Editor’s Picks: Piano with Drone Speakers, Flying Boat and MacBook Pro
From a boldly-bottled, zesty Scottish gin to a pair of sturdy, trimly-ticking timepieces, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Your eyes don’t deceive you — those really are tiny drones hovering around that piano. What’s more, your ears don’t deceive you, either — as each of those four small flying machines are fitted with speakers, which wirelessly relay every resonant note of this incredible instrument’s music.
It’s one of many innovations in this week’s Editor’s Picks, which also include a ‘flying’ boat powered by Polestar batteries, a palm-sized portable projector and an electric car developed by Honda and Sony. Take a look below…
White noise: Vertex MP45 ‘Arctic’ Wristwatch
One of wartime’s hallowed ‘Dirty Dozen’ manufacturers, Vertex supplied the war office with quality timepieces that helped us claim victory in 1945, and went on to produce many civilian watches. This, a contemporary take on a mono-pusher timing watch commissioned in 1945, is bright white-dialled delight.
Up to speed: 2023 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro
Supercharged by the powerful M2 Pro CPU, this latest MacBook is more efficient and commanding than ever. Boosted by a longer battery life — and combining its bright Liquid Retina XDR display with every port a modern professional might need — this is a laptop without equal.
Make a splash: Candela C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ Electric Boat
The first product from a partnership between the two pioneering Swedish brands, this ‘flying’ boat employs hydrofoil technology to skim above the waves. With a range of up to 57 nautical miles on one charge — at a cruising speed of 22 knots — it marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea.
Wake up: Dr Sebagh ‘Supreme Eye Serum’
From the French surgeon, cosmetic doctor and anti-ageing pioneer, this miracle serum is ideal for those who have been punching out of the office a little too late over the past few months. It can correct dark circles, alleviate puffiness and soothe the skin — in one smooth stroke.
Raise a glass: Lind & Lime Gin
Produced and bottled at the Coburg Street Stillhouse in Leith, this boldly-bottled gin is distilled and re-distilled with a carefully curated recipe of seven botanicals — including pink peppercorn, warming juniper and crispy, zesty lime. A ‘Lind’, if you were wondering, is the tree on which limes grow.
Changing lanes: Sony X Honda ‘Afeela’ EV Concept Car
Unveiled during January’s CES, this prototype EV from two of Japan’s most forward-thinking, groundbreaking conglomerates uses over 40 sensors — including cameras, radar, ultrasonic, and lidar — to allow it to drive autonomously. It may not look overly futuristic, but under the bonnet? The stuff of sci-fi.
Time will tell: Oris Big Crown Calibre 473
This handsome watch — with its soft blue dial, even softer brown leather strap and modest 38mm case — houses a new, highly innovative hand-wound mechanical movement designed in-house by Oris’ master watchmakers; the inimitable Calibre 473, complete with impressive 120-hour power reserve.
Hard work: Oakywood Wooden Laptop Stand
Handcrafted in solid wood and steel by true woodworking professionals, this angular, ergonomic laptop stand from Oakywood is destined to be your best desktop friend. It rises your computer around six inches, and — thanks to cork protection pads — can be set-up anywhere without leaving a trace of damage.
Zip it: David Gandy Wellwear 'Restore Funnel Neck Set’
David Gandy’s eponymous menswear brand is kicking off the year in soft, comfortable style. This set is perhaps our favourite of the new offerings; a sweatshirt and joggers with ribbed cuffs, side seam pockets and cotton/polyester bioceramic construction.
Strike a chord: Roland 50th Anniversary Concept Model Piano
Even before the masterstroke of this concept piano is revealed, it looks the melodic, futuristic part. But, once you sit down, stretch out your fingers and start playing, four drone speakers take flight and hover around you, creating immersive acoustics and a hypnotic performance.
Lights, Camera, Action: Stem Projector
Could this portable, palm-sized gadget be the smallest projector on the market? With a maximum brightness of 300 lumens, internal storage of 128 GB and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it’s the perfect compact entertainment system if you’re on-the-go.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
