The latest gadgets make the perfect gifts
The holidays are here again, a wonderful time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the joy of the season, and finding the perfect gift is on everyone’s mind. As you’re thinking about what to get the special people in your life, consider some of these high-tech gadgets that are sure to please.
Withings Move Healthtracker Watch
If you’ve searched for an activity tracker with a more classic watch design, the Withings Move may be for you. While the watch has no screen, it shows activity directly on the dial with its third hand, seamlessly tracking walking, running, sleeping, swimming and other activities. It also features a chronograph and connected GPS, so you get duration, distance, elevation and path mapped in a companion app. The Move comes in a variety of styles, has up to 18 months of battery life and is water-resistant up to about 150 feet. The watch, which is available through Amazon or the Withings website, starts at $69.
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses
If you’re picking up a gift for an on-the-go music lover who’s too cool for AirPods, these sunglasses with integrated Bose speakers may be the perfect fit. Bose Frames feature rich, immersive sound while still allowing you to be aware of your surroundings. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, the sunglasses have a built-in microphone so you can make calls or dictate text messages to your smartphone’s digital assistant. The frames come either in a classic angular shape or a rounder look. The lenses, which are scratch- and shatter-resistant, block 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. Available on the Bose website, $199.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Switch is a great console, but Nintendo finally figured out that for many gamers, the docking station that connected the device to a TV was just gathering dust. Enter the lower-priced Switch Lite. As a dedicated handheld, the system is smaller than the original but provides access to the same expansive game library featuring Nintendo hits, big-budget studio titles and imaginative indies. The device is great for online play, or it allows as many as eight Switch systems to connect through a local wireless network. The Switch Lite comes in three colors: yellow, gray and turquoise. Pick your favorite and start gaming. Available at major retailers, $200.
Piper Computer Kit
Sometimes the best way to value something is to build it yourself, so why not let kids try their hand at putting together their own computer? The Piper Computer Kit comes with everything you need to transform a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B circuit board into a working device capable of running Minecraft. The box comes with wood and acrylic pieces, a speaker, a battery, a 9-inch display and a kid-friendly mouse. Once the system is up and running, it can even teach kids coding through the included Piper Code software program. A great gift for a young computer enthusiast. Available at playpiper.com, $299