If you are expecting to receive tech gifts this holiday season, you are hardly alone. If you are planning to gift your loved ones with technology, you may want to review your holiday shopping list and compare it to the following trending items.
Don't be surprised if you see something here that you may not have thought about before; technology is a very diverse field that appeals to people in different ways. If you are truly passionate about technology, you probably would not mind getting all the items on this 2016 wish list; however, you should also keep in mind that some of the gifts listed herein may not be adequate for everyone.
Smart Wearable Fitness Devices
The 2016 holiday season will be remembered by all the FitBit wristbands and sporty smartwatches that will be found under the tree on the morning of December 25th. The FitBit tracker and the Apple Watch Nike+ will be the most popular choices in the wearable device segment, and the price just happens to be right for both. For about $400, the Apple Watch Nike+ is a better option for those who are really into fitness, particularly runners and swimmers. The FitBit Charge 2 is not for swimmers or marathons runners, but at $150 it is an affordable option even for those who are not into fitness but are looking to improve their health. Smart wearable devices run a risk of being discarded by people who have a hard time sticking to a fitness routine, so the FitBit and the Nike edition of the Apple Watch should be carefully considered before being gifted.
Virtual Reality Headsets
After decades of development, the VR computing platform is starting to reach mainstream consumers; however, not all headsets currently available will make adequate gifts. A VR headset such as the Oculus Rift gaming system, for example, will require a computer powered by an Intel Core i5 4590 and 8 GB of RAM at the least. For someone who is new to VR, the Google Daydream View headset is an ideal way to get started. This headset is an improvement over the Google cardboard project that turns Android smartphones into VR machines, but the Daydream View includes a separate controller to enjoy immersive games.
Amazon Echo
Virtual assistants are being installed into various computing platforms, but Amazon has taken a more interesting approach by putting its Alexa smart software into a standalone audio device that can be controlled by voice. Amazon Echo devices can perform a number of tasks such as placing orders through shopping and service apps, play music, organize podcasts, search the internet, manage reminders, place phone calls, and more. The $50 Echo Dot is the second generation device released by Amazon, and it is more suitable as a casual holiday gift for people who may wish to take their virtual assistant to the office.
Crayola Virtual Design App
Children are naturally inclined to use smartphones and tablets, but only if they have the right apps. The Crayola Virtual Design Pro allows children a CAD studio experience inspired by two themes: the Star Wars Universe and the princesses of Disney films. This app easily finds available printers so that children can show off their designs.
5 Steps You Can Take Now to Get Wealthy in 2017
The first move you can take toward financial independence is expanding your sense of what is possible.