Tech Tik

In-car audio occupies two distinct worlds. One is about raw power, earth-shaking bass and accidentally setting off the alarms of cars parked nearby. That’s quite easily achieved: chuck a subwoofer in the boot and crank the volume. The other is about pursuing the kind of optimum audio quality you might have at home, and that’s a little more tricky. French audio brand Focal is well known for its high-end studio and home speakers (its floorstanding Sopra model will set you back around £16,000 a pair). In 2019 it launched a new speaker cone made out of recycled, non-woven carbon fibre that they dubbed the Slatefiber, and incorporated it into a couple of its popular hi-fi and studio monitors. Now it’s introducing them into cars, with these PS 165 component speakers and their co-axial brothers, the PC 165s. The eminently reasonable price (given their pedigree) puts them in direct competition with the JL Audios and Hertzes of this world. Focal Slatefiber PS 165, £239 The woo...

Get the best deals on pressure cookers, air fryers and more this Black Friday! As a foodie, adventurous cook and kitchen gadget nerd, I'm always on the lookout for the best devices to help me whip up great meals — and oh man, are there deals this Black Friday weekend ! It's a strategic time to find kitchen goods at a steal ! We've combed through the sale options from air fryers to blenders to save you time. Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with RetailMeNot, says KitchenAid mixers are the products to watch this year. Black Friday deals knock the mixers' famously-high prices down to something affordable: this one is $120 off ! (Note: Last year, we saw deals on KitchenAid stand mixers sell out quickly, so don't miss out!) Scroll on and get your "Add to Cart" finger ready for some nifty (and gifty) kitchen gadgets. A few highlights... Instant Vortex 5.7QT Air Fryer Oven Combo $80 $140 Save $60 Amazon Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and ...

Photo: Wacaco The last few years have been challenging to say the least. We went from a pandemic that stifled the global economy and brought international travel and hospitality to a screeching halt, to a war that sent inflationary pressures through the roof. But through all the doom and gloom, we are once again at that time of the year to celebrate those who have made these turbulent years just a little easier. The holiday season is a great time to show appreciation with hearty cooking, convivial merriment and of course, the all-important thoughtful present to show you care. Here’s a gift guide, featuring our pick of gadgets that are just the thing to make someone’s life simpler and easier. Related: Gift guide: 7 bespoke gifts for the home Adblock test (Why?)

SOMETIMES IT FEELS like we’re living in the future with the avalanche of new and surprising tech gear released every year. Drones are commonplace now, the latest Apple Watch Ultra can call emergency services for you from virtually anywhere in the world if you’re in a crash, solar-powered gadgets mean we can stay off-grid almost indefinitely, and you can now fit thousands of hours of professionally guided workouts inside a mirror in your bedroom. It seems the future is now. No matter what you’re into—playing harder, working (out) smarter, or learning to relax better—there’s guaranteed to be a tech gadget out there to help you do it. Our tech-hungry editors and staff spent the past year testing hundreds of top-selling, next-generation smart products. Some were amazing. Many weren’t. We looked at high-tech gadgets for gaming, photography, fitness equipment , camping, auto emergencies, working from home, and more—all so we could round up the very best tech gear for our 2023 Men’s He...