From small tech trinkets such as a light-up USB drive to revolutionary computer additions to our culture like Google Glass, tech gifts are almost always excellent buys for the holidays. There are also many Black Friday deals online; find out more by visiting the Macy’s web store. The following five gifts are some of the best tech finds available, and they range from the most popular to the more obscure.
1. PlayStation 4
Photo by PlayStation Europe via Flickr
The big winner this holiday season, and probably for the next decade, is the PlayStation 4. More than 1 million of the big-gaming boxes were sold within the first 24 hours of its official release, November 29th, notes The Los Angeles Times. Though Microsoft’s Xbox One is a fantastic gift, most budgets only fit one, next-generation video game console. The PlayStation 4’s built-in hard drive, 8 GB out-of-box memory, 2.1 Bluetooth capabilities and dual-lens camera with 30 cm capture range make the system a powerhouse monster this year. PlayStation 4 retails for $399.99.
2. ChromeCast
Photo by EricaJoy via Wikimedia Commons
ChromeCast is a remote device, similar to a USB, which allows users to choose the medium they want to play. Users can select from any connected device, including an iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC, and make any adjustments from there to the television. It gives you immediate access to a full range of HD content, such as the Google app store, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora Radio, YouTube and Google Chrome. Stream content directly from your entertainment hub to your HDTV, as detailed on the official website.
3. DropCam Pro
With a smaller budget, items such as Apple TV and the PlayStation 4 get pushed aside. The DropCam Pro is an incredibly efficient alternative to a home monitoring system. It is, first and foremost, a Wi-Fi connected camera that allows you to remotely track what is going on at home. But it has a Bluetooth sensor that can detect movement or moisture in the air to alert you of any suspicious behavior. At $199, it can be a cost-effective way to protect your home.
4. FitBit Force
Photo by hzlzh via Flickr
The American trend towards health awareness is uplifting and positive, and the FitBit Force is another great entry in this ever-changing industry. The fitness watch is sleek and clean. It tracks calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, stairs climbed and your active minutes in any given day, according to FitBit. Set an alarm right from the device and start the process over again. For keeping in shape and staying on a fitness regime, nothing is better. It also allows you to isolate your health habits and track improved activity over time. The FitBit Force sells for $129.99.
5. Bose SoundLink Mini
Photo by stevegarfield via Flickr
Bose is a major brand for audiophiles who measure every little nuance in their sound. But the industry is sorely lacking in high-quality mobile speakers. For $199, the Bose SoundLink Mini speaker packs quite a punch. An aluminum body keeps it intact and sleek looking, and the charging cradle keeps the charge steady for quite a long time. It also is Bluetooth-enabled for wireless music streaming. For details, visit Bose.com.
Marc
Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….
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