Tag: Headphones

The Best Tech and Gear Gift Guide for the Holidays

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 14, 2019

Downtown’s best tech and gear gift guide for the tech-obsessed on your holiday shopping list, or to satisfy your own inner techie, includes a round-up of super cool items from translation earbuds to camping gear. Cheers to finding the perfect gift for anyone who wants to keep up with the current state of technology today!

The Best Tech and Gear Gift Guide for the Holidays — Insulated Touchscreen Gloves

Touch tech that never fails. Our Publisher’s favorite tech gloves for 2019.

Mujjo, has perfectly blended in the tech so that it complements the sleek style of the glove. The stretch knit fleece fabric stretches in all directions for a comfortable pre-curved fit. The fabric is given a highly conductive treatment that mimics the conductive properties of the skin to make them touchscreen compatible before being sewn into a slim, stretchy profile that conforms to the shape of your hands.

It works all the time, every time. After all, no one wants to take their glove off to scroll through Instagram, we’re better than that.

Introducing Ambassador, the highest quality interpreter for professionals and travelers of all backgrounds. From training to travel, groups to solo, the Ambassador allows you to have smooth conversations free from the constraints of language barriers. Sleek and specially designed over-the-ear interpreter engineered to translate speech with higher accuracy than any other tool on the market.

The Tree Of Light is a stunningly beautiful sculptural art piece, that replaces just about everything you’d normally keep on your nightstand. It’s a sleek LED lamp with a thin, cherry wood shade, and brightness that can be smoothly adjusted via the touch controls on the base. The “Sleep Mode” setting will even turn it off automatically after 30 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about falling asleep with the lights on. But it doesn’t stop there. The lamp base has an integrated wireless charging pad, as well as a sticker receiver, so you can wirelessly charge any phone. If your phone doesn’t already have wireless charging, just choose between the Lightning (iPhone) or Micro USB (Android) options, and your lamp will arrive with a super-thin wireless receiver that you can stick directly on your device, and start using the charging platform instantly.

This gorgeous charging lamp even comes with a built-in neodymium speaker. Just pair your device to the lamp, and play your favorite music wirelessly. You can even use the touch controls on the lamp to adjust the volume and skip songs.

Goodbye boring desk lamps, switches, messy tangled cords, and clutter!

Devialet Gold Phantom. The best wireless speaker in the world. This speaker from Devialet emits an ultra-dense sound with physical impact. No distortion, no saturation, no background noise and features our exclusive Analog Digital Hybrid Technology. With power, clarity, and precision unlike anything, you’ve heard before. With power, clarity, and precision unlike anything, you’ve heard before.

This summer, OMEGA partnered with The Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon landing, and created the Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space The Met Edition. This watch comes with a red and white striped NATO strap, a nod to the Museum’s signature color, with The Met’s logo engraved on the loop. Each model will be delivered inside a unique presentation box, crafted with The Met logo, and retail for $5,200.

Our music-obsessed editor in chief swears by the superior sound, chic design, and cutting-edge technology of these Sennheiser Momentum headphones. They feature intuitive controls, active noise cancellation, and transparent hearing so that you can enjoy your tunes while still being fully present in real life. The leather head strap and cushy earcups deliver superior comfort while looking great on the go.

From industry leader and trusted CBD brand, Charlotte’s Web’s holiday box is offering 30 Days of Calm. The box includes a beautiful set of relaxation and holiday tip cards with positive affirmations, activities, and useful information, and includes CBD oil in mint chocolate and Calm gummies, both made from responsibly farmed USA grown hemp. All Charlotte’s Web products are third party tested and a certificate of analysis is available upon request.

Can’t stay away from your tech? Don’t want to rely on campsites with outlets? MPOWERD’s inflatable solar night is perfect. Charge it during the day, then strap it to your tent at night for a lantern that will charge your phone, your GPS, or anything else you need.

Bugaboo Camper, Four Person Nesting Camp Cookset: When our associate editor goes camping, he needs every inch of space. The four-person Bugaboo Camper comes with two pots (2L and 3L) with strainer lids, frying pan, four large mugs with insulated sleeves and Sip-Through Lids, bowls, and plates for everyone, a pot gripper, and a carry bag that doubles as a sink. And all of that fits inside of the 3L pot for easy transport. Perfect for feasting in the great outdoors.

This beautifully designed reading lamp at Roche Bobois, designed by Carlo Zerbaro, with a base and structure in varnished steel with a matte finish, col. black, oxidized steel screen giving a reflection of multi-colored material (oxidized copper). With adjustable direct or indirect light source. Perfect for any room.

Nimble is making tech products from plant-based bioplastics, recycled aluminum, and fabric made from recycled water bottles. The carbon-neutral portable chargers, wireless stand chargers, phone cases, and cables are all shipped in plastic-free packaging made from scrap paper and non-toxic inks and adhesives, and to encourage tech recycling, each item ships with an envelope to pack up your various cables, plugs, phones, mp3 players, and chargers, and you can go online to print out a free shipping label. The company has recently acquired B-Corporation status, verifying that they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Tags cables, camping gear, Carbon Neutral, CBD, chargers, earbuds, gloves, Headphones, lighting, Music, nato, omega, phone caes, plant based, Speakers, tech, tech gloves, Tequila, villa one, watch, wireless chargers

Events Featured

An Upcoming Musical Journey

Post author By Addison Franz
Post date July 27, 2019

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, enjoy musical guidance from composer and concert pianist Murray Hidary.

On July 30th, people from all over the five boroughs will be taking a Silenthike. The event is a concept by MindTravel – an immersive music and meditation experience company created by the aforementioned Murray Hidary. During the SilentHike session, each participant will wear wireless headphones and hike through the garden with soothing music and thoughtful commentary from Hidary.

Hidary’s talents don’t simply include musical composition, he also delivers compelling Tedx Talks and is a former tech guru with a passion for physics. He draws on his expertise across all these disciplines to create his MindTravel concept. As a child, he developed a deep love for music and discovered the power of music when it was the only thing that helped him heal after the tragic loss of his sister in a motorcycle accident.

Silenthikes and Silentwalks are a form of meditation in motion, providing a relaxing and thoughtful experience for all participants. While typical meditation is an isolated retreat, Silenthikes look to expand that concept and develop a sense of being present in the world around us.

All the components of the experience – music, words, silence, visual cues – are meant to work synergistically to help participants connect with their innermost thoughts and develop a deeper connection with the world around them.

To purchase tickets and participate in this unique and wonderful experience, visit this link.

Tags Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, composition, Headphones, MindTravelv Silenthike, Murray Hidary, Music, Silentwalk

Business Featured

Three Headphones For Three Budgets

Post author By Eva Troester
Post date December 7, 2017

I think we can all agree that headphones are a must-have accessory. Whether it’s to make your waiting time bearable, pump you up for a run, or just jam out to your favorite tunes in your own little world, headphones are often on our checklist before leaving the house — right up there with keys, wallet, and phone.

In the past few years, however, I’ve found that while convenient and small, Apple’s earbuds don’t always do it for me. They’re just not that great at shutting out the noise around me, and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for. So I found three alternatives! And, because the holidays are coming up, I found them in three different price ranges.

Krankz Audio Headphones

Don’t let the size fool you. These headphones deliver powerful sound. They smoothly pair up with your smartphone, and the built-in microphone and automatic call notification make it easy for you to navigate between music and phone calls. Krankz Audio is your perfect travel companion, as the high-efficiency, rechargeable battery will give you over 36 hours of battery life. No more running out of power in the middle of a 12-hour flight and having to resort to the airline’s supplied headphones. To recharge, simply plug them into your computer or a USB power cube. The smaller size makes it easy to bring your headphones with you — and the classic colors of white, red or black give them enough versatility to find a pair that matches your style.

Krankz Audio headphones are priced at $99.99 and can be purchased here.

Beats Solo³ Wireless

You didn’t think we’d talk headphones without mentioning Beats By Dre, now, did you? This brand has made quite a name for itself when talking about sound. The Beats By Dre features a wide selection of headphones, earphones, and speakers with impeccable sound, and the Beats Solo³ Wireless is no exception. Technology and design blend seamlessly in these headphones. Design-wise, you can choose from an array of colors, such as black, gold and of course, Apple’s popular rose gold in both matte and glossy — and these headphones fold right up. Technology-wise, where do we begin? Battery life lasts up to 40 hours, connecting to your device is simple, and they deliver premium sound — the comfort-cushion ear cups block outside noise for a truly immersive experience.

Beats Solo³ Wireless are priced at $299.95, and can be purchased here.

MH40

Master & Dynamic has quickly become a popular audio brand — and we can see (or hear) why. The headphones are high quality, as is the audio. With a sleek and classic design, they’re beautiful and luxurious to wear, while the technology makes the sound rich and enveloping. Comfortable and easily adjustable, they’re built for a prime experience. You can tell that these were built with no detail overlooked. The body is made of forged aluminum for years of use, and is clad in heavy-grain premium leather and soft lambskin for superior comfort and wear. These headphones mean business, and everything that comes along with it. Tough on the outside for durability, soft on the inside for comfort and pristine sound.

MH40 are priced at $399 and can be purchased here.

Tags beats, beats by Dre, Headphones, Krankz, Krankz Audio, Master & Dynamic, MH40, Solo 3 Wireless

Featured Uncategorized

Downtown Gift Guide: 11 Ways To Use Your Holiday Gift Cards & Store Credits

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date January 9, 2017

The holiday season is now behind us, and 2017 is here. Of those fortunate enough to get some gifts this past holiday season, many of us wound up with gift cards and store credit. In turn, here are 11 ways to use that virtual currency:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjFAGH9U4GY

1) Tocca “Uptown Girls” Set

Housed in a beautifully-decorated gift box, this limited-edition set from Tocca contains four 7 ml miniature fine fragrance sprays. The set is intended for “girliest” of Tocca fans, as made clear by its product names: Cleopatra, Stella, Florence and Giulietta. Sold exclusively at Sephora.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wfZoY6-xR0

2) Wall Midnight & Peach Flip Top Mittens from Accompany

These Wall Flip Top Mittens were made by Emilime, a brand known for its direct support of female entrepreneurs in Peru. The mittens are cozy and warm, perfect for the early fall and through the dead of winter alike, as made of alpaca. One size fits all.

3) Blue Cedar V76 by Vaughn

V76 is known for its American-made products for the well-groomed man — hair, shaving, body, and fragrances all covered. Its founder, Vaughn Acord, has styled for Al Pacino, Bruce Springsteen and President Bill Clinton, to name only a few notables. Blue Cedar by V76 by Vaughn is a woody fragrance for men, as launched last year. The fragrance includes coconut milk, violet, cedar and leather.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsgR3DK_96A

4) Disaronno Wear ETRO bottle

DISARONNO is known as the world’s favorite Italian liqueur. The brand recently partnered with renowned fashion house ETRO for a limited-edition bottle. In turn, DISARONNO is dressed up ETRO-style, with inspiration from the fashion house’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The collaboration also includes two different sets of three mini bottles dressed in coordinated looks.

5) Truly Spiked & Sparkling

Truly Spiked & Sparkling is a “spiked” sparkling water with only one gram of sugar and 100 calories; not bad for a drink that is 5% ABV. Truly comes in four flavors: Colima Lime, Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Pomelo, and its latest flavor Sicilian Blood Orange — all four styles are made from fermented cane sugar. As an added bonus, all Truly Spiked varieties are gluten-free.

6) Boden Cashmere Scarf

Boden is a British clothing retailer that deems itself “New British,” combining ethical and green policies with quality and fashionability. Its Cashmere Scarf, as woven in Scotland, stands out from the pack in being 100% cashmere yet under $100. Warm, comfortable and free of itch. Boden also sells jeans, coats and tops for men, women and children alike, offering free standard shipping on all orders over $49; it also has a 365-day returns guarantee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hoZ73XY1o4

7) Vinci Headphones

Imagine having wireless headphones which have both voice-controlled and touch-base options, which sync with your online (e.g. Spotify, Amazon, Soundcloud) and offline (e.g. MP3s on a USB) music collections, and offer 3D audio. All of that is possible via the Vinci 1.5 headphones — which were featured on Kickstarter — and more. Vinci can track your heart-rate, has a proximity sensor that stops music when you take the headphones off, and can make phone calls, although it does not require a connection to your mobile phone to work. The future is here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PCzm–Et3E

8) Cords For Music Bracelet

As featured previously on the Downtown website, Cords For Music was founded in 2013 by Nicholas Coblence, based on the idea that almost everyone feels an emotional connection to music. In turn, Cords For Music designs musically-themed jewelry and some of its proceeds go towards funding music education. Check out its necklaces, stud and bracelets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m01rvDekoaQ

9) Dobell Suits

Based in California, Dobell makes suits that take you through all of life’s most important moments — from meetings and job interviews, to celebrations and weddings. But Dobell also stands out from similar websites in also offering novelty suits and all suit-related accessories that one would need (e.g. top hats, suspenders, cufflinks, dress canes, sock suspenders). I will likely be wearing a Dobell suit to my wedding in March.

10) New Barbarians: Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Guitars by Rob Chapman

Everyone knows The Rolling Stones, but most Stones fans are likely not aware of The New Barbarians. The New Barbarians was a short-lived group — lasting from 1979 to 1980 — featuring the Stones’ Ron Wood and Keith Richards, legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan, Stones sideman Bobby Keys, and The Meters’ drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste. Chapman’s book not only looks at the band’s run in-depth, featuring never-before-published photography from Bruce Silberman, but also includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks from the 1979 U.S. tour on an accompanying CD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3VoQ4DV2A

11) CoinOpStore’s Classic Arcade Games

A major staple of my childhood was trips to a video arcade. While video game consoles keep getting more advanced, letting users browse the Internet, stream television and movies, and so forth, sometimes there is a craving for the old-school, upright sort of video game. CoinOpStore builds arcade game cabinets, which can be customized to include thousands of games. So whether you are a Pacman fanatic, an Atari diehard, or more interested in the battle games of the 1990s, there will be plenty of fun ahead for you.

Featured

Downtown Gift Guide: 10 Gifts To Keep Someone Warm, Cozy and/or Clean

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 9, 2016

With Christmas and Hanukkah just a bit over two weeks away, there is still time to do some gift-planning for this holiday season. Below are 10 recommendations to keep a friend or loved one warm, cozy and/or clean:

1) Wine & Whiskey NYC

Recently launched in the New York market, Wine & Whiskey carries an annual subscription fee of $175. In turn, members are invited to secret, exclusive pop-up events with quality-oriented food and rinks. Wine & Whiskey NYC promises that no two of its events are ever the same, and attendees can partake in an interactive system to earn future rewards.

2) The Sweater Store by Ragstock

Ragstock is a Minneapolis-based clothing chain, but fortunately, it sells its goods online and will ship internationally. Ugly Christmas sweaters are one of Ragstock’s specialties, and the company has over 25,000 vintage sweaters in-stock; some are priced near the $200 mark. Ragstock also sells Hawaiian shirts, Hanukkah wares — see above — and all sorts of throwback fashion.

3) Allen Brothers

Allen Brothers meat is a staple of Halls Chophouse, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, and the Hillstone Restaurant Group. In turn, it is surprising that Allen Brothers meat and seafood can simply be purchased over the web. The company, which started in 1893, is currently running 12 days of exclusive offers; day 8 was 20% off on 4 x 9 oz. bacon wrapped filets. Surprisingly affordable when considering how top-notch Allen Brothers is known to be; subscription gift plans, including the Burger Of The Month plan, are now available.

4) Jacques Torres Chocolate

Known as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres Chocolate first opened in the DUMBO neighborhood in 2000; Jacques had spent more than a decade honing his craft with Le Cirque and the Ritz Carlton. Beyond Jacques’ nine New York City locations, his website offers timely holiday-themed chocolates; gelt is only one of the Hanukkah offerings. The “Gifts and Favors” section includes sets of all flavors and themes; the Chocolate All Year set, priced at $585, truly has something for everyone. Gluten-free and kosher options are also available from Jacques Torres.

5) Marble & Wood Hexagon Cheese Board from Simon Pearce

I have never seen a cheese board this beautiful, and I have never seen a cheese board this practical. Part wood and part marble, it also acts as a serving tray. On top of that, it was handcrafted and produced sustainably.

6) Earmuff Headphones from Free People

In a New York City winter, you need to keep your head warm, but odds are that also want to listen some music while outside. Instead of wearing earbuds under a wool cap, this bass-heavy item from Free People kills two birds with one stone, as headphones are built into earmuffs. Compatible with most smartphones — it has a standard headphone jack — and one size fits all. The earmuffs come in black and grey and, for those concerned, the fur is faux.

7) To Go Tea Steeping Mug from Free People

Another winner available via Free People, the To Go Tea Steeping Mug is handmade in the U.S., as produced by Victoria Smith Ceramics. It features a tea strainer and lid, making it easy for tea on-the-go. Beyond its functionality, its design is also commendable, both handpainted and glazed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caGeFENMb18

8) Cocktail Courier

For those looking for the experience of a trend-setting lounge within the comfort of their own home, Cocktail Courier is both upscale and economical. A monthly subscription service, Cocktail Courier brings you a kit full of the ingredients needed — between 4 and 12 — to prepare a specialty craft drink helmed by a top bartender. This month’s cocktail is The Code, which includes both D’USSE and Disaronno, and is available through Jan. 1; DJ Khaled recently posted about the drink on social media. Priced at $63.92, that comes out to $7.99 per cocktail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNOPIhaDn6M

9) REN Clean Skincare

Since launching in 2000, REN Clean Skincare is known to follow the three P’s: performance, purity, and pleasure. Its ingredients are 100% plant and mineral-derived, whether you are talking about one of their body washes, shampoos or hand creams. REN’s Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial is a three-phase product, serving as a exfoliator, then a revitalizing massager, and finally a hydrating mask. It is safe to use up to five nights a week and can be applied under a serum or moisturizer or on its own.

10) Adidas Jaysor aD20 Sunglasses

Adidas’ Jaysor aD20 sunglasses are not only fashionable and sporty, but also functional and lightweight. It has a rectangular shape with a single bridge, and features a full rim frame, as made of plastic. The aD20 sunglasses are unisex and come in five color varieties: black/grey, grey matte, blue matte, grey/chrome, and transparent/blue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g43qHgdsLjg