Leica introduces a new low-cost M series camera, but don’t expect bargain pricing

Leica is one of those iconic brands that serves as a symbol nearly as much as it executes its function. The German optics and camera manufacturer has been cranking out stunning designs for nearly 170 years. From a sexy set of binoculars to limited edition cameras, Leica continues to impress with old-school styling and top-of-the-line technology.

However, one wouldn’t call Leica an affordable brand by any stretch of the imagination. So when it announced its lowest-priced M Series camera, our ears perked up.

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D-Link takes all the smart things and puts them together in one Komfy light switch

Well, it was bound to happen. Finally every smart home New Toy of the Day has converged into one product. D-Link’s new Komfy Smart Home Device is a combination surveillance camera, light switch, temperature and air quality monitor that pushes out all the usual notifications if something goes awry.

So why is this notable? Honestly, there is some merit to having one product that does it all, as opposed to the mismatch of different brands and mediums for keeping your whole home connected. More details below.

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GENII’s CAST streaming box skirts copyright rules to beam your content to friends

Apple TV, Roku players, Fire TV sticks and a handful of other streaming devices are invading our homes. Despite the different ecosystems, most of these set-top add-ons carry out the same task and are limited to a handful of streaming services. While TiVo has made some strides in bridging the gap between online and traditional content, it still isn’t perfect.

Instead of introducing another streaming aggregate, a startup by the name of GENII has developed a new media player, called CAST, that collects feeds from all your sources and combines them in one location. The kicker? You can stream those sources to other rooms in your house or to your friend’s living room as long as they also have a CAST. Sounds too good to be true, right?

GENII says its perfectly legal.

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Pryme Vessyl skips the 8-cup rule for a user specific iPhone-connected recommendation

We get it. Drink more water. Turns out, it’s still pretty hard to do. A new product from Mark One has its eyes set on increasing your daily water intake. The $99 Pryme Vessyl tracks your drinking habits and reminds you throughout the day to increase your intake until you’ve reached your designated goal for the day.

It’s not as simple as that, Mark One has developed a proprietary algorithm that figures out how much water is needed to help you perform at your peak. The Pryme Vessyl already has one believer: Apple. More details below.

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Mass Fidelity tries to solve virtual stereo sound with its new Core wireless speaker

It’s no surprise that multi-room speaker systems are set to break out this holiday season as a must-have gift. SONOS and others have been working for years to bring this technology to the mass market, fighting familiar names like AirPlay and Bluetooth along the way. Now, the whole home speaker market is set to blow up.

Mass Fidelity’s Core wireless speaker system wants a piece of that pie. After raising over 1.5 million dollars on Indiegogo, it’s prepared to launch its speaker system to the world. By using its “holographic” sound system, Core is able to produce a virtual stereo sound system that it claims is unrivaled in the home audio space. More details below.

What Watch uses Bluetooth connectivity to tab the memorable moments of your life

It seems like everyone has a wearable these days. Apple Watch is a favorite amongst fanboys and Fitbit appears set for a huge holiday season, with Black Friday deals throughout many of our ad leaks. But what about those that would prefer a more classic look as opposed to the techie flavorings that are so popular right now?

What Watch out of Switzerland has an answer to that question. Its Bluetooth-connected watches are coming to the United States and are worth a look. With classic and modern stylings, plus iPhone/Android connectivity, these new timepieces are set to make a splash.

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Nintendo announces Zelda Twilight Princess HD remaster + Wolf Link/Midna & Gold Mega Man amiibo, more

Update (11/17 2:15pm): Amazon now has the The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Wii U remaster/amiibo bundle in stock for pre-order.

During its Direct event yesterday, Nintendo made a few new announcements with regards to Zelda and Mega Man. Both franchises will be seeing new amiibo along with titles set to release next year. Head below to find out more about the latest Zelda HD remake, the new golden Mega Man and where to pre-order:

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Pulse brings Bluetooth LE + iOS connectivity to a slew of Canon and Nikon DSLRs

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity on DSLR cameras is not a new phenomenon. There are plenty of cameras on the market that currently offer this feature set to consumers. But there are some disadvantages to using Wi-Fi directly with a camera: it can drain your phone and DSLR battery quickly, requires your device to be locked into your camera’s network, and can be limited to a short distance depending on the setting.

Alpine Labs has a plan to improve on that. Its new Pulse remote plugs into the USB port on a number of Canon and Nikon cameras and attaches to the hotshoe mount to add iPhone-connected controls to your DSLR. It has a simplistic interface and design plus it’s low energy connectivity make it particularly noteworthy.

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Mophie introduces new power banks with a sleek aluminum design and Bluetooth monitoring

Just a few weeks after launching a new slim iPhone 6/s battery case and power bank, Mophie is back again today with five new external batteries. We’ve seen a lot of power banks in our day – and regularly have deals too – but the new Mophie powerstations use an aluminum shell that, from pictures alone, standout from the pack.

Head below for more details.

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Roku surprises with a new “special edition” streaming media player at an all-time low price

Just when we thought the Roku line-up was set for Black Friday, the streaming media giant has unveiled a new “special edition” model. While the most recent addition added 4K streaming capabilities, this fresh release is focused on one standout feature: price. How cheap? Move over Fire TV, Chromecast and even Roku’s own streaming stick, this thing has you all beat.

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Yuneec introduces its own stabilized 4K action camera, bringing prices lower than ever before

Good news for prosumer videographers: 4K-capable equipment continues to drop in price. After DJI first made a splash with its new stable camera last month, American-based drone manufacturer Yuneec has introduced its own 4K option. Even better news? Its price tag comes in at just over 15% less than its competitor. Head below for more details on the new Tycoon ActionCam from Yuneec.

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TP-Link introduces two new powerful Wi-Fi extenders for home theaters, gaming consoles, and more

Sometimes getting a quality internet connection to your home theater or gaming console can be a frustrating proposition. If you live in an older home, you likely have two things going against you from the outset: no ethernet jacks built-in and materials in your walls that can cause interference. The reality is that even the strongest consumer routers won’t do the job alone.

This issue can be solved one of two ways, with either a powerline adapter or a Wi-Fi range extender. TP-Link is adding to the mix of available extenders today with two new high-powered products that are capable of speeds in excess of 1,750Mbps.

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Sony will release the Darth Vader Edition DualShock 4 controller on its own later this month

Until now, gamers would had to wait for the Battlefront Limited Edition PlayStation 4 bundle to release to get their hands on the Darth Vader DualShock 4 controller. Fortunately, Sony has announced the controller will soon be available to purchase on its own:

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Is Luma’s surround Wi-Fi system the router we’ve been waiting for?

If I could buy a router and modem that I never had to touch again, I’d pay…and pay well. Seems like I have to reset or manage a setting with a much greater frequency than I’d prefer. Of course, I’m loading it down like a pickup truck with about 19 devices. No matter, a better solution has to be out there.

Luma is hoping to sooth my ailment. With its “surround” multi-router approach, its goal is to provide greater coverage and simplified settings. Kind of like having a couple Google OnHubs around your home.

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Don’t Panic’s latest iPad Air 2 case is an astute all-in-one solution for every angle

iPad cases are a dime a dozen at this point, it seems. It’s hard to stand out in a sea of folios, keyboards and smart covers. But Don’t Panic’s iPad cases have managed to do just that, a few times over. After successfully rolling through a couple of Kickstarter campaigns, the guys behind this intriguing case are back with the third generation. Their campaign video is pretty clever, check it out below.

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The Room Three releases today, now available for download on the App Store

The Room franchise is one of the most popular puzzle mystery games on mobile, with the first two games in the series garnering a 5 star rating from nearly a half a million reviews across the App Store and Google Play. Today, developer Fireproof Games took to its Twitter account to announce the release of The Room Three.

Unfortunately, the game is only available to iOS users as of right now. Fireproof Games has no specific dates for Android, but says it is currently working hard on it.

Head below for the release trailer and to find out more about the latest entry in the BAFTA and Apple Game of the Year award winning series:

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Bosch made a robo-farmer that looks straight out of a galaxy far, far away

After centuries and what seems like a significant amount of innovation, people are still farming with similar tools from 100 years ago. Gas and diesel driven equipment have become smarter and more intuitive with features like auto-drive or built-in touchscreen interfaces. At the end of the day, a farmer is still required to sit in the cab and plow along rows after rows.

Bosch wants to flip farming upside down with its new Deepfield Robotics branch of its company. The star of the show is Bosch’s BoniRob “adaptable multi-purpose robotic platform”. Honestly, it looks like something out of Star Wars. But it promises to simplify a number of farming tasks in an efficient manner.

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Mellow Boards makes any skateboard electric and looks good doing it

We’ve covered our fair share of electric bikes and transportation here at Electronicsforward. And you can find even more at our sister-site Electrek. Although interest is rapidly increasing here in the United States, the idea of going purely electric in any area of our lives still seems largely intimidating for some.

Thankfully, new projects are popping up each day that make that transition friendlier than ever before. The latest of which comes from Germany’s Mellow Boards. This customizable electric skateboard system can be added to an existing deck or purchased as a pre-assembled longboard. With its arguably affordable price point and modern design, Mellow Boards is set to take off.

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Mogees iPhone-connected sensor turns any object into a playable instrument

I’m not musically inclined. Nor do I pretend to be. Give me a Rock Band Drum Kit and I’ll get after it, but otherwise, instruments are completely intimidating. Like many of you out there, I enjoy tapping my pencil along to the beat or playing the bongos on my desk to my favorite song. If only there was a way to translate that into real music…

That’s where Mogees comes in. A simple iPhone add-on that detects vibration and translates it into music. So your desk full of accessories instantly becomes a drum kit. Or a kitchen sink is suddenly transformed into a synthesizer. The opportunities are endless…

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The LEGO Power Functions Idea Book teaches you how to build cars, contraptions and more

LEGO fans have been the beneficiaries of some pretty cool new books lately. We first detailed The LEGO Architect back in the summer. Today, The LEGO Power Functions Idea Book has launched in two volumes. The first focuses on machines and mechanisms, detailing a number of projects that involve moving objects. The second volume has hundreds of “car…

Panasonic has a new line of solar powered products designed for those in need

The discrepancy between first and third-world energy supplies is incredible. Nearly 20% of the world’s population lives without access to common amenities that many of us take for granted. Panasonic has set out with a new line of solar storage products, under its eneloop collection, that aims to provide lasting energy from the sun.

While it will fill an obvious need in electricity-poor countries, it also might not be a bad idea for your own shed or garage. Solar powered batteries have come a long way in recent years and Panasonic plans on leveraging that technology around the world.

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This life-size R2-D2 refrigerator carries your beer to you…for a price

It seems like everything is getting the Star Wars treatment these days. The market is getting flooded with memorabilia, but none as cool as this remote control R2-D2 fridge. After being previous announced during the summer, it is available for pre-order today, this Star Wars-inspired robo-butler is one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen.…

GE’s new smart LED lightbulbs tell your brain when it’s time for bed

It’s not healthy to look at your iPhone before bed. I know, we all do it. The white light of your device actually sends signals to your brain to produce energy, which isn’t ideal before you start counting sheep. That tricky thing called melatonin is actually pretty important. What if a lightbulb could actually help manage all that?

That’s where GE comes in with its new line of smart LED lightbulbs, simply called ‘C’. These two lights offer different variable settings that adjust throughout the day to improve your circadian rhythm. Think Hue meets Advil PM…or something like that.

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Gibson’s Neat podcasting microphones mix fun and color

Blue has dominated the podcasting mic space for some time now. But Gibson is entering the fray with its new line of Neat USB microphones. A mix of bright colors and retro designs, these fresh devices offer a different look at an affordable $99 price point. Each model offers an adjustable height shockmount, pop filter and…

The Altwork Station cures the standing desk blues with its reclining design

We’re all aware of the fact that sitting at a desk for hours and hours on end isn’t good for our health. But getting out of our seats and finding an alternative isn’t the easiest either. Sure, there are many standing desk options out there. Same goes with adjustable chairs that claim to be better than the competition.

The brains behind the Altwork Station have heard of all those ideas and believe their new product can solve those very issues.

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PSA: Best Buy and others launch new Apple TV pre-orders, offer potential savings

The launch of the new fourth-generation Apple TV has been interesting to say the least. Pre-orders started on Monday, but you’d hardly know it was available based on Apple’s site. As the first batch of orders are beginning to ship, other retailers are beginning to offer pre-orders as well.

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LEGO nailed the famous Ghostbusters Firehouse set

Brace yourself Ghostbuster fans, you’re getting a new LEGO set this winter. The Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters (set 75827) will be available in January as a full-on representation of the famous Hook & Ladder 8 in New York City. LEGO really nailed it, as you can see in the pictures. The details appear to be spot-on and…

Can a $99 Windows PC that connects to your iPad be any good?

The words cheap and PC don’t usually come together to make a quality product. But InFocus, the company that makes projectors, seems to think that it has solved that quandary. Its new $99 Kangaroo Windows 10 PC has ports, connectivity, storage space and can even play nice with your iPad. At that price point, this PC has certainly caught our attention.

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Blue’s new Lola headphones drop some weight but keep the retro look

Blue, makers of quality podcasting gear, has announced a new set of headphones today called Lola. This pair joins the previously released Mo-Fi over-ears that hit last year around this time. Although its more expensive counterpart has received positive ratings from customers, the price and weight have left some looking for an alternative. Do Blue’s new Lola headphones improve in these areas? Full details below.

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The eora 3D scanner uses your iPhone to create 360-degree models of anything

There is a lot of technology in your iPhone. Each generation picks up more power and improved optics for photos. We regularly hear about companies that are leveraging that technology to create unique products. One of the latest examples is the eora 3D. A new “highly accurate and affordable” three-dimensional scanner that uses your iPhone or Android device to capture virtual representations of just everyday objects.

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Belkin’s new lightweight QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 is now available

Today, Belkin is announcing the latest addition to its lineup of keyboard cases for iPad. The new QODE Ultimate Lite Keyboard Case is specifically designed for iPad Air 2 and is billed as the lightest premium tablet keyboard Belkin offers:

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Marvel’s limited edition 13-disc Phase Two Blu-ray collection arrives just in time for the holidays

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection is now available for pre-order exclusively through Amazon with a release date of December 8th. This limited edition 13-disc set is priced at $219.99 and includes Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and Digital Copies of all six Marvel Phase 2 films: Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America:…

Use your smartphone as a controller for these AirConsole Mac/PC browser games

A new browser-based gaming platform known as AirConsole is doing some interesting things by combining the power of your smartphone with your computer. Using nothing more than the browser, AirConsole effectively turns your smartphone into a full-screen touch controller for games running on your larger computer screen:

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Dyson’s pricey 360 Eye robo-vac finally sees the light of day

After much teasing and re-engineering, the highly-anticipated Dyson 360 Eye robot vacuum cleaner is finally ready to launch…in Japan. The new robo-vac was first detailed over a year ago, but bumps along the way has kept the new automatic sweeper from launching. Not only is it available now in Japan, we’re also getting our first look at pricing. This will be the most expensive model in Dyson’s fleet of vacuums, that’s for sure.

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The MiniBrew launches on Indiegogo as an iPhone-connected way to make your own beer

At home brewing has seen a resurgence over the last couple of years. As do-it-yourself shops and craft breweries have popped up around the country, interest in homebrewing has skyrocketed. One of the biggest obstacles for most is the amount of equipment and ingredients that are required to get the job done.

That’s where MiniBrew comes in. This fresh Indiegogo project aims to simplify the process, even adding iPhone-connectivity to the mix. The app gives simple step-by-step instructions so even a novice can get mashing in minutes.

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Bird of Prey’s prone-style bicycle puts the rider facedown while riding

The bicycle has seen plenty of evolution over the last 100 years. One of the biggest area of improvements has been the materials used to create a safer and lighter ride. However, the basic design has largely stayed the same. While there are many high-end options that provide different layouts, styles, etc, the majority of riders are still perched on a seat upon two wheels.

Even recumbents are becoming more common-place across the United States for cyclists looking for an alternative option. The prone-style has not picked up as much traction, however. Instead of sitting up or reclining, like the other two examples, this model lays riders out, chest down, across the length of the bicycle. It has its benefits too: more torque and improved aerodynamics.

That’s where Bird of Prey Bicycles comes in. After nearly 25 years of design and tweaking, its new prone bicycle is set to be released. With a unique design and big price tag, it’s turning heads across the cycling community.

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Garmin drops the bulk and adds color with its new Forerunner wearables

Garmin has announced three new Forerunner wearables to its line-up of fitness trackers. But this isn’t like the previous generation models from Garmin. These new wearables include a larger color display, thinner bezel and enhanced fitness tracking capabilities. The days of Garmin’s bland designs are gone…

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D-Link’s latest surveillance cameras go wide-angle with “less distortion” than the competition

Today, D-Link detailed new 180-degree ultra-wide view Wi-Fi network surveillance cameras that are littered with features. Aside from it’s unique “less distortion” lens, D-Link has included a number of other specs that make this new release worth noting. More details below.

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Libratone introduces multi-room audio alongside two new colorful ZIPP speakers

Libratone Wi-Fi-enabled speakers have been around for some time, with a Scandinavian-inspired design and quality build. Its ZIPP line of speakers have offered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for a while now. Today, Libratone announced a smattering of new portable speakers focused on multi-room audio. Head below for more details on the new ZIPP and ZIPP Mini.

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Guitar Hero Live lands on iOS with a new mobile instrument bundle

Guitar Hero Live has hit iOS today in what is being billed as essentially a full-on port of the console game. The highly-anticipated virtual band title also launched on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One this morning. Activision has opted for an in-app purchase model for this title. The iOS version is available for free to download, but only includes two songs. If you’re after the full catalog, you’ll have to purchase the full game or grab the new iOS bundle that includes a guitar controller.

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Gold is Best: This one-off Macintosh is a must see with its walnut enclosure and shiny keyboard

The original Macintosh 128k remains to be one of the most beloved products to come out of Apple’s design labs. The iconic design started a revolution of portable personal computers that spawned generations of new products. One-off electronics designer Love Hultén has set out to honor this old-school computer with his own take. Just by the looks of its wooden enclosure, he nailed it. But that keyboard though…

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This mini Segway hopes to take-off with its affordable price tag and compact design

It has been nearly 15 years since the original Segway came barreling into our lives. Since then, it has done more crashing than soaring through the streets of the United States. The personal transporter has largely been limited to urban areas, finding its niche in the world of tourism. Segway’s price tag is one of the bigger reasons why it’s been unable to gain any traction here in the States.

Insert Xiaomi’s new personal transportation device. At a fraction of the cost, the new Ninebot mini stands to finally break into the North American market with its affordable price tag and compact design…

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Waylens is the iOS-connected dashboard camera you’ve been waiting for

Action cameras have taken over the world of consumer technology. From GoPro to Monoprice, it seems like the options are endless. Capturing your automotive excursions has proven to be more complex and less straightforward. Online retailers are littered with cheap options that don’t seem to offer much in the way of quality.

A fresh Kickstarter project, called Waylens, is looking to change all that. After raising nearly five-times its initial goal in a short period of time, it’s save to say consumers are ready for that change too.

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These futuristic looking headphones could be straight out of the Transformers movie series

It’s not easy to come up with a new headphone design. The whole gamut has pretty much been explored, making it more difficult to stand out from the pack. Instead of focusing on luxury, one company is going the opposite direction. The new Good Smile THP-01 headphones are unique blend of design and function. Think Transformers meets Bose.

Good Smile has collaborated with DJ Joe Hahn of Linkin Park fame under the “Toon Workshop” to crank out one of the cooler headphones we’ve seen in a while. You have to see the video to fully understand…

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NBA 2K16 hits iOS and Android with new gameplay, controls and updated graphics

We’re under two weeks until the NBA season officially tips off and I cannot wait. There are so many questions that linger… Will the Warriors repeat? How good are the Spurs? Will Boogie Cousins hurt George Karl?

In the meantime, I’ll have to virtually ball out. Thankfully NBA 2K16 for mobile devices has hit and is ready to download for $7.99 on iOS and Android today. The console version dropped a few weeks back to rave reviews, so I’m looking forward to playing the handheld rendition.

This year’s game includes updated graphics, a new control system that is more in line with the console experience and a full featured MyCareer mode. You can take full control of your team with season modes, crafting your virtual line-up to your exact specifications. That means Paul George will have to play the four spot, whether he likes it or not!

Head below for a full description and more gameplay pictures.

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Electric Jukebox doesn’t want to be Spotify or Chromecast, so what is it?

As if we needed another streaming service in our lives. Well, according to the new Electric Jukebox, we do. The space between our headphones has become a battleground for services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora. But for some, keeping track of all the features and monthly billing proves to be a bit much.

Instead of offering a streaming library across iOS, Android and other platforms with varying degrees of hardware compatibility, Electric Jukebox is rolling it all into one experience. Think Chromecast meets Spotify, kind of…

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The BLOCKS modular smartwatch has flown past its Kickstarter goal in a just a few hours

The BLOCKS modular smartwatch hit Kickstarter today and in just a few short hours it has flown past its initial $250,000 goal. There was a lot of hype initially surrounding its launch, which has proven to be well deserved.

BLOCKS was first teased back at CES with a promise of hitting the crowdfunding circuit this summer. The build-your-own watch offers a unique alternative to Apple Watch and Android Wear examples that are largely limited in function by their software capabilities. Although it took a little more time than originally expected, today’s response has been through the roof. Head below for more details.

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This is the Apple TV remote that Cupertino should’ve made…

Savant has spent the last ten years as the go-to home automation company for the ultra-wealthy. Steve Jobs even leaned on this company to deck out his infamous Venus yacht. But now, Savant is aiming to bring its beautiful functional home control system to the masses by reducing prices.

Its first foray into the mass consumer market comes way of a new universal remote. There is no denying, this thing is beautiful. Watch out Logitech, you have some competition on your hands…

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