The Luxury Review and
The Luxury Technology Show (these links take you to past coverage on Ascending Butterfly of both shows) are two of my favorite VIP NYC events to attend. Some years they work with my schedule, some years they don't but the last Luxury Tech Show did in fact work with my schedule, I normally recap it just before Christmas to get those gifting ideas on your holiday shopping radar, but let's just say holidays 2017 was an incredibly busy time, so I thought I would save my photo heavy coverage for #TechThursday on the interwebs and present these amazing options for Valentine's Day Gifting ideas.
Who doesn't want new Tech and a touch of Luxe year round?
You can send your significant other straight to this page and let them know that your Valentine's Day wish list can be found here!
If money is no object here are some pretty cool ways to say I love you this year:
This event always greets Press and VIP's with something bubbly on the way in, more on the brand below:
I am used to the wine brand being Stag's Leap Wine Cellars so imagine my surprise when I spotted LOVE - and come on let's face it, no wine could be more perfect for Valentine's Day than a wine called LOVE right?
Above: Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wines are produced by
Bodegas Fernando Castro founded in 1850 and now managed by the 6th generation of the family, the winemaker is José Luis Galán Fernández-Sacristán. and the wines are produced from grapes cultivated from 60 year old vines. LOVE is sold in Michelin Star Restaurants from Manhattan, to Chicago to Houston! I love when events can introduce me to a 'new to me' brand and I am always game to try out some wine.
There were other 'spirits' to be had including:
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Bastille 1789 a Hand-Crafted Rare Whiskey Handmade and Finished in French Oak Casks. I am still learning when it comes to Bourbons/Whiskeys I can only tell you what I like, and I am not even going to feign expertise in this category. I did enjoy Bastille and will be adding it to my home bar! This one is to be sipped and savored. (On the Bourbon side one of my favorites is called Larceny)
and another fun new to me:
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Cusqueña is a super-premium lager from Cuzco, Peru, the seat of the Inca empire. Brewed since 1911, it uses only the finest natural ingredients, including pure mountain water from a source at 18,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes. I am so happy the Luxury Technology show put them on my radar, I am thinking I need a trip to Peru to try this directly from the source!
and there was even a coming soon: (which has since launched)
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True Vodka uses the highest quality grain alcohol called “Lux” for the production of TRUE Vodka. It is made from mixed rye and wheat grains in Italy and produced by a 7 times distillation process in Caffo’s Distelleria Friulia. They also use specially purified water from the springs of Tuscany, making TRUE a very smooth vodka.
And just to let you know the press get to preview the event in the late afternoon so we get some time to get our product and booth shots and as many interviews as we can before they open to VIP and guests in the evening and the event ends late so these samples were throughout the course of a long day, and quite well spaced out! Drink responsibly butterflies!
Now that the beverage portion of the show is covered, let's get back to the star of the show, all things Tech and all things Luxe!
A lot of great AUDIO:
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Como Audio makes listening to music from an iPhone, Spotify, Bluetooth, the Internet, or FM Radio easier with the multi-room, hi-fi audio systems that let you access all of your music content with the press of a button. The Como Audio “Solo” and “Duetto,” are designed to make all of the music content available today accessible, simply by touching a button and from one device. “Amico,” the newest high-fidelity design offers all of the same features as the Solo in a portable, battery-powered, and lightweight system featuring great sound with eight hours of playback. Also newly introduced is “Musica” with the press of a button, all music content is accessible from a variety of sources including Internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, and Amazon Music (available October 2017), FM RDS, Bluetooth with aptX and features AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) for better sound quality, and NFC for pairing devices. Musica also streams CDs to other Como Audio products throughout the home.
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IQbuds™ are intelligent, truly wireless earbuds that give you control to hear what you want to hear in the world around you and connect to your digital devices. Nuheara’s Super Intelligent Noise Control (SINC™) technology allows you to dynamically control how you hear the world around you for a better hearing experience. Choose the best audio blend of audio from your digital device with the sounds of the world around you. Enhance your ability to hear speech in crowded restaurants, work events or parties - never miss another word again.
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3DEXCITE showcased the HTC Vive luxury DS
Virtual Vision Immersive Configurator.With realistic light, shadow and interactions make every
second in Virtual Reality (VR) more real and more appealing. 3D Virtual Reality
Above: Designed by world-renowned acoustic engineer Peter Larsen, the
Domigo A9 wireless home system features “beyond HiFi” sound paired with an Android-based smart TV solution, together representing the perfect solution for the modern living room.
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MarkAudio-SOTA is a joint cooperation between SOTA Acoustics and Mark audio Loudspeakers, LTD. It harmoniously brings together a dream team of specialists in each aspect of speaker design — including speaker drivers, voice coils, crossovers, and cabinets — to build best-in-class sounding speakers that have build quality and visual appeal to match.
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Helm Audio opens up an exceptional, professional-level audio experience to all users — offering premium audio tech at an unbeatable value. Designed by and for producers, DJs, and DIY audiophiles, their planar magnetic headphones and audio accessories are engineered for revolutionary performance and an immersive, dynamic experience. These were quite impressive and I was so hoping a review unit would have arrived by now that I could put through its paces and report back to you on.
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Thiel Audio is a Nashville-based technology and entertainment (woman led) company with a 40-year heritage of award-winning sound and design. In recent years, the company has worked to revise its product line to combine its tradition of high-quality and fine design with the needs of today’s audio consumer. In 2017, Thiel introduced their first wireless streaming products, the AURORA Home and the battery-powered AURORA Tour, both of which feature a connectivity suite leveraging DTS Play-Fi, Apple Airplay, and Bluetooth technologies, enabling users to connect seamlessly from their devices to as many as 16 speakers at one time.
Above: I saw it at The Luxuy Technology Show first, then again at PDN Photo Plus Expo and I finally got a chance to review it thanks to my friends at Best Buy, in case you missed it, my review of the Norton Core can be found
HERE. The Norton Core is a secure, high-performance Wi-Fi router that helps protect home networks - and an unlimited number of connected devices, including computers and mobile devices – against malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals. With its network packet inspection combined with intelligence from a global threat database, Norton Core can help fend off threats before they infiltrate a home network. Repeat after me, 'security is sexy' - trust me this makes a good gift!
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Kano creates computer and coding kits for all ages, all over the world. Kano's mission is to empower a new creative generation to make and play with technology, not just consume it. The company was born from the mind of a 6-year-old who wanted to make his own computer, as simple and easy as LEGO! Can't think of a better Valentine's Day gift for the littles in your life!
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Vi is the world’s first artificial intelligence fitness companion meant to help people get off the couch and on their feet. Vi lives in bluetooth headphones with amazing sound and space-grade biosensors. Vi has a truly human voice, powered by countless recordings with more added daily - Vi sounds like a friend, not a robot. Put them on, download the Vi fitness app, and Vi comes to life. Vi will talk and interact with you while you run – getting you into a groove, tracking your records, and even boosting your ego when you need it. When you’re not training, you have amazing headphones with 8 hours of battery life and high fidelity sound by Harman Kardon, so you can listen to music or easily take calls.
Above: ShadeCraft is a robotics and technology startup based in Los Angeles, California, with a mission to improve people’s lives outdoors. Their flagship product,
SUNFLOWER, is the world’s first robotic shading system that tracks the sun and boasts a full set of features that include GPS, Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity, a high definition camera, voice activation and controls, speakers to stream audio, controlled lighting and the ability to charge external devices – all powered through solar energy. I'm thinking this makes the perfect gift to yourself and your home especially if you have a nice pool area!
Above: Another cool gift for the pool area is SoundFloat, SoundFloat (
Soundfloats.com) blends cutting-edge technology with luxury design to create the ultimate oasis in and out of the water. SoundFloat is the tech-enabled luxury air lounge that is a comfortable, durable air lounge- just as useful and playful in and out of the water. Outfitted with powerful Bluetooth technology and speakers, you can access your favorite playlists, podcasts, and television shows no matter where you’re relaxing. Charge your devices, make hands-free calls, and more
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Almost Heaven Saunas have been manufactured in the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia for 40 years. Known for exceptional quality and design, the company produces both indoor and outdoor traditional, water-over-hot-rocks dry/wet saunas. They featured a custom-designed barrel sauna for 6 persons at The Luxury Technology Show and it certainly drew attention! The unit is manufactured from red cedar, has an exterior porch, Finnish digital heater, and more. Almost Heaven Saunas is the world leader in traditional home saunas.
Above: Close up of the inside. Sadly this would not fit in my tiny NYC apartment, but I sure could use the warmth right about now!
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TOTO is the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings with $4.9 billion dollars in annual sales. For the past 100 years, TOTO has been the recognized leader in innovation, technology, performance, and design with products like the NEOREST AC Intelligent Toilet and Connect+ Carlyle II 1G / WASHLET S350e, which enhance the luxury bathroom experience by making people’s lives cleaner, healthier, less complicated and more beautiful. I promise this was taken on the exhibitor floor and not the restroom! :-)
A new hi tech toilet is just the kind of valentine your bathroom has been waiting for!
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HiMirror, the world’s first smart beauty mirror, provides a revolutionary approach to daily beauty. By taking a makeup-free photo, HiMirror detects dark spots, red spots, dark eye circles, wrinkles, pores, fine lines and other complexion elements; offering in-depth, personalized skincare analysis based on the evolving condition of a user’s skin. Additionally, you may get news and weather feed, stream Spotify, and watch YouTube tutorials on HiMirror. With five LED light settings, HiMirror is also a great makeup mirror with suburb lighting. I got to play with it a bit at the show but was so looking forward to the promised review unit on this one.
Cars:
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Electra Meccanica’s SOLO is an all-electric, single-passenger, commuter vehicle; not intended to replace your family car, but to supplement your driving experience. Approx. 80% of travel is done single passenger so the SOLO is designed as a commuter vehicle to get you to and from work and around town as needed at minimal expense.With a range of approx. 100 miles between charges SOLO is sure to fit the average commuters’ needs. Priced at approximately $15,500 USD
Above: I love the red color on their website and check out the Super SOLO (Halo Car) as well - so futuristic looking! I'm pretty sure just about anyone on your Valentine's Day Buying list would love one of these!
But wait there's MORE, if you are looking to gift a more extravagant vehicle to someone special on your Valentine's Day Gift consider this:
Above - There was a Press & a VIP unveiling of the
Lexus LS 500! Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 237 dealers offering a full line-up of luxury vehicles. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Above: Thought I would nab an interior shot! Sadly Santa did not put one of these under my tree, there's always next Christmas!
And while this may not be 'romantic' it falls under the safety/protection category just in a different way than the Norton Core:
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Mobilize Rescue Systems is empowering bystanders to respond to medical emergencies while the medical professionals are en route. Mobilize Rescue System includes medical knowledge and equipment necessary to manage a variety of injuries and illnesses such as severe bleeding, allergic reactions, cardiac arrest and more. The system was designed according to medical and military best practices, and qualifies as an ANSI Class A kit.
Above: I loved seeing how this kit gives full on CPR instructions and I personally think every home needs these products and every car should have one of the mobile kits at all times. You can never be too safe. Much like insurance, it will be one of those things you hope you never need, but are super happy you have it in a crisis!
Above: This new Swiss watch brand is taking its inspiration from the functionalities and the aesthetic appeal of measurement instruments of bygone days. Contemporary designs to appeal to Millennials, related to the automotive, aeronautics, or nautical lifestyles. Beyond its incredible look,
RESERVOIR introduces an innovative way to tell time, with 3 complications: retrograde minutes, jumping hours, and a power reserve indicator similar to a fuel gauge. An amazing collection, starting at $3,700 retail. I personally prefer watches with a 'large face' and often end up wearing the men's style of watch because they are larger. I like statement jewelry and statement watches too.
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Scarpetta definitely scored brownie points keeping us hungry Editors fed, especially with this, the Raw Yellowtail, Olio di Zenzero & Pickled Red Onion which was so DELICIOUS!!!
Above: And last but certainly not least, you can never go wrong with
Godiva Chocolate, for Valentine's Day or just any day really!
My Take:
The Luxury Technology show always offers up a great mix of high end products across the board.
I am a bit bummed that no promised review units arrived which is one of the reasons I delayed my recap coverage but I did enjoy the brands I met and as I am an Audio Enthusiast, I always enjoy the Audio Brands in attendance.
Whether you are single, married, or somewhere in between, take some time to celebrate YOU on Valentine's Day and do something that requires extra self-care, nurture your relationship with yourself so you can better enjoy your relationships with others.
Which of the items featured above is on your wish list for Valentine's Day?
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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I attended The Luxury Technology Show as Digital Press. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.