The best new products this month from Apple, Dagne Dover and more

This story is part of NBC Select’s New & Notable column, where we highlight our favorite product launches. We will continuously update this article throughout the month with new releases we think you should know about.

Apple Mac Mini (M4)

This new Mac mini is very different from previous models — the outside has a new design that’s less than half the size of older models (at five by five by two inches) and weighs just 1.5 pounds (down from 2.6). It comes with Apple’s latest M4 chip and 16GB of memory by default (up from 8GB on older models). Throughout his years of reporting on tech, NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz says he’s never seen a computer this small with such performance at well-under $1,000 — it looks like a great option for students, offices or as a family computer.

Apple MacBook Pro (M4)

The MacBook Pro is one of our favorite laptops for creatives who use performance-heavy software like Adobe or Final Cut. This new version includes Apple’s latest M4 chip for improved performance, and starts with 16GB of memory, even at the lowest-priced option. It also has better battery life, up to 24 hours from the M3 Pro’s 22, and comes with three USB-C ports (up from two).

Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series

Mini-LED TVs can show highlights in dark and bright scenes better than regular LEDs, but still tend to cost less than OLED TVs. If you’ve been interested in upgrading to Mini-LED, these new Fire TV Omni Series models start at $819, competitive for the specifications on offer. The TVs have a fast, bright Mini-LED screen and built-in subwoofers and support Dolby Atmos — though you can always supplement with a good soundbar if you find the audio lacking. Like previous Omni Series TVs, you can also control it with the remote or using your voice using Amazon Alexa voice assistant. The TVs are available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch options.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

A new model, premium version of the Fire TV Soundbar, this model is much larger, and has a subwoofer built-in for better, clearer bass. It has more control for fine-tuning your audio experience, with a new Dialogue Enhancer mode and adjustable balance for separate surround sound speakers. It connects to your TV via HDMI or optical, and can also be controlled over Bluetooth if you want to play music over your phone, for example.

Fujifilm X-M5 Mirrorless Camera (Pre-order)

Fujifilm makes some of the best compact cameras on the market — whether it’s a point-and-shoot or an instant, our team has used them on many occasions. This new X-M5 is the brand’s lightest mirrorless camera at 0.78 pounds (without a lens). It has a 26.1MP sensor and can capture video up to 6.2K or slow-motion video at 240 frames per second in full HD. Like Fujifilm’s latest cameras, it can automatically detect a subject and autofocus accordingly. And it has 20 Fujifilm Film Simulations built-in — think filters, but much better, in my experience.

It is also currently the lowest-priced new X series camera at $799 (without a lens). We’ve linked it above bundled with Fujifilm’s small, collapsing 15-45mm kit lens.

Skylight Frame 2

Beyond being faster and having more storage compared to the original model, the Skylight Frame 2 is customizable — the brand offers 10 interchangeable frames that easily snap on and off the device’s perimeter. You can also now add captions and videos to the digital frame without needing an additional subscription. The Skylight Frame 2 has a 10-inch glare-free full HD touchscreen and it automatically adjusts brightness level. After you upload photos over Wi-Fi via a companion app, the device continues working offline.

Cerave Haircare

Cerave makes some of our favorite skin care products, but this month, the brand has expanded into the hair care realm with its five newest releases. The five products, suitable for all hair types, curl patterns and color-treated hair, are separated into two categories — dandruff and hydrating. The dandruff line includes an anti-dandruff hydrating shampoo, conditioner and 2-in-1, while the hydrating lines consist of a gentle hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

Cerave’s Gentle Hydrating shampoo combats dry and dull hair by cleansing the scalp and hair without stripping it of its natural moisture or disrupting the scalp barrier so that the hair feels soft, nourished and clean after use, according to the brand. It can do so with the help of ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and without the use of common irritants, including sulfates and added fragrances.

Act + Acre Scalp Dermastamp

This dermastamp uses 0.25-millimeter medical-grade, stainless steel needles to promote thicker, fuller-looking hair, increase hair density and improve the absorption of topical hair products. With gentle pressure, press the stamp on a clean scalp one to two times each section. By doing this, the needles will create channels in the scalp that promote blood flow and circulation so nutrients can be delivered to hair follicles, according to the brand.

The Ordinary 100% Fermented Rosehip Seed Oil

The Ordinary has expanded its lineup with this 100% fermented rosehip seed oil facial oil. Formulated specifically for dry, sensitive skin, this will help combat dull and dry skin, fine lines and a loss of firmness, according to the brand. It also helps prevent irritation like redness and has soothing benefits thanks to its fermentation process.

Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil

Suitable for all skin types, is this oil-based cleansing oil from Prequel. The non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) cleanser uses a combination of gentle surfactants along with oils (cica, rice bran and sunflower oil) to remove makeup, excess oil, skin care and more without stripping the skin, according to the brand. Ingredients in its formula also help protect the skin from environmental aggressors, soothe the skin and support the skin barrier.

Reviewers say the oil doesn’t leave a heavy residue on their skin and instead leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. Those with acne-prone skin also say they don’t feel like any unwanted breakouts occur because of the cleanse, and eczema-prone skin users also say they don’t experience irritation or flare-ups. This cleansing oil has the National Eczema Association’s seal of Acceptance.

Loops Dew Cloud

Loops launched its Dew Cloud collection, which includes a new face mask and its first-ever lip product. The sheet mask uses ceramides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide and antioxidants to moisturize the skin, support it and stimulate collagen production for firmer, smoother and more plump skin, according to the brand. “I’ve tried multiple Loops face masks now, and the Dew Cloud is now one of my favorites,” says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez, who got a sample of the product a few weeks before its release. “I love how any dryness I’m experiencing instantly disappears because this is one of the most hydrating and moisturizing masks. It also doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin even though there is retinol in the formula.”

The lip mask helps heal dry and cracked lips while reducing fine lines’ appearance thanks to oils, butters and vitamin E. “The lip mask is like a dissolving pillow of moisture that doesn’t leave a thick, greasy layer on my lips but has more moisture than an average lip balm,” says Alvarez. “My lips feel smooth and softer after each use, and I love that it has a nostalgic fragrance that reminds me of lip products from my childhood.”

E.l.f. Skin Thirst Burst Drops

Unlike E.l.f.’s Triple Bounce Serum, this gel serum leaves a bright and dewy finish instead of a bouncy and supple appearance. That’s because it uses three key ingredients (hibiscus extract, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid) to brighten and hydrate the skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say they love that the serum finds the right balance between being too liquidy and thick and is effective at hydrating their skin all day without causing further issues like clogged pores. You can use the serum on its own, as a primer or mix it into your foundation.

Personal Day

Personal Day is a new skin care brand specifically for those with acne-prone skin since each product in its lineup is free of ingredients that would trigger unwanted breakouts and is tested to ensure it won’t clog pores. It has five products: Full Clarity Cleansing Powder (to cleanse and exfoliate the skin), Doing The Work Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment (to clear breakouts and even tone and texture), Dive Deep Mevalonic Moisturizer (a lightweight, oil-controlling moisturizer), Even Keel Resurfacing Peel (to unclog pores and prevent breakouts) and Everybody Stay Calm Recovery Mask (to soothe and moisturize the skin.)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

The latest version of Brooks’ Adrenaline sneaker is more supportive and lightweight compared to previous models. The brand redesigned the shoe’s outsole and midsole to encourage smoother heel-to-toe transitions — there’s now soft, nitrogen-infused foam in its midsole and durable recycled materials in its outsole. Brooks also added a more prominent support system in the midsole to keep your body aligned and stabilize you by reducing excess motion.

Dagne Dover Neo Nostalgia

Dagne Dover launched three new products as part of Neo Nostalgia, its Fall and Winter 2024 collection: the Jax Large Fanny Pack, Nico Bucket Bag and Nora Shoulder Bag. These neoprene bags have lots of pockets to hold your essentials and adjustable straps. They come in evergreen neutral tones like black and mauve, plus limited-edition seasonal colors: Spice (red), Khaki (tan), Moonlight (gray-blue) and Matcha Latte (green). Dagne Dover also released mini keychain versions of its Ace, Mara and Hunter bags, and a corded adjustable crossbody strap, which you can add to any bag with a D-ring attachment.

Kane Revive AC

The Kane Revive AC has all the features shoppers love about the brand’s original Revive recovery shoe, plus additions that make it suitable to wear year-round. The shoe is designed with the Revive’s signature hole pattern, but it’s debossed in the material instead of cut out so your feet aren’t exposed to the elements. Kane added raised treads to create an extra grippy rubber outsole and a neoprene collar that keeps cold air and moisture out. The water-resistant shoes are made from EVA foam that cushions feet. There are 3D nodes along the footbed that target pressure points, as well as reflective details.

iRobot Combo 2 Essential + AutoEmpty Dock

This 2-in-1 vacuum and mop is the first product in iRobot’s Essential series that automatically returns to its dock and empties itself after cleaning. On average, the bin holds up to 60 days’ worth of debris, so you’ll only have to tend to it every two months. The appliance has a four-stage system to suck up the dirt, dust and pet hair on your floors and three mopping water levels to scrub wood, tile and laminate. You can control the Combo 2 via voice commands or a companion app, which also lets you schedule cleans and monitor progress.

Meater Pro Duo

With Meater’s Pro Duo smart thermometer, you can monitor two foods at once or insert each probe into a different area on a cut of meat, ensuring that it fully cooks through. The Wi-Fi-enabled probes pair with a companion app, which lets you set each one to a different doneness level, track internal temperature and get real-time progress notifications. The probes offer up to 24 hours of battery life when fully charged. You can use them while cooking over grills and on stovetops, as well as in the oven, air fryer or deep fryer.

Aarke Coffee System

Aarke entered the coffee space with its new collection, which includes a stainless steel coffee maker and grinder. The drip filter coffee maker brews a full pot in under six minutes, according to the brand. It also has a smart hot plate that maintains your beverage’s temperature without burning it. Conversely, the grinder has an adjustable grind size dial and knows how much coffee to dispense based on how many cups you program. While you can use the coffee maker and grinder separately, they come with a cable that connects them. Once attached, the grinder detects how much water is in the coffee maker’s tank and grinds enough beans for that amount. The coffee maker has a glass carafe, but Aarke sells a stainless steel thermal jug separately.

Ayoh

Cookbook author Molly Baz debuted her brand Ayoh this month, which sells saucy mayo in four flavors: Original Mayo, Dill Pickle Mayo, Tangy Dijonayo and Hot Giardinayo. The condiments come in squeezy bottles so you add it to sandwiches or put a dollop on plates for dipping.

To round up the best new launches each month, Zoe Malin, reporter, Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter, and Harry Rabinowitz, reporter, choose products they think NBC Select readers should know about. They include products from brands NBC Select has previously covered, or brands staffers recommend. Malin, Alvarez and Rabinowitz also regularly try new product launches to share their first-hand experiences.

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