Well, it’s hard to get into the Christmas spirit when energy prices are approaching a point where it might be more efficient to light cash on fire.
But doesn’t that stop us from daydreaming? Below is a wish list of gifts that kept us entertained as the celebration season approached. For more tech-based gift ideas, check out our ever-expanding list of cool gadgets.
Earless (stick)
headphones with style
In-ear headphones didn’t work for me. For some reason, the squishy earbuds meant to fit snugly in your ear canal quickly fall off and you have to chase your way.
Brand Nothing has released the earbuds it’s all about this Christmas. Known as Nothing Ear (the stick), it’s feather-light, ergonomically designed and hopefully fits my oddly shaped ears comfortably.
Housed in a slim, stylish case that rotates open. At a fairly affordable price of £99, it offers up to 29 hours of playback and impressive audio performance that’s perfect for running or commuting. – Alex Hughes, Staff Writer
Futuristic VR experience
Reactions to the metaverse and the world of VR have been lukewarm to say the least, but that doesn’t stop my curiosity from overwhelming me. Facebook, now rebranded as Meta, is determined to create the virtual world we all seem to be obsessed with, and I’m ready to dive headfirst.
To do this, you’ll need a VR headset, but the Meta Quest Pro seems like the best choice. Yes, it’s an eye-popping price, but the company promises the latest and greatest specs. will be – Alex Hughes, Staff Writer
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Arlo Go 2 and Arlo Essential Wireless Doorbell
Rental-friendly smart home technology
Smart home technology is becoming more and more rentable. Get this camera that doesn’t require wires or even Wi-Fi. You can stick your Arlo Go 2 anywhere and connect via his 4G connection (which you have to pay separately) on the camera itself.
more like
This is great if you want to monitor your garage, caravan, or shed away from your home Wi-Fi network. Arlo’s also has several similarly smart wireless doorbells for front-of-home visitors. You may need to purchase a subscription to get the best features. – Daniel Bennett, Editor
Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor 1S
tire savior
As I approached “middle age,” I decided to reconnect with my bike to stem the cruel passage of time. But let’s be honest, things didn’t go as planned. Every time you ride your bike, you’re likely to get a flat tire, so a device like this handy portable air compressor can be very helpful in keeping you on the move, and might even help you resist the temptation to toss your bike into the nearest ditch. Hmm.
With a length of only 124mm and a weight of 545g, you can take it anywhere. It also inflates the tires of your car, so it’s perfect to have in your glove box in case of an emergency. – James Cutmore, Photo Editor
XGIMI AURA Projector
cinema in a box
This projector lives rent-free all year round in my head.
Mortgage payments, leaky boiler repairs, and utility bills are comparable to Micronesia’s GDP. Aura is an ultra short throw 4K device. This means it can be mounted flush against the wall and beam the image upwards. You don’t have to put the projector on the other side of the room and clear everything out of the way.
Inside are a series of Harman Kardon tweeters and woofers that provide Dolby surround sound. Also, his Android OS onboard gives me access to all the TV apps that keep me away from financial freedom. – Daniel Bennett, Editor
garmin edge explore 2
computer for bike
Whether you’re serious about cycling and want to optimize your performance, or just a hobbyist looking for something to keep you motivated on your Sunday rides, at some point you’ve probably come across a dedicated bike computer.
As with many bike-related kits, the price can lean towards “how much?!”. Territory, but for a few hundred pounds it could do a lot worse than the Garmin Edge Explore 2. It’s easy to set up and use, offers great navigation, and has a reliable touchscreen and battery, so you’re unlikely to be disappointed along the way. – Jason Goodyer, commissioned editor
hello
high tech dryer
Rather than blowing your hair with hot air that can damage the structure of each strand, the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer combines infrared and warm air to make the drying process a gentler, more energy-efficient experience.
I have dry, frizzy hair when using a regular hair dryer, but I don’t like sitting for hours with wet hair in the winter (especially if I can’t afford to turn on the heat). ). I hope this revolutionary hair dryer, which comes with a diffuser for curling and a nozzle for styling, gives me the shiny, smooth coils I crave. Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Editor-in-Chief
Rode NT-USB Microphone
professional recording equipment
With traditional recording studios off-limits during lockdown, many musicians and podcasters have turned to home studio setups to satisfy their creative urges. This trend continues rapidly after the pandemic.
Top of the shopping list is a quality microphone. But with a dizzying number of options, choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield. A good place to start is the Rode NT-USB. It has a well-organized, open and natural sound, comes with a sturdy stand and a removable pop filter. All you need is a laptop with your favorite recording software and you’re ready to go. – Jason Goodyer, Commissioning Editor
roberts rambler mini
retro radio
My old digital radio has gone to empty electronic heaven and I want to get a new one. This little radio receives his FM, DAB and DAB+, but it can also be used as a wireless Bluetooth device so you can stream your favorite music and podcasts straight from your phone.
Plus, it charges using a USB-C cable, so it’s also completely wireless, making it a great option for traveling (even if you only go to the edge of your garden). The problem is, I don’t know which of the four colors I like best! Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Editor-in-Chief
apollo remastered
How to experience the universe through photography
December 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of man’s last trip to the moon. In this coffee his table book, science his writer and NASA imaging expert Andy Saunders scoured the archives to painstakingly restore and polish the rarely seen Apollo mission images. .
The result is a beautiful photobook full of crisp, clean images that look like they were taken yesterday.
Starting with the early NASA space missions, this book takes you on a journey through every Apollo space mission, sharing interesting insights and commentary along the way.
One of the highlights for me is the amount of photos of astronauts sleeping during the dangerous Apollo 13 mission. I am amazed at how well they managed to snooze when they were in such danger. James Cutmore, Photo Editor
TC Electronic Polytune Clip
clever guitar tuner
Well, any experienced guitarist can tune their instrument to themselves. But nothing beats the ease and convenience of a decent chromatic tuner, especially for beginners or those playing in a band who need to get used to concert pitch as quickly as possible.
This is as annoying as they come. Simply clip the unit to the headstock, pluck a string, and KITT’s Knight Rider-style display guides you to hit the perfect pitch. There are similar tuners on the market, but this one gets my vote for its clean, minimalist design and bright, easy-to-read display that stands out even on the darkest stages. Jason Goodyer, commissioned editor
Apple Watch 8 and SE
Health tracker for loved ones
Luckily my mother doesn’t read this magazine, but I’m worried about her health as she approaches her retirement age.She’s almost irresponsible, with fall detection, heart rate monitor and temperature sensor No To wear your new Apple Watch. The latest 8 models add motion and temperature sensors.
That means you get more accurate fitness data, crash detection (your phone calls the police if it determines you’ve been in an accident), and cycle tracking. The same goes for the more affordable SE, just lacking a temperature sensor. We provide – Daniel Bennett, Editor
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
environmentally friendly shoes
I’ve been looking for new running shoes for a while. There are many big brands trying to get my attention in this space, but the little-known Allbirds won me over this Christmas.
The fabric for these shoes is made using eucalyptus trees certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. But while the small eco-footprint is a big selling point, it’s optimized to be a flexible, comfortable, and long-lasting running shoe. I won’t be running during the Christmas period as the turkey and stuffing will be heavy, but these trainers will definitely pay off in the new year. Alex Hughes, Staff Writer
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