It’s been a busy week for tech toys and gadgets enthusiasts. The new Star Wars movie marketing push has begun in earnest and that includes merchandise and gizmos, namely the Sphero BB-8, beloved new droid in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Also announced were the latest and greatest from tech giant Apple. The timing of these notifications also signals the start of the holiday shopping season. Yes, it’s true, only 16 more weekends until Christmas [insert internal primal scream here].
Given these new toys and gadgets might be hot ticket items for the 2015 holiday buying frenzy, here’s a rundown of their best features:
Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid
By far the gadget with the most “must-have” potential, this app-enabled droid aims to please. Fashioned after the movie version of the BB-8, the magic lies within the software. You guide the BB-8 via your smartphone or tablet. It recognizes and responds to your voice. It has an augmented reality feature in which you can record and view virtual holographic videos. You can set it to “autonomous” and have it explore on solo missions in your Jedi home. BB-8 will “evolve” the more you interact with it. Hopefully it won’t become sentient and command the millions of other Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droids to takeover this star system. Ultimately, the Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid is a great toy/gadget for older kids(13 and up) as well as kids at heart who love all things Star Wars. [Sphero]
Apple iPad Pro
With a 2732×2048 resolution 12.9″ screen, it’s the biggest iPad ever. That big screen also possesses a variable refresh rate making it energy efficient and a first for the iPad line. The iPad Pro packs an A9x chip which Apple claims runs circles around its competitors. It also has four speakers promising higher fidelity sound than any previous iPad. Despite the larger screen it’s surprisingly thin at 6.9mm and weighs in at a svelte 1.5 pounds. A new Multi‑Touch subsystem in iPad Pro enables the capabilities of a new stylus accessory called the Apple Pencil. Using pressure and tilt sensors, Apple Pencil instantly recognizes when you are pressing harder or shifting its angle. There’s also a detachable Apple Smart Keyboard available with more 3rd party keyboards on the way. Overall, the iPad Pro matches up well with the competition and offers an alternative to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and Wacom Cintiq 13HD. [Apple]
Also noteworthy, the new Apple TV was just released and promises better app integration, gaming, and an innovative new remote control.
What do you think? What are your “must-have” tech toys or gadgets for the holiday season?
