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May is now in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look back at some of the coolest publicly launched technologies we can now get our hands on. It’s been a jam-packed month of releases, from record-breaking new headphones to a smart new activity band that ditches what sets most activity bands apart.
May was also quite a varied month in terms of gadget launches, as we also saw a new model of a very popular camera line, seemingly tailored to Gen Z, a generation keen to slow down and find more tactile forms of sharing their lives with others.
Since we love gadgets that can solve everyday problems, we’ve chosen a few distraction-free devices to help you stay focused. Plus, for those who are always looking for cheap gadgets worth adding to your collection, we’ve put a focus on affordability, with most of these new gadgets costing less than $100.
Logitech G512X
Logitech came out with a bang in May by releasing the Logitech G512 Logitech says the G512
The keyboard is the first to feature 39 dual-swap switch beds that allow users to customize their WASD layout and much more, with magnetic analog switches that don’t require software to activate. The keyboard feet also cleverly serve as key/switch pullers. Considering I’ve lost every keycap puller I’ve ever owned, this is something that’s perfect for me.
Another nice addition are the Second Actuation Pressure Point (SAPP) O-rings. When installed on a key, these rings allow any key to have two different actuation points. Simply put, you can use Logitech software to assign two different actions to a single key. You can have different versions for different games, greatly improving the keyboard experience.
Google Fitbit Air
In a world where it feels like companies are adding screens to everything in order to serve more ads to users, Google did something a little different by launching a screen-less activity tracker. Featuring a battery that can last an entire week, the idea of the Google Fitbit Air is to allow users to silence the noise you get from a screen and simply disappear on your wrist.
No more shaking to wake up or looking at alerts every few minutes, this bracelet allows you to focus on your daily life, not your steps or data, and simply be forgotten. The Google Fitbit Air looks like something that would fit well into the lives of those looking for a simpler aesthetic, with its design praised for improving sleep tracking alongside its slim nature.
Expert and user reviews seem to really like what Google is offering, especially at the $99 price point.
XTEINK X3 e-book reader
I have a now ancient Kindle E-Ink that was long since discontinued by Amazon, which is fighting for its life with a cable and micro-USB port that will only charge when you place them in a certain position. I say this because I love e-book readers, especially the older models that focused on books and not on adding features and bigger screens. Although most are small and easy enough to fit in a school bag, I sometimes find myself leaving my e-book reader behind when I go out.
The new XTEINK X3 eBook reader seeks to solve this problem by reducing the experience. XTEINK calls the X3 a pocket-sized E-Ink reader thanks to its small size. At a slim 0.2 inch thick and weighing just two ounces, this 3.7-inch e-reader is so small it can fit in most wallets. It’s even designed with magnets so it can attach to your smartphone, making portability easier.
It’s a minimalist device, but it also features physical buttons for actions and a convenient gyroscopic page-turning system. Beyond reading, the XTEINK X3 eBook reader can also double as a screen thanks to a number of widgets, making it quite a versatile device.
Polaroid Go Generation 3
Gen Z is an interesting group of people with their weird memes, terms for things, and ability to make me feel really old. But notably we share a desire to leave social media apps behind and our disdain for the rise of AI in almost every aspect of our lives. These elements have also contributed to Generation Z turning to retro-analog technology.
Polaroid seems to be aware of this with the release of the Polaroid Go Generation 3, a mini instant camera that you can take with you anywhere. The Polaroid Go Generation 3 comes with features like double exposure, allowing you to overlay two images together, a self-timer and selfie mirror included. Users praised the vintage style of the camera, its pleasure of use and its small format.
At just $90, the camera isn’t very expensive and would make a fun gift for a Gen Z member in your family, or someone who grew up with a classic Polaroid camera from the era. Just be aware that the Polaroid Go Generation 3 uses a specific type of film that’s quite expensive – averaging around $1.35 per shot.
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Wireless Headphones
Soundcore has been around for a long time and makes some really good headphones, so much so that my partner and I use the brand exclusively as our choice for on-the-go audio. The latest Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro comes with solid features and an interesting certification. This is the first pair of headphones certified by Guinness World Record.
Guinness has certified the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro headphones because they achieved the highest voice quality score (G-MOS) in testing. That’s probably because these little earbuds come with 10 sensors that work with the built-in AI chip to improve call quality.
Early reviews praise the sound quality, noise-canceling features, and secure fit. Some users note that the battery life could be better, but if you often use your headphones for calling, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are the best in the world.
