Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience

As the pandemic forces us to spend more time indoors, there is a huge interest in elevating the sound system at home. Choosing the best audio set-up can be tricky — whether you’re creating an at-home theater system of your dreams or simply upgrading the built-in smart speakers, we’ve got options and easy on the wallet too. Scroll on…

Best All-Around Smart Speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen

First on the list is Danish audio luxury brand Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay A9 4th Generation. Adding to its predecessors’ existing features, such as a full-range of connectivity, multi-room synchronization and a seven-driver-strong build with a high-performance engine, the 4th Gen Beoplay wireless home speaker comes with active room compensation technology that adapts to the ambiance of the room. It balances bass, treble and mid-range outputs outstandingly with no distortion. But even more striking here is its stunning Scandinavian design that highlights a minimalist aesthetic and its elegant solid wood legs.

Price: HK$25,800
Pro: Clean and loud audio; elegant design
Cons: B&O setup app could use improvement
Find out more here.

Best for Home Cinema

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Presented in sleek 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, the Smart Soundbar 900 by American audio tech company Bose, although slim in structure, does not skimp on quality. Subtly mount it underneath your flat screen or upon a shelf — no matter its position, the intelligently engineered sound system creates an immersive soundscape making you feel like the action is happening right in your own living room. Bringing details to life, the smart soundbar highlights the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace audio processing technology that analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and multi-layered cinematic atmosphere. And for a truly immersive audio experience at home, the device synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and smart speakers via SimpleSync.

Price: HK$10,000
Pro: Impressive clarity and details; supports Dolby Atmos; slim and subtly fits on the shelf or underneath the TV
Cons: It’s only flaw is that it is slightly larger than its previous 500 model
Find out more here.

Best for 360-degree Audio

Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience gafencu pantheon I — (Photo: Panteone I)

Pantheone I

At first glance, one might think that the Pantheone I is an sculptural piece set to elevate the aesthetic of the home, and perhaps that is exactly what the Australian design firm had aimed for in creating this high-performance audio accessory. Fusing form and functionality while powered by state-of-the-art technology that boasts impressively loud output and deep base without fall short on audio quality. Sound and modern art come together in its smooth and robustly curvaceous structure and impressive engineering that allows its hidden hardware to produce exceptional 360-degree soundstage. Good enough to fill a large room.

Price: HK$22,206
Pro: It has an impressive volume and sound quality for its size and structure; doubles as a sculptural piece for the home.
Cons: It is heavy (25kg) and design may blend easily in every home.
Find out more here.

Best for Streaming

Bowers Wilkins Formation Wedge

British manufacturer Bowers Wilkins delivers room-filling audio systems. If you think the Formation Wedge looks good, just wait until you read what it has under its hood. Strategically placed and angled for optimum sound quality, its drivers (two 2.5 cm aluminum dome tweeters, a 9 cm woofer underneath, and a 15 cm subwoofer) provide outstanding sound clarity without any interference among the drivers, despite its relatively small stature — providing excellent high-resolution audio quality. In place of physical controls, the Wedge features illuminating touch-sensitive controls for volume and play/pause modes.

Price: HK$8,999
Pro: Supports integral stream services; stylish design and excellent sound quality
Cons: No remote control; dedicate app and streaming services are
Find out more here.

Best for Power

Devialet Phantom I 103 dB

There’s nothing like moving to your favourite track, and with French audio expert Devialet’s Phantom, you can rest assured that audio quality on this device will not fall short. Boasting an immense output from it powered by high-fidelity and ultra-dense sound in a compact design. It is digitally powered, analog-grade audio technology pumps out ultra-deep bass, thanks to its HBI® Heart Bass Implosion, and produces stunning clarity — capturing every detail and bringing the concert to your home. Moreover, it arrives in a gorgeous glass fibre polycarbonate casing that presents a modernist style fit for any stylish home.

Price: HK$12,990
Pro: Powerful and outstanding bass and clarity even at high volume; captures the slightest details that lower-end speakers cannot
Cons: Not the most subtle external design for minimalist homes
Find out more here.

Nature’s Music: Bose’s new Smart Soundbar 900

Close your eyes and imagine: the rustling of tall grass in the wind while birds chirp their melodic sing-songs in the background; whispers in the crowd or the dramatic low-tones of the bass in a musical concert. Sound is nature’s way of speaking to us.

Bringing to you a stylish at-home audio system that sits discretely underneath any 49″ and wider smart TV, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a cinematique experience that goes well beyond your usual Netflix and chill. Whether you’re watching the latest binge worthy TV show or relaxing to your favourite musical playlist, renowned audio expert Bose offers a state-of-the-art smart audio device for the home.

Presented in a minimalist yet sleek white / black aesthetic, the details that go into its design is as beautiful as its engineering feat. Measuring at a lean 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, tempered impact-resistant is laid atop the device; its body is beautifully wrapped around with a metallic grille which pumps out an immersive soundscape.

Although slim in structure, this smart Soundbar performs with the utmost immersive sound quality thanks to its intelligently engineered sound system. Supporting Dolby Atmos content as well as boasting the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace — the company’s proprietary audio processing technology. The device analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and true-to-life soundscape in the comfort of your own home.

The soundbar transports your perception of space by isolating each instrument, dialogue and special effects, producing multiple layers of crispy clear details through its multi-directional drivers, delivering ultra realistic details and an unparalleled sound quality.

Its wireless connectivity allows users to connect to their device via Bluetooth, WiFi, and Apple AirPlay 2. What’s more, its Bose Music app ADAPTiQ audio calibration system synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and speakers via SimpleSync for a truly harmonious at-home listening experience.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3ILerSv

10 apps that will take your pictures to the next level!

In 2022, there is an app for everything. So, when it comes to photos, you definitely need something which can make your pictures pop. Gafencu tried some of the free photo editing apps, and here are 10 that we loved, available both on Android and iOS.

1. Afterlight

Every photo-savvy person has Afterlight on their phone. If you’re on the go and got no time to waste, this is the perfect photo editing app for quick and straight-forward editing. Designed with a simple interface and usability, paired with powerful and snappy tools it gives the look you want within seconds. Armed with 30 adjustment tools, 59 filters and 77 frames, Afterlight will step up your photo editing game.

2. A Color Story

Named ‘Best New App’ and ‘App of the Day’ by Apple, A Color Story lets you create fresh and unique photos (and videos) with filters that pop colours, 120 movable effects and advanced tools. Did we mention that its collection of 500 filters were designed by top photographers in the industry?

Also Read: Beauty Airbrushing – How Photo Filters are Denting Our Confidence

3. Polarr

Easily add creative touches on any photo in your gallery with a simple tap and slide. Polarr offers a wide selection of colors, tools and overlays as well as 100 free style backups and 120 preset styles for film emulations, this all-around creative photo editing app goes beyond the simple retouch and exposure adjustment. Ensure each picture is one of a kind!

4. Wuta Camera

Offering flawless K-beauty glam, Wuta Camera has quickly climbed the charts on both App Store and Playstore with over 200 million users worldwide. Powered with in-built facial enhancement features, the app comes with 20 other beauty editing functions to make you selfie-ready!

5. Prisma

With 50 million downloads on the Playstore, Prisma is a highly ranked and an Editor’s choice app on both iOS and Android. Offering more than 500 creative filters to choose from and drawing tools to have fun with, this photo editing is apt to leash your inner Picasso or Dali.

Also Read: Helpful gadgets to get sound sleep

6. Foodie

We all know the camera eats first and then the mouth. Foodie is a photo editing app designed specifically for food items, turning your simple breakfast or dinner plates from an average to awesome. Backed with 30 of the best filters specifically preset for food, this is a must-download for the sociable foodie!

7. Snapseed

Don’t let one wrong shot ruin your album of memorable snapshots. Snapseed serves as a go-to app for all your image editing. Layer different effects, adjusting to the right exposure, apply HDR filters and colour correction, and create the perfect bokeh aesthetic — it can even replicate a double-exposure effect with a single tap.

8. Canva

For that perfect IG Story template, this app is your best friend on-the-go. From creating templates for your feed and highlights to designing banners and business cards, Canva provides a wide variety of templates, adjustment tools and stock images to create a unique visual presence on your social media.

9. Fimo – Analog Camera

Film photography fans will delight in having a collection of retro films handy in the palm of their hands. Having a variety of seven signature preset filters that recreate the dramatic aesthetics of a classic 35mm film. Although of its film collections are free, there are premium options that cost HK$8 to HK$15.

10. Picsart

An Editor and sticker both fit into one photo editing app, Picsart can create collages of your favourite shots and allow you to customize and get creative with your images with its range of editing and drawing tools, as well as sticker collections for a quirky touch.

Also Read: Back-to-Work Wares: Must-have gadgets for the city’s on-the-go urbanites

Feast your eyes on the stunning new Gold Infinity Dan Wells Limited Edition 24K gold-plated iPhones

Luxury gold plating service Gold Infinity puts forth a new line of extravagant 24K gold-plated iphones in collaboration with celebrated Hong Kong-based Lamborghini GT car driver and coach Dan Wells.

Renowned for its superb style and unparalleled quality, Gold Infinity has garnered a legion of fans thanks to its 24K gold plating customisation services for an array of luxury gadgets and accessories. Its newest creation was made in partnership with British-born, Hong Kong-based race car driver Dan Wells, fresh from his win on the tracks of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Final in Misano, Italy.

This time around, the collaboration has produced a collection of bedazzling 24K gold-plated iphones that are proudly emblazoned with the race car champion’s logo. Highly desirable and utterly luxurious, these sumptuous mobile devices will be produced in a limited release of just 25 units worldwide.

For pre-orders:

Dan Wells Limited Edition 24K gold iPhone 13 Pro Max (512GB): HK$44, 800 (USD$5,780) – limited to just 25 units in the world

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy

A decade ago, transparent TVs and voice control screens were only but fiction in our favouite sci-fi movies. Now, the future is brighter than ever, from screens that unfold from underneath your marble flooring to see-through display panels. These are the most futuristic televisions now available on the market.

For best overall TV:
Sony Bravia XR A90J OLED TV (HK$47, 990)

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy_gafencu Sony Bravia XR A90J OLED TV — (Photo courtesy of Sony)

Ultra thin display panel and sleek bezel supported on a pair of adjustable stands to customise users’ desired height. It also allows for two settings that enables users to either lay the screen flat on the table, stand it upright or even mounted on a wall. But what amazes in this engineering feat lies behind the display. Built-in with Acoustic surface audio+ transducers from within the screen, the audio comes directly from the screen — delivering on an immersive multi-directional soundscape.

Making a switch from Android operating system to a Google alternative that offers an incredibly smooth interface and navigation system, making your surf through the entertainment hub, jumping from different channels, streaming platforms and other applications effortless. But the highlight here is its remote control which doubles as a voice control to switch between different channel inputs, access voice search features.

For a TV with the best display:
Samsung NEO QLED 8K 65″ / 75″ / 85″ (HK$54,980 – HK$99, 900)

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy_gafencu_Samsung NEO QLED 8K — (Photo courtesy of Samsung)

Until now, previous LEDs were built with huge lenses that required the necessary bulk casing for protection. But with this quantum mini LED finally arrives packaging and lens free. Boasting only 1/40 of the size of your typical LED but with 33-times more LEDs — Samsung’s quantum matrix technology impressing spectators with a technology that displays high density light balance for brighter and more accurate pictures along with an anti-reflective panel to offer an immersive cinematic experience.

Whether set to stand or to be hung on the wall, this smart TV is amazingly thing and seamlessly blends into the home as part of the decor. that only only immerses watchers in an immersive soundscape at home, but also blends in with the decor as it hangs on the wall like a frame or stands. Though while it puts out all the stops for its visual output, it may be lacking in sound quality as compared to the next TV on the list. However, it isn’t anything that a Samsung soundbar, bought separately, cannot make up for.

Also Read: Five innovative gadgets to elevate your stay-at-home lifestyle

For best gaming TV:
LG Signature 8K OLED TV (HK$239,800)

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy_gafencu_LG Signature 8K OLED TV — (Photo courtesy of LG)

For tech enthusiasts and gamers, this alternative is a hit in the right direction. With razor sharp display coming through this shockingly slim structure, more bass and excellent fidelity — producing realistic soundscapes, the cinematic experience of this smart TV is only further highlighted by its wide scale 8K resolution support and unparalleled response time in game mode that stages the ideal gaming experience and overall mesmeric cinematic experience for the current and future standards of triple-A games.

Opting for its Rollable R 88″ Z1 (HK$299,800) counterpart, you can roll out and hide this ultra slim TV into and out of sight without a hitch.

For a transparent TV:
Xiomi Mi TV LUX (HK$60,833)

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy_gafencu_Xiomi Mi TV LUX — (Photo courtesy of Xiomi)

Although the first appearance of a transparent screen was showcased in Korea by LG, a possible contender situated much closer to home boasts a similar technology, if not the same, that makes for an impressive and unique smart TV for the home.

Chinese tech company Xiomi is the first to commercially release a transparent TV. Delivering surprisingly clear details and an impressive soundscape — contrary to what would be expected from a see-through panel. However, its transparency does impart some glare that might not deliver on the most crisp dim and white details unless it is placed in front of a plain black or white surface.

But if clarity is not a priority as much as equipping your living space with the most innovative and modern devices, this serves as the perfect focal point for a well-designed home, complemented by a smart TV to entertain guests with a slew of streaming platforms and channels.

Also Read: Must-have gadgets for the city’s on-the-go urbanites

For the ultimate luxurious entertainment device:
C SEED M1 4K 165″ (HK$3 million)

Futuristic Smart TVs To Buy_gafencu_C SEED M1 4K 165 INCH TV — (Photo courtesy of C Seed)

The world’s first foldable 165″ Micro LED TV has been unveiled to the market this year, though it is accompanied with a similarly massive price tag. Austrian design firm C Seed is slapping a fat HK$3 million to this truly luxe gadget. Unfolding from underneath the floor panel of your own home and transforming your living space into your own personal home cinema, this mammoth of a television stands at a tall 7-feet featuring a 4-panel display with invisible boarders that blends each panel together to seamlessly deliver nonrestrictive displays.

Also Read: Latest water gadgets to explore the ocean like a pro!

Easy on the Ear: DMA’s high-performance headphones for the home

While the city continues to stay home-bound approaching the holiday season, it may not be so much of a disappointment for audiophiles, thanks to Hong Kong-based audio technology retail brand DMA.

Having achieved the perfect combination of form and comfort, the audio experts at French high fidelity audio systems creator Focal have launched two subtly luxe wired headphones for the home, the Stellia closed-back headphones and Utopia open-back headphones.

Boasting stellar dynamics and a full-grain leather headband with a sleek cognac colour and mocha-toned finish is Stellia. Elegantly designed with a subtle touch of luxury, its cognac-coloured stainless-steel case is but the surface of its impressive details.

You’ll discover full-range speaker drivers within its pure Beryllium ‘M’-shaped dome, serving an uncompromising tonal balance with impressively low impedance (35 Ohms) for astounding clarity and ambient noise while it shuts the noise of the world out with its comfortable soundproof soundscape.

Completed with a comfortable full grain leather headband and ergonomic structure, homebodies will be gleefully cosied up with their Stellia in hand — or shall we say, in ears.

Utopia, on the other hand, is the world’s first in featuring the only full-range and fully openback loudspeaker built within a pair of headphones. Using the same pure Beryllium ‘M’ shape dome as Stellia, its open-back aesthetic is not without purpose, as it impressively delivers an outstanding realistic and natural soundscape with total decompression, eschewing any crossover or passive filtering process to achieve a frequency response from 5Hz to 50kHz.

Coupled with a dynamic and crispy clear audio, its mechanical design and bi-material construction made of true lambskin leather and microfiber fabric on the cushions, as well as, carbon fiber yoke on the metal band offers full compatibility and comfortability to any size and shaped head while showcasing classically elegant lines and an overall arresting impression of quality and style.

Both items are made in France with the highest quality materials and a discreet touch of luxury in its design elements. For more information, please refer to the below contact information:

DMA
Tel: (+852) 3971 0242
Official Website & Online shop: www.dma-audio.com

Most anticipated smartphones in 2021 that are worth the wait

The pandemic has put a hold on a lot of things but not on technology. Pushing for bigger and better, the telecommunications giants are unveiling foldables, flagships and a host of new highly anticipated releases to look out for, from the highly anticipated iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy 22 to the competitively placed Huawei P50 Pro Plus 5g and Xiaomi Mi 6, these are the latest in smartphone models to look out for.

iPhone 13
Leading the series of most anticipated smartphones to be released this latter half of the year is the iPhone 13. Following a year-long of myriad of leeks and rumors, there are a few things that can be firmly expected from the latest series of Apple phone.

At first glance, although its 6.1-inch screen size remain unchanged, there are a few noticeable design aspects that will catch the eye, particularly its ever so slightly thicker structure to accommodate bigger and better perks, such as a 3095mAh battery as well as a 120Hz refresh rate with its Super Retina XDR OLED display for longer-lasting and buttery-smooth entertainment. Even more tempting is its 30% upgrade on its wide and ultra-wide 12MP camera for sharper image captures.

Estimated Price: HK$$6,300
Estimated Release Date: September 2021

Google Pixel 6
Getting ahead of the rumors, Google had officially revealed the Google Pixel 6, a supposed seriously high-spec android model that boasts a fresh makeover and UI overhaul from its earlier models.

Firstly, its much larger 6.4-inch AMOLED FHD+ flat display with 120Hz refresh rate and trio-cameras are already a standout. The Pixel 6 is the first Pixel model to be equipped with 3 cameras – a 8MP punch hole camera, 50MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide.

Also a first in the range is its ultra wideband chip for higher bandwidth communication, while its hardware boasts 8GB ram, 128GB in-built storage and a powerful 4,614mAh fast wireless charging battery.

Estimated Price: HK$6,214
Estimated Release Date: October 2021

Samsung Galaxy S22
Not long after Samsung’s successful launch of its new Fold series, the multinational South Korean company has announced its new premium design in the Galaxy range, Galaxy S22.

Billed as the world’s first 200MP smartphone, it delivers on a epic new technology in smartphone cameras that highlights its HP1 Sensor that is adaptable to different lighting environments that produces high resolution images, even in low light conditions.

Featuring a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera and 10MP telephoto camera with 3-times continuous optical zoom. Its battery (3,800mAh) however, although is packed with less power than its predecessors, it does deliver on a significant improvement in charging speed at 65W, while its display screen remains impressively crisp with its Super AMLOED display.

Estimated Price: HK$7,850
Estimated Release Date: November / December 2021

OnePlus 9T
Unveiled in an attractive streamline design in a dust- and water-resistant gloss glass case is the OnePlus 9T, albeit not a dramatic upgrade from its pervious OnePlus 9 model, it does highlight a few modest new features in the 9T iteration, that may or may not matter to users of OnePlus 9.

While its size, screen, storage, ram, battery and chipset remain identical, OnePlus has added an additional a 108MP main camera with digital zoom and 2MP mono lens on top of its 8MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro lens, compared to just 3 cameras in the previous model.

Estimated Price: HK$4,760
Estimated Release Date: September 2021

Huawei P50 Pro Plus 5G
Billed to have the best camera specifications on this list, Huawei’s soon-to-be-released P50 Pro Plus model pushes the boundaries of phone-photography with a dual-matrix camera design.

But before, moving to the crux of the model, it’s worth noting that several aspects of the new iteration impressively serves up hardware that makes the model A worthy competitor to Samsung but at a lower price point. Like, 5G connectivity and a 6.7-inch True-Chroma display with 120Hz refresh rate, supported by 8GB ram and 256GB in-built storage that are all powered by 5,000mAh battery pack and sealed within a IP68 splash, water, and dust resistance case.

Its camera specs, on the other hand, features a dual camera with 50MP wide angle main camera, 16MP periscope telephoto camera and 12-times optical zoom and an impressive 32MP front camera.

Estimated Price: HK$11,060
Estimated Release Date: September 2021

Xiaomi Mi 6
Without any official release news other than the estimated release month in December, rumors and leaks are all we are going on for now. With that said, it can be expected that the specifications of the latest Xiaomi to hit the shelves by the end of the year is Mi 6.

Packing a powerful 4,500mAh battery optimised for full entertainment enjoyment. Said to be equipped with 6GB ram and 128GB built-in storage and a likely powerful Octa-core processor for smooth performance and switching between apps throughout the day, the 6-inch tall device will also feature a 1080 x 1920-piexel display screen for a decent experience of different gaming and entertainment apps.

As for the cameras, the smartphone is rumored to be fitted with a 12MP single camera with 12-times digital zoom on the back and an 8MP selfie camera.

Estimated Price: HK$3,153
Estimated Release Date: December 2021

Unfolding the future of smartphones with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Flip3 5G Thom Browne Edition

Multinational electronics company Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled a new creative collaboration with designer Thom Browne, releasing a limited edition of the brand’s recently launched Galaxy Z foldable Smartphone series.

Samsung’s new and improved addition to its innovative line of foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, provide even more immersive entertainment and productivity experience than their earlier iterations — setting the bar for future smartphones to follow.

Following the successful launch of the company’s third generation series, it has announced the inclusion of the limited Thom Browne Edition to the line up. Collaborating with acclaimed American Fashion designer Thom Browne, they have weaved together an exclusive series that exemplifies creative and innovative pursuit in technology.

Displaying impeccable design and pioneering technology, the two models feature Browne’s signature red, white and navy aesthetics with a shining silver hinge that adds a sumptuous accent to the devices’ streamlined structure — unfolding into an emphatically trendy and undeniably striking design that few other gadgets can contest.

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
The Z Fold3 5G boasts an impressively large and uninterrupted 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display with 120Hz refresh rate and a new dedicated S Pen specifically designed for the fold line, while also improving the optimisation of your most essential applications, providing a truly immersive and balanced work-and-entertainment experience. Whether users’ are working, watching or playing, the device offers seamless integration into the users’ lifestyle.

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
The Z Flip3 5G, on the other hand, merges an amalgam of functional style and non-stop fun — demonstrating the utmost elegance of sartorial flair while offering the utmost versatility in usability. The device is small enough to fit in your pocket or slip into your micro-bag, and is available in a bold range of colour options that frame the redesigned Cover Screen which upgraded four-times in size to provide a clear view of your task list, calendar, and weather without having to flip open the phone.

The limited edition bundle also includes a special limited edition Thom Browne rhodium-plated Galaxy Watch4 Classic with three replaceable straps in signature colours; a pair of Galaxy Buds2 with leather phone and earphone case; and a wireless charger.

Pe-orders will be available from 26 August 2021 at 10am.
For orders, visit Samsung Online Shop.

Latest water gadgets to explore the ocean like a pro!

After a year of on-and-off social distancing measures, the summer of 2021 is truly special. And if you’re seeking some ocean-diving fun, invest in the best water gadgets to elevate your seascape adventure before the end of the season.

We are listing out the water gadgets to make all your friends envious – take a look:

the best water gadgets to get this summer 2021 gafencu F5 s seabob underwater ski jet — Photo courtesy of Seabob

F5 S by Seabob (Underwater Jetski)
The perfect ocean-going toy for thrill-seekers – the F5 S underwater jetski by Seabob brings man even closer to the ocean. A high-performance jetski with six different speed levels that allows riders to cruise on the surface and safely dive 40m underwater and accelerate back up to the surface. Measuring only 1.1 metres and at 34 kilograms, it is easily controlled by the shift of the driver’s own bodyweight. It boasts a high degree of flexibility in movement plus a safety depth lock that helps prevents the watercraft from diving to a certain limit. The F5 S comes in a range of up to a dozen colour options.

Price: HK$111,482
Get it here.

the best water gadgets to get this summer 2021 gafencu hydrofoil fliteboard flite — Photo courtesy of Flite

Fliteboard by Flite (Hydrofoil Surfboard)
New waves — no problem. Fliteboard Air takes your surfboarding and wake boarding experience literally to a whole new level. Award-winning e-foil creators Flite has put out a hand-held remote-controlled hydrofoil that lets you hover above calm waters. Powered by a motor situated under the base of the board, made with aircraft-grade aluminum and a design to keep you balanced as you glide at a speed of 60kmph, it is the best performing and durable eFoil currently on the market.

It features a Virtual Gear System that highlights its Flite Controller, which it claims is the world’s smartest eFoil controller, the digital screen remains easy to read under the glare of sunlight, indicating battery level, ride time, distance, speed and power usage among other useful information. This motorized surfboard is a fast, quiet and is built with an emission-free board that can also be customized to suit the riding experience. Move over hover boards — the hydrofoil is here to stay.

Price: HK$93,184
Get it here.

Also Read: Pool-side accessories to make a vibrant splash!

the best water gadgets to get this summer 2021 gafencu underwater 4k camerathe qysea fifish v6 — Photo courtesy of QYSEA

Fifish V6 by QYSEA (Underwater Drone)
Goodbye flimsy plastic water cases and shaky video footages, water vehicle manufacturers QYSEA adds to their line of underwater drones a new iteration that will excite photography and filmmaking enthusiasts. The Fifish V6 is a 4K UHD underwater camera with a 12MP lens, a f/2.5 aperture, 4000 Lumen LEDs that shoots beautiful, natural images in low-light settings. Weighing only 3.9 kilograms and measuring in 33 cm x 15cm, it is a must-have vlogging gadget.

Offering a polar opposite view from its aerial counterpart, it can shoot with 166 omni-directional field of vision in both JPEG and Raw DNG format, as well as 240 fps. With a 4-hour battery life, a 64GB internal storage, micro SD card slot, and a depth resistance of 100 meters, you can fully control the drone while tethered to its ergonomically designed smart controller or a VR Smart motion sensor headset that enables intuitive drone control. It also allows convenient video editing and instant share capabilities with friends and family via its dedicated app.
Price: HK$15,790
Get it here.

the best water gadgets to get this summer 2021 gafencu underwater scooter navbow sublue — Photo courtesy of Sublue

Sublue Navbow (Underwater Scooter)
The innovative underwater scooter Navbow by Sublue is a powerful gadget for the whole family. Leisurely cruising on the surface or dive down underwater with this handheld dual-motor underwater craft – it features 3-speed switches that lets you go as fast as 7.2kmph and dive down 40m deep. A battery life of up to an hour will help you explore a new way of life.

Weighing only 3.4kg, it offers maximum movement flexibility and maneuverability – handle it with one hand and let the other navigate the accessories on the mounting platform. Highlights also include the D-ring buckle and tow rope; you’ll never lose it or sink too far from reach when it’s tethered to your body equipment.
Price: HK$8999 (with battery)
Get it here.

the best water gadgets to get this summer 2021 gafencu powerbreather — Photo courtesy of Ameo

Ameo Powerbreather (Snorkling accessory with Fresh Air System)
Developed in Germany, the Ameo Powerbreather is a huge upgrade from the traditional snorkeling breathing tubes. It’s an innovative snorkeling accessory that allows water-loving individuals of every level to effortlessly breathe while swimming. Boasting a Fresh Air System that features two speed vents that separates exhalation and inhalation, it lets swimmers breath 100% fresh dry air for optimum endurance performance.

With its patented valve system, it prevents water from entering the snorkel, especially in open sea. It also comes with an assortment of vent attachments that lets you adjusts to different water and training conditions and offers a comfortable and non-restrictive experience for swimmers of all levels, including children in training, adults with under physio rehabilitation, or any watersport-loving individual who’d like to enjoy a more relaxed sight-seeing experience underwater. It also claims to be ideal for use with chlorine allergy in swimming pools.
Price: HK$888
Get it here.

Also read: Protect your skin from sunburn! Here’s how\

Feature image courtesy of Seabob

Bose’s robust speakers for all the summer adventures

If music is food for love, then quality speakers are the key to play on… Shakespeare couldn’t have been more right– music is the easiest way to transport yourself but in 2021 just music won’t cut it. You need ultimate sound quality to take the experience to the next level.

Internationally renowned audio technology giant, Bose has launched a slew of ultimate, slick sound systems which are perfect to fill your summer gatherings, pool-side jaunts or BBQ parties with seamless, pristine sound. The price is a real steal too, go ahead, pick one up and have your friends guessing where you got your sound system installed from…

For a day out in the sun:

Sharing a space with friends means an experience together – especially if that means creating memorable moments in the great outdoors – none sets the vibe better than the SoundLink Revolve+ II. It’s water and shock-resistant portable speaker that offers a truly immersive 360° listening experience for the whole party.

Clearly designed with on-the-go listeners in mind, its flexible fabric handle was deliberately created to make the tote-friendly gadget easy to hold and comfortable to carry. The device also boasts a water-resistant design – move your music anywhere – in the shower or by the pool or even a boat. Further adding to its defences are shock-absorbent bumpers to take on any inevitable bump or fall.

But don’t let this petite miniature amplifier fool you, pint-size as it may be, it is billed as the brand’s best-performing portable Bluetooth speaker. Boasting a powerful hardware that allows for truly immersive listening experience of up to 17 hours with all-around deep bass thanks to its full-range transducer and 360° omni-directional acoustic deflector — providing crispy clear details in every direction.

Featured in two shades: Triple Black and Luxe Silver, it flaunts an elegant outlook with a finely detailed front grille.

Promotion Price: HK$2,299

For the perfect companion indoors:

Rainy day in or choosing to cosy up on your couch – take your Netflix streaming sessions to the next level by losing yourself in a cinematic soundscape that transforms your living room.

Bose has pulled out all the stops with its sleek and slender Bose TV Speakers, featuring two full-range drivers — angled for wide spatial acoustics, and a centre tweeter that isolates verbal dialogues. The outcome of its engineering design is a sound system that delivers a rich and balanced home theatre experience.

Measuring at only 5cm, the simple and modest-looking sound bar does not fall short on performance thanks to its two optional audio modes: Bass and Dialogue. With a simple press of a button, Bass mode enables an even deeper bass level while Dialogue mode analyses the programmes you watch to adjust its configurations and provide clearer verbal dialogues for a cleaner and life-like listening experience.

The device is easy to install and small enough to subtly blend into the home, whether under the television or on a wall shelf. It also comes with a dedicated remote to effortlessly toggle between modes, adjust volumes and wirelessly pair with any smart device via Bluetooth —seamlessly switching from your smart TV to a musical playlist or podcast of choice. Perfect for any home!

Promotion Price: HK$1,899

For more Bose audio solutions, please visit this page.