In honor of this month’s theme, the future of sports, try out some great running gear. Once you’re done, kick back at a barbecue like a pro with a high-tech grill monitor.
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Sound Cushion
The P3 conforms to the listener’s ears better than other headphones. Designers cushioned the earcups with memory foam, which molds to the ears and creates a seal that helps keep out ambient noise. Bowers & Wilkins P3 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones $200
Music Master
The VAMP iPhone amplifier doubles listening time while improving the quality of compressed audio. Users connect the lithium-ion-powered case to an iPhone 4 or 4S’s 30-pin port. The system processes digital audio files to sound more like the original recordings. V-Moda VAMP $650
Grill Tracker
The CyberQ grill monitor prevents barbecue pits from fizzling out. It’s equipped with a set of heat probes, which track temperature, and a fan, which automatically turns on to act as a bellows when heat drops. BBQ Guru CyberQ Wifi $395 (fan and adapter)
On Stable Ground
The firmer a golfer’s stance is, the more likely his shots will fly straight, so designers at Adidas created the most stable golf shoe yet. Taking a cue from barefoot-style sneakers, they widened the forefoot and thinned the sole, which gives toes room to wiggle and grip the ground. Adidas Puremotion $120
Wireless Weigh-In
The Aria scale tracks the weight changes of up to eight people. Synced with the Fitbit website over Wi-Fi, the scale saves each user’s weigh-ins and calls up his progress when it senses a number close to his last reading. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale $130
Running Buddy
The Kenmark Sports Armband Water Bottle is the first to double as a smartphone case. The 6.4-ounce band holds both a 16-ounce bottle and a phone or MP3 player in a protective sheath. Kenmark Sports Armband Water Bottle $30
Finger Saver
The FreeKey ring won’t pinch a user’s fingers when they’re adding a new key. Instead of prying apart the rings, users pinch a hinged lever on the outer edge of the steel spiral, popping the ring open to slide keys on. The spiral snaps itself securely shut. FreeKey $4.50
Blow Light
The LuminAID lamp can light up an entire tent and compress to the size of a billfold. Campers inflate the one-quart polycarbonate bag and turn on an LED to create a 35-lumen glow. LuminAID Light From $15
Square Power
The 2.3-inch, three-watt NuForce Cube is the smallest, loudest portable speaker available. The speaker driver is controlled by a high-strength neodymium magnet, which prevents the entire housing from shaking at high volumes. NuForce Cube $119
Quick Switch
Most Bluetooth keyboards can pair with only one device at a time; the Logitech K760 pairs with three. The solar-powered keyboard’s shortcut keys can each remember a different device, so users can switch between typing on their laptop and iPad with a tap. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 $80
Power Spot
Handymen no longer need to carry a separate flashlight along with their 12-volt power tools. Craftsman engineers added six LEDs to the bottom of their new battery pack, so users have a spotlight when they need one. Craftsman NEXTEC 12V Extra Capacity Battery with Light $35 (available Oct.)
Road Ready
The K-30 is the only consumer DSLR built to weather sandstorms, downpours and other extreme conditions. Pentax designers backed the 16-megapixel camera’s seams and lens mount with dense, water-repellent foam so that dust and moisture can’t get inside. Pentax K-30 $900
