What is a Phablet?

A phablet is a device that has the similarities of a tablet and a smartphone. Recently, tablets’ sizes have shrunk from 10 inches to 7 inches while smartphones, on the other hand, increased from 4.3 inches to over 6 inches.

Manufacturers started producing bigger phones and smaller tablets, and this gave rise to phablets that come in ranges of 5.3 inches to 6.9 inches. Their CPU speeds are usually from 1.5 gigs and are either dual quad or even six core-based processors. Although it looks big, most men will prefer to carry this around than carrying both a tablet pc and a phone together. Ladies may like to carry their phablet in their purses.

What Makes Phablet Devices Special?

Phablets devices can take powerful processors and batteries to enhance battery life. They are ideal because most people are frustrated about their phone’s battery inability to last long.

Today, phablets are the way to go. Technology brings the 3g and LTE technology, dual camera, and GPS capabilities to these devices. And people that tried using Phablets found it hard to go back to the small screen of smartphones.

With the launch of faster processors, it was wise for manufacturers to increase the devices’ size to accommodate heating. But with larger phones, people can also benefit from longer battery life amidst other advantages of phablets.

Recent phone launches have shown that Phablets will be the new smartphones, and the popularity of tablet pc and phones will soon start to dwindle.

Why People Choose Phablets Over Smartphones

Some of the reasons why people will go for phablets instead of smartphones include the following:

Working Device

Although phablets are not the best working devices, they are still preferable to smartphones in this aspect. In case you are away from your PC and need to make adjustments to an existing project, a phablet will come in handy than a smartphone.

Phablet’s screen size makes it easier for you to send an email, edit and type documents, and adjust project presentation. In case you are working where there is no power and exhaust the battery life of your PC, you can quickly complete the work with a phablet.

Phablets are also ideal for multitasking in case you have a hefty workload. You can run multiple applications at the same time and switch between them seamlessly.

Battery life

When it comes to smartphones, the bigger the battery size, the better the battery life. There is no need to care about portability or compactness for phablets, which favors their battery life. In terms of smart devices, phablets have better battery life.

Most of their batteries are built to last all day without charging. So, if you find yourself managing a battery, you might want to consider a phablet over a smartphone.

Better Viewing Experience

Smartphone screens are not perfect for all media activities. Automatically, with a larger screen size, you will get a better viewing experience while watching videos, reading eBooks, or playing mobile games.

Phablets make it better to do these things. They are easy on the eyes because you will not have to strain your eyes with a large screen. If you enjoy using smart devices for entertainment, you will be better off with a phablet than a smartphone.

Smart Fish Finders

Smart fish finders are the way to go these days. They have changed how fishing is viewed, and many people are happy to pick it up as a hobby these days.

Most importantly, smart fish finders make fishing very easy for fishers and people who depend on these activities as a source of livelihood.

This article will see the improvement that smart fishfinder devices have brought to the fishing game in the last few years.

Traditional Fish Finders and How They Work?

Traditional fish finders usually use a curved-like feature and have rectangular imaging elements to help produce signals for imaging.

Their curve features are used to estimate the water frequency. The larger the frequency, the better the width and coverage area of the fish finder. However, a smaller frequency will help with better precision.

An example of a traditional fish finder is a 2D interpretation device. They are constantly beeping and giving details of what is happening in the water. Then the device produces output on a screen.

The latest details will show on the right side of the screen while the previous ones move to the left. When a fish swims closer to the frequency created, the fish finder will show an arch on the screen. The arc’s size will depend on the fish’s size and how close it is to the cone. A high or low frequency of the fish finder will also come into play here.

The disadvantage with traditional fish finders is that most of them tend to pick up water elements that come within range, like trees and bushes. However, some have narrow beam features to make sure that they only display realistic images.

Some traditional fish finders will also distinguish the fishes based on types and size. People that want to catch a specific fish type will get help with this type of finders.

What are Smart Fish Finders?

Smart fish finders are of 2 types today, namely: Portable and Castable fish Finders.

What are Portable Fish Finders?

Portable fish finders are specially designed tech devices that are more accurate and provide more details than conventional fish finders. They are perfect for fishers, small boat owners, and those who partake in fishing activities for recreation.

What are Castable Fish Finders?

Just as their name implies, you can cast these fish finders away from you. They are connectable with smartphones and wireless technologies, and when they go in search of fish, you can monitor them with your phone. Castable fish finders are the ideal option for pro and novice fishers that do not want to venture into the waters.

How do Portable and Castable Fish Finder Work?

These two types of devices work with the aid of a technology known as SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging). They depend on soundwaves and are designed to detect and relay the information to the user carefully. For portable fish finders, they use a transducer that acts as a sensor and a receiver that gathers the information.

Castable fish finders make use of a transducer and a receiver too. But in this case, your smartphone is the receiver because the fish finder will relay every information to its screen. The best way to make use of castable fish finders is by slowing their movement across a certain area of the water. To do this, you have to lurch the transducer gradually or leave it to move with a gentle water current.

Are Portable and Castable Fish Finders Ideal for Ice Fishing?

Yes, both fish finders work perfectly for ice fishing. To use them, dig a hole and put the transducer in it. The transducer will then give you all the important details you need to know, such as:

  • The water depth,
  • Presence of other fishes and
  • Presence of other water elements.

Assessing these details, you will conclude if the location you dug the hole is ideal for fishing. If the location is not ideal, then you have to go elsewhere and dig another hole. If you are an ice fisher, you might also need an ice flasher, especially with a castable fish finder. An ice flasher will help you save enough time while fishing.

Are Smart Fish Finders Better than Traditional Ones?

Yes, smart fish finders are better options than traditional ones. They offer versatility options, and their portable and compact features make them easy to move around. You can undergo fishing recreation in ponds for limited use and water that are not accessible to large boats with fish finders.

Castable fish finders even go the extra mile for those who love to fish for the sake of it. They are Bluetooth and wifi enabled and will only alert users when a fish is found. They usually come with a mobile app equipped with many features for seamless fishing operations.

Some Recommended of Smart Fish Finder Products

  • Gearbest’s Fish Finder Grip that comes with an Aluminum Alloy Tool is a portable and anti-lost fish finding device. It is just $15 and perfect for per time fishers and recreationalists.
  • Deeper store’s Deeper Castable and Portable fish finder manufactured for ice fishing and kayak boats are all-encompassing. It is 2 in 1, and a lot of users love it because it is rechargeable. Although quite expensive at $300, it is very cost-effective.
  • Gearbest’s Flytech V500 Castable fish finder comes with remote control. It has a travel speed of 5.4km/hr, which is one reason why product users love it. It costs $200.
  • ST06 Fish Finder from Gearbest is another Castable device you should try out. It is Bluetooth enabled and comes at a reasonable price of $80.18.

Top 10 Universal Docking Stations Under $100

Do you have a tight budget for your Universal Docking Station purchase? And you are wondering if you can get a decent product at that price?

High-end docking stations are very expensive, and it is quite understandable if you do not have the funds for one right away. But there are still brands that offer quality products, and you can make do with them in the meantime.

Here, we review 10 of the best Universal Docking stations under the $100 mark you can choose

What are the Top 10 Universal Docking Stations under $100?

  • Pluggable Thunderbolt 3
  • Pluggable UD-3900
  • UtechSmart Triple Display
  • Hiearcool USB C Hub
  • WAVLINK USB 3.0
  • Acodot USB 3.0
  • Kensington USB 3.0
  • TOTU 9 in 1
  • Microsoft Surface
  • Rayrow USB C

Pluggable Thunderbolt 3

Pluggable Thunderbolt is one of the best docking stations that are under $100 out there. It can power up a maximum of two 4k monitors and one 5K monitor. It also comes with several USB 3.0 docks that allow fast charging and data transfer.

Another advantage of the Pluggable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station is that you can position it standing upright or on its flat surface. This allows you to save space whenever you want to.

Its features include:

  • An HDMI and DVI ports.
  • Two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0
  • A headphone jack and a microphone jack
  • An Ethernet port

Pros

  • Pluggable Thunderbolt has ten ports for various uses.
  • Product users love the fact that it is not expensive.

Cons

  • There are complaints about Pluggable Thunderbolt not having a forward-positioned Type-C port.

Pluggable UD-3900

If you want a Docking Station that will give almost all that a high-end product can provide at a lower price, Pluggable UD-3900 is the answer.

It is designed to work with two displays with HD supports fully. It has almost all the ports that high-end docking stations boast. It is one of the under $100 products you should go for if you need your docking station for many uses.

Some of its features include:

  • An HDMI and DVI port
  • A headphone and microphone jack
  • Four USB 2.0 and Two USB 3.0 ports
  • A power output port
  • An Ethernet port

Pros

  • Product users love the fact that Pluggable UD-3900 has a lot of ports to meet their various needs.
  • They also appreciate the fact that it is a cheap docking port with high performance.

Cons

  • Pluggable UD-3900designed to be positioned only vertically, and some users seem to have an issue with this
  • A lot of users complain about its inability to support 4K displays.

UtechSmart Triple Display

UtechSmart Triple Display is one of the docking stations out there under $100 that allows the display of a maximum of 3 monitors with HD supports.

It is also compatible with 4k displays and can connect with two monitors. UtechSmart Triple Display can work with laptops that come with type C USBs. And it increases the network speed for a Wi-Fi connection.

Other features include:

  • A VGA port and 2 HDMI ports
  • Two ports for USB 2.0 and 3.0
  • A Microsoft SD and SD slot
  • An Ethernet Port.

Pros

  • Product users love the fact that this product offers a lot of display options.
  • They also like the fact that it has a type C USB.

Cons

  • There are reports from Mac owners that this product does not work well with their system.

Hiearcool USB C Hub

Hiearcool USB C Hub is another docking station specially designed to carry out many functions at a very low cost. Aside from its USB c hub, one of its selling points, it has other essential features for seamless usage.

It allows the connection of two 4k displays, and with the USB C hub, you can enjoy a triple display. For Mac users, it allows display in mirror mode. Hiearcool USB C Hub is built to be portable and lightweight.

Some of its other features are:

  • A PD charging port
  • A VGA port and 2 HDMI ports
  • An SD card reader
  • Two USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
  • An Ethernet port

Pros

  • Users love that the USB ports are backward-compatible, which makes it easy to set up.
  • There are reports of the product coming with an 18 months warranty, which is enough time to be satisfied.

Cons

  • There are numerous online complaints about the HDMI port.

WAVLINK USB 3.0

WAVLINK USB 3.0 does not need any software or drivers’ installation to perform. It is a plug and play docking station that is perfect for home use, professional settings, and random work stations.

One of its significant advantages is that it works with many popular OS and even previous Windows versions. Its HDMI and DVI are inbuilt, but for flexibility reasons, it has DVI to VA adapters.

Some of its features include:

  • An Ethernet port
  • Four USB 2.0 Ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports
  • LED Display
  • DVI, HDMI, and LAN outputs.

Pros

  • Product users love the fact that WAVLINK USB 3.0 has many USB ports to connect devices at a go.
  • There are also reports of its multi-function performance, making it perfect for a non-pricey docking system.
  • Being a plug and play product and very easy to set up makes it perfect for a lot of non-techie users.

Cons

  • A lot of users complain about having to download drivers before getting it to work.
  • There are also reports of HDMI issues after using it for a while.

Acodot USB 3.0

With the Acodot USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station, just one connection to your PC can grant you access to endless devices such as scanners, printers, speakers, and more USB connections.

This product offers you a dual monitor display and works perfectly with Windows OS as far back as 7. But you must first install drivers before you start using them.

Some other important features include:

  • USB 2.0 and six USB 3.0 ports
  • Two HDMI and DVI/VGA ports
  • An Ethernet port
  • A Headphone and Microphone jack

Pros

  • Users enjoy the fact that Acodot USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station has six USB 3.0 ports for connecting multiple devices.
  • Also, there are reports that its Ethernet port supports internet speeds of about 1000Mbps.

Cons

  • Users do not like the fact that the Acodot USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station is not compatible with a lot of OS
  • Also, there are many reports about it not being an excellent product for gaming.

Kensington USB 3.0

Over the years, Kensington has proven to be a trustworthy brand, especially in docking stations. With the USB 3.0 Docking Station that is slightly below $100, they have proven that they have the minimalists in mind as well.

The product’s compatibility with both Macs and Windows PCs is a delight. It also has a double display connector for two monitors. It is designed to sit vertically and is one of the best-priced docking stations you can find.

Some of its features are: 

  • A USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports
  • An HDMI and DVI ports
  • An Ethernet port.

Pros

  • Products users love the fact that Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station is straightforward to use.
  • There are also reports of fast data transfer due to the USB 3.0 port.

Cons

  • It is one of the most expensive options for docking stations less than $100, discouraging many potential users.

TOTU 9 in 1

TOTU 9 in 1 Docking Station is as sleek and perfect as they come. It can fit into your pocket or bag; hence you can take it along while traveling.

It also provides multi-display and 4k displays with the ability to exhibit on projectors and high definition displays. One of its most interesting integrations that you will love is the collage feature that will help you save enough power. This will improve performance in Windows OS.

It is also compatible with a wide range of laptops, including the MacBook.

Some other important features include:

  • Three USB ports
  • A VGA and 2 HDMI ports
  • An SD card reader for type C laptops and MacBook
  • A USB type C Hub

Pros

  • It is relatively cheap compared to most under $100 laptops
  • Product users love the fact that it is very portable and mobile

Cons

  • Some online complaints about TOTU 9 in 1 Docking Station not detecting displays devices connected to it.

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface Docking Station has a 6 USB hub. This can extend a USB 3.0 port to external ports for compatibility with multiple devices. It is a compact product that makes arrangements clean and tidy.

It comes with an aluminum case coat to maintain the shape and prevent overheating. It is portable enough to be moved around during travels. It is also one of the best on this list for surface work with OS such as Windows, MAC, and androids.

Its features include:

  • Three USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports
  • An HDMI port
  • A Micro SD and A SD reader

Pros

  • Users love the Microsoft Surface Docking Station because of the port option performance for a very cheap docking system.
  • They also like the fact that it is portable and extremely lightweight, making it possible to quickly move around with it.
  • There are also reports that it is plug and play with no need for driver installations.

Cons

  • There are a lot of complaints about the port not aligning with surface five pro accessories
  • Also, a lot of users claim that it is not good enough for a professional setting.

Rayrow USB C

This is a 13 in 1 ports docking station, and as you can imagine, it has a lot of features you need. The multiple USB ports also help you save time by connecting easily to many devices.

Its body is designed with aluminum alloy, making it perfect, protecting against fall and dispersing heat faster. Its display ports also make it compatible with conventional and latest monitors.

Its features include:

  • An HDMI and VGA port
  • An Ethernet port
  • Two USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0
  • An 87W PD port
  • An audio jack that works for microphones and headphones

Pros

  • Users love the transfer speeds and how the HDMI easily mirrors a display.
  • They also love the fact that it is very easy to use.

Cons

  • There are a lot of online complaints about overheating and the screen shutting off after using for a while

Top 10 KVM Switches

Top 10 KVM Switches

You’ve probably read one of the articles on working remotely or an article on suggestions to keep a neat work area in your home office. Now you are trying to decide which KVM switch is best for you? To be fair, it can be quite confusing to choose a simple yet complex piece of equipment. This is even more difficult because there are a lot of great KVM switch manufacturers.

Don’t stress.  We have reviewed for you the top 10 KVM Switches you can find today.

What are The Top 10 KVM Switches?

  • CKLau 4Kx2K HDMI KVM
  • IOGEAR GCS5DP
  • Rijer 8 Port KVM Switch
  • Rosewill RKV-2UC
  • ULBRE Soho
  • UGREEN USB Switch Selector
  • JideTech VGA KVM Switch
  • ieGeek USB KVM Switch Box
  • TESmart HDMI KVM Switch
  • Rybozen USB 3.0 KVM switch

CKLau 4Kx2K HDMI KVM

If you are more concerned about your KVM switch’s display properties, you should look to this option. CKLau 4Kx2K HDMI KVM works well with 4k display units, and you can also share between 4 systems.

Developers choose this KVM because it works with a wide range of operating systems, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc. It is one of the most high-end KVM Switches, perfect for AI models, multitasking, and other activities.

It works well with apple keyboards. This is a standout functionality because not many KVM Switches are capable of this.

Its features include:

  • 4 HDMI ports
  • A push switch and remote
  • USB 2.0 ports
  • Touch displays

Pros

  • Products users love the fact that it has an excellent cost to performance percentage.
  • Also, they love the fact that it supports both 4k and 2k displays.
  • Its compatibility with conventional OS makes it an excellent option for techies.

Cons

  • There are complaints about the product’s basic design.

IOGEAR GCS5DP

IOGEAR GCS5DP is one of the best-designed KVM Switches. Its aesthetics is one of the features that will first attract you before its functionalities. It also works well with all operating systems and is perfect for programmers.

Being a plug and play device, you do not need any particular expertise to operate IOGEAR GCS5DP. Hence, it is a great choice for novices who can control with a remote and seamlessly work within devices.

IOGEAR GCS5DP is not limited to home or office uses. Its size also means that you will not have to bother about space for it.

Other features it has included:

  • Incorporated cables to connect with more than one system
  • An accommodating HDCP DisplayPort
  • Multiple USB for keyboard and mouse connections
  • Multiple audio jacks that make it easy to connect with various computers

Pros

  • A lot of product users love the fact that IOGEAR GCS5DP is compatible with various OS.
  • There are reports of free technical support and a warranty of 3 years for IOGEAR GCS5DP.
  • It is a plug and play KVM switch

Cons

  • Products users complain about the fact that customer support on this product is not good enough.
  • There are a number of reports about the freezing up of the Mouse and keyboard when trying to switch from one device to another.

Rijer 8 Port KVM Switch

As the name implies, this KVM Switch will allow you to switch between as many as eight computers at a time. So, if you have been looking for a product with a large number of ports, this switch is an option for you.

The Rijer 8 Port KVM Switch fits into all types of office settings. Its design is also very simple and basic, nothing extraordinary.

It is built to deal with high voltage, and it does not require any external power supply.

Rijer 8 Port KVM Switch features include:

  • A remote switch and Button press
  • A safeguard feature to protect from lightning

Pros

  • There are reports of its nickel-plated connectors, and in most online reviews, users like this.
  • Product users also like Rijer 8 Port KVM Switch design’s simplicity, mainly because it allows the product to fit office settings.
  • The cable positioning is another thing that users enjoy.

Cons

  • A lot of people are discouraged by its high price.
  • Even though it is a pricey product, there are reports of it not having a manufacturer warranty.

Rosewill RKV-2UC

Rosewill RKV-2UC is another great KVM Switch option you can buy. It comes with all the necessary features expected of a KVM Switch.

If you need a KVM Switch for Windows and iOS operating systems, then Rosewill RKV-2UC is not a bad idea. But for Linux, you have to accept it at a reduced resolution of 1024x768p.

However, if you are in search of high-end products you might want to look beyond Rosewill RKV-2UC. It is a perfect choice for those with a tight budget.

As a KVM Switch, it does not have any feature that will blow your mind. But, you get what you pay for, and that is perfectly fine.

Its features include:

  • An incorporated connector
  • Multiple USB ports
  • Resolution of about 2048 X 1536 with compatible operating systems
  • A switch ON feature to detect any operational issue

Pros

  • Rosewill RKV-2UC is reportedly cheap
  • Product users love it because of the ease in handling and operating

Cons

  • Users complain about the fact that Rosewill RKV-2UC is not audio compatible
  • There are also complaints about the general aesthetics of the product

ULBRE Soho

Another KVM Switch you can put your money on is the ULBRE Soho. It has features that make it very easy to use for non-techies. ULBRE Soho is one of the best office KVM Switches because of its simplicity.

It is relatively compact and perfect if you do not have a lot of space to spare. It also allows the seamless transition between computers. One exciting feature that makes this product fanciable is the power unit. It has enough capacity for other office devices such as scanners, fax machines, printers, and Digital cameras.

Other features you can expect from this product include the following:

  • Four USB 3.0 ports.
  • A Micro USB port.
  • A selector box.

Pros

  • Users enjoy the fact that this product is straightforward to operate, especially during the initial set-up.
  • They also love its USB 3.0 features that help to save time during the transfer of extensive data.

Cons

  • There have been complaints of disturbing sounds when using this product with a mechanical keyboard.

UGREEN USB Switch Selector

The UGREEN USB Switch is another KVM Switch you want to consider if you have a tight budget to work with. However, it can still rival even the most expensive products.

UGREEN USB Switch Selector is more compact than a lot of KVM Switches. Apart from connection to multiple computers, it is also compatible with devices like printers and scanners through its USB Ports.

UGREEN USB Switch Selector works well with almost all operating systems. 

Its features include the following:

  • A switch button for seamless transitions
  • Four various ports for USB 2.0
  • LED pointers
  • A Micro USB for an additional supply of power

Pros

  • UGREEN USB Switch Selector is reported to be versatile and perfect for a lot of settings
  • Product users love the fact that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other products
  • They also appreciate that it is windows, Linux, Mac, and chrome compatible.

Cons

  • There are a lot of complaints about the UGREEN USB Switch Selector’s lack of power supply.

JideTech VGA KVM Switch

JideTech VGA KVM Switch allows you to share with as many as four computer systems at a go. It is also compatible with other devices like game consoles, speakers, and microphones.

JideTech VGA KVM Switch does not need any drivers or software to operate; simply plug it in, and it works. The KVM box is also compact enough to fit into offices. It also has a rigid design. Although this is not very appealing, it helps keep the box safe with the metal designs.

Other interesting features are:

  • USB 2.0 HUB ports.
  • An upgraded chipset that helps with issues concerning crash or freezing
  • Four ports for connection with various devices

Pros

  • The fact that JideTech VGA KVM Switch does not need an additional power supply makes many users love it
  • There are reports of JideTech VGA KVM Switch supporting high resolutions, as much as 2048 x 1536p for 2k displays

Cons

Product users complain about the fact that this KVM Switch is not compatible with MultiMedia keyboards.

ieGeek USB KVM Switch Box

For tech-savvy people that need a KVM Switch for as many as four systems rather than the usual 2, this is another great option.

Like others on the list, ieGeek USB KVM Switch Box is plug and play and designed to look aesthetically pleasing. It is perfect for many operating systems, but the most surprising thing is that it works well with even the older versions of window OS.

It is probably the best versatile KVM Switch. You can use it for online meetings, office operations, and gamers love it too!

Its features include:

  • Integrated USB ports for USB compatible devices
  • LED pointers
  • 4x VGA cables

Pros

  • Many Users love the fact that ieGeek USB KVM Switch Box does not need external power.
  • There are reports that it is perfect for display resolutions as much as 1920 X 1440.

Cons

  • There are a lot of online complaints about the incorporation of the buttons.
  • Product users do not like the cable arrangement.

TESmart HDMI KVM Switch

This is another great option for a 4k display. TESmart HDMI KVM Switch allows the transition between computers and devices to be as easy as possible.

Sharing for this product is between 4 devices, and it also allows hot switching. It comes in many colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your home or office.

Some of its most important features are:

  • USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
  • A remote switch.
  • 4K display features

Pros

  • Its image sensor makes it a favorite for tech lovers.
  • There are reports of an incorporated cooling system to prevent heating.
  • A lot of users also like its lightweight and aluminum makeup.

Cons

  • Its price is a major constraint for most people who want to buy
  • Product users do not like its basic design
  • There are also complaints about its lack of compatibility with some keyboards.

Rybozen USB 3.0 KVM switch

Rybozen USB 3.0 KVM switch is very effective, easy to operate, and is simply plug and play. It is also compatible with all operating systems, either old or new.

Its design is easy on the eyes, and this makes it a great choice for office use. It allows seamless sharing for two computers and supports the usage of power with its MicroUSB feature. It is one of the best KVM Switch for high-end gaming.

Other features include:

  • USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports
  • LED pointers
  • A single-button switch
  • Multiport connectivity

Pros

  • Users fancy its USB 3.0 ports because of the fast transfer of data.
  • A lot of people choose them over other products because they can operate with many OS.

Cons

  • Some users do not like the fact that its design is average.
  • There are also complaints about short cables.

Best Tech Toys 2019-2020 For Kids

Give Your Kids an Edge in Today’s Tech World by getting
The Best Tech Toys 2019

In today’s fast-paced tech world, toys are not only made to distract kids and pass time. Manufacturers are incorporating various technological aspects that benefit the little ones in multiple ways. These help children learn new skills, visualizing matter that the naked eye cannot see naturally, and get a head start into loving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), amongst others. Because there are different options available in the market, we opted to make a list of the 10 best tech toys 2019 below. 

1. Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray, Yellow, and Turquoise)

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite is a fresh version of the Nintendo Switch system that kids will go crazy for. It has been optimized for handheld play complete with a unibody design and an in-built control pad. The Switch Lite is light and small perfect gaming on the go. There is no chance of getting bored thanks to the fact that it is compatible with numerous Nintendo switch games. Kids can also link their Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch to play multiplayer games anywhere. It also features a news feed that allows users to get the latest announcements, updates, and other news. 


2. Sphero Specdrums 2 Rings 

No toy collection is complete without the SpheroSpecdrums. The toy made with sleek technology includes LEDs, light sensor, accelerometer, and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. Kids get to work with a MIX app that offers readily available sound packs that make it possible for the young ones to produce and mix songs with just a tap of the finger. You can also connect the Specdrums to other music software that accept Bluetooth MIDI. All kids regardless of their skill level will enjoy this toy as they play around with tons of music instruments, sounds, and loops to create musical masterpieces. 


3. Really Rad Robots TURBO BOT 

Suitable for kids between the ages of 5-15, the Turbo Bot is a fast-moving and talking bot. It appeals to children who love speed. Its remote control features a “Turbo Boost” switch that sets the bot in rapid motion. The fact that a person can use voice commands to control the bot makes it even more fascinating. His voice command system also allows it to respond to its users. The bot can record a message for 10 seconds and play it back. It also boasts of “Crash Recognition” that allows it to change direction to stay out of trouble. 


4. VankyoMatrixPad Z1 Kids Tablet 7 inch (Blue and Pink)

This Vankyo kid tablet is a great pick for anyone looking for brilliant tech gifts. It is pre-loaded with COPPA Certified Kid App Kidoz offering plenty of videos, games, kid-friendly sites, paintings, and educational applications. This helps enhance your child’s skills in different areas like reading, maths, creative arts, puzzles, music, and so much more. Additionally, manufacturers fitted the tablet with Eye Health mode that filters blue light and a bumper that not only has an in-built stand, but it is shock-resistant as well. Most importantly it has advanced parental control that allows parents to create and customize their children’s accounts.  


5. VTechKidi Star Dance 

Do your kids love dancing? Well, the VTechKidi Star Dance toy is just what they need. It is a unique toy that offers multiple games, allows kids to dance music, and learn new moves. It presents tantalizing dance challenges for kids to play alone or with their friends. The young ones can strap on motion-activated bands to challenge their pals to a dance-off or play games like Rhythm and DJ station. An animated instructor is available when users want to learn new dance movies. The bands can also be used to create different sound effects to music. 


6. Novie Robot (Blue, Purple, and Red)

Do not judge the Novie for its small size. It’s a smart and interactive robot that can follow commands to perform over 75 actions as it learns new tricks. It follows hand gestures easily practicing perfecting every move it learns. There are many things to love about this robot including more than 60 animations and 3 motor speeds that allow kids to train him in 3 stages from beginner, intermediate, and finally advanced. The robot’s LED eyes also change color depending on the mode. Friends can also bring their Novies together to see how they play and interact with each other. 


7. LeapFrogLeapStart Go System 

Kick-start your little one’s education with the LeapStart Go InteractiveLearning System. It’s perfect for pre-school kids to the first grade. The stylus that is attractive and easy to hold triggers audio and video responses on the LCD screen with in-built speakers. Video effects allow the young ones to zoom in as they discover and interact with different learning concepts. Most activities are available in 2 levels so that users can advance when they want to. There are more than 400 activities in the Grow-with-me-library that cover all three school levels with over 50 skills for each. 


8. LEGO Hidden Side Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 (70423)

LEGO lovers are in for a treat with the LEGO Hidden Side Paranormal Intercept Bus. This is one of the tech toys for kids that has merged open creative play and AR (Augmented Reality) app. Excellent for both girls and boys who are above the age of 8, it comes with a command center, cannons, scanners, and mini-figures that are all instrumental in building and ghost adventure play. The AR toy also features 6 figures that make up the task force for kids as they go out to capture ghosts. Scanning the LEGO model using a smartphone instantly brings it to life. 


9. Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad 

There is no better way for preschool kids to hone creativity and problem-solving skills than to use the Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit. It presents learning games that interact with an iPad and handheld pieces without using WiFi. It teaches the young scholars phonics, letter formation, and the creation of pictures in a fun-filled manner. This kit also allows the little ones to use rings & sticks to bring animals to life or feed and dress characters as well as narrate problem-solving stories. It makes things a lot easier in terms of tracking game progress and allowing learning continuation. 


10. Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit 

The Force Coding Kit will instantly grab the attention of your children allowing them to create, code, and play never-ending Star Wars Adventures. The box avails sensors that players use to connect bits, boards, and buttons. It also presents challenges that teach users to code blocks as they learn about variables, loops, and logic. This is not all, players also get a chance to discover the force. Moving the hand allows a person to pilot starships, levitate X-wings, swing lightsabers, and lots more. Users can also come up with their adventures with planets, creatures, sounds, and iconic characters, etc. 

Conclusion 

The list above gives parents and guardians several options for
age-appropriate top-rated tech gifts. These are toys that the little ones will
treasure for years while learning lots of new things. 

Bose Wave Music System IV Review

Music is all about
choice. You might want something rock sounding in the living room, more mellow
in the kitchen and the sweet sound of jazz or instrumentals in the bedroom.

But the problem is that not all music systems give you that choice. You get stuck with whatever setup comes with the system. You don’t want to waste time or deal with inconvenience of having multiple room set ups just to listen the music you want to hear where you want to hear it at.

You can buy a main
system for your living room, then hook it up to your other rooms. You won’t get
a lot of options for changing up the music, though from one room to the next.

Or, you can get a music system that puts you in charge, yet still gives you voice control convenience. The Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV is designed to work with Alexa so you get multiple options to get entertainment your way every time.

Alexa allows you to
control your choices effortlessly. You speak and the music follows.

And it’s not just streaming music that you’ll be able to get, either. Wherever there’s music, you can get it.

If you want to listen to
it from the Internet, you have that option. You can hear music from your
customized library, from the radio, and it’ll even play those CDs that you
still love and have held onto.

It also gives you the
ability to play music from Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, SiriusXM, Deezer,
IHeartRadio and more. You’ll be able to create preset music lists and set those
using the remote or through the app.

This will give you access to thousands of songs. The product is compatible with other Alexa devices. It uses a wireless connection and is compatible with Bluetooth, too. So you can play music using your phone or other gadget as well.

A great feature with
this system is that you can listen to the same music in every room in your
home. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Taking it a step above other
music systems, the Bose Wave gives you the ability to listen to different music
in multiple rooms.

So you can listen to country in the living room, rock-n-roll in the kitchen, instrumental in the dining room and kids’ songs in the playroom. It can deliver quality sound, thanks to the waveguide technology built into the system.

Your music will be a rich, crystal clear performance in any room. Because it has Alexa, you can use this as a hands-free way to change songs, turn up the volume, decide where you want the music played or not. You would just say something like, “Alexa, turn off the Kitchen” and the music in that room would shut off. Get the Bose Wave and give yourself the ability to hear the kind of music you want to listen to wherever you are in your home.

iDealBed 4i Review

As much as technology has
advanced through the years, one thing seems to have remained just about the
same: beds. Despite how often we use them, very few people have made any kinds
of significant changes to the beds we had decades ago.

However, the iDealBed changes that, providing a ton of features to make your sleeping and relaxation experiences far better than you thought they could be. One of the first things you’ll notice with this bed is that you can adjust the elevation of different parts of the bed.

You can raise your head and back or your legs, allowing you to prop yourself up on either side. This can help you get more comfortable if you want to sit up and use a laptop or watch TV, and it gives you a form of customization regarding how you sleep.

This bed can also adjust elevation in preset modes that help you in different ways. For example, if you have a tendency to snore, then you used to just have to deal with it or find weird positions to sleep in that wouldn’t contribute to your snoring.

However, with this bed, you can set it in a preset position that will help reduce your snoring, no matter what position you’re sleeping in. One absolutely great feature with this bed is the integrated massage option.

Usually, you have to go out to a masseuse or buy a separate expensive device, but with this bed, you can get a great massage lying down in the comfort of your own home. Not only does this help you relax, but it also helps improve circulation throughout your body.

There are also plenty of simple
convenience features. For example, there’s the night light built in under the
bed that lights up at the press of a button. If you need to use the restroom at
night, this helps you avoid running into things on your way back to bed.

If you frequently charge devices like your phone next to your bed, then you can use any of the four USB outlets that can be found on either side of the bed. You can operate all of these features with a nice wireless remote that you can keep on your nightstand, with all of the features clearly outlined and lit up so that you can use it at night if you need to.

While you might have accepted the state of your current bed for many years (or decades), it’s time to upgrade your sleep quality and start benefitting from the technological advances that have been made in this area!

ecobee 4 Smart Thermostat Review

Your home’s thermostat
is responsible for keeping your home warm or cool, except many thermostats
don’t do that. So they’re always clicking on just to click right back off a few
seconds later.

Then you have to go adjust it. The reason that your thermostat is clicking on and off is because it’s trying to find the right temperature for you, but can’t – because it can only go by what’s programmed or by you manually changing it.

The starting and stopping of your thermostat can be pretty inconvenient. When you throw in the fact that other family members are probably also adjusting the temperature, it can get pretty frustrating trying to get the thermostat to the point where the house stays at the right temperature.

To combat the inconvenience, you can buy a thermostat that allows you to insert several temperatures. But since you’re not a weatherman, you may or may not be able to balance your choices with the actual weather outside.

Or, you could get a smart thermostat that removes guesswork and does it for you. The ecobee-4 Smart Thermostat is designed with your comfort in mind. But more than saving you time and putting an end to temperature frustration, the device will also save energy, which will save you money.

You’ll notice that once you have the device, over time, you’ll save as much as 23% on your electric costs. The reason that this smart thermostat can eliminate the inconvenience as well as save you money is that you don’t have to keep trying to get the temperatures right.

The device has room sensors. All you have to do is setup the thermostat in whichever room you choose. It’ll then get to work making sure your home has the temperature you want in all of the rooms.

That’s because the
device has the ability to determine how many people are in a room. At the same
time, it can tell what the temperature is in that occupied room. When the
sensors relay this information back to the thermostat, it automatically goes
into the precise mode designed to keep you comfortable.

This sensor feature will work for the heating and cooling but it also works when no one is home. When you’re not there, the sensors will prevent the thermostat from wasting energy heating or cooling.

You can change the thermostat remotely using a smart device once you download the app. This app allows you to adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home. The gadget has Alexa built in, so you can use voice activation to alter the temperature. It has an easy installation format. It’s time to stop the inconvenience of being too hot or cold in your own home. Say goodbye to frustrating programming and get the smart thermostat that simplifies heating and cooling.

Insignia NS-24DF310NA19 Review

It sometimes seems like smart TVs
cost too much. The only ones that are commonly advertised are the massive,
super high-tech ones that cost a ton of money, and other than that, it feels
like you’re stuck with outdated televisions.

There didn’t really seem like a good middle point for people like college students and young adults who still want the newer tech, but without the massive, expensive displays. Luckily, the Insignia NS provides a good fit just for that.

Their 24 inch display is good enough for a bedroom or smaller apartment living room, but it’s not going to break the bank like a 50 inch display will. This also makes it easier to move around.

If you’re having to move between
dorms or apartments every so often, you don’t want to be trying to lug around a
giant TV. This TV is portable, while still providing a great display for you
and your friends.

What really puts this TV over the edge is the integration of smart technology. You can get plenty of smaller, flat screen TVs from years ago, but none quite like this. This TV integrates the use of Amazon’s Fire TV service, which grants you access to all your favorite streaming platforms and other commonly used services.

It requires you to have an account with those services, but it’s still much better than watching it on your phone. One of the best features of Fire TV is that it allows you to customize the channels that you see when you start it up.

These channels aren’t like traditional TV channels – they’re more akin to apps. There are major ones like Netflix and Hulu, but there are also more specialized ones like HBO and Showtime that you might need in order to see some of your favorite content.

You can use all kinds of other apps, as well. For example, you can use the YouTube app that comes preinstalled to watch your favorite free online content with your friends at the press of a button. You can also connect your account to services like Spotify or Pandora in order to listen to your favorite music and put on your playlists for things like parties, hangouts, or for when you’re just hanging out around the house. This TV is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to break the bank, but does want some great smart features they can enjoy, too.