After the FTX debacle, cryptocurrency users have been embracing self-regulation—but the concept can be challenging for crypto neophytes. The new Safe 3 hardware wallet introduces Trezor aimed at “newcomers” to the space. With a new-friendly design and simple, streamlined interface reminiscent of mainstream consumer electronics, Decrypt calls it “a cost-effective way for crypto newcomers and veterans to self-sustain.” A stocking filler that could be worth its weight in gold for Hodler.
$79, trezor.io
Pudgy Penguin 12-inch Hugable Plush
Image: Pudgy Penguins
A cute toy or a gateway to NFT collecting and web 3 games? This official Pudgy Penguin Plus is both. It depends on Popular Ethereum NFT collection, but you can claim it by scanning a QR code that unlocks its own NFT (placed on zkSync Era) and access to Pudgy World's online gaming platform. These beautiful toys offer on many fronts, and no less at an affordable price.
$22, Walmart
Bit of heat
Image: Heatbit
As the winter chill sets in, the urge to gather around a cozy fire becomes overwhelming. But what if you could heat your house while earning crypto?
This heater does double duty as a crypto mining tool – and while it won't make you a fortune, it promises to offset some of the cost of the electricity used to power the tool.
A new application of crypto mining that (in part) realizes the promise of generating energy.
$799, heatbit.com
Vertu Metavertus II
Metavertus II. Image: Vertu
Luxury smartphone maker Vertu is back with its new handset called MetaVertu II. Starting at $5,100 and topping out at $8,100, it doesn't come cheap, wrapped in crocodile skin if you will.
But it's hard to beat for Web3 enthusiasts, with features including a decentralized ID linked to the phone's IMEI number, an “unhackable” secure element chip with zero-knowledge authentication capabilities, and a separate Web3 operating system for running apps.
“Some of our product features may be ahead of consumer adoption right now,” agrees Vertu CEO Gary Chan.
From $5,100, vertu.com
Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of the New Tycoon
Going Infinitely: The Rise and Fall of the New Tycoon. Image: WW Norton & Company
The exchange collapsed when news broke that Michael Lewis, the author of The Big Short, was defaming FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, and as excitement over the book reached fever pitch, a rights battle quickly erupted in Hollywood.
But when Going Infinite dropped on the same day as the SBF fraud trial, reviewers turned on Lewis, criticizing the book for “honestly” taking the Bankman-Fried arguments at face value.
Still, the access level to Lewis's opening saga, the book has a unique perspective on events, and it is his account that has generated much discussion.
$30, www.norton.com
BAPE x Bore Monkey Yacht Club apparel
BAPE x Bore Bore Monkey Yacht Club T-Shirt. Image: Yuga Labs
If ever there was a collaboration that seemed inevitable, it was Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and NFT collection Bored Ape Yacht Club. The similarly simian-themed brands have teamed up for a capsule collection that debuted at Hong Kong's Bored Monkeys ApeFest event (yes, some unlucky partygoers got eye soreness from eye-popping traffic lights). From December, the clothing range will land in BAPE stores, giving even non-NFT owners a chance to bask in the glow of the Board Up Yacht Club.
Various, bape.com
Decentralization, please save the culture
Decentralization, please save culture. Image: New Society
This 500-page tome explores the impact of technology on the creative life of the new Society of Media Organizations.
Billed as an “Overview of the Web3 Ecosystem,” it's filled with insights from Web3 thought leaders on the “creative reset” that the community of builders, brands, creators, and collectors has brought about, as well as an overview of visual trends. Showing the location.
From $130, nwscty.xyz
Cool Cats x Macy's 6 Inch Vinyl Blue Cat and Chugs Figure
Cool Cats x Macy's Blue Cat and Chugs Vinyl Figure. Image: Macy's
To celebrate their debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day lineup, NFT's collection of cool cats has teamed up with the department store to launch a limited-edition collection, including this vinyl figure featuring Masco the Blue Cat and his milk carton companion. Chugs are our choice (there's also Plus if you prefer something softer).
For hardcore fans, Herald Square Macy's is also selling a very limited edition of 100 Cool Cats hats, which connect to a physical token with an NFC tag that lets you don the entire outfit in the Cool Cats' digital avatar. System.
$24.99, macys.com
Human AI pin
Image: Humanity
The latest must-have gadget that's set tongues wagging around the world is the AI-powered pin from San Francisco startup Human. Endorsed by the likes of Naomi Campbell, a laser-engraved display on the user's hand draws attention to the new interface – although you can control it the old-fashioned way with voice commands. As well as streaming music through Tidal, AI Pin also includes a photo mode, a voice-to-text feature for recording messages, a language translator, and a “catch me” feature that sorts through emails and messages.
From $699, hu.ma.ne
Edited by Andrew Hayward.
Stay on top of crypto news, get daily updates in your inbox.
