For many, 2020 may not have been anything to write home about.
Yet despite everything that’s been going on in the world around us, it’s been another impressive year of technological advancement - and that makes our job just a little bit easier come Christmastime.
We all have those technophiles in our lives that thrive off the shiniest new launches - so we’re here to help you tick each item off their letter to Santa.
Smart home devices continue to rule the roost, transforming everyday unnoteworthy products and appliances (like fridges and doorbells) into hugely sought-after items that do so much more than they say on the tin.
We’ve also seen new iPhones, Google Pixels, electric bikes, cameras, speakers and even pizza ovens - all of which will give the tech lover in your life the chance to discover products that will enhance their day to day.
We have gathered the best state-of-the-art products to nail the unwrapping on Christmas morning.
See more of our designated gift guides here
- Best Christmas gifts 2020
- Best Christmas gifts for him
- Best Christmas gifts for mums
- Best Christmas gifts for teens
- Best luxury Christmas gifts
- Best budget Christmas gifts
- Best beauty gift sets
- Best Christmas toys
- Best Christmas gaming gifts
- Best men’s grooming gifts
- Best fragrance gifts
Now on to tech…
MATE X foldable electric bike
During the pandemic, there’s been one trend that’s really accelerated - cycling. Even the not-so-confident among us have dusted off our timeold bikes and hit the road in all new two-wheeled way.
Taking this traditional manual mode of transport to high-tech places, electric bikes have become the choice for technolophiles due to their ease and speed. These are bikes that are kitted out with motors and our favourite has got to be this one from MATE that can fold up to an easily-maneuverable compact size. It has a 250w motor, hi-torque 48V battery and a 17.5Ah capacity to take you faster for longer.
Shop more electric bikes here, road bikes here and electric scooters here.
Sony ZV-1 Compact Vlogging Camera
Whether your friend, family member or loved one wants to try their hand at vlogging or just film on the go with ease, Sony has designed this compact camera that is packed with handy specs. First and foremost, it features a 20.1 megapixel camera, 4k Ultra HD video capabilities, 2.7x optical zoom and a touch LCD screen that can be flipped out to make selfie shooting a breeze. The camera will help them capture professional-looking images and videos where colours are brighter, and more natural. There’s image stabilsation, a three-capsule microphone with windshield for high quality audio and there’s an instant background blur button.
Shop mirrorless cameras here.
Sonos Move
Elevate their sound experience by introducing Sonos and in particular the brand’s Move model into their lives. The Move is the audio aficionado’s battery-powered wireless speaker that’s weatherproof, drop resistant and connects via the app to your phone or through voice assistant. It is quick and easy to charge through the provided charging base and gives 11 hours of playback per charge.
Shop more portable, wireless speakers here.
Ooni Pizza Oven
What could be better than their very own pizzeria in the comfort of their own garden? Bring the ability to craft authentic Italian-style wood fire oven pizzas with the much sought-after Ooni pizza ovens, a new era in food tech. A leader in the at-home devices, there are many sizes and souped-up specs to choose from with wood-flame, gas and pellet varieties.
Shop more home pizza ovens here.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Powerful Bluetooth Speaker
All new from expert sound label Bang & Olufsen, the Beolit 20 has an impressive 240 watts of power to take the audio experience to the next level. While B&O are known for its sound, it is also the brand’s ability to house it in attractive and art-like casings that fit seamlessly among any decor.
It is crafted from premium and durable materials with a contemporary look. The speaker also features eight hours of playback and can be powered up through a wireless Qi charging surface.
Portal TV from Facebook Smart Video Calling Camera
It has never been more important to stay in touch with loved ones. While virtual chats may have replaced traditional meet-ups, the Portal TV will make them feel like you’re right there in the room with them.
Just connect it to the big screen and make the most of the smart camera that will pan, zoom, and widen automatically to keep the subject always in the frame as you move around. There’s also voice control, Story Time where books are transformed with interactive music, animation and AR. The Portal is also available in tablet form in all different sizes.
Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case
AirPods revolutionised the wireless listening game, removing the time and effort it took to untangle headphone wires. While the original models will always have a place in our heart, the Pros are designed to have a more customised fit with three tip sizes to ensure security and all-day comfort, while also featuring noise cancellation.
If safety is a concern with the latter, pop the headphones in Transparency mode to bring you back into the world around you. They are also sweat and water resistant and have a 24 hour battery life.
Beats EP On-Ear Headphones - Black
Treat them to the superior sound of Beats’ EP headphones that combine impressive audio with supreme comfort. These models are wired so all it takes is plugging in to enjoy their favourite tracks and no stress about charging. There is also sound cancelling to remove all distracting background noise so they can get fully engrossed in the song at hand, pause and play controls on the wire and a built-in microphones so you can make calls.
Kokoon Over-Ear Sleep Headphone with Flexmould Pads
For those of us who have long struggled with the essential task of sleep, it can get more and more frustrating every single night. Whether it’s stress, the inability to relax or the sound around them causing the insomnia, this gadget from Kokoon may be able to help.
These are headphones with noise-cancelling technology but are also kitted out with a monitor and a whole host of other handy features. There’s adaptive audio that fades out your music or audiobook, soundproofing to rid you of all external noise, an app with sleep techniques and meditation and most importantly of all, impressive comfort with a durable, natural fibre composition so you can wear throughout the night.
TILE Pro (2020) Bluetooth Tracker – Black
We’ve all got that one friend who would lose their head if it wasn’t screwed on and you’re about to check them off your gifting list.
Tile is an unassuming locating device that can be slipped into a phone case, laptop case, wallet, hung on their keys or just about anything else for easy Bluetooth tracking.
All they need to do is press the Tile button and it will ring loudly - even if your phone’s on silent. There’s a range of 122 metres and it’s water resistant with a one-year battery life.
Coravin Model Two Wine Preservation Opener
Is there anything worse than opening a delicious bottle of wine, finding yourself unable to finish it and then pouring the rest down the drain several days later once it’s turned. This innovative device will ensure there’s no more weeping over lost wine.
When you just want a glass or a sip, Coravin means you won’t even need to pull the cork. Simply attach this device and you can pour however much you like through the fine needle, leaving the cork in place and keeping the wine preserved and fresh for your next drink. It is ideal for wine tastings or pairings.
Segway Drift skates
Heard of segways? Well Segway-Ninebot, the brand behind the electric personal transportation, is back with the next innovative way of getting around that will make you feel like you are in 3020.
The skates are relatively easy to master and will then take you where you need to go in a fraction of the time. They are lightweight and portable so work well for commuting.
White Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock
Saving you time and energy in the morning, this state-of-the-art coffee machine doubles up as an alarm clock that kick-starts your brew. You can use ground, filter or espresso coffee and set the timer so it is ready when you are or alternatively brew on demand.
There’s even a milk vessel that cools overnight to keep it fresh but uses infrared sensor technology not to add it if you prefer your cuppa black. Oh and it looks completely futuristic and super chic.
Roku Streambar
By connecting this Roku Streambar to their TV, you will gift your loved one the power to stream just about any TV show or film at the touch of the button, while also providing superior room-filling sound.
It has HD, 4k Ultra HD and HDR built-in as well as a huge roster of entertainment, web and streaming apps like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV and many, many more.
