The Lucid Air Sapphire brings a new level of luxury and performance to the electric-vehicle market. Featuring three motors, carbon-ceramic brakes and track-tuned suspension, it speeds from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds. California-based Lucid Motors is taking reservations for the 2023 limited-edition model, with delivery expected later this year.
From $249,000. lucidmotors.com 

AI for Avians

Bird Buddy, an AI-powered feeder, identifies and captures close-up photographs of feathered friends as they pop by for a snack. Connected to a smart phone via wifi, the camera-equipped device also records sound and notifies humans whenever a bird alights. Species data collected by the company helps experts study bird populations and migration. From $199. mybirdbuddy.com  

Deep-Sea Drone

QYSea’s V6s Professional Underwater ROV Camera captures and live-streams 4K HD footage of ocean adventures. The stainless-steel underwater drone can plumb depths of 328 feet and powers up to six hours on a single charge. Two LEDs illuminate marine scenery. Designed for professional and recreational use, the device also drags, drops and tows objects with a robotic arm. $3,199.
urbandrones.com

Sound Control
Bluesound has introduced the Powernode Edge—a single-zone, wireless music-streaming amplifier. Once connected to speakers, the device delivers audiophile-grade amplification and supports MQA playback. More than 20 integrated music services and thousands of Internet radio stations are accessible on the Powernode Edge, controlled via app. Available in black or white; $649. bluesound.com

Into the Fold
C SEED recently unveiled the M1—a foldable MicroLED TV. Its sculptural column, which conceals an integrated sound system, rises from the floor and unfolds a display framed in aviation-grade aluminum. When not in use, the TV seamlessly disappears back into the floor. Available in silver, gold, black and titanium. From $247,000 for a 103-inch model. cseed.tv

Smart Watch
Garmin ups the intelligence quotient of its lineup with the new Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch. The timepiece lets users take calls and connect to a compatible smartphone’s voice assistant for a host of functions. It not only monitors health and fitness but also includes more than 25 built-in sports apps, from running and yoga to indoor climbing. garmin.com

Take Charge
Performance, luxury and sustainability unite in Mercedes’ new electric EQS sedan. Its coupe-like silhouette hints at an impressive powertrain; the vehicle boasts a range of 487 miles and an output of up to 516 horsepower. Standard features include leather upholstery, a Burmester 3D sound system and 64-color ambient lighting. From $102,310. mercedes-benz.com

POWER BAG
The lightweight MV2 GOLF BAG elevates a player’s experience with a few handy features. Options include a solar panel for charging devices on the course and a Bluetooth speaker that adds music to the mix. A filming pocket lets athletes record their swings. The five-pound microsuede bag also comes with a built-in stand, magnetic closures and a pouch that keeps drinks and snacks cool. From $249; minimalgolf.com

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Last year, GoPro released its latest flagship camera, the HERO10 Black, which delivers unprecedented image quality and performance thanks to a new GP2 processor. The camera captures lifelike 5.3K video at 60 frames per second and 4K video at 120 frames per second. It also features video stabilization to eliminate shaky footage. From $400 with a GoPro subscription; gopro.com

FIND MY FIDO
Founded in 2019 by two seasoned tech entrepreneurs, Fi lets dog owners track pets’ whereabouts via an LTE-M GPS tracking collar and an accompanying smartphone app. The waterproof collar features a remote-controlled LED light so owners can see pups better at night. In July, Fi introduced sleep-tracking functionality to the device. $129 plus GPS plan. tryfi.com

GO WITH THE FLOW
It’s estimated that 75 percent of people are chronically dehydrated, a state that can lead to numerous health problems. The HidrateSpark Steel smart water bottle aims to remedy the issue by tracking users’ hydration levels based on their needs. Glowing LED lights at the base of the bottle—along with smartphone messages—emit reminders when it’s time to drink. Prices for 17- and 21-ounce bottles are $59.99 and $64.99 respectively. hidratespark.com​

PEACE & LOVE FROM RINGO
Part of Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ Artist Collection, the Peace & Love turntable celebrates the 30th anniversary of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Sporting artwork Starr designed himself, it features an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, a precision diamond-cut aluminum pulley, top-notch MDF chassis and built-in motor control. $500; available through Gramophone. pro-jectusa.com; gramophone.com

SOUND TRACK
Conceived in collaboration with Benjamin Hubert of LAYER design, Bang & Olufsen’s new Beosound Emerge speaker defies its slim silhouette with powerful sound. The compact wireless device, which can be tucked away in any small room, delivers crystal-clear audio, projecting 180 degrees. Emerge is available in Gold Tone (pictured, $899) or Black Anthracite ($699); bang-olufsen.com

Le StandUp, a paddleboard made in France, brings a whole new dimension to the sport—day and night. Its lightweight, carbon frame boasts transparent panels that give riders an up-close view of ocean life. Double rows of battery-powered LEDs on the bottom of the board illuminate the seabed after dark. Price on request. loeva.me

SEEING STARS
Stellina, a next-generation telescope made by the French company Vaonis, lets stargazers view planets and galaxies on a monitor and capture high-resolution images that can easily be shared via a companion mobile app. At 15 pounds and 19 inches tall, the battery-powered scope is compact enough to take on the road. $3,999. vaonis.com

Gadgets Galore - VIRTUAL SOMMELIER

An AI-enabled wine-management system, WineCab scans labels for easy tracking and secures bottles in temperature- and humidity-controlled display cases. Its high-speed robotic arm retrieves a selection in 15 seconds and loads up to 24 bottles in seven minutes. Customizable in an array of millwork and finish options, WineCab is available in six-, 11- and 15-foot models; the latter can house more than 600 bottles. winecab.com

BMW’s 2021 M4 Coupe combines state-of-the-art engineering with sexy style. Its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo S58 motor produces up to 473 horsepower, while an optional six-speed manual transmission elevates the driving experience. An aerodynamic carbon-fiber roof lowers the coupe’s weight and center of gravity. Shown here in Sao Paulo Yellow, the model turns heads with its sleek silhouette. From $71,800; bmwusa.com

Sound Check
Bose Frames equip UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses with the functionality of wireless headphones. A miniscule, wafer-thin acoustic package is embedded in each arm’s interior while a microphone and multi-function button on the right temple enable controls of music-streaming, phone access and more. Priced from $199.95; bose.com

Technology Trio - Plug-in Ride

Harley-Davidson introduced its first all-electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, in 2019. Its powertrain takes the bike from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds. With no clutch or gear-shifting required, riders control speed with a twist of the throttle. A 60-minute charge produces a range of 146 miles. The model features a lightweight, cast-aluminum frame and Michelin tires designed to enhance handling performance. $29,799. harley-davidson.com

Perhaps it was kismet that two icons of style—Dior and Vespa—were both founded in 1946. To commemorate their legacies, the brands collaborated on the June 2020 launch of the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter. Designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, the limited-edition cycle is made in Italy. A matching helmet and top case complete the ensemble, naturellement. Available at Dior boutiques in 2021. Price to be announced. dior.com

On the Greens
Garmin’s Approach S60 GPS golf watch lets users review and analyze every shot they play. It also enables them to compete in weekly leaderboards on any golf course via the Garmin Golf app. Even if travel isn’t possible, users can plot their next golf getaway by virtually exploring the watch’s preloaded maps of 40,000 courses around the world. From $399. garmin.com

High-Tech Finds - Clean Sweep

Cleaning in the age of covid calls for back-up. Ecovacs’ new Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI brings harried users a robot that vacuums, mops and even monitors the home. Employing laser mapping and navigation technology, it automatically detects carpets, putting the mop function on hold; a live video stream lets owners keep an eye on the homefront while they’re away. A lithium ion battery provides three-plus hours of use. $799. ecovacs.com

“Our virtual showroom tours seem to be helpful,” says Samantha May of Calligaris, which is now offering interactive tours of its Georgetown and Tysons showrooms online. “They let customers preview the showroom and shop completely contact-less.”

Roche Bobois, with locations in Tysons and Chevy Chase, also offers interactive online showroom tours, along with the remote services of a full design studio. “Our 3D team creates architecturally scaled 3D or AutoCAD drawings—not just decorative drawings,” says area sales director Brian Fell. “We can add personal details like an existing rug, or change flooring to see how it looks with the interiors.”

After videoconferencing with clients and learning their requirements,Roche Bobois’ in-house designers create 2D perspective drawings depicting possible furniture plans. Once those are set, designers present lifelike 3D renderings that incorporate different choices of flooring, fabric and color palettes—and even replicate outdoor views.

Coming soon: Clients will be able to don virtual-reality goggles and experience a virtual project walk-through in a Roche Bobois showroom. Says Fell, “This is what is needed for today’s market—it’s the future.”

WHERE TO SHOP

The following local furniture showrooms offer various forms of virtual shopping.

Belfort Furniture: belfortfurniture.com
BoConcept: boconcept.com
Calligaris: calligaris.com
Green Front Furniture: greenfront.com
Ligne Roset: ligneroset-dc.com
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: mgbwhome.com
Resource Furniture: resourcefurniture.com
Roche Bobois: roche-bobois.com
Sheffield Furniture & Interiors: sheffieldfurniture.com
Theodores: theodores.com

Name a new smart-home innovation that you think is a game-changer.
One of my personal favorites has been the August Smart Lock system. Unlike other products that require you to install a large and sometimes unattractive electronic lock on your beautiful front door, the August deadbolt is specially designed to allow you to retain existing hardware and install a new actuator knob on the inside of your door. The deadbolt is battery-powered and connects to your phone and home-control system.

Stacey McKinney, Electronic Home Environments
How can a lighting-control system improve health, sleep and well-being? 
Lighting technology can help you and your family live a healthier and more natural lifestyle at home. Our bodies and minds respond to light. Bright daylight, known as cool light, makes us more alert and productive. Night-time light, referred to as warm light—like the colors of a setting sun—tends to relax us. Adjusting your lighting throughout the day can lift your energy level during the afternoon and help you relax in the evening for a better night’s sleep.

Now that families are working, playing and streaming at home, how can they maximize connectivity?
With all family members at home using the Internet for work, school and entertainment, it may be time to consider bumping up your data package with your ISP. If you already have a generous bandwidth subscription and are still encountering stuttering and buffering issues on your network, you might think about upgrading the physical network infrastructure in your home on both the wired and wireless sides. With more sophisticated network hardware, you can prioritize who gets the shared bandwidth coming into the home.

Christian A. Vives, A.B.E. Networks
How does 8K TV compare to 4K and is the upgrade worth it?
The most distinctive difference between the two can be seen on displays 65 inches and larger. Upgrading now may be a bit premature as 8K content is still not widely produced—though the picture quality will be stunning regardless of content. 8K TVs are still in the early-adoption phase; the price point for these TVs ranges from three to six times their 4K counterparts. As with all technology, there will be a pricing slope that will see 8K TVs closer to the current mean cost some time in the next three years.

How should consumers evaluate outdoor televisions?
The most important consideration is the location where the TV will be installed: in shade, direct sunlight or fully exposed to the weather. Most manufacturers have different lines geared towards each. Anti-glare and IP ratings are also important; the higher the IP rating, the less vulnerable a TV is to the elements. Outdoor TVs designed to be completely exposed also include features like heating and cooling, as well as humidity control. Finally, supplemental audio is often necessary as most outdoor TVs are lacking in that category.

Andrew Davis, Gramophone
What factors help consumers select the right outdoor speakers?
We suggest looking at the space and its intended use. We often start with a simple question: How do you want your sound to look? Is there a landscape where we can conceal speakers, or would you prefer something mounted on a structure or building? Speakers come in many forms including surface-mounted, installed in planters, or ground-based on stakes. Some look like stones or are designed
to be buried.

How will next-generation Wi-Fi 6 improve our lives?
Wi-Fi 6 was designed to resolve issues that arise when too many people or devices connect to a network, causing speeds to drop and the network to become sluggish or kick off users. Wi-Fi 6 will enable new cell phones and devices to communicate rapidly at fast speeds on capable networks. But to enjoy this technology, you need a properly designed and engineered networking platform. The network solutions we are rolling out today are ready to go with Wi-Fi 6.

On Track
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active2 not only keeps users connected, but also helps them reach health and fitness goals. The smartwatch tracks more than 39 workouts, makes calls and links to social media apps and Spotify. It’s available in 40mm and 44mm sizes and two styles: aluminum with a Fluoroelastomer band or stainless steel with a leather band. From $250; samsung.com

Ahead of the Curve
Designed as an alternative to clunky towers or boxy sound bars, Cleer Audio’s Crescent Smart Speaker sports a sculptural silhouette. It’s equipped with eight custom, 40mm full-range drivers and two 3.3-inch subwoofers and envelops listeners in three-dimensional, high-definition sound. The speaker supports hi-res digital audio formats as well as streaming. Available in August; $600. cleeraudio.com

On the Dark Side
The Cullinan SUV is the latest Rolls-Royce model to join the brand’s Black Badge family—typified by multiple layers of paint and lacquer that create a dramatically dark exterior finish. The Black Badge Cullinan features 22-inch forged-alloy wheels and a 6.75-litre, V12 engine that generates more power and torque than its standard sibling. It excels from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. From $382,000; rolls-royce.com

Smarter Smart Watch
Japanese-based Veldt has unveiled the Luxture Aarde analog smart watch with an eye on sustainability and promoting tech-life balance. Straps are made of eco-friendly materials; among many functions, the watches send users UV and climate-action alerts and track health, lunar phases—and proximity to street art.
From $650. veldtwatch.com

Timeless Security
Buben&Zorweg, a German luxury brand known for its safes and timepieces, recently unveiled Illusion—a state-of-the-art cache designed to safeguard jewelry, watches and other valuables. After Illusion is unlocked via fingerprint recognition or a transponder chip, a unique mechanism automatically raises multiple levels of storage for easy access. Its stainless-steel exterior is covered in hand-stitched Italian leather; the deluxe model features a signature Buben&Zorweg timepiece on top. From $21,900. buben-zorweg.com

CAMERA READY
In collaboration with world-renowned musician and artist Lenny Kravitz, Leica unveiled its new M Monochrom Drifter set specifically conceived for black-and-white photography. It features the Leica M Monochrom camera, covered in sepia-brown, vegan snakeskin, along with two lenses—one of which is ideal for portraiture and the other best suited for travel and street photography. Only 125 sets of the limited-edition collection will be sold worldwide. $23,950; leicacamerausa.com

COLOR  YOUR WORLD
The Hue smart lighting system by Philips allows users to switch among 16 million hues with ease using the Hue Bluetooth app or the Hue Bridge device. The system employs energy-efficient LED bulbs, available in three color ranges: white, white ambiance, and white-and-color ambiance. $90; meethue.com.

DATA DRIVEN
The aerodynamic Elemnt Bolt GPS Bike Computer syncs with an array of cycling sensors and apps. At just 2.2 ounces, the handle-mounted device places an array of functions, from navigation to performance tracking, at a rider’s fingertips. $250; wahoofitness.com

LIGHTING THE WAY
Developed by Google engineer Zach Vorhies, Zackees Turn Signal Gloves improve biker safety and visibility. Pressing the thumb against a sensor on the index finger activates bright, blinking LED lights to indicate a turn. Made of breathable mesh spandex with leather palms, the gloves are machine washable and recharge via USB. $74.95; zackees.com

VACUUM INTELLIGENCE
For mere mortals who forget to pick up their socks: Ecovacs’ new Deebot Ozmo 960 is a smarter robotic vacuum. Unlike predecessors, it possesses artificial intelligence powers that recognize and avoid an expandable index of household objects such as shoes, socks and cables. And it can clean for 110 minutes on a single charge. ecovacs.com

COMMODE TO THE FUTURE
Numi 2.0, Kohler’s sleek, next-gen smart toilet, is flush with special features. Think Bluetooth access to music, ambient lighting, and news and weather (via Amazon Alexa). Tucked discreetly under its automated, heated seat are hands-free hygiene options including deodorizer and spray with customizable water temperature and flow. On sale in late 2019.