As everyone knows, we are immersed in the world of technology. It is everywhere in our lives with the intention of making us more organized and efficient, able to communicate faster and more often, a resource for just about any research we are doing (recipes, homework, WebMD, etc), entertainment, music, fitness tracking, exploring virtual reality, beauty tips and tools and so much more. Earlier this year, I wrote about how technology is now the norm in kitchens with 10 examples of smart home ideas for your kitchen. With the holidays fast approaching, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to attend the CTA Holiday Gift Ideas Lunch and Learn sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association, Techlicious and Hostess, Kris McDonald from littletechgirl.com.
At the luncheon, brand reps were available to educate us on their products, uses and benefits. We were even able to try some of them! I’ve included the selection of items below. Here are some of the takeaways I learned from the presentation. As a marketer, this is always interesting to me!
2018 Top Tech Holiday Wish List
1. TV
2. Laptop
3. Smartphone and Tablet – a tie
4. Smartwatch
5. Desktop and any type of camera – tie
For a comparison, here is the wishlist from 1994:
1. Video Game System
2. Color TV
3. CD Player
4. Portable Stereo
5. Cordless Phone
Key topics at CES 2019:
- Family and Lifestyle
- Smart Home
- Advertising and Content
- Tourism
Top 10 Gift Ideas
The Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream is the world’s first standalone VR headset. It sets a new bar for hassle free VR experiences because it doesn’t require PCs, phones, cables, or external sensors. Equipped withWorldSense™ technology, users can duck, dodge, lean, and move in ways enhance the virtual reality experience. The Mirage Solo also contains a powerful Qualcomm processor, a high resolution low latency display, and a built in battery. All of this is wrapped in an ergonomic design that makes the Mirage Solo comfortable and easy to us. Suggested retail price: $400
This is the first, ever, Harry Potter wand that actually works. The wand its able to detect its position in space and recognizes over 30 signature spell motions from the Wizarding World universe. It takes you on a journey from beginner to coder with step by step challenges, creativity and fun. Suggested retail price: $99.99
Cool fact:
- Girls given early coding experience report higher technology interest – equal to boys.
Speck Presidio Cases and GrabTab
Speck recently announced its new line of Presidio cases for the new iPhones. In addition, Speck released its newest iPhone accessory, GrabTab, a slim alternative to other grip assist options on the market today.
Good to know:
- You are not alone. 25% of people have cracked their phone’s screen.
- Look for a case with materials that absorb shock.
- Make sure there is easy access to ports, buttons and the camera.
GrapTab: A super slim grip assist product designed to offer a secure hold on phones of any size. The 3mm accessory attaches firmly to the back of your case, the flexible center strip manually slides up, locking into place to create a finger sized loop that’s comfortable and easy to grip. Currently comes in 7 colors, more coming soon.
Presidio Pro: ($39.95-$44.95) Protective, slim case with anti microbial protection tested to withstands drops of up to 10 feet. Available for iPhone Xs, Xs Max, XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8/7/6s, iPhone 8 Plus/7 Plus/6s Plus. Comes in 7 different colors.
Presidio Stay Clear: ($39.95-$44.95) Features a new, innovative coating that resists UV yellowing and discoloration caused by lotions and other oils. Available for iPhone Xs, Xs Max, XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8/7/6s, iPhone 8 Plus/7 Plus/6s Plus
Fitbit’s newest smartwatch serves as the ultimate daily health and fitness companion that empowers users to make the most every moment, stay connected and reach their goals, and simplify their lives. With on screen workouts, 4+ days battery life, personalized reminders, female health tracking and all day activity tracking, Versa is the perfect gift for those at all levels of fitness, available in rose gold or silver aluminum with a variety of stylish accessories.
A couple key points to consider when working out:
- If your resting hart rate is more than 7 bpm over average, you are not fully recovered from your previous workout. So go easy.
- If you want to lose weight, the ideal zone is 70-80% of your maximum heart rate.
Through Fitbit’s partnership with the CFDA, NY based knitwear designer and ‘label to watch’ PH5 created six limited edition knit band accessories that bring a fresh new twist to fitness. Suggested retail price:$199.99
Embrace the outdoors with BackBeat FIT 3100 true wireless earbuds. Always Aware™ eartips let you simultaneously listen to music and hear your surroundings for safer training in any environment, while soft, flexible and secure fit ear loops provide comfort and maximum stability.
Sweatproof and waterproof, these earbuds are designed to hold up against your most intense workouts. Listen for up to five hours and get an extra 10 with the charging case.
Tip on how to choose the right pair of headphones for you:
- For in-ear models, check to ensure there are at least three pairs of eartips to ensure a proper fit.
- If you are using headphones for working out, make sure they are rated IPX4 or higher to make them sweatproof.
And My Tap available with the BackBeat app makes it easy to personalize features, so you can set a timer, start a stopwatch or select playlist without ever losing focus. Suggested retail price: $149.99
Healium
Healium is a portable, digital chill pill for mindfulness based stress relief, loving kindness, and positivity. These virtual and augmented reality escapes can be powered by your brainwaves or heart rate via your wearables. Healium comes with a video curriculum on neuromeditation and the content is updated bimonthly so it doesn’t get old. For about dollar a day, you can get some virtual peace! Suggested retail price: $27 per month
iHome’s designers created the Vanity Speaker to be as elegant and full featured as any vanity available. Each boasts a tilting, distortion free mirror on one side, with a magnified mirror on the reverse side. The product is available in three varieties. A 9 inch model, the iCVBT7, with 7x magnification, is beautifully designed in durable metal construction and looks right at home in the swankiest salons. Suggested retail price: $149.99
Tip to a natural look:
- Use a full spectrum LED light to replicate natural daylight.
- If you are using regular bulbs, look for color temperature of 5000+ degrees Kelvin.
And I was lucky enough to win this!
Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ Power Bank 10K with Lightning Connector
The BOOST↑CHARGE™ Power Bank 10K with Lightning Connector is the first to market MFi certified power bank to recharge via Lightning connector, ideal for on the go charging as you only need to carry a single cable. What’s more, the 2.4 Amp Lightning input port means the power bank recharges at top speed, to get you powered up and on your way in record time. Suggested retail price: $59.99
Facts:
- 68% of adults fear being out of mobile phone contact
- 90% of us panic about losing power on our phones
- The average American spends about 3 hours per day on their smartphone.
What’s more, the 2.4 Amp Lightning input port means the power bank recharges at top speed, to get you powered up and on your way in record time. Suggested retail price: $59.99
Have you made up your wish list yet? What are your favorite new technology items? Thanks, CTA, Techlicious and littletechgirl.com for a lovely afternoon! CES, I will be seeing you soon!
