The Apple Gods didn’t deliver unto us the iPhone 5 during its recent developers’ conference in early June, but there’s plenty of innovation available right now to whet your appetite for all things fresh, fun, and new. Here’s a look at the hottest gizmos and gadgets sure to burn a hole in your pocket this summer.
STRIVA TAP
Pull the plug on your tethered ear buds and switch to STRIVA TAP, cordless in-ear monitors that each contains microprocessors that sync your music to ensure stereo-quality sound. The world’s first Wi-Fi headphone system includes the STRIVA CAP, a matchbook-sized wireless access point that converts music from a smartphone, music player, or computer into a digital TCP/IP stack and transmits it directly to STRIVA TAP using Wi-Fi. CAP can be used in conjunction with a wireless router for digital connections throughout the Internet, or it can be used to create a direct local wireless connection whenever a Wi-Fi router or hotspot is unavailable. ($500; Koss.com)
SLIDERS
Master the art of kebabing with Sliders, a set of four double-prong skewers that keep food secure, even while rotating on the grill. Designed by Tim Hayes of Lakewood, Ohio, Sliders have heat-resistant ceramic handles to guide food off and keep hands clean while the non-slip rubber gasket keeps the sliders in place when stored away. ($24.99; Quirky.com)
CUISINART OUTDOOR ELECTRIC GRILL
Hit the road and take that fresh-off-the-fire flavor with you with Cuisinart’s Outdoor Electric Grill with Adjustable VersaStand. Set it up poolside, on your campsite, or tailgating at your favorite game. VersaStand’s integrated adjustable telescoping base provides authentic grilling performance and flavor perfect for capturing the savory taste of summer no matter where your travels take you. ($169.95; BuyDig.com)
TROPIC SPA HOME MIST TANNING SYSTEM
Step out with sun-kissed skin without risking melanoma with the Tropic Spa Home Mist Tanning System. This eco-friendly device is outfitted with a cordless dispenser that delivers a full-body application in 12 seconds and last for up to 10 sessions on a single charge and recyclable can. The chief ingredient in its signature solution is DHA, which is derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane. Tropic Spa’s tanning solution combined with its patented delivery system makes this beach-ready must-have the most versatile (and healthy) full-body tanning system on the market. ($348.95; TropicSpaTan.com)
WIFI USB FLASH DRIVE CUFFLINKS
Channel your inner James Bond while dining al fresco on the French Riviera with the WIFi USB Flash Drive Cufflinks designed by Ravi Ratan. After downloading the accompanying software, pop the USB hotspot into your computer to send high-speed wireless Internet access to smartphones or other Windows wireless devices. Cufflinks also contain 2GB of storage. Perfect for working remotely at business meetings, airports, hotels, or as an international man of mystery. ($250; Cufflinks.com)
STAKE BBQ TOOL
Trade in your too-many-piece BBQ tool set for Stake, a multitasking transformational utensil that will reduce the clutter in your grilling area and cut down on cleanup. Stake morphs from spatula to fork to tongs via a spring mechanism so you can flip burgers, grip drumsticks, and spike franks effortlessly and efficiently. ($35; Module-R.com)
IHOME IP4
The iHome iP4 Portable FM Stereo Boombox for iPhone/iPod is guaranteed to bring all the boys to your backyard. A reimagining of the classic on-the-shoulder boulder, the iP4 features SRS TruBass digital signal processing technology and five-band EQ coupled with four-inch carbon composite woofers and one-inch Ferrofluid-cooled tweeters. Which means that now you can skip the club but still get shirtless and sweaty with a couple dozen of your sexiest friends. Operates on six D batteries or the included AC adaptor. ($199.99; iHomeAudio.com)
PORTER
Save time and energy going back and forth from kitchen to patio with Porter, a multipurpose BBQ tray that turns six trips into one. Containers with lids keep raw and cooked food separated, and a serving platter and condiment caddy holds all the accoutrements the chef needs, including a dedicated space for paper towels and seasonings. ($39.99; Quirky.com)
NEXT GATE
Make your interstate trek a bit more bearable with Next GATE, the revolutionary in-vehicle intelligent controller for iPhone that controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for advanced functionality in any vehicle. Key vehicle-friendly app partners include TuneIn, Pandora, Vlingo, INRIX Traffic, and InfoGation. Next GATE also comes equipped with a microSD slot, built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, built-in microphone, external microphone capability, and a 7-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor. ($269.99; Clarion.com/US)
AVIIQ PORTABLE CHARGING STATION
Charge up to four USB devices at the same time with the AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System, a portable sleeve that simplifies on-the-go charging while eliminating tangled or misplaced cables. Perfect for travelers who like to go off the beaten path but not the grid. ($79.99; AViiQ.com)
PIVOTHEAD SUNGLASSES
Get a good look at the beach boys again and again with Pivothead sunglasses, hands-free specs outfitted with a full HD video camera and 8MP still camera encapsulated in the frames so you can keep your oogling undercover. ($349; Pivothead.com)
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and blogger who lives in New York City with his husband and their two dogs. Follow him on Twitter @mikeyrox.
