With Christmas less than 100 days away, it’s a good time to start thinking about the best tech gifts to save up for in time for the big day. 2015 has been a fantastic year for new technology, from the launch of the highly anticipated Apple iWatch to the latest 3D printers, we’ve seen the dreams of sci-fi TV come to life before our eyes. If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a new gadget for the holidays this year, take some inspiration from our list and start saving.
Electronic Skateboards
A kind of robotic skateboard, airboards have become the next big thing in terms of personal transportation – forget bikes, this two wheeled device does all the hard work for you. With a rechargeable battery, these boards have self-balancing technology to allow the user to remain stable throughout their journey, leaning (like a normal skateboard) to steer the device in the desired direction. Glide along the street at up to 10 mph for up to 6 hours on a single charge and feel your childhood dreams come true for approximately £300.
Selfie Sticks
Selfie sticks were undeniably the big tech trend of 2014, but the huge sales suggest they are here to stay. Ideal for taking large group selfies, or used on holiday to take a HD selfie in front of historical monuments, the selfie stick has been continually innovated, including as promotional material for Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in the US. The selfie stick has become so popular that some public transport authorities have banned the use of these products during peak hours.
Domestic 3D Printers
In recent years 3D printing has made phenomenal leaps and bounds, from recorded use in organ transplantation to model making. 3D printing pens have become popular with well-off sculptors, while most recently, chefs have worked with scientists to experiment with 3D printed food- a Barcelona based company has created one printer that can pipe mashed potato in michelin star style presentations, while there is also incredible potential for 3D printed patisserie, using chocolate or meringue to make intricate sugarcraft designs.
Smart Watches
Samsung’s first smartwatch was announced early this year, but more hotly anticipated was the Apple iWatch, which made it’s debut on the 24th April and resulted in thousands queuing outside the flagship store in Covent Garden. Smart watches work by connecting to your smartphone and essentially redirecting notifications to your wrist, so you can keep track of your life on the go. Features include alarms, health trackers, email, text, and calls – a worthy investment if you or a loved one is always on the go.
