Big Mouth Billy Bass with Alexa isn’t necessary the product of the year, but it’s one that symbolizes all the novelty trends that we saw in gadgets in 2018. In one item, the talking, singing fish represents nostalgia, DIY hackery, and corporations taking independent developer ideas and turning it to profit. These themes highlight the trends that led the world of gadgets this year, as nostalgia continues to influence products while simultaneously being a reflection of our bleak times. In 2018, more classic products were re-released, we opted for gadgets that do less than before, and companies are determined to make us shop in person because experiential pop-ups are in now. This resurgence in nostalgic gadgets seems to be because technology companies have innovated on their products to the point where they now have to set self-imposed limits and boundaries for those same products. Social networks like Instagram have added activity dashboards to monitor use time, and tools … [Read more...] about The Verge 2018 tech report card: Gadgets
Gadgets
Amazon reveals its best-selling gadgets of the holiday season as smart home tech takes over gift-giving
source GRANT HINDSLEY/AFP/Getty Images Amazon announced a “record-breaking” holiday season with more items ordered than ever before. Top sellers in the tech category included Amazon devices like the new Echo Dot, as well as Bose QuietComfort 35. Smart home items like smart plugs and voice assistant devices dominated the rest of the list. Gift-giving used to be more portable, with gadgets like iPods and CD players dominating top selling items. Fast forward to 2018, and it’s all about the home – the smart home, that is. For Amazon’s top-selling tech items, the list is dominated by smart plugs, voice assistant speakers, and robot vacuum cleaners. The overall best-selling item was the new Echo Dot, refreshed this fall and now in its third generation. It was both the top-seller overall as well as the best-selling piece of tech on Amazon for the holiday season. Read more: Amazon reveals the top-selling items … [Read more...] about Amazon reveals its best-selling gadgets of the holiday season as smart home tech takes over gift-giving
Here are the best gadget deals of 2018
10. Best Charging Accessory Deal: iPM 3-in-1 Wireless Charging StationRetail: $129.99 | Normally: $43 | Today: $35 w/ NEWYEAR2019 coupon codeWireless chargers are nothing new, but the iPM 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is the only one that can charge an Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. Its 3-in-1 design will dramatically reduce cable clutter on your desk or nightstand, and Qualcomm 3.0 Quick Charging Technology makes for even faster charging.9. Best Action Cam Deal: 4K Ultra HD Action Cam with MountsRetail: $89.99 | Normally: $70 | Today: $57 w/ NEWYEAR2019 coupon codeYou don't need to drop hundreds of dollars on a GoPro to record your high-octane stunts. Complete with a variety of mounts for cycling, driving, and more, this 4K Ultra HD Action Cam set lets you capture content in stunning 4K no matter where your adventures take you.8. Best Security Camera Deal: iPM World 360-Degree 1080p Wireless IP CameraRetail: $129.99 | Normally: $45 | Today: $36 w/ … [Read more...] about Here are the best gadget deals of 2018
For those who are alone this Christmas, gadgets are all they have
Christmas is all about being together.At least, that's what the ads keep telling us.It isn't the case for everyone. As you might be unwrapping your latest iPad, Android phone, or perfectly absurd VR mask, there will be people who are all alone.For some, it might be by choice. They simply don't like their families, perhaps, or they no longer have one. Or, perhaps, they are constrained by a work schedule that can't be changed. Also: Last-minute deals: Gift ideas you can order online and still get in timeTheir shift is Christmas Day, so their whole lives must shift with that. Others, though, suddenly find themselves alone on Christmas and don't really know how it happened. A decision went south, relationship went wrong, a life went sideways, and there they are, staring at the TV, watching through their pain while others are enjoying themselves.Many may be too shy to ask for company. They don't want to impose on someone else's happiness or family life.They tell themselves … [Read more...] about For those who are alone this Christmas, gadgets are all they have
Our tech team picks the best gadgets of 2018
This past year has seen an explosion of gadgets. From countless smartphones, to new smart speaker launches, smart watches and everything else in between. A lot of different devices make it across the ES Tech desk so we thought we'd round up some of our favourite gadgets from the past 12 months. Here’s to lots more gadget fun in 2019. Favourite smartphone: Huawei Mate 20 Pro 2018 is the year that Huawei came to dominate the smartphone scene. it managed to overtake Apple as the second biggest phone maker in the world, just behind Samsung, and the Mate 20 Pro is an emblem of all that hard work. It's the ultimate smartphone for this year. It has an eye-catching design, a great camera lens line-up thanks to Huawei’s partnership with Leica, responsive OS and unbelievable battery life. All supported by the Huawei Kirin 980 chipset, one of the most powerful on the market. Huawei has its work cut out to top the Mate 20 Pro for next year. … [Read more...] about Our tech team picks the best gadgets of 2018