Jooki
The splash-proof Jooki Children's Speaker runs for eight hours before needing a USB charge and has 5GB of internal memory. (Jooki/TNS)
Jooki player
Limiting screen time can be a perplexing chore, and that’s where a toy like the Jooki player scores. It’s pretty straightforward — kids need only a figurine or token to play it.
Setup is simple, including programming tokens and figurines. Adults can program these with the Jooki app (available on iOS and Android) to pair each with Spotify playlists, stories or MP3 files. There are volume limitation and safety features, too.
The splash-proof and portable Jooki can run for eight hours before needing a USB-C charge (cord included). It weighs about 1 lb. and has 5GB of internal memory, a memory card slot and carrying handle. The tokens are a good size for little hands (2.25 inches wide).
The base set includes a Jooki player and two tokens for $112.99 (jooki.rocks). Add on six more tokens for $24.99, and the five-figurine set is $34.99. A Star Bundle of everything — the Jooki player, eight tokens and five figurines — is available for $179.99.
Proscenic M8 robot vacuum
Proscenic
The Proscenic M8 self-cleaning vacuum's built-in rechargeable 3200mAh battery provides up to 120 hours of cleaning dirt, pet hair, and debris on silent mode (60db) on a single charge, suitable for a cleaning area of up to 2,000 square feet. (Proscenic/TNS)
Robots and smart home-cleaning are not part of the future; they are here now.
The Proscenic M8 robot vacuum with mopping capabilities ($499, proscenic.com) did an excellent job cleaning my floors, in addition to providing unexpected entertainment for my dogs.
The M8 self-cleaning vacuum is shaped like almost every similar product, with a rounded body (13.77 by 3.81 inches). The built-in rechargeable 3200mAh battery provides up to 120 hours of cleaning on a single charge — suitable for an area of more than 2,000 square feet. A 10.14-ounce water tank and a 9.5-ounce dust tank are built into the robotic vacuum, allowing for a seamless transition from mopping to vacuuming.
On the bottom of the M8 are a single rolling brush and a spinning brush, which work together to bring in surrounding debris and suck it into the vacuum. The mop feature uses a unique Y-shaped cleaning path for triple-passing over areas to ensure proper cleaning.
Where the M8 goes and how many rooms it cleans can be random or programmed via the Proscenic smartphone app. Proscenic’s IPNAS 4.0 technology allows you to control the vacuuming efficiency, navigation system and laser mapping. The vacuum can also remember routes and floor types for routine cleaning. When it’s switching between hard floors and carpet, Vboost technology automatically adjusts the suction power.
When the cleaning task is completed, the M8 returns to its charging base. Recharging lasts between 160 and 190 minutes.
My test was with hardwood floors and area rugs, which were cleaned to perfection. For the nearly two hours the M8 was running, my dogs were intrigued and focused on its every move. When the vacuum ran out of power, I’m not sure who was disappointed more, me or the dogs.
A wireless remote is included, and the M8 works with Google and Alexa voice assistants.
AKG Ara and Lyra USB microphones
AKG
AKG ARA dual pattern USB desktop microphone is built with a modern camera-ready look and weighted to sit perfectly on any flat surface. (AKG/TNS)
The AKG Ara dual pattern USB desktop microphone gives you studio-quality audio at home.
Users can connect the plug-and-play Ara ($99, akg.com) to their computers and start recording in seconds.
It sits perfectly on any flat surface and easily mounts to booms and other microphone stands.
The Ara’s dual patterns are Front and Front/Back, with the Front setting rejecting sound from the back, eliminating background noise. The pattern selection, plus a volume dial and mute option are on the front of the mic.
Here are some of the specifics of the Ara, supplied by AKG:
- 24-bit/96 kHz bit depth/sample rate
- 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response
- 120 dB maximum SPL
- 16 ohms of headphone output impedance
The more advanced AKG Lyra ultra-HD multimode USB microphone ($155) also works with a plug-and-play setup and features a four-capsule mic.
The Lyra also has front and back modes, and adds tight stereo and wide stereo, which are ideal for musical recordings.
The Lyra also has a headphone output, volume, mic gain and mute controls. It’s built with an adjustable stand and has an attachment thread. Additional specifications:
- 24-bit/192 kHz bit depth/sample rate
- 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response
- 129 db maximum SPL
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Dan Kitwood // Getty Images
Thousands of years ago—the second century B.C., to be precise—folks in Liuyang, China began using the precursor to modern-day fireworks. People would throw sticks of bamboo into a fire, believing the subsequent explosion (caused by overheated air pockets) warded off evil spirits. Thousands of years later, a Chinese scientist improved upon these rudimentary explosives by combining several substances to create the first gunpowder. The powder was then stuffed inside bamboo stalks or paper tubes to create louder, more effective explosions.
By the 15th century, fireworks were used widely around the world for celebrations and religious festivals. Today, we use them for all sorts of occasions, from independence days to Olympic opening ceremonies. But one of the biggest days of the year for fireworks displays is New Year's Eve.
While we may no longer set off explosives to scare away evil spirits, many countries around the world still put on massive, sanctioned shows as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. Stacker rounded up a collection of images of some of the best such fireworks displays around the world.
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Dan Kitwood // Getty Images
Thousands of years ago—the second century B.C., to be precise—folks in Liuyang, China began using the precursor to modern-day fireworks. People would throw sticks of bamboo into a fire, believing the subsequent explosion (caused by overheated air pockets) warded off evil spirits. Thousands of years later, a Chinese scientist improved upon these rudimentary explosives by combining several substances to create the first gunpowder. The powder was then stuffed inside bamboo stalks or paper tubes to create louder, more effective explosions.
By the 15th century, fireworks were used widely around the world for celebrations and religious festivals. Today, we use them for all sorts of occasions, from independence days to Olympic opening ceremonies. But one of the biggest days of the year for fireworks displays is New Year's Eve.
While we may no longer set off explosives to scare away evil spirits, many countries around the world still put on massive, sanctioned shows as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. Stacker rounded up a collection of images of some of the best such fireworks displays around the world.
You may also like: Strange laws to be aware of in the most popular countries for tourists
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Scott BarbourCity of Sydney // Getty Images
Sydney, Australia—one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year—has been putting on a massive fireworks display over the Sydney Harbor Bridge since 1976. Eight tons of fireworks, which cost around $7 million, are set off over the course of two shows, one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight.
Scott BarbourCity of Sydney // Getty Images
Sydney, Australia—one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year—has been putting on a massive fireworks display over the Sydney Harbor Bridge since 1976. Eight tons of fireworks, which cost around $7 million, are set off over the course of two shows, one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
The massive 2020 fireworks display at the Gateway of India in Mumbai (pictured) was intended to put the Indian city on the map as one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. In addition to the stunning fireworks display, the event featured cultural performances, lasers, and a sound and light show.
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
The massive 2020 fireworks display at the Gateway of India in Mumbai (pictured) was intended to put the Indian city on the map as one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. In addition to the stunning fireworks display, the event featured cultural performances, lasers, and a sound and light show.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images
Revelers can watch Bangkok's New Year’s Eve fireworks show from cruise boats on the Cho Phyara River. Many of these vessels ensure the new year kicks off memorably with buffet dinners, free-flowing drinks, and onboard entertainment.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images
Revelers can watch Bangkok's New Year’s Eve fireworks show from cruise boats on the Cho Phyara River. Many of these vessels ensure the new year kicks off memorably with buffet dinners, free-flowing drinks, and onboard entertainment.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
New Year’s is a bigger holiday than Christmas in Russia, with celebrations going on all night long and presents delivered from Father Frost first thing in the morning. It makes sense, then, that the fireworks displays—like this one at the Red Square—are massive, expensive to put on, and heavily attended.
Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
New Year’s is a bigger holiday than Christmas in Russia, with celebrations going on all night long and presents delivered from Father Frost first thing in the morning. It makes sense, then, that the fireworks displays—like this one at the Red Square—are massive, expensive to put on, and heavily attended.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Sophia Groves // Getty Images
Sophia Groves // Getty Images
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Milos Bicanski // Getty Images
In Athens, the new year can be welcomed at one of the world’s oldest archaeological sites: the Ancient Acropolis. Here, visitors can enjoy the unrivaled experience of celebrating what’s to come while being surrounded by the literal history that brought us to this moment.
Milos Bicanski // Getty Images
In Athens, the new year can be welcomed at one of the world’s oldest archaeological sites: the Ancient Acropolis. Here, visitors can enjoy the unrivaled experience of celebrating what’s to come while being surrounded by the literal history that brought us to this moment.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Sean Gallup // Getty Images
Sean Gallup // Getty Images
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images
Ancient Romans believed that if they spent the first day of the new year in a happy and pleasant manner, then the rest of the year would follow along in the same way. Modern Romans continue this superstition by throwing massive parties complete with elaborate fireworks displays every New Year’s Eve.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images
Ancient Romans believed that if they spent the first day of the new year in a happy and pleasant manner, then the rest of the year would follow along in the same way. Modern Romans continue this superstition by throwing massive parties complete with elaborate fireworks displays every New Year’s Eve.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Matej Divizna // Getty Images
The highlight of New Year’s Eve festivities in Prague is the massive fireworks display that’s set off over the old city. Thousands of revelers gather along the Vltava River and in the Old Town Square to get the best views of the explosive show.
Matej Divizna // Getty Images
The highlight of New Year’s Eve festivities in Prague is the massive fireworks display that’s set off over the old city. Thousands of revelers gather along the Vltava River and in the Old Town Square to get the best views of the explosive show.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
Paris hasn't traditionally put on a sanctioned fireworks display on New Year’s Eve (with a handful of exceptions), opting for a lights show instead. However, the French metropolis seems to be changing its tune on the matter with fireworks shows at the Arc de Triomphe taking place with increasing frequency over recent years.
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Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
Paris hasn't traditionally put on a sanctioned fireworks display on New Year’s Eve (with a handful of exceptions), opting for a lights show instead. However, the French metropolis seems to be changing its tune on the matter with fireworks shows at the Arc de Triomphe taking place with increasing frequency over recent years.
You may also like: Top-rated museums in the US
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
AFP via Getty Images
Over the years, Dubai has set numerous world records with its fireworks shows. These world-renowned displays are set around the city and often incorporate major landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa tower, as part of the show.
AFP via Getty Images
Over the years, Dubai has set numerous world records with its fireworks shows. These world-renowned displays are set around the city and often incorporate major landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa tower, as part of the show.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Peter Macdiarmid // Getty Images
Since 2003, London has been hosting extravagant fireworks shows over the Thames river. The event is so popular that the city now sells tickets to the prime viewing areas, limiting attendance to 100,000 revelers.
Peter Macdiarmid // Getty Images
Since 2003, London has been hosting extravagant fireworks shows over the Thames river. The event is so popular that the city now sells tickets to the prime viewing areas, limiting attendance to 100,000 revelers.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns via Getty Images
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve—or Hogmanay—is a properly organized festival lasting several days that includes street parties, concerts, and torchlight processions. The fireworks display, which erupts over Calton Hill, is one of the crown jewels of the event.
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns via Getty Images
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve—or Hogmanay—is a properly organized festival lasting several days that includes street parties, concerts, and torchlight processions. The fireworks display, which erupts over Calton Hill, is one of the crown jewels of the event.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Mario Tama // Getty Images
One of the longest New Year's Eve fireworks shows in the world, the Rio de Janeiro display lasts for almost 20 minutes. Almost 3 million people crowd Copacabana beach each year to party and watch the stunning show.
Mario Tama // Getty Images
One of the longest New Year's Eve fireworks shows in the world, the Rio de Janeiro display lasts for almost 20 minutes. Almost 3 million people crowd Copacabana beach each year to party and watch the stunning show.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world
Roy Rochlin // Getty Images
Arguably one of the most iconic New Year's Eve traditions is the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Since 1907, the ball has been helping folks the world over ring in the new year, with fireworks erupting over the crowds and skyscrapers the minute the clock hits midnight.
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Roy Rochlin // Getty Images
Arguably one of the most iconic New Year's Eve traditions is the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Since 1907, the ball has been helping folks the world over ring in the new year, with fireworks erupting over the crowds and skyscrapers the minute the clock hits midnight.
You may also like: US airports with the most delays
