As we continue to live amid an ongoing pandemic, we increasingly become dependent on technology — whether we like it or not. Here are some picks of gadgets you must invest in, as we dive into another year of the new normal.
AirPods Pro
Apple’s in-ear headphones AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation for an immersive sound experience. An outward-facing microphone detects external sound that’s countered with equal anti-noise technology, which cancels the external sound. You can also select the transparency mode by clicking on the force sensor on the stem of the pods which serves as a button for various options. The fit of the AirPods Pro is customisable — choose from three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips that click into place. The Ear Tip Fit Test helps you find the best fit. Priced at `24,900 on apple.com/in
Naim for Bentley Mu-so wireless music system
Two iconic British brands — Naim Audio and Bentley Motors — come together once again for a striking sound collaboration (the first time the two companies announced their partnership was back in 2008). The new special edition Naim for Bentley Mu-so wireless music system features napped leather and a premium industrial design, inspired by a Bentley interior cabin. At the heart of the system is Naim’s music streaming platform. The system offers direct streaming from Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and internet radio; and is iOS and Android compatible. Other tech specifications include — six custom-designed drivers and a powerful 16-core 32-bit Digital Signal Processor. Priced at ₹1,56,354. naimaudio.com
Fitbit Charge 4
If you’re looking for an affordable yet state-of-the-art smart watch, the Fitbit Charge 4 is a good bet. It features a built-in GPS to track outdoor workouts independently and has a sleek, minimalistic design. The Charge 4 tracks over 20 different activities, from cycling to yoga. It’s also water resistant up to 50 meters and can be used for swimming. The smartwatch can track your runs automatically, and you can even set goals for things like pace, distance or calories burned before you start each activity. The Charge 4 has also added a new metric called Active Zone Minutes, which uses your heart rate zones to determine the intensity of your workout.Priced at ₹14,999 on fitbit.com
Flare Calmer
Next on our list is a small in-ear device — Flare Calmer — that increases sound quality and reduces stress. With the pandemic causing enough damage to our physical and mental health, this little device helps cut the extra noise in our ambience. Moulded with soft-touch durable silicone, it is comfortable to wear and one size fits all. It is recommended to wear on flights as it reduces the impact of airplane noise on your senses. The Flare Calmer can be used under headphones as well. It has been independently tested by ISVR (Institute of Sound and Vibration Research). flareaudio.com
Zoom for Home – DTEN ME
Zoom for Home – DTEN ME is an all-in-one personal collaboration device for your home office that offers a realistic experience while conducting Zoom meetings. It features a multi-touch 27-inch LED display screen with Capacitive Touch Screen Display technology. A three-camera array provides a life-like video for a professional meeting feel. An eight-microphone array and DTEN Audio AI allows for crystal clear audio input. The integrated speakers offer automatic noise reduction. The device, designed for the desk and tabletops, can easily be plugged in for a hassle-free setup. Priced at ₹44,600 on dten.com
Nescafé É Smart Coffee Maker and Travel Mug
É by Nescafé is a smart, app-enabled hot, and cold coffee maker that is ideal for those who can’t travel without their caffeine hit. The coffee machine pairs to your smartphone via bluetooth. Using the Nescafé É Connected Mug App, you can enjoy a variety of warm and chilled coffee recipes on-the-go — including frothy, hot cappuccinos, cool creamy iced coffees and espressos. É by Nescafé can prepare your desired coffee drinks in under 90 seconds. The 100 per cent leak-free mug allows you to sip on your beverage anywhere without any hassle.Priced at ₹6,499 on amazon.in; enescafe.in
Philips Hue Bridge
The brains of the Philips Hue smart lighting system, the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories. All you have to do is plug it in and use the Hue App to set routines, timers, custom light scenes, and more. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (via Hue Bridge) and Microsoft Cortana (via Hue Bridge) are the voice assistants which can be used. Philips Hue uses ZigBee, a safe and reliable low-power technology, to control your smart lights. All new features and improvements made to the system are automatically updated to your Hue smart lights. Priced at ₹4,468 on philips-hue.com
iRobot Roomba i7+
For frequent travellers, this is an interesting way to ensure your home remains clean, even when you’re not around. The i7+ robot vacuum cleaner learns, maps, and adapts to your home using Imprint Smart Mapping technology, letting you control which rooms are cleaned and when. Wherever you are, you can control when, where, and how your robot cleans from the iRobot HOME App for absolute customisation. The Roomba i7+, with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, automatically empties into an enclosed bag that holds up to 30 robot bins, so you don’t have to think about vacuuming for weeks at a time. Priced at ₹79,900 on irobot.in
