Make a swish splash: e-readers designed for the bath and super soakers
WATER and electricity are a famously bad combination but now there are plenty of H2O-resistant gadgets that are designed to survive a dunking, intentional or otherwise.
As Amazon launches a new Kindle that can be dropped in the bath without frazzling, here are the best aqua-friendly gadgets to future-proof your bathroom — from the “shower of the future” based on space station tech, to a smart scale that knows more about you than you do.
The bathtime read
Reading books in the bath is peak relaxation — until your bestseller takes a dip. Amazon’s updated version of the Kindle Oasis, the premium end of its e-reader range, is waterproof for up to 60 minutes so it can withstand all kinds of splashy plot twists. It’s even recommended to wash any bubble bath suds out with more water. Be sure to let the excess liquid drain out of the USB port.
£229, amazon.co.uk
The super soaker
The traditional shower gets an ecooverhaul with the Swedish-designed Orbital Systems shower. Instead of running an endless supply of water, Orbital Systems’ unit runs a closed loop of 5-10 litres which is filtered back to drinking quality beyond the plug hole, and pumped back up to the shower head. It saves hugely on water usage and energy bills. £2,707, orbital-systems.com
The dynamic dryer
Dyson’s reinvention of the hairdryer, the Supersonic, has been engineered to treat your hair better. Shrinking the motor and placing it in the handle, it regulates its temperature to prevent heat damage. The “air multiplier” tech means your hair still get a good blast, and it comes with multiple nozzles for various styles. £329.99, dyson.co.uk
The deep clean
Those looking for a hi-tech clean with no spend limit, Philips has packed plenty of tech into the space-age Sonicare DiamondClean. The HX9924/14 boasts multiple brushing modes and stain removal, as well as a companion app to show which areas you brush too little (or too much). £260, johnlewis.com
The cardio companion
Nokia’s Body Cardio breaks down your body mass index, body fat, water percentage, and muscle and bone mass, as well as reading your heart rate. The data is stored on an app so you can get a closer look.
The submariner’s speaker
JBL’s waterproof Flip 4 bluetooth speaker is ideal whether you’re listening to podcasts during an evening soak, or streaming the radio over a morning scrub.
£119.99, uk.jbl.com
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