As everyone’s favorite time of the year soon approaches, it also comes with the hurdle of decisions for what everyone loves to receive but may find difficulty in giving- GIFTS!
With the many different smart tech innovations throughout the year, CBR has put together a list of 10 smart technology gift ideas for Christmas 2016.
Samsung Gear S3
Samsung’s latest smartwatch is designed like a real watch, with specifications of more than just a regular watch. This includes a built-in GPS and water resistance.
This smartwatch also enables contactless payment without the need of a phone or wallet.
It is available in two designs, Frontier and Classic with the option of different bands. The watch can be ordered on Samsung’s website for £349.
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo is a smart voice-enabled wireless speaker, which includes a seven-piece microphone array.
The device is designed to respond to the name “Alexa.” It is able to control smart devices using itself as a home automation hub and is capable of voice interaction, music playback, setting alarms, providing weather, and other real time information.
The first Amazon Echo released is sold on Amazon’s website for £149.99 and the new 2nd generation device is sold for £49.99.
Google Pixel
Google’s latest Pixel smartphone has the highest rated smartphone camera and long-lasting battery life.
The smartphone is the first to have Google’s assistant built in. Specifications also include unlimited storage for photos and videos.
Google Pixel is available in two different sizes, 5” and 5.5” and two colours, black or silver.
The 32GB Pixel 5” is available on Google store for £599 and the 32GB Pixel XL is available for £719.
PlayStation VR
Sony’s latest PlayStation VR is powered by the PlayStation 4, which is suitable with any PS4 console.
The virtual reality headset offers a 360 degree immersion, 3D audio, dual lenses, 3D depth sensors, precision tracking, dualshock 4 and move motion controller to give gamers the best virtual reality experience possible.
The Sony PlayStation VR is available to order on the amazon website for £349.99.
Nest Thermostat
The 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat has key features of automated temperature control, smart schedule learning.
The device can be paired with the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, as well as the Nest Cam- for users that may already have these devices.
Nest Thermostat 3rd generation works with OpenTherm-compatible heating and domestic hot water systems, enabling it to also control water temperatures.
The Nest Thermostat is available on amazon for £199.99.
Samsung Smart TV
With many different choices to select from, Samsung has a range of smart TV’s which include features such as UHD, 4K, HDR, LED and others.
The Samsung smart hub allows users to search and access content quickly and easily via its smart TV, different apps can be accessed via the hub in various methods.
A Samsung V24F39S Smart 24” Curved LED TV can be ordered from Curry’s for £169.00. Depending on the size of the TV and other features, the price increases.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
Samsung’s SmartThings hub works with devices that use Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth and WiFi.
The device enables communication between a selection of smart devices in the home, and with the app enabled onto a smartphone; it is significantly easier to control devices around the home.
The hub can be bought alone or as part of a starter kit which includes a motion sensor, multi-sensor, smart power plug and presence sensor.
SmartThings Hub is available online for £99; the kit is also available for £200.
Logi Circle
Logitech Circle is a home security camera that detects things and people, the features enables users to watch over their home from any distance
With the circle home app, the monitoring system allows connection to kids, pets and so on. The app is available on IOS and Android.
The circle security camera can be ordered online for £159.99.
Smarter Coffee
The Smarter Coffee machine enables users to make coffee from your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
With the advancements of the machine, users are able to select how many cups of coffee they would like, between one and 12.
The app also allows users to set alarms, which prompts the machine to ask the user if a coffee is wanted at set times.
The Smarter Coffee machine is sold online for £180.
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0
The HD quadricopter drone allows users to see the world from above and share photos and videos on social media instantly.
With the connection of a smartphone or tablet, it can be controlled with the dedicated free app supporting the device.
The Parrot AR.Drone can be ordered on amazon for just over £290.