What is natural language processing? | Definition from TechTarget
Stuff's Pick Of The Best New Sports Tech To Help You Smash Your PB
The best sports tech can make all the difference between a great workout and a (literal) exercise in frustration. That's why we've rounded up everything from sport-friendly headphones that stay put during your most vigorous routines, to trainers that adapt to your gait, and even smart goggles that track your performance in the pool
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete, these cutting-edge devices promise to enhance your training, boost your performance, and take your fitness journey to new heights. Jump in, and prepare to revolutionise how you exercise, compete, and push your limits.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Tempted by the freeing nature of open buds, but put off by the sub-par sound quality? There is an answer. Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds are a genuine revelation, delivering a satisfying audio experience even though the buds are only resting outside your ears.
Each bud consists of two main parts — the driver and the other gubbins — connected by a small C-shaped rubber strip; this hugs your ear, securing each one in place. It works really well, and is so comfortable you'll soon forget you're wearing them at all. And here's a bonus: the drivers are directed towards your ears while reverse-phasing the frequencies travelling outwards, cancelling out leakage so you can bask in music without disturbing those around you.
Form Smart Swim 2
These AR swimming goggles dish up real-time metrics mid-stroke, letting you check up on everything from your pace and stroke rate to distance and heart rate – and more, thanks to compatibility with both Apple and Garmin wearables. You can even get personalised training drills (but no shark warnings).
Tag Heuer x Malbon Golf
A must-have for those who dream of the green, this special edition of the Connected Calibre E4 pulls off a golfy design with confident ease. It has a sleek titanium case and a black ceramic bezel, while the striking green strap and exclusive watch faces add a playful touch.
Garmin Index BPM
Can a blood pressure monitor ever be desirable? This one gets as close as possible thanks to its sleek all-black design, which features a display and pump built into the cuff itself. It's smart too, tracking your readings so you can spot trends and share data via the Garmin Connect app.
Suunto Sonic
Available in serious black or zany lime, these bone-conduction headphones are designed to let you enjoy your tunes while still being aware of any polar bears that might be chasing you on your run (also cars, people etc). With an IP55 rating and 10hr battery life, they're an affordable alternative to the Boses above.
Bob And Brad C2 Pro
Anyone who's searched YouTube for no-nonsense solutions to aches and pains will probably be familiar with Bob And Brad. The latest massage gun to bear their names brings something that most rivals lack: a business end that can be both heated and cooled.
Cornilleau Play-Style Origin Outdoor Table
Living room full of boring stuff like chairs? Take your table tennis out into the garden with this premium ping-pong plank: its weatherproof finish should give a smooth playing surface with no inconsistency in the bounce.
Nike Pegasus 41
This latest iteration of Nike's iconic runner – alright, not really iconic, it's only a shoe – blends modern innovation with a familiar feel. The new ReactX foam midsole promises a responsive ride with strong energy return, while the plush cushioning system will provide superior impact protection.
Primal Magnetic Mini Gym Timer
This rechargeable magnetic timer isn't trying to convince you it's more practical or portable than your phone. But if you're looking to focus better and escape social media during your workouts, its vibrant LED display will keep you on track.
Asics Nimbus Mirai
You could bog yourself down in terms like 'FlyteFoam midsole' and 'Gel-Nimbus technology', but the real sell here is sustainability: these kicks are 80% recyclable. When you're done with them, simply scan the QR code and arrange a free courier collection through Asics' returns scheme.
Where Creativity, New Tech And Personality Converge: Top Creators On Making Content With AI
By Kendra Langlinais
Across platforms, demand is rapidly growing for content that is more effective, engaging and authentic. So how do creators keep up? What will be AI's impact on their creative process—and their cultural significance? Can emerging technology redefine the boundaries of human creativity?
In Cannes, France, top global creators and marketing leaders gathered for a panel series hosted by Adobe and Forbes dedicated to addressing these and other pressing questions. In the second of three panels, entitled Content Creation At The Speed Of Culture, Forbes chief revenue officer Sherry Phillips moderated a discussion with the following speakers:
Below, explore highlights of their influential discussion, which has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and what you do.
Drea Okeke: I'm a content creator. But, before I became Drea the content creator, I was Drea the engineer. I started off doing engineering, working in a manufacturing plant. The thing is, it didn't really fulfill me; it didn't give me the joy I needed, because I always knew I wanted to positively impact people, use my personality, my humor to bring joy to people [and use] my creative side. So, I just was like, "Okay, I'm done, quitting this job, and going to chase my dream and be a full-time content creator." As fun as that sounds—it was hard, because I have strict Nigerian parents. If you know anything about immigrant parents, they were like: "What are you doing? What's this creative? What's this creative world you're in?" But, I did it. I use a lot of engineering tactics that I know, like strategic thinking, problem solving, understanding algorithms. But, more importantly, I want to create content that I love, and resonates with me.
Steven He: I'm a comedy sketch creator and I'm a Chinese-Irish actor. [I have] Asian parents; engineer or lawyer were my choices—or doctor. But, laughter is medicine—so I tell my dad this is med school, and he believes me. I began as an actor, and then went on to create videos on YouTube when the pandemic hit. And all of the sudden, everything that I knew was gone: No more auditions, the jobs I had booked on pause, no more workshops, no more theater, no more anything filming. So, I decided to stay home. I fell in love with the art form of YouTube, not only as video making, but also as a highly technical, data, science-driven game that you have to play [with questions like] "How do I optimize retention from 50% to 80%? How do I optimize click-through from 9% to 12%?" Naturally, being a big fan of math anyway, I got really hooked on that. … Now, I am a comedy sketch creator with 26 million followers, generating 200 million views each month, and I'm excited to share my value with you guys.
Lexie Riegelhaupt: I lead entertainment and culture marketing at Adobe. The biggest thing that we're trying to figure out is how to make the impact that Adobe has on the world personified through creators. So, Adobe [provides] tools that help people tell their story, and we really need those storytellers out in the world saying, "This is what I've done, this is how I did it, this is how others can do it and here's how I'm making room for others to have a platform." We're doing that through talent partnerships. We're doing that through our feeds every single day. We do that with different partnerships—like with Forbes, like with the Sundance Institute—and it's really figuring out how do we make space for more people, but also how to share how to use our tools, and what are the hacks and tips and tricks, which we have found, over the last year and a half, that creators are going to do best. Creators are in the products every single day. They are speaking their truth, but also in the same language as all the other creators.
Moritz Bartsh: I think over the last few years, one of the things we've noticed on TikTok internally with our data over and over again is that creator-led videos are driving the best outcomes for advertisers, and that is both upper funnel for brand as well as lower funnel. At the same time, a lot of brands, especially at the beginning, were not used to working with creators. … My team basically matches the advertiser side with the creator side. So we try to find the best solution, the best creator for every single brand—and their business needs. We've developed a bunch of products that can do that … and it's really exciting just to make these matches happen.
Q: There's 24 hours in a day, seven days a week. So how do [AI] tools help creators create?
Drea Okeke: When I use AI, I try to think about how I can create more time for myself, and do what I love—which is being a creative. … When it comes to detailed writing, maybe if I'm emailing a brand [for] negotiations, I can utilize AI to make me sound more professional. I can utilize AI for copywriting. I can't tell you the amount of videos I've not posted because I couldn't figure out the right caption for it. … Or, for editing even. There's a lot of AI tools that can take your long-form videos and make it into short-form snippets. Now, if I had this back in the day when I was trying to be a YouTuber—I would be so much more successful, because it [took] so long for editing. So, think of AI as a cheat sheet, as your assistant. …
Everyone is scared about AI, but I see it as the future, and I'm the secret sauce to my brand. AI can never have my personality; I don't care how much I train it, it can never have that. But, what I can train it to help me do is alleviate the stress of the tedious things that are taking me so long to do, so I can just spend more time being the creator.
Steven He: That is so true. AI to me is ability. It's ability, like how the Industrial Revolution was to blacksmiths. It's how music editing software [would have been] to Mozart. It's something that enables us to do something that used to take hundreds of people. Even our craft of video making. Now, every single one of us can pull out our phones and make a video, and we can make hundreds of videos at virtually no cost. That is ability, [which] gives me the freedom to make hundreds of videos and hone the craft. …
And now, Adobe's bringing it into a new level with Photoshop [and] Generative AI. That is crazy. Show that to Picasso, that's my point. That is ability in all of our hands, which I appreciate so much.
Actor, comedian, social media personality and Viral Nation creator Steven He takes part in a panel discussion hosted by Adobe and Forbes in Cannes, France.
adobeQ: Moritz, TikTok is really a technology platform and you guys are giving this ability [to] creators. What are you seeing that's so exciting? What are you most passionate about right now?
Moritz Bartsh: First of all … efficiency. We have 24 hours a day, minus sleep, minus other stuff, that limits the amount of time that creators can spend creating. We want to expand that, and we want to be able to give them an opportunity to have an AI tool that is based on their actual characters, [which can] work at night, even when they sleep, potentially.
So, one is efficiency. The other is expanding reach. Because, right now, if you think about all the creators at TikTok, essentially, one of the limitations is language. I spoke to a creator in Argentina a few weeks ago, and she said, "Hey, one of the things that I really want to do is be attractive to an American audience," because the earnings potential is just that much higher. But, given that all of her content is Spanish and actually Argentinian Spanish, it's sort of limited to that country. Now, when you bring in AI and tools like AI dubbing that's part of our TikTok Symphony product suite, you can go beyond those boundaries of language—because now, as long as your content is engaging, you basically have a real global audience. I think that's truly powerful in expanding the reach of a lot of creators globally.
Q: We talked about some cool partnerships. Talk about a moment when you were like, "Oh, I finally got this right." When it just hit.
Steven He: I find authenticity in a service or a product that I genuinely use, and I genuinely love—that is the best combination. … I think collaborations where the authenticity shines through, and it dissolves into the sale—it's not appearing as a sale anymore, but as something genuine—those are the ones that work best.
Drea Okeke: When I already like the brand it's very, very easy for me to talk about it. I think a really good thing that brands should look at is long-term partnerships instead of just one-offs. When I have a long-term partnership with a brand, my followers see, "Okay, this is a brand that she loves, she trusts, she really likes." And every time they think of me, they'll think of that brand. Every time they think of that brand, they think of me. [Brands should] utilize content creators' strengths. I don't like when a brand is like, "This is what we want. We need you to say this word, this new lingo that we made up. It's the best marketing strategy ever, just do it for us." [I'd ask] what is this creator known for? If, like me, she's known for interviewing, why not bring her for a press junket interview? And it might go way further because when our followers see that a brand really is working with us for our strengths, they really just connect even more and the storytelling is seamless and it's easier.
Forbes top creator, host and speaker Drea Okeke addresses the audience during a panel discussion by Adobe and Forbes in Cannes, France.
adobeQ: Building that trust, not only with brands and partners, [is what's] shining through to your followers. … Can that stretch into other areas? It kind of comes in from all sides, right?
Lexie Riegelhaupt: Content creators are media channels at this point. You're using them as distribution, you're using them [to reach] audiences. You're talking to them about how to create content to live on our channels. So, I think you just have to think about that so differently. Also, one thing that I'm trying to figure out the formula for: how does it live without being on your phone. What are the events? What is the content, like an original series, you can make? What merchandise can you make? What are the different things that you can bring around so that there's a 360 around each content creator you work with? Then, it's not only more authentic, but you have an ecosystem that you can lean into and really figure out. And that is, I think, really important, especially when you're bringing on long-term creators that you really want to partner with. Saying, "Look, we're building an environment around you. We're trusting in you, and you're trusting in us."
Moritz Bartsh: At TikTok… we call it "creative bravery" when we talk to our own brands. Why is it bravery? Because, we tell brands that to make these long-term relationships happen, to make creator relationships successful, they need to cede a degree of control. They need to accept that creators know their audience best. … [When] the same creator posts something twice—once exactly following the brand guidelines, and then they post it with their own messaging to their own audience—[the latter] almost always performs so much better. So this is something we try to get our brands and advertisers to lean into.
Q: What do you think AI will look like next year at Cannes?
Drea Okeke: I'm looking forward to the creator pool expanding more with a lot of new creators who can be more efficient with all these different AI tools. … More doors can open with all these tools. A creator who might not have that much money can start from zero, with nothing—and create something massive. So, I look forward to seeing more creativity with the edits and more creators, because there's so much space for all of us.
Steven He: I'm looking forward to when [AI] solves one of the biggest pain points that I have, and I'm sure every creator has, and that's the scale of the output. It is impossible for me and my current abilities to satisfy the demand of my audience. Every day is like, "When's the next video? We want more, give us more." To do everything—from the writing, to the set, to the filming, to the editing—even if I had 20 people on my team, it would still not be able to satisfy the demands. So I look forward to the ability that AI will bring to everybody, and eventually alleviate that pain point, and enable us to actually create content enough for our audience to enjoy.
Moritz Bartsh: What I really look forward to 12 months from now … is how [AI tools] are going to help you, and [the ability to] see the results of that. That you can say, "Hey, look, here are some real cool case studies of creators using Generative AI that have helped me so much with these campaigns."
Lexie Riegelhaupt: I think what we're looking at now is how [AI] is actually living in the world. It's everything from the creativity you're seeing across the Palais (at Cannes). You're going to see it in film, you're going to see it across every single medium. And I think, for Cannes in general, I'm excited that it really feels like it's back to content, it's back to ideas. There were a few years at Cannes where it was very ad tech-focused, because that's what we needed to build the roads to get us to where we are today. But now, the streamers are here, it's content. It's about ideas, and who has passion behind it. I think that is what's so exciting about this industry in general; we're really getting back to the big idea, to creativity. Hopefully, Firefly is what accelerates that.
Best Tech Gifts You'll Love To Give Or Get
The world has two kinds of tech lovers: The early adopters, who are the first to test out the latest tech, and those who wait to buy the newest innovations until the technology has been proven.
I'm the latter type. I waited years to switch from Android to iPhone and carry a 13 Pro today. My family was one of the last on our block to get a Ring Video Doorbell; we're about ready for an upgrade! My son plays games on an Xbox One and PlayStation 4, although my family also enjoys the Oculus (Meta) Quest 2. We've yet to upgrade to the Meta Quest 3—and that's okay!
In essence, I want to make sure the technology I buy for myself or as gifts is tested, trustworthy, and—most of all—useful!
When I have a good vibe about a product, and it fills a unique gap, I'm happy to take a chance. My tech shopping habits range from highly skeptical to frugal adventurer. I also like items that are simple to use, so you'll find most of the items on this list are plug-and-play, as good technology should be.
I like to think that the tech gifts I've given over the years have been well-received. But I've also enlisted the help of other experts who are tops in their field for feedback on the best tech gifts. There seem to be holidays around every turn of the calendar, so to help you shop during any season, this list of tech gifts has everything you need for any occasion at price points to fit every budget. Basically, we got you.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)For anyone who hasn't yet entered the modern era with an AI-enabled smart home speaker, or for those who could always use more music in their lives, Amazon Echo makes a perfect gift. Plus, you can always count on Alexa-powered products going on sale around various holidays, including Amazon Prime Day, making it the perfect budget-conscious gift. "The improved audio quality and smart home hub make it a great gift for someone looking to streamline their tech at home," says tech pro Javier Muniz, CTO at LLC Attorney.
Price on publish: $64.99
Ocoopa Hand WarmersOcoopa Hand Warmers make a perfect gift for men, women, or virtually anyone whose hands get cold. (And isn't that practically everyone?) Hikers, campers, and parents who spend chilly evenings on the sidelines of sports practices will love the way this cozy, ergonomic device warms your hands. It provides up to 15 hours of continuous heat with enough power to charge your phone 3.5 times. Whether I'm huddled around a campfire, enjoying an outdoor concert, or waiting in line at my local amusement park, these warmers don't leave my pockets until summer rolls around. They make the ideal
Price on publish: $29.99
Meta Quest 2There's a reason the Meta Quest 2 is rated an Amazon bestseller: Durable, immersive, and affordable, this virtual reality headset brings VR fun into any home. I've owned one for more than two years. I'd love to say I spend hours working out to games like Supernatural and Liteboxer, but my kids are too busy playing Job Simulator to let me have a turn. Muniz agrees with me, noting, "I appreciate its powerful performance, simplicity, and value for money."
Price on publish: $199.99
Anker PowerWave II Wireless ChargerWhether you own a newer iPhone or an Android-powered phone like Samsung Galaxy, Qi-enabled wireless chargers are practically a necessity for your home. Over my years as a tech writer, I've tested dozens of chargers, and the Anker PowerWave II stands out for its affordable and streamlined design. "It's universally compatible and provides fast charging -- a small but significant improvement to anyone's desk," Muniz says.
Price on publish: $35.99
Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe ChargerWhen I'm traveling, my Anker PowerWave stays where it belongs: at my bedside. Instead, I grab my Twelve South ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger. This streamlined device, with an anodized aluminum shell (which prevents corrosion and wear), includes its own carrying bag and charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It also includes four international plug adapters for world travelers.
Price on publish: $129.99
Infinity X1 Rechargeable FlashlightThe Infinity X1 Flashlight 5000L is perfect for campers, hikers, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants to stay prepared for storm season and power outages. The flashlight comes with two power cores, which means you can charge it via the USB cord or run it off AA batteries. Adjust the beams from a narrow spotlight to a wide flood light. It's a bit heavy, but that's to be expected with such a sturdy piece of gear.
Price on publish: $54.20
Enabot Ebo SE Family Robot CameraIf you know Milo the Chonk, the famed tabby cat of Facebook Reels, you may have seen him introduce his friend, Ebo. Little did he know his staff (i.E., fur-parents) were using this innocent-looking round robot to spy on him. Ebo is the ultimate pet toy and home patrol camera with fun silicon feathers on its head to entice cats. Our ginger cat, Evie, adores Ebo. When he rests in his dock on a shelf, she promptly rolls him down for more playtime.
Price on publish: $119.00
Logitech G502 X Hero Gaming MouseOur pets shouldn't have all the fun. If you're into computer gaming, take the advice of Vlad Susanu, gaming journalist and founder of Game Clubz, to add the Logitech G502 X wireless gaming mouse to your gear. The mouse sports 11 programmable buttons, hyper-responsive tracking, and the ability to customize the weight distribution. I know - it's just a mouse," Susanu says. "But trust me, this thing will improve your game big time. I can fine-tune it to match my exact preferences and grip style, which allows me to react and aim with lightning-fast precision."
Price on publish: $79.99
Lorex 4K Wired Video DoorbellI mentioned earlier that my family was looking at upgrading our older Ring doorbell with something that provides better imaging, even in low light, and—frankly—doesn't have a cracked button. The Lorex 4K wired smart video doorbell is easy to install and the first of its kind to deliver 4K Ultra HD images. There's no subscription required, which is another plus.
Price on publish: $179.99
Anova Precision Port Handheld Vacuum SealerAspiring sous vide chefs or anyone who likes meal planning will love the compact and affordable Anova Precision Port Handheld Vacuum Sealer. Measuring just three inches squared, roughly, this handy tool has found a permanent space on the counter of my tiny kitchen and is perfect for turning bulk packages of steak or chicken into individual, freezer-ready serving sizes or sealing up leftover cheese.
Price on publish: $18.99
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4NC True-Wireless Noise Canceling EarbudsMultiple tech-savvy sources cited Apple AirPods as the best wireless earbuds around. But not everyone has an iPhone. That brings us to the Anker Soundcore line, with fit, style, and sound quality to match AirPods but compatible with Android / Samsung or iOS devices. Soundcore wireless earbuds are available at a variety of price points, and I've tested out many models. I like the Liberty 4NC earbuds. They cancel out 98.5% of noise for an immersive listening experience and offer fully adjustable EQ to fine-tune the perfect listening experience.
Price on publish: $99.99
House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless TurntableVinyl records have experienced a revival not just among GenX and Baby Boomer audiophiles but today's teens and tweens. My daughter received a House of Marley Stir It Up wireless turntable for Christmas. I like the streamlined design and she loves that she can connect it to any Bluetooth speaker to blast everything from the Arctic Monkeys to Taylor Swift with incredible audio quality. (I don't mind, either!)
Price on publish: $249.99
Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart NotebookAs a writer, I have a penchant for stylish journals. I'm embarrassed to share how many Moleskine notebooks I have piled up in my office. But I love the convenience of being able to transfer my notes to a digital format. Enter: a Smart Notebook and Smart Pen set. If you're not looking to spend $275 on the Moleskine version, consider the Rocketbook 6" by 8.8" Smart Notebook and compatible Pilot Pen. I can't think of a graduate who wouldn't love to receive this practical and affordable gift. (Also, makes a great gift for husband or wife.)
Price on publish: $36.99
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Gaming HeadphonesMy son, a 13-year-old gamer, said he prefers the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Wireless gaming headset for playing Fortnite and Forza on Xbox. These headphones have lasted him longer than any set he's had prior.
But if your gift budget is a bit bigger than the average 13-year-old boy, the pros recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headphones.
Susanu called them "an absolute must," noting that the headphones literally block outside noise for an immersive experience. "As a competitive gamer, having crisp spatial audio that blocks out external noise is crucial. The Arctis Nova Pro headphones make me feel like I'm literally transported inside the game world," Susanu says.
Price on publish: $349.99
Related: The Best Headphones: From Noise-Cancelling Options to Comfortable Earbuds for Workouts
Nixplay 10-inch Smart Digital Photo FrameThe Nixplay digital picture frame is the perfect gift for newlyweds, new parents, grandparents—even passionate pet owners! The 10.1-inch frame is available in your choice of Wood, Black with Gold or Silver accents, White, Classic Black, or Classic Mat finish. Connect it to your Alexa smart home device for voice control and share photos easily with family and friends through Nixplay's secured cloud.
Price on publish: $154.99
Nintendo SwitchLike the Nixplay, the Nintendo Switch has been with us for a while. It remains one of my family's go-to sources of entertainment for road trips and is a great gift for kids, teens, and even recent graduates.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of Online Games, agrees with me. "Combining both the comfort of home gaming with the convenience of portability, it offers gamers the best of both worlds. I personally find it convenient to have when traveling," he says. Like me, he loves the communal gaming aspect to get everyone away from their individual smartphone screens and interacting.
Price on publish: $262.96
GoPro HERO12Another tech staple that has proven the test of time, the GoPro action camera is now in its 12th iteration and as sturdy as ever. The camera captures 5.3K and 4K video, while HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization catches all the action, whether you're on the slopes or the trails. It's perfect for the athlete or action sports enthusiast in your life as a graduation or birthday gift.
Price on publish: $349.99
LIT Method Smart Pilates Bar Kit With Three-Month SubscriptionDaily Peloton rides are great for cardio, but for overall health, you want to integrate training to strengthen your core. The LIT Method Smart Pilates Bar Kit offers more than 3,000 hours of classes and content, encompassing Pilates, strength training, cardio, core, and recovery, plus a Freestyle mode that lets you create your own program.
Perfect for fitness enthusiasts who are short on space, the kit easily packs up into a handy carrying case when not in use. That's my favorite part of this system; it offers so much more than just resistance bands in a streamlined package. You may find this system cheaper, elsewhere, but you can get it from Walmart with a 3-month subscription included.
Price on publish: $199.00
iTouch Air 4 Smartwatch Fitness TrackerIn my decades reviewing tech products, I've tested a lot of wearables, from the earliest versions of the Fitbit to the Apple Watch 7. The iTouch Air 4 Smartwatch is one of my favorites thanks to its ease of use, stylish design, and more than 100 sports and workout options to choose from. You can't beat the price for all the capabilities it offers. Thanks to a partnership with Jillian Michaels, the latest version comes with workouts and activities selected by the fitness pro. Along with a massage gun, this is the ideal gift for a fitness lover.
Price on publish: $49.99
Bruvi Brewer Smart Coffee PotI've owned a lot of coffee pots in my life, but I admit this was my first "smart" coffee pot. The WiFi-enabled Bruvi Brewer allows you to schedule brews in advance and order pods through the app, so you never run out. Of course, the most important thing when it comes to fresh-brewed coffee is the taste. Bruvi's taste exceeds anything from any other coffee pot I've tried, from Keurig and Nespresso. It includes a water filter which means I can brew my coffee with tap water rather than using filtered or bottled water.
Price on publish: $348.00
JSAUX USB Data BlockerDid you know that when you plug your smartphone, laptop or other mobile device into a public USB port, you could be opening that device to hacking threats? The JSAUX USB data blocker prevents that, and at a price that makes this the perfect party favor, filler for a basket of tech goodies, or a small present to pair with a gift card.
Travel blogger Amber Haggerty of AmberEverywhere.Com explains how it works: "It's essentially a small device that you plug into a USB port (think: the back of your airplane seat) that eliminates the data wire and, therefore, access to your device. Essentially, it makes a 'smart' USB port 'dumb,'" she says.
Price on publish: $9.99
Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC USB AuthenticatorA traveler after my own heart, Haggerty understands the importance of cybersecurity when traveling. She recommends the YubiKey USB security authenticator to protect your devices, describing it as an alternative to using SMS for two-factor authentication. The device plugs into your phone or works via NFC transmission.
"With a YubiKey, even if someone were to hack into your email or steal your phone number, they'd be blocked from accessing your critical accounts," Haggerty says. At just $50, this is the perfect gift for every tech enthusiast or traveler on your list.
Price on publish: $50.00
SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones by AcousticSheepYou could pay less for over-ear wireless headphones for sleep or sports. But the SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones by AcousticSheep are some of the most comfortable we've tried, with a great fit and excellent sound quality. The headphones come in two fabric types: one for sleeping, and one for exercise—both which are machine washable. For the light sleeper or music lover in your life, these make a great gift.
Price on publish: $99.95
Celestron Regal ED BinocularsThe Celestron Regal ED Binoculars are perfect for your favorite sports enthusiast, birdwatcher, hiker, or nature enthusiast. Equipped with 10x magnification and extra-low dispersion glass, the binoculars provide crystal-clear visuals with true-to-life colors. Well-balanced and ergonomic, the binoculars are light enough to carry on your next adventure.
Price on publish: $319.95
Celestron Starsense Explorer DXMy family and I are fans of the Celestron brand, as they provide high-quality products at an affordable price. We've been exploring the skies through the StarSense Explorer DX telescope. The StarSense App makes it easy to find celestial bodies using a smartphone. Although it takes some getting used to compared to a traditional telescope, the results are absolutely breathtaking.
Price on publish: $469.95
Kinisium Kini Motion Sensor DevicePerfect for VRBO and Airbnb owners who wish to protect certain rooms, closets, or other storage areas in their rental, the Kini Motion Sensor Device from Kinisium offers discreet and secure protection. The device mounts easily on any flat surface and sends an SMS alert to your smartphone within 10 seconds of detecting any tampering or movement. It's perfect for protecting valuables, medications, or even your liquor cabinet.
Price on publish: $65.00
Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Bluetooth SpeakerWhen you want big sound in a small package, the Soundcore Motion 300 wireless Bluetooth speaker delivers. Teens can barely travel without music, so this makes the perfect birthday, graduation, stepping-up ceremony, or Sweet 16 gift. My son stows this portable sound system in his Sprayground backpack for bike rides. It's durable and waterproof, so I don't worry about it getting ruined.
Price on publish: $79.99
Koorui Portable Travel MonitorIn my home office, I use a multi-monitor setup for researching, writing, video calls, and the like. When I'm traveling, I struggle working on a single screen in hotel rooms. Then I found the KOORUI 15.6-inch portable laptop travel monitor with dual speakers and a protective cover that converts to a stand. I have recommended this monitor to nearly every writer I know. It would be a great gift for your favorite traveler, college student, or any colleague who covets a second (or third) screen.
Price on publish: $75.99
j5create USB-C Dock Dual 4K HDMIOnce I added my KOORUI monitor for travel, I realized I could also use it as a third screen in my home office. But I didn't have enough HDMI ports on my Dell laptop to accommodate my usual second screen and a third screen.
Enter the j5create docking station or, as I like to call it, a lifesaver in a small gray box. The multi-port dock includes two 4K HDMI outputs, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, an audio jack, and SD/MicroSD card reader, topped with a wireless charger.
Price on publish: $105.98
Ember Smart Mug 2If you're like me and let your coffee get cold as you get immersed in your latest project (like this giant tech gift guide!), you absolutely need the Ember Smart Mug. It sits by my side on its handy heating coaster, keeping my coffee ready for consumption at the perfect temperature. I can even charge it through my docking station. I have the 10-ounce model but I think it's time to upgrade to the 14-ounce mug, which happens to be an Amazon bestseller!
Price on publish: $149.95
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