Madi McEver, Campus Carrier Entertainment Editor
Over the course of this year, many companies have debuted new products that are designed with fun and functionality in mind. You have probably seen commercials from well-known companies such as Windows, Amazon and Dell, but there are also many new products out there from lesser- known companies that are worth a look.
A large number of these new gadgets are suitable for all ages and experience levels, as simple, user-friendly interfaces seem to be on the rise. This broad appeal has also resulted in higher demand, which could make holiday shopping more difficult, as some of the more popular products are on backorder or are even completely out of stock for the season.
Check out these new products that are sure to impress any gadget hoarder out there. From a watch that displays emails to a streaming device compatible with over 750 channels, these companies continue to draw in the consumer with more features than ever before.
Whether you are buying for someone else or just “window shopping,” one thing is certain: there is no shortage of interesting gadgets on the market this season.
Pebble Smartwatch – from $150
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| Pebble |
The Pebble smartwatch connects with your phone in order to act as a simplified, more accessible tool to help organize your life and keep you on schedule.
Unlike the other smartwatches and smartphones on the market, the Pebble smartwatch uses an alternative to the traditional LCD screen, known as “e-paper.” Those who are familiar with the unique display of the original Amazon Kindle will immediately recognize the “e-paper” that gives the Pebble its matte screen. This makes it easy to check e-mails and respond to text messages in direct sunlight, unlike its competitors which produce more of a glare when used outdoors.
According to reviewers, the Pebble smartwatch is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. They claim that it feels sturdy enough for everyday use, but not clunky like some other models. As a bonus, it is waterproof to 50 meters.
Another thing that separates this watch from similar models is its recharegable battery, which manufacturers claim will last an entire week on one charge. This means no more nightly plug-ins.
If you’re looking for a functional, versatile gift for the busy person in your life, the Pebble could be worth a second look.
iPad mini – from $299
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| Apple, Inc. |
Boasting a high-quality display, lightning fast speed and a quicker charging time than previous models, it is no surprise that Apple’s iPad mini was one of the top-selling items this Black Friday.
Most concerns about this new product have been laid to rest by rave reviews by technology gurus and loyal Apple product users. Those who struggled with the poor photo and video quality of older iPads will likely be impressed with the new Retina display version of the mini. Better sound quality is another improvement that has been brought to the table by Apple’s design team.
The LTE cellular service provided to these tablets is hailed as more than sufficient for everyday use, making web pages load faster than ever and virtually eliminating buffering delays for video and radio streaming.
Measuring a mere seven inches, the mini also proves to be more portable than its competitors, which is a great selling point, especially for those who have no room to spare in their backpacks and briefcases. Thankfully, this smaller size does not mean a shorter list of great features.
The iPad mini is likely on the Christmas lists of gadget gurus and Apple enthusiasts everywhere this season, and has impressed most users thus far. With Apple’s proven track record of longevity and above-average customer service, this would even be a good choice for the not-so-technology-savvy. Be on the lookout for great deals and rebates that could soften the blow to your wallet, should you decide to purchase this big-ticket item.
Roku 3 – from $88
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| Roku |
This interesting little device is currently one of the top picks in the Internet media box category. Similar to the AppleTV, the Roku 3 streams your favorite shows with the help of one small box and Wi-Fi remote.
It is compatible with Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus and Pandora, among others. More than 750 channels are supported. The downside? It does not work with YouTube or iTunes, which could be a deal-breaker for some.