Discover the most innovative high-tech launches, selected by the editors at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur.
FITNESS EQUIPMENT: TECHNOGYM RUN
Combating two huge issues that impact fitness equipment—noise and energy consumption—the newest treadmill from Technogym claims to be the quietest ever created, with the lowest consumption yet. Ideal for home use, the Technogym Run offers a wide selection of workout modes and programmes designed to suit all running styles. A fixed 27-inch screen displays video sessions led by trainers, virtual “outdoor” workouts and bootcamps. The “Live” console can adapt to each user’s goals, whether they’re training for a marathon, exercising for weight loss or even strength training. The machine also showcases industry-first features that train all parts of the body, including adjustable resistance.
As for the belt itself, the larger-than-average surface is engineered to replicate the same reactivity and elasticity of an athletic track, facilitating an enjoyable, realistic running experience. Welcome to the next level of on-demand fitness.
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: DAN D’AGOSTINO
Momentum MxV among the most ambitious audio products of the year is D’Agostino’s Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier, combining a line-stage preamp, stereo amp, and optional phono stage and streaming DAC in a single-chassis unit whose appearance is as remarkable as its performance. Just add speakers, and maybe a turntable, to build a stereo system that will satisfy any (reasonable) audiophile. Compared to the best separates, integrated amps are typically a significant compromise—short on power, sonic finesse, or both.
In fairness, most are 10 to 20 times less expensive than the Momentum, whose combination of massive power supplies and amplification delivers 250 WPC at 8 ohms, using audio circuitry nearly indistinguishable from the Momentum Series separates. Whether used to stream digital sources or as the nucleus of a vinyl rig, this machine makes a compelling argument that, price notwithstanding, less is more. Around €74,000, including phono stage and streaming DAC
HOME PROJECTOR: LEICA Cine 1
Projector technology has progressed leaps and bounds since the faded, fuzzy images of old, but the depth and clarity provided by Leica’s ultra-short-throw Cine 1—designed for 80-inch screens —is still remarkable to behold.
An ultrabright, RGB laser-lighting system and Leica Summicron lens are housed in a sleek aluminum case (the remote is made of the same material) with softly rounded edges and an expansive wraparound grille—all the better to enjoy the robust built-in sound system, which boasts a pair of 2 x 25 W speakers, thumping bass, impressive dynamic range and Dolby Atmos support. Thoughtful touches include adjustable legs and a motorised dust cover, but the picture, naturally, steals the show. With a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (4K is supported via DLP XPR technology), staggering contrast ratio and a claimed peak brightness of 3,000 lumens, the laser lighting provides a huge range of colours, including rich, deep blacks, and remains equally crisp at the edges of the image.
Leica also produces two separate machines, one for use with screens of 100 inches and another for 120-inch displays. Both come with three HDMI inputs that receive all the main dynamic range formats, including Dolby Vision. €6,995 (80 inch), €8,495 (100 inch), €8,995 (120 inch)
HEADPHONES: MEZE
Elite Tungsten the elite tungsten’s sister product, the Empyrean II garnered our praise as a headphone with electrostaticlike transparency and the low-end of a big dynamic driver. The secret behind the Elite’s open-back headphones’ accurate sound is a proprietary planar driver developed in collaboration with Ukrainian acoustics firm Rinaro Isodynamics; the Isodynamic Hybrid Array transducer emulates the shape of the human ear, with a frequency response extending from a subterranean 8 Hz to an unheard-of 112,000 Hz. (We mean that literally—it’s beyond the range of human hearing.) The natural, fatigue-free sonic presentation can keep a listener enthralled for hours.
Robb Report ended its review of the Empyrean II asking, “How much better can headphones get?” The Elite Tungsten presents a subtle and refined answer, with a tungsten frame featuring the durable, stonelike texture of Cerakote—a reminder that rare materials and fine craftsmanship are the purview of high-end audio as much as watchmaking or coachbuilding are. An extra helping of midrange finesse nudges the Elite into flagship headphone territory. €4,000
WEARABLE: APOLLO NEURO
Apollo the current crop of wearables—WHOOP, Oura Ring, Apple Watch and the like —are shockingly good at tracking biometric data, everything from daily steps to blood-oxygen levels to heart-rate variability. Which is nice if you know how to parse the numbers. But wouldn’t it be better if those devices could actually do something to help regulate your physical and emotional states?
That’s precisely why Dave Rabin, MD, PhD, invented the Apollo, a wearable that uses a range of vibrational frequencies to help you relax, perk up, de-stress, recover from a workout, fall asleep, et cetera. Born from neuroscience research at the University of Pittsburgh (Rabin is a neuroscientist as well as a board-certified psychiatrist) and backed by clinical research, the screenless device pairs with a slick and intuitive app, which creates a customised 24-hour schedule to provide energy when you need it and calm when you don’t; with use over time, your central nervous system adapts, leading to improved sleep, cardiovascular metrics, stress management and more.
It sounds like science fiction, but we’re happy, and amazed, to report that it actually works. Around €330
