This article was first published in the July 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online
Richard Clarkson Tiny Cloud
This little fluffy cloud is, in fact, a remote-controlled light with music-reactive colour-changing LEDs and a Bluetooth speaker. As well as pulsing in time to the music, the 200mm formation can also provide a bona fide storm sequence using the identical randomised lightning pattern to Hurricane Sandy. It comes to life via a regular light socket, wall-based power-point or standard USB. From $480
Intel Curie
This low-power module was conceived by Intel as a self-sufficient hardware option for a wide range of wearable tech designs, from fitness trackers to connected jewellery. Driven by the Intel's first system-on-a-chip – the 32-bit Quark SE – it contains the now-standard smart-device array of six-axis sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope, alongside 384KB of flash memory and Bluetooth, all in a footprint the diameter of a button. It also ships with its own simple real-time OS. $tbc
Marshall Electronics CV500-MB-2
Shoehorning a 2.2MP Sony Exmor CMOS sensor into a 36mm-wide video camera is no mean feat -- especially when the camcorder in question is a heavy duty, HD broadcast-ready model. Tailored to function in myriad scenarios, it can handle fly-on-the-wall documentaries to live sports. Digital "fog" removal, pixel correction, noise reduction, auto day/night switching and extreme low-light sensitivity are included as standard, and the feed is output via an HD-SDI port. The camera is also compatible with a dozen Marshall HD lenses. From $599
Resound LINX2
This smart hearing aid is packed with spatial audio-enhancing tech. It's fitted with an ergonomic SureFit receiver for optimum comfort and sound quality, and is treated with its proprietary iSolate nanotech coating to repel dust, moisture and corrosive substances such as sweat. It can also directly stream audio content in stereo from your iOS devices, and the accompanying app lets you adjust volume, treble and bass directly from your phone or tablet. From $1,600
Wondercube
Measuring a mere 25.4mm, this low-profile, rugged ABS key-fob is billed as the world's smallest all-in-one mobile companion. The Indiegogo-funded device offers eight handy tools for smartphone users, from USB syncing (there's a choice of Apple Lightning and micro USB adaptors) to quick charges via a 9V battery port, a micro-SD slot for freeing up storage space to a built-in LED torch. The 20g hub needs no extra cables due to an integrated, thermoplastic USB cord. From $49
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
