Which gadgets will change our lives in 2023?
None – We already have smartphones, but no single device has a comparable impact.
Instead, this is the year of robot dogs, greener gadgets on a mission to save money and the planet, and everything AI-enabled.
I've tested thousands of consumer gadgets over the past decade and a half and reviewed just about every upcoming hot, trendy, and downright amazing new technology tool.
So what's the big thing this year? In addition to safety gadgets to keep an eye on everything from your front porch to the bed of your truck, we also have affordable portable projectors for movie night magic and interactive, screen-free, high-tech toys for kids of all ages.
I've been buying fewer expensive gadgets overall this past year, but I've been pleasantly surprised by some items I've stumbled upon on Amazon. Here are 10 things worth talking about.
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Stay charged on the go
I use the RTops 3-in-1 Travel Charger ($36) to charge my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time. Tri-folds into a small size that fits in your pocket, handbag, or backpack and allows you to charge at multiple angles. It's also fast, charging around 35% faster than a “regular” charger. I use it on planes, in my car, and anywhere I need to make sure my go-to gadget doesn't break down. Also great for cleaning up cords and clutter. I previously had one that I bought at the Apple Store for $150. It stopped working in less than a year. I've been using this for almost 3 years and haven't had any problems. It comes in 5 colors and I bought one for everyone in my family.
Introducing the new top (robot) dog
Educational Insights' PYXEL A Coder's Best Friend ($88) is the top dog of the year for kids ages 8 and up. Several new robot dogs debuted this year and caused a lot of buzz, but I chose this one for its hands-on coding companion that turns passive screen time into endless hands-on playtime. Because there is. Kids have so much fun that they don't realize how many skills they are acquiring. You can program various tricks, sounds, and emotions using Blockly and Python (the same coding language used by Space X).
Electric tricycles, because we have seriously thought about everything
Electric bikes are all the rage among adults, but now there are e-bikes for little kids too. Droid Romper E Trike ($140)) Introducing electric bikes to kids ages 3 and up with fun and safety in mind. Charge it up, put on your helmet and let your child ride freely on this improved scooter. Parent speed control and Romper's slow start mechanism make riding safe, smooth, and easy. It travels at approximately 3 to 6 miles per hour and has a colorful, motion-activated light-up front wheel to brighten your path during day or night adventures. It also comes with a tall flag so you can keep an eye on it as it runs around the park or playground.
Which baby monitors are safe?
While we're talking about a gadget that thinks about everything… VTech's V-Care Smart Baby Monitor is an important new piece of technology for new parents. It can now detect rolling over and covering your face, sending you an alert if your baby is in a potentially dangerous position. It also features a 1080p high-resolution over-the-crib camera with a 110-degree wide-angle lens, so you can see how your child is doing through the app on your smartphone or the included monitor, providing detailed sleep analysis. . Night lights, soothing sounds, and lullabies.
What’s a high-tech toy without a screen for kids?
We've reviewed several screen-free audio players for kids this year, and the one my niece is looking for includes some great new characters – Tony's MARVEL Spidey and His Amazing Friends (1 Figure ($18 per item).
For those who aren't familiar with Toniebox, it's an award-winning screenless audio player that brings kids stories, songs, and a variety of screen-free entertainment. Simply pop the Tony figure on top of the box to activate, and your child can join Spidey, Spin, and Ghost Spider on three new crime-fighting adventures with him.
I gave one of these to a friend's daughter who has severe physical and developmental disabilities and she loved it. She uses this tool whenever she goes to a restaurant or goes out with her family, and she teaches herself in an entertaining, educational, screen-free way that is not only fun but also good for the brain. You need to entertain yourself.
Are you having trouble finding holiday gifts?What happened when we used AI to help with Christmas shopping?
For gadgets with an element of surprise
This little Anything Speaker ($50) gadget is wild. It's a tiny Bluetooth speaker about half the size of a golf ball that uses bone conduction technology to listen to almost any object, with bizarrely powerful 360-degree sound that's up to three times louder than most smartphones. Change to a new speaker.
Just stick or vacuum it on a flat surface such as a table, window, metal bowl, etc. and you'll have a speaker in no time. It vibrates quite a bit, so you'll have to fiddle with the surface you use it on, so it's best to use his 3M stickers that come with it to keep it from rattling all over the place. The battery lasts approximately 1 hour of non-stop playback. Perfect for playing clear audio during the shower or impressing your family at your next holiday gathering.
Are headlamps the perfect gadget gift?
A headlamp (hands-free flashlight) is a must-have gadget these days. Knog's Quokka 80 ($30) is my new favorite because it's lightweight, inexpensive, waterproof, and easy to use. When charged and strapped on, it lights up up to 70 feet with either a high beam spotlight or a wide beam for better visibility. It's very useful for runners and cyclists who work outdoors in the winter, but it's also great indoors. (I use it to find things in my giant wallet.) It's also a staple in your first aid kit, glove box, camping kit, toolbox, craft room, or kitchen drawer.
Are there affordable smart projectors?
Everyone is looking for a portable projector these days, but it's hard to find one that's affordable and still works well. The KODAK FLIK HD9 Smart Projector ($250) is well-positioned as the perfect, powerful and portable way to take your movie night to the next level. Pair it with your smartphone app and take it with you to stream your favorite shows from Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and more anytime, anywhere. I gifted her one of these to my cousin and her family just before they were to take a road trip across the country with her two children under the age of five. She told me it was a complete lifesaver for her. Very easy to set up and use on the seat. camper.
Other gadget suggestions
We've introduced a lot of really cool new gadgets and technology tools this year here and on the Today show. Take a peek at some of his top picks this year, including Fluent Pet, Shef, Storii, and Irrigreen.
jennifer jolie He is an Emmy Award-winning consumer technology columnist and on-air correspondent. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect his views and opinions at USA TODAY. Please contact JJ@Techish.com.
