Gadgets: This device is for the birds

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

With the Haikubox, there's no more guessing what species of bird that might be hanging right outside your door. Instead, the device, which is easy to use, records the birds' sounds, chirps and songs and sends the information to its database for identification.

The Haikubox has access to more than 282 million bird songs and sounds from more than 6,000 species, enabling identification. The Haikubox app accesses the database, which provides bird identification. Results will allow you to listen to the recordings, view images of the identified species, and examine charts on when and how often the species visit. Alert notifications can be set up for smartphones and smartwatches.

Since I'm not a birdwatcher, I consulted some user reviews on high-tech birdwatching hardware. Several thought it added a whole new aspect to bird watching, where often you might hear a bird but not see it. Now it can be identified by its sound. Others pointed out you don't even have to be home to know what's flying by your back door.

Set up takes just a few minutes: download the app, connect the Haikubox to your home Wi-Fi, and place the actual Haikubox (2.5-by-6-by-1.5 inches) where the Wi-Fi will reach and where there is a standard 110-volt outdoor power outlet. The hardware is weather-resistant and able to withstand rain showers, but it is not waterproof and should not be fully submerged.

A one-year membership is included; additional years are $59. A free tier is available with limited features. One feature available on the paid membership allows you to listen to bird recordings made anytime in the last 30 days. The 30-day feature isn't available on the free membership.

https://haikubox.com/collections/haikubox $269

Beyerdynamic's wired DT 770 PRO X over-the-ear headphones are not new to everyone, as they were released in 2024 as a limited-edition model to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary. Fast forward to 2025, and Beyerdynamic has made the stylish headphones a permanent part of their lineup.

The German audio equipment manufacturer has a long-standing reputation for setting the standard in professional recording and monitoring headphones, featuring balanced sound, durable construction and unmatched wearing comfort. All this makes it a trusted tool for some of the world's best-known music producers and artists.

The DT 770 PRO X headphones feature Stellar.45 drivers in each earcup, surrounded by silver-grey ultra-soft velour ear pads. I was wearing them for just a few seconds when the thought came to mind that these were one of the most comfortable headphones I had ever worn. The adjustable headband and ear pads combine to create an ergonomic design.

While the headphones are designed for musicians and studio use, there is no stopping anyone from using them for day-to-day music listening, which is what I did. The clarity is unmatched, with everything broadcast in crystal-clear sound. With a $199.99 price tag, the sound is better than many others with prices north of that.

Beyerdynamic touts the headphones' 48-ohm impedance to provide studio-quality audio even on devices with low output power. A handy feature allows them to connect to the music source with an included detachable cable. Included is a 9.8-foot cable with a locking mini-XLR connector for maximum stability, which secures it to the headphones and connects to the music via either a 3.5 mm aux or a 6.3 mm, quarter-inch adapter.

A drawstring carry bag is included.

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-770-pro-x

Sometimes, charging one powerful gadget is all you need, and at other times, such as overnight at a hotel, you want all your gadgets charged and ready for the next day's venture. The Cuktech 15 140W GaN AC outlet wall charger is the ideal choice for both ends of this spectrum and everything in between.

The multi-port charger is Cuketch's most advanced charger, featuring short-circuit protection for the charging devices, device charging of up to 140 watts of power, overheating protection and multiple fast-charging protocols. Built-in ports include three USB-C and one USB-A, simultaneously supporting power delivery to various devices.

The travel-friendly charger (3.11-by-2.56-by-1.26 inches/11.8 ounces) has a profile 20% smaller than Apple's 140-watt charger. It features fold-out AC prongs and will charge most USB charging devices, including laptops (such as Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Pro), smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches, and iPads. With its GaN technology, charging is done efficiently and with thermal management.

The Cuktech 15 is compatible with most manufacturers, including Apple, Dell, Samsung and the Google Pixel. A 4.9-foot, 240W USB-C cable is included. The list price is $99.99, but it is currently $49.99 at Amazon.

https://cuktech.com