This story is part of NBC Select’s column, where we highlight our favorite product launches. We continuously update this article throughout the month with new releases we think you should know about.
Tech launchesSonos Ace Wireless Headphones
These are the first pair of headphones from Sonos, which is well-known for its smart speakers and TV soundbars. I’ve been using them for about a month ahead of launch, and they have some of the best on-ear controls of any headphones I’ve used. There are dedicated buttons for everything plus a sliding media button (called the content key) for volume adjustment and media control — it works flawlessly, much better than some of the more temperamental touch controls I’ve used in other headphones.
Outside of controls, these headphones have excellent audio quality, noise-cancellation and hear-through modes, similar to some of our other favorite over-ear headphones from Sony and Apple. They connect over Bluetooth or wired cables (included) and have up to 30 hours of battery life.
If you have a Sonos Arc soundbar, you can transfer audio from the soundbar to the headphones by holding down the content key — this feature is coming to the brand’s other soundbars later this year, according to the brand.
JBL Clip 5
Most people on the NBC Select team own, use or have gifted the JBL Clip 4 — it’s one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers. The Clip 5 is a little bigger, a little heavier, a little louder and a lot bassier than the Clip 4, says Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager, who has been using the Clip 5 for about a week ahead of launch. It also has a wider carabiner that makes it easier to clip onto more things, says Rodriguez. It has a 12-hour battery life (up from 10) and is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, similar to the previous version.
The JBL Clip 5, alongside the JBL Xtreme 4 and JBL Go 4, can be synced together to play audio at the same time (called Auracast), or older JBL speakers with PartyBoost.
FitBit Ace LTE
This is a gamified fitness watch for kids — there are no apps but video games that encourage interval-based activity instead. The device can call and message specific contacts and has location sharing available for parents. It’s designed with unique software and a Fitbit Ace LTE app that’s separate from Fitbit’s other products. The watch requires a subscription ($9.99 a month) to use.
Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Camera (pre-order)
Fujifilm cameras are in high demand for 2024 — the newly released Fujifilm X100VI is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras but is out of stock everywhere. This new X-T50 isn’t a point-and-shoot but has a similarly compact size and retro style. It has the brand’s latest 40.2MP camera sensor, in-body image stabilization and 20 Film Simulation modes, now controllable with a dedicated dial on the camera’s left.
Within the Fujifilm camera lineup, it is priced between the more premium X-T5 and lower-priced X-T30 II and X-S20.
Keychron B1 Pro Ultra-Slim Wireless Keyboard
Keychron makes some of the best keyboards, but this is the brand’s first non-mechanical model. The B1 Pro is a very slim (14.5 millimeters at its tallest point) scissor-switch keyboard, similar to a laptop keyboard. It connects to computers with Bluetooth, a wireless dongle or wired cable. Like the brand’s mechanical keyboards, it has switches on the top to toggle between Mac and Windows, as well as different connectivity modes. It has up to eight months of battery life, according to the brand. The brand also launched the B3 Pro, which has the same design but a full-sized number pad.
Fitness and travel launchesHyperice Normatec Elite Compression Boots
The Normatec Elite Compression Boots are Hyperpiece’s latest recovery product. They weigh 3.2 pounds each and offer seven adjustable compression settings so you can customize your leg massage. You can set the boots to perform the same massage on both legs or run separate sessions. The compression boots’ battery lasts for about four hours. They connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth, or you can control them via exterior buttons.
Marlow Mini Pillow and Fleece Travel Blanket
Marlow’s newest products help you stay cozy while traveling. The Mini Pillow and Fleece Travel Blanket are compact enough to pack inside your carry-on luggage or weekender, and they’re sold individually or as a set.
The Mini Pillow is adjustable — you can unzip two sides for a plush feel, unzip one size for a medium plush feel or zip two sides for a firm feel. It comes with a pillowcase and carrying bag, and there’s shredded gel-infused cooling memory foam inside. You can place the pillow under your head, between your knees or behind your back. The Fleece Blanket also comes with a carrying case. Both products are machine-washable.
Pet launchesPetlibro Capsule Dog Fountain
This water fountain is Petlibro’s first product for dogs. It has a whirlpool water flow that pulls loose fur, food crumbs, dirt and other grime into the replaceable five-layer filter, which ensures that your dog always has clean, fresh drinking water. The fountain’s transparent tank has a 2.1-gallon capacity, and you can refill it by pouring water directly into the serving tray. Its high walls and buffer zone prevent water from spilling onto your floors, and since it disassembles, it’s easy to clean. Dogs of any size can use the water fountain, but it’s specifically designed for medium and large pets.
Why trust NBC Select?To round up the best new launches each month, Zoe Malin, associate updates editor, and Harry Rabinowitz, reporter, choose products they think NBC Select readers should know about. They include products from brand’s NBC Select previously covered, or brands NBC Select staffers recommend. Malin and Rabinowitz also regularly try new product launches to share their experience with items.
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