Jul 31, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: The Gadgets and Gear We Couldn't Get Enough of This Month

Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
01
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I've been waiting for a non-plastic, non-lame ("look at me, I'm tracking my steps!") way to wear a fitness tracker for years. So props to Tory Burch for [partnering with Fitbit](http://www.toryburch.com/accessories/tory-burch-for-fitbit/) on a gold bangle that looks like nothing else on the market. The bracelet isn't real gold, of course, but it's shiny and substantial, with a cool geometric pattern, and the hinged design is comfortable.*—Caitlin Roper*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
02
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Back in the early '90s, the best car audio amps were made in the US of A. Even now, it’s tough to beat the sound quality of an old-school jewel like the Linear Power 952i. Bone stock it put out 47.5 watts per channel, but a few mods pushed it to 65. The result is clean and dynamic sound. It’s like having Mick and Keef riding shotgun, strumming “Wild Horses” as I tear up my favorite back road.*—Chuck Squatriglia*

Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
03
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
If the Swiss made toasters, they’d make them like this art deco beauty. My 1934 Toastmaster's bakelite handle depresses with a reassuring ratcheting sound, and a clock movement cheerfully tick-tick-ticks away inside. When the toast is done—medium, please—the spring releases with a friendly “pop” that always brings a smile. I’ve owned equally capable toasters, but none as beautiful as this one.*—Chuck Squatriglia*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
04
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I don’t always want to dress like a Power Ranger, but I always wear protective gear when I ride my motorcycle. So I’m stoked on the [Revit Windsor](http://www.revitusa.com/en-us/products/FJT178/). Made of heavy cotton, it’s a thoughtful piece of armored motorcycle kit. It even looks like a cool, military-style jacket you’d wear to the bar. But don’t—because if you get on your bike after closing your tab, you’ll probably have to test its protective abilities.*—Joe Brown*

Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
05
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I took one of [The North Face's Base Camp Duffels](http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-luggage_duffels-filter-category-carry/base-camp-duffel-small.html?variationId=S5C&variationName=ETHER%20GREY%20/%20GEM%20PINK) along on a recent trip to Brazil for the World Cup. The size was perfect. My "small" fit an extensive travel wardrobe while retaining unimpeachable carry-on status. Cushy straps made it comfy to tote around. An even better testimonial? My three travel companions wouldn't shut up about how badly they wanted one.*—Kyle VanHemert*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
06
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Damn kids won't stay off the lawn? Give 'em a squirt of cold water from [Nerf's Super Soaker Tidal Tube Blaster](http://www.hasbro.com/nerf/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=93E8EB28-5056-9047-F596 -8AE112EC5853:en_US). It uses a simple pump-action plunger—much like a giant, 10-ounce syringe—to shoot a stream of the wet stuff about 20 feet. Keep a bucket nearby for refills; just dip the tip and pull to refresh. Pick up a 2-pack for $12 and have yourself a backyard duel.*—Michael Calore*

Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
07
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
Just when I thought hardware synths had been rendered obsolete by iPads, along comes [Teenage Engineering's OP-1](http://www.teenageengineering.com/products/op-1). This portable music machine is improbably capable—it squeezes synth sounds, drum sounds, oscillators, modulation tools, a 4-track recorder, and a mixer into a tiny, super-clean white box. Building tracks is a joy; you get the perfect mix of Swedish sophistication and funky, old-school charm.*—Michael Calore*
Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
08
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
If corporate-controlled cloud services rub your privacy bone the wrong way, become your own sovereign data-storage nation with a [Transporter Sync](http://www.filetransporter.com/products/transporter-sync/). Plug the $100 device into your home network, hook up any USB drive, and access your stored data from any internet-connected computer. Setup is a breeze, and folder management is smoother than competing products. Down with data barons! Up with People!*—Michael Calore*

Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
09
Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
I love massive, head-hugging cans as much as the next headphone nerd. But they're not the most practical audio accessories. That's why I'm digging [Beyerdynamic's new T51i](http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/mobile-portable/t-51-i.html). These German-made beauties come with all the rich, immersive sound of an over-the-ear headphone, but in a much more travel-friendly package. Superb isolation means you won't even need to crank your Krautrock.*—Bryan Gardiner*

A Lot of Shops Won't Fix Electric Bikes. Here's Why

Bike shop mechanics have lost fingers and their shirts while repairing ebikes of dubious origins. Make sure yours is repairable and third-party certified.

Stephanie Pearson

The Audacity Is the Broligarchy Takedown You Were Waiting For

AMC’s new black comedy about a manchild tech titan spinning out of control is a skewering Silicon Valley’s billionaire class deserves.

Miles Klee

It’s a Tablet! It’s a Laptop! After Testing the Best 2-in-1s, Here’s What I Recommend

Whether you want a detachable tablet or a laptop screen that spins, these 2-in-1 devices manage to balance being both a tablet and a laptop.

Luke Larsen

There’s a Secret Ingredient to Making Luxury Ice at Home

Nice ice is big business, but you can get perfectly clear cubes at home without freezing your assets.

Jeremy White

The Screenmaxxers Who Spend Every Waking Hour on Their Phones

As debates over social media addiction rage, people with extreme screen times tell WIRED they have no plans to cut back.

Miles Klee

Mammotion’s Spino E1 Pool Cleaner Isn’t Bad for the Price—It's Just Not That Good

This compact pool robot keeps its price down, but its performance doesn’t match that of more capable cleaners.

Christopher Null

The Best Coffee Mug Warmers Are Smart. But They Don’t Need an App

The first rule of coffee is that it must stay hot. After weeks or even years of testing, these are the three coffee warmers that will best keep it that way.

Matthew Korfhage