HOMBRE Holiday Gift Guide: TECH & GADGETS
20 Dec 2018 by HOMBRE in Ego, Excercise, Fame, Fitness, Fitness, General, Gift Guide, Health, Health, Home, Money, Music, Pleasure, Power, Products, Technology, TOYS
As the Christmas holiday nears and finding the right gift takes the utmost priority, gadgets and technology always are tops on the list for most members of your exclusive circle. Here we bring you some of our favorite selections – from wearabales, to smartphones, home entertaining, computing, gaming, and more– you’ll find something for everyone.
SMARTPHONES
Samsung Galaxy Note9
The Galaxy Note9 is designed for those who want it all. It delivers all-day battery and performance for watching movies or playing games, a Bluetooth-enabled remote control S Pen for group selfies or presenting slides, and an intelligent camera for the best photos. It supports up to 1TB of total storage for saving all of your photos and videos and is now available in Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple, Midnight Black, and Cloud Silver. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $999.99)
Galaxy S9 and S9+
With access to the fastest network speeds, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ feature the most advanced camera available on Samsung’s signature S series. It also provides an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $719.99)
HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro
Huawei’s latest was named “Best Smartphone at CES.” The HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro is the first phone co-Engineered with Leica and includes a 6″ Huawei FullView display with 18:9 display ratio for great views of photos and videos, a Leica dual camera with f/1.6 aperture for taking crisp, beautiful photos, and IP67-rated water and dust resistance that makes it durable for everyday life. Most impressive is one of the longest lasting batteries on the market. A perfect phone for photographers, entrepreneurs, students, and international travelers. For carriers, the unlocked HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro will operate on GSM networks in the U.S. including AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Simple Mobile and Tracfone. Available at major retails stores and www.huawei.com (@649.)
moto z3
The moto z3 is the first mobile device that is upgradable to 5G, as well as moto mods which can transform your phone into a polaroid camera, video projector and more with just a snap. Right now, Motorola is offering a special deal on the moto z3 through Verizon for just $10/month for 24 months. This price of $240 is half off the original. Available at www.motorola.com ($480.).
NUU Mobile G3
NUU Mobile, a global manufacturer and supplier of high quality, unlocked smartphones, has relaunched the new G3 smartphone. Built with the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, the G3 provides a faster, more powerful user experience and comes with features like picture-in-picture and autofill to help users seamlessly navigate tasks both for work and for pleasure. With dual SIM technology it allows the user to switch between two numbers and data plans, a feature that is ideal for international callers.
It also is equipped with facial recognition and fingertip digital sensor technologies, as well as NFC. Additionally, the G3’s new operating system features stronger security protections and speed improvements that keep users both secure and operating at rapid speeds.
The innovative smartphone is an outstanding value for the price and currently available on NUU Mobile’s website and on Amazon ($199.99)
Honor 8X
Honor X-series phones (from Huawei) are dedicated to providing the most value to savvy customers, with cutting-edge technology, features and style, but with an astoundingly accessible price. Honor 8X delivers a top-end configuration of a 6.5-inch Notch FullView Display with a 91% screen-to-body-ratio and chip-on-film (COF) technology along with a comprehensive list of top features. Key highlights include: AI dual camera with super night shot photograph and a dual-lens 20M + 2M rear and 16M front facing cameras. Available at www.amazon.com ($289.)
WEARABLES
Samsung Galaxy Watch
The Galaxy Watch is a powerful smartwatch designed with an active lifestyle in mind and comes in two different sizes (42mm and 46mm) and three different color finishes. It empowers users to stay connected without their smartphone nearby and with Samsung Health, they can stay on top of their health and wellness goals; all while looking stylish. Available at www.samsung.com (Bluetooth version starting at $329.99; LTE starting at $379.99)
Samsung Wear Fit 2 Pro
The Gear Fit2 Pro fitness tracker features advanced built-in GPS tracking to capture your run or ride with accuracy. The durable device is dust and water-resistant and boasts a bevy of functions, including swim and heart rate monitoring capabilities and a standalone music player, complete with a powerful battery that can last up to three days to take on any adventure. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $199.99)
Huawei Watch 2 Classic / Sport
Huawei Watch 2 Sport Smartwatch has a built-in GPS and allows you to monitor your heart rate and track your workout routes without your phone. And the scientific sleep tracking TruSleep keeps track of light, deep and REM sleep stages to make your sleep truly restful. You can make payments, have a personal voice assistant from your wrist, and download and listen to music with Google Play Music on your watch. Available online at www.huawei.com and Amazon, Newegg and B&H
Huawei Band 3 Pro
Here’s an All-in-One Fitness Activity Tracker. It has full screen touch and home button control – built-in GPS tracks workouts without your phone. 50M water resistance, pool swim and open water with a 6-axis imu sensor, providing stats for stroke style detection, distance, laps, swolf, number of strokes and calories.
The Multi-sports mode tracks indoor/outdoor run, walk, indoor/outdoor cycle, swim, free training and various exercise types. The 24/7 heart rate monitor provides precise real-time heart rate data, and also has true sleep 2.0, developed in collaboration with Harvard medical school’s cdb center, which identifies the 6 most common sleep-related issues, and gives suggestions for better sleep. Finally it doubles as a Camera shutter remote for your smartphone. Available online at www.huawei.com and Amazon, Newegg and B&H
The WSD-F20 PRO TREK SMART Outdoor Watch,
This smartwatch has a choice of 3 modes to suit your activity. Use the monochrome and color displays separately to maintain superior visibility in any environment. The resulting efficient power management also contributes to battery saving.The monochrome face is normally displayed, but pressing a button calls up the Color map.
Optimal management of battery power to suit your planned activities enables you to reduce power consumption while still checking your current location on the map necessary, even during a 3-day/2-night excursion. Two display styles for outdoor or daily life are selectable. Set your WSD-F30 to the Normal mode and wear it as a smartwatch, making full use of features from Color map displays to notification functions in connection with your selected apps. Whether engaging in outdoor adventuring or normal everyday life, you can enjoy it to the full throughout the day.
Casio Men’s “Pro Trek” Outdoor GPS Resin Sports Watch, Color: Black & Indigo Blue Available at www.casio.com ($399.)
TABLETS
When it comes to tablets these selections from Amazon’s Fire brand offer versatility, limitless options, and excellent value. Available at www.amazon.com
- Fire HD 10 tablet with Alexa Hands-Free is $50 off—just $99.99
- Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet is $50 off—just $149.99
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
The Galaxy Tab S4 is a 2-in-1 premium Android tablet that helps you get more done from wherever you are. With Samsung DeX for a more optimized work-experience, longer-lasting battery and the refined S Pen, the SamsungGalaxy Tab S4 makes for easier productivity and more immersive entertainment – anytime, anywhere. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $649.99 without the Book Cover Keyboard)
HUAWEI MediaPad M5
Huawei’s award-winning HUAWEI MediaPad M5 series is now available in the U.S. Featuring a crisp and clear display, 3D immersive sound from Harman Kardon and a long-lasting battery, the tablet is ideal for international travelers, business professionals, gamers and students looking for an unparalleled mobile experience for work and play.
Key features include the world’s first 2.5D curved glass on a tablet, 11-12 hours of 1080p video playback, and the ClariVu 5.0 display technology ensures that images are crisp and clear.
The tablet comes in three models, all available at www.huawei.com and Amazon.com and Newegg.com (Starting at $359.)
LAPTOPS
Samsung Notebook Odyssey
The Odyssey Z allows you to game on the go, thanks to the ultra-slim design that features an innovative cooling system and premium hardware for next-level performance. It has a Game Bar and supports DirectX12 and XBOX Play Anywhere tittles. It is powered by an i7 Hexa-Core processor for playing games or editing photos/videos at faster speeds. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $1,799. 99)
Samsung Chromebook Plus (LTE)
The new 2-in-1 LTE convertible Chromebook offers students, professionals and creators a light-weight and thin PC that can be used anywhere, without the need for a WiFi connection. Included are front and rear-facing cameras for more convenient photo capturing, and a built-in pen that can be used while in PC or tablet forms to take notes, sketch or sign documents. Available at www.samsung.com (LTE version starting at $599.99)
Samsung Galaxy Book2
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Windows 10, the new Galaxy Book2 elevates the mobile PC experience to the next level. With always-on LTE connectivity, a multi-workday battery (up to 20 hours), S Pen and keyboard, 12” Super AMOLED display and two AKG speakers with built-in Dolby Atmos, the Book2 makes every presentation and video look and sound stunning- from the office or on-the-go. Available at www.samsung.com (Starting at $999.99)
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro
Another superior device from Huawei is the new sleek and mighty laptop, HUAWEI MateBook X Pro, also now available in the U.S. Featuring a touch screen display and Dolby Atmos speakers, the MateBook X Pro is the perfect laptop for those in need of a practical, strong, yet stylish device that can help them easily transition between office and leisure. Available at www.huawei.com and Amazon, Newegg or a Microsoft store. (Starting at $1,199.99.)
AUDIO
SPEAKERSSoundcast’s VG5
The top premium Soundcast’s VG5 is the perfect option to provide thunderous bass to your entire tailgate. Powered by a long-throw, down-firing 6″ woofer and two 3” full range drivers, the VG5 allows you to amplify quality sound throughout any listening environment. It includes a first-of-its-kind capacitive touch interface, fuel-gauge LED array and weather-resistant exterior for ultimate durability and ease of use. For tailgaters who want the ultimate audio experience, you can pair two VG5 speakers with built-in True Wireless Stereo.
The VG5 features unbeatable durability, providing full protection against rusting, rain, snow and sun and its light, and its 3.5 lb. weight allows for ultimate portability.
Available at GoSoundcast.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and more. ($499)
Soundcast: VG1
Here’s a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker designed for durability and superb sound quality. Staying home for the game but tailgating DIY-style on your own deck? Soundcast’s VG1 is a versatile speaker designed with ultimate portability in mind. Waterproof IPX67 rating allows for total submersion in up to ten feet of water and full protection against dust, and it’s Bluetooth range reaches up to 30 feet. Contains a built-in microphone for conference call and works with Siri for hands-free control. Built-in rechargeable battery for up to 15 hours of playback. Aavailable at www.soundcast.com ($149)
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 + MEGABOOM 3
The next-generation BOOM 3 + MEGABOOM 3 feature deep bass and 360° sound, meticulously balanced so you can hear every note as the artist intended. Wrapped in a stunning two-tone, high-performance fabric, they’re also drop proof, waterproof and dustproof (IP67). You can use PartyUp and connect these new speakers with BOOM, BOOM 2 and MEGABOOM for bigger, better and louder parties.
BOOM 3 + MEGABOOM 3 feature the Magic Button for one-touch music controls so you can play, pause and skip songs directly on the speaker without reaching for your phone.
BOOM 3 + MEGABOOM 3 are now compatible with Ultimate Ears POWER UP charging dock (sold separately) for convenient wireless charging.
Speakers are available in eight colors: Night (Black), Sunset (Red), Lagoon (Blue), Ultraviolet (Purple), and Apple Exclusives Denim (Dark Blue) and Cloud (Light Blue). Available at www.ultimateears.com ($149.99 $199.99 $39.99)
Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST
From Ultimate Ears’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker range, MEGABLAST is the loudest and most powerful speaker from Ultimate Ears, and is 40 percent louder than Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM. MEGABLAST has Amazon Alexa built-in. Ask Alexa to play music or control smart home devices. Voice control is supported for Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Deezer, Amazon Music and TuneIn.
On Wi-Fi, enjoy a bigger range (330 feet on Wi-Fi, 100 feet on Bluetooth), stream the highest quality audio possible, text message or make calls without interrupting the music and save phone battery. MEGABLAST will support a new grouping experience for smart speakers, expected to be available later this year.
MEGABLAST is available in four colors: Graphite (Black), Blizzard (White), Blue Steel and Merlot (Red). Available at www.ultimateears.com ($249.99 $39.99)
Star Wars Darth Vader Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Mighty and marvellous this Star Wars Darth Vader Bluetooth Speaker is a near life size version of the real thing. The perfect gift for any Star Wars fan, watch as those eyes begin to glow. Pair with your mobile device for wireless music playback, or use the additional AUX cable to connect with wired devices, not to mention the freedom to make hands free calls from Darth Vader too. Available at www.thefoundry.com ($195.0
When it comes to smart speakers consider the following options from Amazon’s Echo lineup:
- Echo Dot (2nd gen) is $20 off—only $19.99
- All-New Echo Dot is $25.99 off—just $24.00
- Echo (2nd gen) is $30.99 off—only $69.00
- All-New Echo Plus is $40 off—only $109.99
- All-New Echo Show is $50 off—just $179.99
- Echo Spot is $40 off—only $89.99
HEADPHONES
AKG N700NC Wireless Headphones
Combining the best in design with AKG’s award-winning sound technology, the AKG N700NC Wireless are the ideal over-ear headphones for music lovers who want best-in-class audio.
With adaptive noise cancelling, users can control how much surrounding noise they want to let in – so they can immerse themselves in the music or keep an ear open to the world around them – all with the push of a button.
World-class audio technology eliminates echoes, striking the perfect balance between noise cancellation and ambient awareness and resulting in crystal clear voice calls. And with battery life that lasts up to 20 hours, you can listen to music throughout the day without having to worry about charging. The AKG N700NC Wireless are now available for purchase at AKG.com, Amazon and Samsung.com ($349.95)
AKG Y500
These wireless on-ear headphones feature Multi-point Connectivity allowing users to pair two connected Bluetooth devices at the same time, as well as extended battery-life lasting up to 33-hours on a single charge so that they can listen more seamlessly, all day long. Available at www.samsung.com ($149.95):
AKG Y100
No matter where your day brings you, these light and durable in-ear headphones bring users crisp clean sounds, and also feature Ambient Aware that allow users control of their surrounding sound with a single tap. Available at www.samsung.com ($99.95):
Skullcandy Venue
Skullcandy’s newest wireless headphone, Venue, offers a noise-canceling experience designed for everyone struggling to find their own space in shared working, living and traveling environments. Venue’s active noise canceling (ANC) technology is designed to deliver powerful ANC performance. When users do need to tap into the outside world, Monitor Mode easily lets them hear their surroundings with just a push of a button.
Venue is also equipped with Rapid Charge technology, providing five hours of battery life with just a 10 minute charge. In partnership with Tile, Venue can be tracked using the Tile app on a mobile device to ensure the headphones are never misplaced. With up to 24 hours of battery life, Bluetooth capability and a premium travel case, Venue keeps the music going wherever it’s taken. Venue is available in Black and White colorways. Available at www.skullcandy.com ($129.99)
Skullcandy Crusher 360
This is the next generation of immersive technology with Crusher 360. This ultra-realistic audio experience is proprietary to Skullcandy, and offers an adjustable sensory bass that users can not only hear, but also feel. Crusher 360 offers a variety of advancements from its predecessor: premium materialization, broadened haptic bass response, digital signal processing and touch controls. With up to 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth capability and a premium travel case, the Crusher experience can be taken on-the-go.
Crusher 360 are available for purchase exclusively at Best Buy and Skullcandy.com in Black/Tan and Black/Black colorways ($109.99)
Jaybird Tarah Pro
With 14 hours of play time, Tarah Pro is designed for long term comfort and power as you push yourself to your limits all day long. These ultra tough sweatproof and waterproof (IPX7) earbuds feature the new Switch Fit for a quick switch between over- and under-the-ear fit as you own the trails. SnapLock magnetic technology secures the earbuds around your neck and automatically turns them off to save battery life when they’re not in use. Fast charge means two hours of playtime from just five minutes of charging. Train for your next big adventure while enjoying your music your way through the customizable Jaybird app.
Available at www.jaybird.com ($159.99)
Ultimate Ears Customs and Fitkit
Using the brand new, cutting-edge technology of the Ultimate Ears Fitkit, you can now get natural and precise fitting customs by capturing an impression of your inner ear from the comfort of your own home. No other bespoke earphones on the market offer this innovative customization tool to consumers.
Choose from three unique models, each engineered with different speaker configurations to give you a supreme and personalized audio experience. The UE-5 for powerful audio, the UE-11 for accentuated bass and the UE-18+ for the ultimate in sound separation.
Your custom earphones are handcrafted in California and can be delivered to your door within 10 business days. Available from custom.ultimateears.com (Starting from $499.00)
GAMES & ‘TOYS’
NES Classic Edition
The NES Classic Edition is back in its full retro glory. The all-in-one system includes 30 favorite NES games such as Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros and Mega Man 2. This Nintendo NES Classic Edition comes with an HDMI cable, controller and power adaptor for out-of-the-box gaming enjoyment.
And as far as games, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launches in December, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! in November, and Super Mario Party in October, just in time for the holiday season. Available at www.nintendo.com ($59.99)
Anki Vector
Vector is more than a home robot. He’s your buddy. Your companion. Most of all, he’ll make you laugh. Curious, independent, and powered by some preposterous tech and AI, he can read the room, express the weather, announce when his timer’s done (no overcooked dinner on his watch), take the perfect snapshot, and so much more. Available at www.vector.com ($249).
Anki Overdrive
Perfect for the young or young at heart, Overdrive is the ultimate, most intelligent battle race system. Each Supercar is a self-aware robot, driven by powerful artificial intelligence (A.I.) and equipped with deadly strategy. Whatever track you build, they’ll learn it. Wherever you drive, they’ll hunt you down. The better you play, the better they become. And with continuous software updates, the gameplay always stays fresh. Customize weapons. Swap out cars. Build new tracks. It’s easy to pick up, and nearly impossible to put down. Available at www.anki.com ($149)
FOR THE HOME
Covr Dual Band Whole Home Wi-Fi System (COVR-C1203)
Covr is the seamless Wi-Fi solutionthat features three high-performance Covr Points, perfect fit for your modern home. It blankets every square inch of your home with high speed AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi. With Covr, you enjoy Wi-Fi that’s stable, consistent, and truly seamless. Available at www.dlink.com ($249.99)
CINEMOOD
CINEMOOD gives you the ability to download and play or stream live a cinematic experience on any flat surface. That means awesome backyard movie nights, films projected on your tent while camping, videos on the bedroom ceiling, wherever you can think to project! CINEMOOD is the world’s first absolutely noiseless, 3” ultralight standalone projector, that converts any surface into a 12-foot magic cinema. You can connect to WiFi and stream from Netflix, Amazon Prime or YouTube. You can also download Netflix or Amazon Prime videos directly on CINEMOOD to enjoy anywhere, without WiFI or Internet connection. Available at www.cinemood.com and Amazon.com ($399.99)
Blink XT 1-cam system
What to get the person that has everything? How about the one item that can help them protect their cherished possessions? www.available at www.amazon.com ($78.99)
LUX STOCKING STUFFERS
SanDisk Extreme Portable SS
We all have that one person in our life who is an adrenaline junkie and wants to capture every moment of their adventures. Don’t let them get stuck with full storage before they get to take that video backflipping off a waterfall. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD enables users to save and edit hi-res photos and videos while being durable so they can bring it on even the toughest adventures. Available at www.sandisk.com( $89.99 – $399.99)
My Passport SSD
For that person in your life who is always looking for the latest tech gadget, treat them to a My Passport SSD. With blazing-fast transfers, this portable storage device has hardware encryption that helps keep content secure. On top of that, it is built for Mac and PC, is USB Type-C ready and able reach read speeds up to 540MB/s. Available at www.wd.com ($199.99)
AIR SELFIE2
The AirSelfie2 is the next generation pocket-sized flying camera brings updated features to aerial photography including A camera with 12-megapixel resolution for HD photos and videos, 16 GB Memory, 50 percent longer battery life, with a choice of four colors. Available at www.airselfie.com ($199.99)
YoCam Waterproof Action Camera
Perfect for any outdoor enthusiast or gadgethead it’s a versatile waterproof camera. From skateboarding, climbing, skiing, cycling, diving, parasailing or skydiving whatever your passion with the YoCam by your side those moment’s won’t be missed with this super small yet powerful camera. Available at TheFowndry. ($233.66)
Owl Cam
Owl serves as the eyes and ears of your vehicle – an intelligent driving companion complete with cameras, remote monitoring and 24/7 security designed to keep loved ones safe on the road and while parked. Features dual-facing HD camera, instant video access from anywhere, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, 14-day video loop, Voice capture and naming, Anti-theft floodlights, Companion app on iPhone and Android, video is 100% private. Only you can see, share, or delete your video
Available at www.owlcam.com ($349)