best of b8ta, 2019
We’re highlighting some of our top products from 2018 in honor of the opening of b8ta Hudson Yards.
We’re opening our sixteenth store in NYC on March 15—b8ta Hudson Yards. Our third and largest store in NYC includes brand new partner products and product lines. But as we get ready to unveil what’s new, we’re also looking back at some of the best of b8ta—the products that really shined in our stores last year and will be available for you to try in our newest location.
Check out our five stand-out products below, from those that made the best first impression to the ones that our customers just couldn’t put down. We even got a little input direct from the makers on their products’ best features.
Best in show: Neo Smartpen M1
Neo Smartpen is like the kid in class that wins homecoming, and everyone truly likes. Day after day, shoppers come into our store, and without fail they stop at the Neo Smartpen to try, watch, and listen (to our b8ta testers explaining all of its features). The concept is almost simple, yet it never ceases to amaze even us: start writing with Neo Smartpen on Ncode paper, and your handwritten notes will appear on your device.
From the makers:
What do you think is the most amazing thing about the Neo Smartpen, specifically to those trying it out for the first time?
Users are blown away by the fact that something they have done all their lives (writing) can now merge into their digital life by allowing their handwritten notes and spoken word to be available electronically, and allowing them to easily and quickly review their notes as well as edit and even share them. By recording the audio at the time of the note-taking the user has a complete record of the meeting, class—or whatever environment they were taking notes in.
We’ve heard Neo Smartpen has been useful for people with disabilities. Tell us more about that.
Whether it be Disability learning, English as a second language, ADD or any other learning challenge, the correlation between the spoken word and the handwritten word has always been pivotal. Students just learn better when they write rather than type. The Neo Smartpen allows a student the best of both worlds. In the learning environment (class), they can record the teacher teaching while capturing their handwritten notes electronically, so that after class in review the student has not only his/her written notes on paper, they have it on their device along with the exact audio as spoken. Class can literally be played back both in sound and written words.
Best demo: Qwerkywriter® S Typewriter
What can we say—the feel of a typewriter keyboard is irresistible. Which is one of the reasons people spend more time with the Qwerkywriter than any other product in our stores. But beyond just the way it looks and feels, people are always impressed to see what it can do. You can connect it via wireless Bluetooth and pair it with up to three separate devices, allowing you to switch between typing on your tablet, phone, and laptop with a push of a button. Control your volume and vertical scroll with the knobs, and customize the return bar with your most used commands.
From the makers:
What do you think is the most amazing thing about the Qwerkywriter, specifically to those trying it out for the first time?
It’s the “clackity clack” of our German engineered mechanical switches! The sound and feel is so addictive! Guaranteed to make you smile! We promise!
Obviously, you’ve succeeded at making typing even the most boring memo fun. What other goals does Qwerky Toys have when looking to the future?
We’re hard at work developing new products that surprise and exceed expectations like our Qwerkywriter! When we’re ready, you can be sure that b8ta will be the place where you can check them out!
Best first impression: Urban 21 Commuter Backpack
Keysmart’s Urban 21 Commuter Backpack catches a lot of attention in our stores. Customers tend to stop in their tracks when they see it. We’re pretty sure it has to do with how many amazing features it has. From its water resistance and comfort to its anti-theft pocket, it’s the type of product that makes you think: “They thought of everything.”
From the makers:
It does seem like you’ve thought of everything when it comes to making the perfect backpack. What’s your favorite feature personally?
Hard to pick just one feature — I would say my top two features are the built in hard case pocket and the super slim profile. I used to hate carrying around a separate hard case everywhere I went for my glasses (or have them break on me in a bag), so that is super useful to me on a daily basis. I also love the slim design of the bag. We designed it in a way where the weight distribution is always stabilized, meaning that it always has a symmetrical or even look and feel to it. Most other bags just accumulate all of your stuff at the bottom, which is uncomfortable to carry and also looks bad when the bottom of the bag is bulging way out.
Walk me through one of your days using the Keysmart Urban 21 Commuter Backpack. What are the features you use along the way that make it so great?
On a daily basis, it’s a super nice bag to take back and forth between my home and the office. It’s extremely comfortable to carry, when compared to other bags I have — I think due to the memory foam shoulder straps and the stabilized weight distribution design. I also travel a decent amount for work and I love how it has the secret pocket in the back for my passport + cash, as well as the sleeve that allows the bag to fit directly onto your luggage. Really makes it easier traveling around the airports.
Biggest showstopper: TimTam Power Massager
One word: Power. Yes, yes, it’s right there in the name. But as soon as you see this thing in person, you’ll understand why it gets the most demos of the products in our stores. TimTam Power Massager has a 90 degree articulating head that delivers up to 2,500 strokes per minute to help break down knots and increase blood flow.
From the makers:
What do you think is the most amazing thing about the Power Massager, specifically to those trying it out for the first time?
The instant feedback and satisfaction you get when you use the massager for the first time. It will be the most satisfying massage you have ever experienced.
Do you think everyone, regardless of individual health needs, would enjoy the Power Massager?
Yes, anyone can use the massager because when you are using it, you can pinpoint an area and control the intensity by how much pressure you apply.
Honorable Mention: Trekz Air
Trekz Air has been a customer favorite since they entered our stores in 2016. There are those who have never heard of bone conduction technology before, and those who have been dying to try it out. For both, the demo is typically far different than any headphones they’ve ever tried.
From the makers:
What do you think is the most amazing thing about Trekz Air, specifically to those trying them out for the first time?
There isn’t just one amazing thing — there are many, but the two that truly wow people is the patented bone conduction technology and weightless design. The concept of open-ear listening is so foreign to people, and when they put on Trekz Air for the first time, they can’t believe that they can hear their music while having a full conversation with someone.
How do Trekz Air headphones make the world a safer place?
Situational awareness can be a life-saver! With Trekz Air’s open-ear design, you can listen to music, podcasts, and calls while still hearing your surroundings. Hear the traffic, hear the breeze, hear the world, hear it all.
Check out these products and many more innovations at b8ta Hudson Yards on March 15. Store details and info here.
