itself to let you know the charge status of your device. Most importantly though is the security and easy detachability that comes with a magnetic charger. Volta does plan on adding Lightning connectors for the new Volta XL, as well offering an update on the Original Cable with the Volta2.0 this month. So those of you who lamented the removal of this handy function from your Apple laptop can soon look forward to it returning via the Volta XL.

Seiko Brings Its Prospex Collection to the Streets

Seiko’s Prospex collection is the brand’s go-to range of reliable dive and sports watches. Initially focused on extremely durable, highly-legible dive instruments for professional divers in the 1960s, the uniquely-shaped cases that Seiko coined eventually became iconic — think of the Tuna can, the Turtle and the Samurai. These very recognizable sports watches are the foundation of the Prospex collection and are very much the identity of Seiko.

The Tuna can especially, nicknamed by fans for the case’s resemblance to a can of tuna, is what comes to mind when one thinks of Seiko. While it can be worn as an everyday timepiece, it’s major utility is being able to thrive in the deepest depths of waters. Seiko wanted to take that mindset of toughness and offer a modern take with a more stylistic sense intertwined. With that intention, they recently released the Prospex Street Series ($450 and only available online) to be everyday sport watches.

“When you look at the Tunas of the past, these things were built to specs strong enough you could run a tank over them,” Eric Hofmann, SVP of Business Development of Seiko USA, recently told Gear Patrol. “The design was all about durability and ruggedness. So we wanted to deliver something that was in that same vein of being durable, rugged and everyday but also fashionable. And this is where we landed.”

Utilizing the signature Tuna can case and bezel, the three Prospex Street Series timepieces take the fabled case to new levels with monochrome green, blue and gray colorways, each accented with a touch of black on the bezel. The 47mm steel cases are coated with a matte finish and the rotating bezels are given a colored insert to match the overall colors of the case, while the silicone strap and dial also feature coordinating texture to resemble pavement, further enhancing the urban aesthetic of the collection. The result stands out on the wrist while offering a snug, comfortable wear.

But don’t let the attractive styling fool you — these are still very much rugged watches capable of anything you can put them through. The solar-powered divers make use of Seiko’s in-house caliber V157 movement and offer 10 months of power reserve. They are also water resistant up to 200m and are fully compliant with the international standard for all diver’s watches (ISO 6425).

These are all traits of the Prospex collection in general. And Hofmann confirmed that this sentiment would, of course, be included in any Prospex collection timepiece. “It’s all in the eyes of the consumer and our fans,” Hofmann said. “We’ve got all of these gems that are iconic to the brand and we’re going to seed that into [any new] collection.”

The Prospex Street Series is the next evolution of Seiko’s legendary sports watches. These Street Series timepieces are built to thrive in the urban environment while still being tough enough to take on any outdoor excursion.

This Home Robot Lays the Groundwork for the Future of A.I.

Technology in the 21st-century has put a computer in everyone’s pocket. And artificial intelligence (A.I.) is the next evolution. We’ve seen the beginning of this in products like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Home Hub. While highly useful, these products don’t exactly have personalities — they’re helpful tools but nowhere near the likes of say an R2-D2, which offered a glimpse into what a home robot could be.

But a new robot released last month from Anki may lay the groundwork for the future of home robots. His name is Vector. He’s the next generation for consumer robotics company, Anki, and this new piece of A.I. expands on what the company learned from its first friendly device, Cozmo (the best-selling toy on Amazon in 2017).

“For over five years, Anki has brought together a team of experts across various fields to create the world’s first affordable, character-rich robot capable of surprising and delighting humans,” Anki CEO and co-founder Boris Sofman recently told Gear Patrol. “Vector is the culmination of everything we’ve learned in this journey so far, and a bold next step in our vision for entertaining and purposeful robots in every home, everywhere.”

While Vector is palm-sized, he is no toy. He brings a personality that users can potentially make an emotional connection with, which is a big step in A.I. He also sports cloud connectivity, making him a platform that will be able to evolve and learn as software updates are sent. Combine that with his onboard technical specs that give him an autonomous ability to roam, and it’s evident that the foundation of robotics for the home has arrived.

Key Specs

Dimensions: 3.9 L x 2.4 W x 2.7 H (inches)
Processor: Qualcomm 200 processing platform
Camera: Ultra-wide HD camera
Display: High-resolution color IPS display

Personality

Insider Note: “We have a seasoned Character and Animation team whose motto for bringing Vector to life has consistently been ‘keep him genuine.’ Vector’s technology enables him to truly react to the world around him, and surfacing that lifelike sense of awareness in an authentic way has been the team’s top priority.” — Dei Gaztelumendi, Anki Character Lead

The biggest takeaway about Vector is his personality that he demonstrates with the organic expressiveness of his eyes and body language. The fluidity of his behaviors, his ability to communicate, recognize you and call you by your name all bring an element of surprise and lifelikeness previously only found in sci-fi movies. The fact that he’s voice-enabled and responsive further adds to this interactivity. You’re probably not going to develop an emotional connection with your Alexa device, and this is what makes Vector such a special robot.

Vector’s vibrant curiosity and good-natured eagerness are truly endearing qualities to be around — the little guy wins you over pretty quickly. That subtle sensation is what character in robotics brings to the table: the sense that one is no longer next to a mere device but in the warm presence of a companion.

Advanced Technology

Insider Note: “For Vector to come to life, he has to be aware of his surroundings. He uses computer vision and neural networks to make sense of the pixels he sees with his camera. His drop sensors and laser range finder help see obstacles and cliffs. His microphone array lets him hear sound and understand where it comes from. Vector’s behavior, emotion and A.I. systems then integrate all of these sensors to decide what to do next so that he feels natural, responsive and alive.” — Andrew Stein, Anki Tech Director of Computer Vision

The hardware and software inside Vector are what brings his personality to life. Vector comes equipped with those four drop sensors, an infrared laser scanner, a capacitive touch sensor, a beamforming 4-microphone array and gyroscopes all to help him map the world around him. These pieces of crucial hardware are what give him his autonomous properties — he can recognize the edge of a table or sense an object in front of him to go around it.

Being connected to the cloud gives Vector the capacity to learn and have his software regularly updated. It’s also what allows him to listen and respond to voice commands. Starting with “Hey Vector” alerts him that a command is coming and opens that feed to the cloud.

Currently, he can complete tasks like providing the weather, taking photos or answering questions. And with the cloud connectivity, further capabilities will be easily integrated moving forward. With these updates pushed via the cloud, Vector as a hub to control all of your home’s smart technology is very much a future possibility.

Future Capabilities

Insider Note: “The Vector you meet when he first wakes up is just the beginning. Vector will evolve over time with regular updates that expand his capabilities and add even more depth to his character. Our first major update is planned for the end of the year and will include an integration with Amazon’s Alexa as well as some other exciting new reactive, entertaining and functional features.” — Meghan McDowell, Anki Director of Program Management

Vector is set up to offer an evolving consumer robotics platform that will continually expand for years to come. The first big update for Vector is scheduled for the end of 2018 — an integration with Amazon’s Alexa. The capability will allow users to speak with Alexa via Vector and let users hear the news, ask questions, control smart home devices and more. The possibilities for further technical incorporations are aplenty and the partnership with Amazon is merely the first step for Anki and Vector.

All of these future capabilities and current features add to Vector’s personality to give you the ease of letting him do his own thing and complement your life. The entire package sets him up as being the platform that can eventually do what other intelligent assistant devices can while offering the upgraded experience of having a friendly, helpful robot in the home.

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Goldwin Launches its Very Own Flagship Retail Store in Tokyo

With a history of more than 50 years spent developing ski wears, Goldwin provides comfortable and practical products utilizing techniques it has perfected throughout the decades. Now it is taking the next major step in its evolution as a lifestyle brand by opening its first very own flagship retail store on November 8 in Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan.

Having its new base in Marunouchi, where visitors come from all corners of the world, will create the opportunity to bring people closer to nature. With the launch, Goldwin plans to expand its vision and introduce new values, creating a platform where sports and lifestyle merge. The retail space hammers this home with a clean, minimalist aesthetic and plants interspersed throughout the space.

Outerwear is certainly a Goldwin staple offering that will be at the forefront of the Marunouchi flagship. Below are two notable outwear pieces from Goldwin that are the standard for what Goldwin has done and will continue to do in the years to come.

Hooded Spur Gore-Tex Down Coat

This Hooded Spur Gore-Tex Down Coat purposely features buttons on the front flaps. The design choice expands the range of styles, making it a versatile piece. Although each coat can be opened and closed with a zipper from both the top and the bottom, you can style it more freely with buttons that give the garment totally different looks. The metallic shine of the buttons makes simple body color look sharper, while the whole design becomes rather exceptional.

N-3B Down Parka

The N-3B parka began its history when the item was issued to US Air Force personnel in the 1950s. The outer fabric was eventually changed from nylon to a nylon-cotton blend, while the ratio of cotton use has constantly increased. This N-3B Down Parka maintains the natural, cotton-like feel while using a moisture-permeable and waterproof nylon fabric. The inside baffle structure makes the surface smooth without stitches. The heat retaining properties of the parka are at the highest level among this season’s Goldwin products, while the item itself is surprisingly light, smooth and comfortable to wear.

Independence to Innovate Keeps This Swiss Watchmaker at the Forefront

Founded in 1904, in the Swiss town of Hölstein, Oris is still independently making watches from the same headquarters to this day. In a world full of conglomerates, Oris stakes its success in being a small entity. From the price point to its ability to act creatively, the watchmaker has been pushing out quality products for more than 110 years.

And for Oris’ Co-CEO Rolf Studer, independence is everything. “It’s not just being financially independent; it also means you can think independently and come up with your own solutions to problems,” he says.

When Studer first came to Oris 12 years ago, he was astounded by how lean the team was — a mere 70 people work in the Hölstein HQ. But today, Studer touts the merits of working with so few people — everyone has to be nimble, creative and tuned in to the success of the business. “It means people do a lot of things,” he says. “Wearing many hats is also broadening your horizons.” With staff involved in many different aspects of the making of mechanical watches, it lends a sense of comradery. “We do have a family feel,” Studer adds.

And wearing a lot of hats also opens up the possibilities in terms of creativity. Its independence and small size is the key that’s behind the development of Oris’ most notable product developments. “When it comes to products, it means we also think a little bit out of the box. It means that we are not only looking for solutions within the movements but also in the watch as a whole.”

That sentiment is reflected in the Oris credo that its mechanical watches always stick to: “Things must make sense.”

The Oris Diving Collection represents this to a tee. The Aquis Date’s bezel was raised by 2mm to improve the grip. It’s not a huge move, but a little can matter a lot underwater. Or the ProDiver GMT that is Oris’ most technical diver’s watch yet. Developed with professional divers, it features a patented RSS bezel lock safety system which holds the bezel in place during a dive — another crucial feature that might appear small, but when in-use can make a world of difference.

Being independent and ultra-nimble keeps the innovations coming while also keeping the price point low. And in Hölstein, that keeps the desire to keep raising the bar high. As Studer says, “We always have the ambition to go to the next level in what we do, to find that next complication or solution.”