Gifts for tech lovers
Here are 10 top gadgets for tech lovers
✱SMART MOTIVATION
Is it one of your resolutions to get fit after Christmas? The latest in the Fitbit family, the Ionic smartwatch and fitness tracker boasts advanced features putting it a step above the rest. With a vibrant screen, smart notifications and changeable straps, it looks the part whatever your style preference. The device is water-resistant, and features a heart-rate monitor, step counter and built-in GPS. It’s the perfect gift for fitness fans, and anyone looking for a new and improved training pal. Fitbit Ionic, available at Currys PC World, €335
✱NO SILENT NIGHTS!
For booming sound on the go, gift music lovers with the Luckies Smartphone Speaker. Don’t be fooled by the size of this retro-inspired speaker. It may look small, but it has impressive volume and quality. Compact and lightweight, the speaker is the perfect pocket accessory for camping at festivals or bringing along to Christmas gatherings. Suitable for any smartphone, MP3 player or laptop. Luckies Smartphone Speaker 2.0, available at Avoca, €29.95
✱EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER
Last year, Virtual Reality (VR) consoles took off big time and this year, they’re still a must-have. The VR Starter Pack for PlayStation 4 will bring an immersive experience to your living room, perfect to keep the whole family entertained over Christmas and beyond. PlayStation VR Starter Pack (includes PS VR headset, PS Camera and VR Worlds), available from stockists nationwide, €399.99
✱TAKE CONTROL
Referred to as a ‘revolution in your hands’, the DUALSHOCK 4 bring PlayStation players a higher level of control and interaction during games. Available in a variety of colours to suit your preference, including blue and red, the controller has a new feature, the Share button. This allows gamers to share their greatest gaming achievements or live-stream their gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress. Because if you’re good at the game, it deserves to be noticed! PlayStation DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller available from stockists nationwide, €64.99
✱MADE FOR ‘U’
Nothing feels as connected and personal as the sensation of touch or the warmth of an embrace – you affectionately squeeze the hand of the one you love. The HTC U11 is inspired by the power of this embrace, with a revolutionary squeeze interaction called HTC Edge Sense. Lightly squeeze your phone and you can speak your message and send texts, or take a photo without having to press buttons. As a bonus, the HTC won’t mind if you’re too clingy! HTC U11, available at Carphone Warehouse, €545.99
✱FROM A GALAXY FAR AWAY
An ideal gift to keep ‘Star Wars’ fans entertained, R2-D2 Artoo is one of the most well-known and loved robots of all time. Control this Droid through your smartphone or watch it patrol on its own. On R2-D2’s spinning dome head, you’ll find all of the blinking lights and sensors you’d find in the movies. The app also allows R2-D2 to watch and react to ‘Star Wars’ movies such as ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One’. So, if you’re having a hard time convincing someone to watch your favourite movie for the hundredth time, R2-D2 will be a happy companion. R2-D2 Robot, available at B Cool! The Gadget Store, €199.95
✱ON YOUR MARKS
Go head-to-head with family and friends to see who is the best flyer. Set up a racing course around your house with different check-in stations and see which drone will reach the finish line first. LED lights on the front allow you to battle in the sky and hit targets to win. It’s one race where a little cheating is necessary! Twin Racing Drones, available at M&S, €135
✱KEEPING TABS
An affordable tablet you can take anywhere, this midnight-coloured Lenovo tablet is a stylish companion for work commutes or lazy days by the fire. With full HD display, it not only offers a brilliant viewing experience for online videos or movies, but it is also perfect for gaming. The battery delivers up to 10 hours of uninterrupted use, although we would recommend taking a break in-between and keep tabs on screen time! Lenovo Tab 2 10.1” Tablet, available at Harvey Norman, €189.99
✱WAKE-UP CALL
Mischievous and genius, the Clocky Alarm Clock from Suck UK will ensure that you never oversleep again. Created in shiny silver, it gives you one chance to wake up. Press the snooze button and Clocky will jump from your bedside table and wheel around until you get up to turn him off. A perfect gift for those who love their sleep a little too much! SUCK UK Clocky Alarm Clock, available at Brown Thomas, €55
✱I’VE GOT THE POWER
There’s no denying the mystical powers of the mighty unicorn and they even expand into battery power. Pop this Unicorn Powerbank in your pocket or bag and when you need to boost the battery onyour smartphone – let this 2000mAh battery work its magic. Thumbs Up Unicorn Powerbank, available at Carphone Warehouse, €19.99