If you’re into purchasing gadgets and gizmos several motivators come into play: you’re hooked on owning everything and anything IOT, never outgrew your childhood penchant for getting new toys, love to show off to your friends, consider yourself a trendsetter, enjoy making life as simple as possible, follow anything trending, or a bit of all of the above. Whatever the reason, many of us would rather spend our hard-earned cash on a gadget that is useful and user-friendly. Here are some you might want to consider adding to your collection.
Traveling smart
1. Pocketalk translator
If you love to discover new places and cultures, but avoid those that don’t speak your language, the Pocketalk translator is about to become your best travel companion. You may not be able to translate a guided tour, but you’ll be able to ask for directions and order a beer without frantically paging through a dictionary of terms and phrases and then breaking your teeth trying to stammer out the words. This nifty device can translate into – and out of – no less than 74 languages without any delay. It’s super user-friendly and can pick up voices with ease through its noise-reduction microphones. Japanese pronunciations might still be a challenge. Nothing’s perfect!
2. Smartech Xtend suitcase
Talking about traveling, here’s an incredible invention that will ease some of your travel anxiety – like deciding whether to take the carry-on or the big case. The wheelie Smartech Xtend extends by up to 50 percent of its original size. If you’re convinced that’s genius but are wondering what’s gadgety about it, Xtend comes with a built-in charging port to make sure your devices keep you going during lengthy waits in departure halls.
3.Samsonite Pixon
It’s the moment of truth. You’re up next in the check-in queue, and it’s suddenly dawned on you that you didn’t weigh your suitcase and are probably overweight. Avoid the stress and embarrassment of desperately trying to throw on your heaviest clothing with the Samsonite Pixon — a suitcase with built-in self-weighing scales. Now that’s traveling smart!
Just because you can…
4. Polaroid Playsmart 3D printer
Ok, so perhaps this isn’t the most useful gadget, but it’s high on the fun quotient. 3D printing didn’t change our lives the way we thought it would about five years ago, but this printer will let you design your project, download a template, and watch a really accurate model appear. It has in-built algorithms to crack structural flaws, and you can work it from your phone.
5.Rocketbook reusable notebook
Not quite ready to give up the old art of taking notes? Well, here’s a throwback to the notebook (when people knew how to write and not just type and swipe), but with a twist. It looks just like a traditional notebook, but it’s an infinitely reusable smart one comprising 32 “wipe-able” pages. You can upload your notes and scribbles directly to Dropbox, Google Docs, and any other cloud service. Saves paper too!
6. Samsung NU7500 Curved Ultra HD Smart TV
Most of us are guilty of spending way too much time in front of the Tele, but at least do it right. With its curved screen, this 55-inch monster is designed to avoid screen fatigue and eye strain. Of course, like all things smart, it features voice control, and you can use it as a hub for controlling all your additional smart devices. The ultimate companion for die-hard couch potatoes or those in training.
7. iFavine iSommelier Pro
Statistically speaking, how many of you know about wine? If you do, it’s impressive, but having a robot know loads about wine is even more so. The iSommelier comes with a touch screen that displays the name and vintage of your wine, aerates it to enhance its aromas and flavors, and, if that’s not 2019 enough, you can control it via your phone with an app. A great conversation starter!
8. Sage Smart Waffle Maker
Raise your hand if you hate waffles. Anyone? That’s what we thought, so, get ready for the ultimate waffle maker. It’s ‘Waffle IQ’ automatically figures out how hot and how long to heat your batter depending on what color and style you want them – classic Belgian or something more custom-made. There’s even a “bit more” button to cook your waffles a little longer.
Just because you should…
9. Lumos smart bike helmet
There are way too many accidents involving cyclists. Wearable bike tech looks a bit Tron-like with its drag-contoured lines and twinkling LEDs, but if everyone in the cycling community used such a tech-endowed helmet, there would be fewer injuries. The device also comes with a wireless handlebar remote for indicating, and, if you have to slam on the brakes, 38 red LEDs will start flashing on the back!
10. Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker
It’s a fast-paced world we live in and forgetting and losing things is not so much age-related as it is a sign of information overload. If you spend way too much time looking for your keys, wallet, and everything else you own, just stick a Tile tracker on it. The phone app will show you where you left it and will even make the Tile ring. You’ll run into some difficulty if you regularly lose your phone too. Maybe get a second phone to track the first phone and if all else fails, get a third to track the second to track the first…. you get the picture. The Tile can make your phone ring even if it’s on silent.
So many gadgets, so little time and where to start? Perhaps with those designed to simplify or augment your life – after all, isn’t that the very essence of the world of the IOT?
