Must-have gadgets
- Impossible I-1 Instant Film Camera. The camera is designed to work with 600-type film. Its snapper allows users to take full control by connecting it to an iPhone via Bluetooth. Its removable pop-up optical viewfinder, on the other hand, is reminiscent of Polaroid technology. $299
- Aukey Portable Charger. The Aukey Portable Charger features stealthy design, 20,000-mAh capacity and support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0. A connectivity powerhouse, the battery pack features two USB outputs, as well as a microUSB and a Lightning input. A flashlight is also on board. Aukey backs the gadget with a two-year warranty. $35
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Fitbit Alta. The Fitbit Alta takes a stealthy approach to activity and sleep tracking. It shows a number of essential stats, as well as smartphone notifications via a tap on its OLED display. Leather bands are available, which can transform the Alta into a fashion accessory. $130
- Samsung Gear IconX. Samsung’s Gear IconX earbuds are truly wireless, freeing users from cables. Features include touch controls, the ability to act as a standalone MP3 player, a splash-resistant coating and a carrying case. $200
- Canon Selphy CP1200. The Canon Selphy CP1200 is a compact and user-friendly wireless photo printer. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to connect to mobile devices via a free app by Canon, as well as over AirPrint and Wireless PictBridge standards. The device can also print from SD and microSD cards, and USB flash drives. The Selphy CP1200 has a 2.7-inch color display and can deliver photos in multiple sizes, including 4 by 6 inches. Its rechargeable battery allows it deliver up to 54 images in a day. $100
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WD My Cloud. The My Cloud network-connected drive by WD features a sleek design and up to 6TB of built-in storage. It includes a dual-core processor, Gigabit Ethernet port, USB 3.0 slot for easy memory expansion, as well as DLNA 1.5 and UPnP certification. The drive can work with PC or Mac computers, and can connect to Android or iOS devices via a free mobile app. From $120
- Microsoft LifeCam Studio. The aluminum-clad LifeCam Studio webcam can make video calls with 720p resolution, though its sensor is capable of delivering 1080p video, too. Equipped with a wide-angle lens, the webcam includes a reportedly a high-quality microphone and can rotate 360 degrees. $52
- Amazon Echo. The Amazon Echo is a 360-degree wireless speaker, which runs on the Alexa platform, is designed to play music, read the news, control one’s compatible appliances and more. Amazon Echo costs $180. A less expensive option is the Amazon Echo Dot, which is said to deliver Alexa functionality to just about any device.
For more information visit http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/g864/cool-tech-products-you-need/.
Interesting apps for 2017
- The Streets app accesses Google Street View, but is easier and faster than doing so from Google Maps (iOS).
- Piktochart is a presentation tool that allows for the easy creation of infographics and presentations, which are considered more visually interesting than other presentation platforms (Android and iOS).
- Slack is a messaging app that allows the user to organize team conversations around projects, plans or within teams. Users can send direct messages, make calls and share files (Android, iOS, and Windows Phone).
- Just Press Record. Just Press Record is a voice recorder, which is said to provide the user with greater capacity than a built-in provides. Examples include unlimited recording time; the ability to record in the background while using other apps; and text transcription in several language (iOS, Apple Watch).
- The 500px app lets users search their photos by allowing them to draw a sketch of what it is they are looking for (Android and iOS).
- Enlight features a multitude of tools to edit photos (iOS).
- Hyperlapse allows users to create time-lapse videos without the need for a tripod (Android and iOS).
- DashClock allows users to place information, such as weather and appointments, on a home or lock screen. It is not necessary to log in to see the needed information (Android).
- Transit shows public transportation options – combined with bike and car sharing – that permit people to consider various options for traveling to a destination (Android and iOS).
- IFTTT – or, If This, Then That – permits the user to automate activities. For example, “If I add a new contact in my email, then save that person’s contact information to my notes account.” This app also connects to the Internet of Things, allowing users to turn the lights off at a designated time (Android and iOS).
- SideKix is a walking navigation app that offers routes based on interests rather than distance, making it easier to discover great places (Android and iOS).
- Go LA. Go LA allows users in Los Angeles an option to improve their commute by finding the shortest, cheapest and most sustainable method for reaching a destination (Android and iOS).
- Look Up. Look Up reminds pedestrians to look up from their mobile device and check their surroundings before crossing the street (Android).
- Streetwyze is a neighborhood navigator, which includes photos, audio, video and text provided by people in the neighborhood. This app has been in beta, and was not yet released at press time.
Source: Planetizen.com. For more information visit http://www.planetizen.com/node/90507/best-planning-apps-2017.