It may seem intimidating to shop for that tech lover in your family. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re all a bunch of tech geeks here at Whidbey Telecom. We admit, we get downright giddy when new and interesting technology hits the market. And really, who doesn’t love a good gadget?
We’ve come up with our list of 12 of the latest and greatest gadgets, smart devices, and other electronics this holiday season. Hint, hint…
Vankyo Multimedia Portable Projector
This portable projector can be used to stream your favorite TV series or share family photos in big, beautiful clarity. It connects to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or video game console and includes a customized bag for easy storing and transport. So bring it to your brother’s house for the big game, or to grandma’s to share that recital video.
Furbo Dog Camera
We love our furry companions as much as we love our tech. So a gadget that caters to both? Yes, please! The Furbo Dog Camera has WiFi connectivity, allowing users to keep tabs on their pets via a smartphone app. It’s capable of capturing or streaming HD video via a wide-angle lens. The gadget can also dispense treats—you can deploy them right from your smartphone while away.
Chamberlain Smart Garage Door Opener
Never again wonder, “Did I close the garage door?” This smart garage door opener features built-in WiFi and syncs with the myQ app for additional features. Receive alerts, open and close your garage door from anywhere, and sync with other popular smart devices. With the app you can also securely invite up to three people to control your garage with the “Guest Feature,” perfect for when family comes to town.
6-in-1 Adapter for MacBook
This small but mighty device allows you to simultaneously connect a wired mouse, wired keyboard, and an external drive to Apple’s latest generation of computers and smart devices. The adapter includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, and an SD card reader. The extremely compact design makes it easily portable and saves desktop space.
VicTsing Shower Speaker
Who doesn’t love a good shower ballad? This waterproof, Bluetooth speaker connects to smartphones, computers, and even Amazon Echo. You can affix it to your shower wall with the handy suction cup or hang it by the sturdy carabiner. And with up to six hours of playtime, you’ll run out of hot water long before you run out of tunes.
ThermoPro Wireless Thermometer
This handy thermometer is going to be such a lifesaver during a Whidbey winter. The easy-to-read LCD screen displays both indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity. It can monitor the temperatures of up to three remote locations at once, up to 200 feet away.
Roborock Robot Vacuum
It’s a robot maid. Need we say more? The Roborock is a WiFi-enabled robot vacuum with impressively quiet cleaning capabilities, cutting-edge room mapping technology, and includes a snap-on mop unit. You can select the rooms you want the vacuum to clean via a mobile app. The Roborock is also compatible with Amazon Alexa voice commands.
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
These nifty little wireless earbuds are easy to use with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. After setup, the AirPods are automatically on and always connected. To adjust the volume, change a song, make a call, or even get directions, simply say “Hey Siri” and make your request. You can charge your AirPods easily with the wireless charging case using either the lightning cable or a charging mat.
Bose Audio Sunglasses
Bose managed to combine two things we love: cool sunglasses and wireless earbuds. Throw a pair of these Bose frames on during a sunny Whidbey Island day and the frames will play music, streamed from your phone via a Bluetooth connection. According to Bose’s website, the speakers are “precisely positioned to direct sound at you and away from everyone else.” Now you’re not just stylin’—you’re sporting your own theme music.
Tile Mate Tracker
The drawback to all these small new gadgets is that they can get lost easily. The slim, keychain-sized Tile Mate is the answer. Attach one to your keys, slide it into your wallet, or hook it to your child’s lunchbox to keep track of easily misplaced items. Use the Tile companion app to locate it virtually anywhere. Even without the app, you can still find nearby items by remotely making the Tile vibrate, flash or ring.
August Smart Lock Pro
Compatible with most deadbolt locks, this smart home gadget can lock and unlock your front door, control keyless access, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from a mobile app on your phone. It also locks automatically behind you, and unlocks as you approach. Kind of like a butler. The device connects to your wireless network and integrates with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.
Long Distance Touch Lamps
It’s tough saying goodbye to family once the holidays are over. But with this WiFi enabled lamp, you can still keep in touch. Literally. When you touch your lamp at the top, the other person’s lamp will light up, no matter how far away they are. You can buy up to four of these touch lamps—each person in your circle has their own unique color, so you always know who’s sending the love.