To see this year's list of holiday tech gift ideas for geeks and early adopters, visit Holiday tech gift ideas for geeks and early adopters 2023.
We all have that family member who always wants to have the latest, greatest smartphone, smart speaker, and gadgets before anyone else. They probably had the first Echo smart speaker and could tell you all about Android before Google even bought it. They are also your "go to guy" for any question you have on the newest smart devices and systems which can make your home a smart home.
These are the trendsetters and the early adopters of consumer technology - and they can be tricky to buy for, not least because they can rarely wait a week to get the latest tech, let alone until December. But fear not, as GearBrain has rounded up our top picks for gadgets and tech products, which we think the geeks and early adopters in your life will love.
Sonos Ray Soundbar - Great Gift for Your Early Adopter Friend
Sonos Ray Soundbar
Amazon
Sonos Ray is a new compact, easy-to-use soundbar by Sonos. Its got great sound and comes with Trueplay tuning technology to help the soundbar adapt to the sound in your home. Ray is a great solution if your geeky friend needs a new soundbar or you want to treat them to an easy-to-setup device that can enhance their TV or movie watching. You can use your existing smart TV’s remote to control the sound. If you want to play music when the TV is off, you can on Ray. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network, and you can easily connect to your favorite music source with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2.
Ray costs $279 and is available on the company site as well as Amazon and Best Buy.
The New Apple Watch 8 features temperature sensing
Apple
Apple’s new smartwatch, the Apple Watch 8 series, makes a great holiday gift for health-conscious parents who own an iPhone. This new watch comes with a bigger display than the Apple Watch 7 and has a lot of new safety features including Car Crash Detection. It works on the new watchOS 9 operating systems and is durable, dustproof, and swimproof. The watch also has a health sensor to track your blood, heart rate, and ECG. And for Mom, it can track her menstrual cycle in real-time.
The cost of the Apple Watch 8 is $399 with GPS and $499 with cellular and is available on Amazon, Apple’s website, and other consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy. Also, Apple is providing three free months of Apple Fitness + with purchase.
Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar
Wagz
Early adopters are always the first to have the latest gadgets, including ones that have dogs. The Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar is the first shock-free wireless fence and wellness system for their dogs and a perfect gift for your dog-loving early adopter or geeky friend. It uses no-shock geo-fence containment technology and real-time GPS monitoring to humanely redirect your dog away from invisible borders or “keep-out zones” you’ve set up around your home. It uses vibrations, audible sounds, and ultrasonic sounds to keep your dog in the yard or on your property. It costs $249 and is available on the company website and Amazon.
Ecovacs Deebot X1 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mopping Cleaner Reviewwww.gearbrain.com
Early adopters like to be the first to own a unique and effective product. This holds true when you think of smart robot vacuums. We have a great gift idea for your geeky friend or early adopter: a good, reliable, and effective robot vacuum with its own voice platform. We tested the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Plus robot vacuum, the entry-level robot vacuum for Ecovacs Omni Series, their premium robot vacuum line, which comes with its own voice assistant. You can use voice commands to mop, vacuum, self-empty, and monitor your floors. This robot vacuum can also act as an air freshener and more. It has powerful suction power and excellent mapping technology. There is a built-in security camera that you can use to help keep an eye on your home or your pet when you are away.
The list price for the Deebot X1 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mopping Cleaner is $1,149.00, but it is currently on sale for only $899 on the Ecovacs site. You can also buy a Deebot X1 Plus on The Home Depot and Best Buy.
Tp-Link Deco AXE5400 Tr--Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6e system works on a Wi-Fi 6e wireless protocol
GearBrain
With more and more smart devices coming into homes, connectivity is important to have, and TP-Link offers a unique gift for these homes, a Wi-Fi 6e tri-band mesh system. Wi-Fi 6e is part of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band and delivers the fastest Wi-Fi yet enabling multi-GB low frequent latency connections. It’s perfect for games, early adopters or even families who need a fast and reliable home Wi-Fi network. We tested TP-Link’s Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6e system and really like it. It comes with HomeShield built-in to help provide a strong and secure Wi-Fi 6e wireless connection and kill those dead zones in your home.
The cost of the TP-Link Deco Tri-Band Mesh system is $299.99 and available on Amazon. (Note: this is a great price. Most Wi-Fi 6e system cost more than $400.)
Read our full review for more on TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 6e system.
Logitect 0MX Master 3S for Mac Mouse
GearBrain
An icon remastered for advanced Mac users, the MX Master 3S for Mac mouse, available in Space Gray and Pale Gray, combines what you love already with new features for ultimate comfort, performance and workflow. With the MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel, zip through 1,000 lines per second, and set the DPI between 1,000 and 8,000 for precise work on either one or multiple high-resolution monitors. MX Master 3S for Mac features Quiet Clicks, tracks on glass, quickly recharges with the USB-C cable while in use and can connect to three different Apple devices on macOS and iPadOS with Easy-Switch.
The Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse for Mac lists for $99.99 and is currently available on Amazon.
Cyber Acoustics Essential Line of docking stations, headsets and webcams make a great gift for early adopters.
GearBrain
One company that offers excellent smart devices for eaarly adopters or geeks of any age is Cyber Acoustics. The company makes webcams, speakers, docking stations, headphones and more. All essential products for your geeky friends to use in their home offices or play space. We really like their CA Essential Webcam (WC-3000) and how well it performs during Zoom calls. It has a 1080p 5MP super HD camera which provides 2592x1944 high resolution HD video. It comes with an integrated privacy shutter, dual omni-directional surround mics, wide diagonal field of view, universal mount, plug and play USB and is Zoom certified.
The cost is only $39.99 on Amazon and makes a great gift. You should also check out Cyber Acoustic's store on Amazon for more quality products which make good gifts for students of all ages.
Cyber Acoustics Essential Docking Station is another great gift idea for early adopters. We tested the DS-2000 docking station and really liked how it helped us organized our workspace. Users can connect their mouse, webcam, monitor, USB headset and more on this docking station. And it has one simple USB port and can charge your laptop while docked.
The Cyber Acoustics Essential Docking Station costs $159.99 on the company website and $149.99 on Amazon.
Cyber Acoustics also has a USB Speaker Bar (CA-2890) which makes a great gift for a student looking to add speakers to their laptop or desktop. It connects to your computer’s or a docking station’s USB port and you can snap it on your monitor using the speaker’s clamp. The sound is good (2 speakers) and the price is right, only 24.99 on Amazon.
Lumen Metabolism Reader
GearBrain
If looking for a good smart health device for your early adopter family member or friend, take a look at Lumen. This smart health device can track your body’s metabolism by measuring your breath. It can also help you lose weight and live a happy and healthier lifestyle. We tested this metabolism reader and really liked the insights it can provide you regarding your metabolism. It’s easy to use and can integrate with Apple Health, Garmin IQ and Google Fit. The cost might be a little steep and is based on the track you choose. The tracks range from $249 for 6 months (Metabolism Booster) to $349 for 18-month track of optimal health.
You can read our full review to learn more by going to Lumen Hand-Held Portable Metabolism Reader Review
Furrion New4K Outdoor Smart TVs
Furrion
For early adopters who want to own the first cool smart outdoor TV which can work in their smart outdoor living space, you need to get them a good reliable outdoor smart TV which is weatherproof and works in full sunlight. One such TV which GearBrain has tested and would recommend is Furrion’s Aurora Smart LED Outdoor TV. This premium outdoor television line comes with WebOS smart platform, RangeXtend external antennas for strong Wi-Fi signal and XtremeShield IK08=rated tempered glass screen for protection against impacts and scratches. They offer full sun, partial sun and full shade 4K smart outdoor TVs in sizes 43”, 55” and 65”.
Furrion’s Aurora line starts around $1,399.99 for full shade 43” outdoor smart television and can go as high as $3,699.99 for a 65” full sun outdoor TV. So, be ready to get the rest of the family to chip in if needed to help your parents enjoy the perfect all-in-one outdoor entertainment experience.
Toshiba Smart Air Purifier with Alexa Voice Control
GearBrain
Every home these days needs a good smart air purifier, especially with all the viruses going around. And one we would recommend is the new Toshiba Smart Air Purifier with Alexa Voice Control. We tested this new smart air purifier and really liked how it performed. What makes this smart air purifier is how its DC Brushless Motor can operate at a low sound level (30dB under Sleep mode), and users can set up times 12 hours in advance to clean the air in rooms up to 483 square feet in only 8.6 minutes. Combining these features with multiple controls (voice or app) gives you a smart air purifier that can work nicely in your den, living room, bedroom, or nursery.
The Toshiba Smart Sir Purifier costs $299.99 and is available on Amazon. We expect this smart air purifier will be on sale during Black Friday.
Walabot DIY 2, Smart Stud Finder
Walabot DIY 2 is a smart stud finder which can help you visualize what is behind your walls.Vayyar Imaging
For the person who likes to do renovations around the home or is a carpenter, you must check out Walabot DIY 2, a visual wall scanner. This smart stud finder can locate stud centers and eliminate the risk of drilling into pipes and wires. It can even detect rodent movement behind your walls. GearBrain reviewed the original version of the Walabot years ago and is in the process of testing their new version (DIY 2) which brings "X-Ray vision" to both iPhone and Android users. It also comes with new features like an extended reach to allow the device to operate separately from the phone and a built-in rechargeable battery with 5 hours of non-stop scanning.
The Walabot DIY 2 costs $145.95 and is available on the company website and Amazon.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Google's new smart display, Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a solid, well designed smart display that can be an efficient personal and home manager. What makes this new robust voice assistant different from the previous version is its new Sleeping Sensing feature. This new feature provides details on your sleeping habits. It can track how long you slept as well as how well you breathe through the night. Sleep Sensing is a feature found in Fitbits (which Google purchased last year), which Google has added to their smart display. The new Nest Hub (2nd Gen) costs only $99.99 and will look good on any geek or early adopter's nightstand or kitchen counter.
GoPro Hero11 Black – $349.98
GoPro Hero11 Black CameraAmazon
GoPro Hero11 Black is the most powerful GoPro ever. This new revolutionary camera comes with the new GP2 processor, which helps the Hero10 Black shoot 5.3K video with double the frame rate, 27MP photos, waterproof (33 ft), enhanced low-light performance, and game-changing HyperSmoothy 5.0 video stabilization. But what makes the Hero11 Black different from previous models is it can store your videos in the cloud. With purchase, users will get a 1-year GoPro Subscription, which costs $49.99 a year after the first year. But if you don't want to pay for a subscription fee, no worries. Your Hero11 Black can store your videos locally. You have to get your own microSD card.
The cost of the GoPro Hero11 Black is $349.98, $200 off on GoPro's site.
Xbox Series S – $299
The Series S is available from November 10Microsoft
Both Sony and Microsoft are launching next-generation video game consoles this fall, and the cheapest is the Xbox Series S. Priced at $299, the Series S is a very well-priced console and, for many gamers, a more affordable way to experience next-generation gaming from day one.
The Series S isn't as powerful as the Series X (or the PlayStation 5), and upscales its gameplay to 4K instead of running at that resolution natively. But until this generation of games has matured and truly starts to push the new hardware, the S should offer a near-identical experience as the X for a good while after launch.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) – $249.99
Another brand-new gadget, the Echo Show 10, is Amazon's latest Alexa-powered smart display. It is also the first to include a motor that lets it rotate, ensuring you stay neatly in the shot when on a video call (Skype and Zoom are supported), but also points the screen at you as you move around the room. It's a handy feature for when you're cooking and following a recipe from the Show's display, turning as you move around the kitchen.
DJI Pocket 2 Bundle – $439
DJI Pocket 2 BundleDJI
This year, drone maker DJI offers a DJI Pocket 2 bundle for $439. This bundle includes the Pocket 2, a compact video camera, and a gimbal system for easily shooting stable 4K video. This model comes with auto recording and includes a modular system for attaching accessories like an external microphone connection and tripod. The camera sensor is also larger, and the resolution is up to 64 megapixels, enabling 8x lossless zoom.
The Pocket 2 has four microphones, up from two on the Osmo Pocket, and the software adjusts the audio based on which direction the camera is facing. It also automatically narrows the sound field when zooming in. This should help reduce background noise coming from sources that are out of frame.
All of this will help improve audio recording, but as mentioned earlier, it is now possible to connect a wired or wireless microphone for even greater sound capture capabilities. The 875 mAh battery promises up to 73 minutes of video recording per charge.
DJI Pocket 2 Exclusive combo has lightweight accessories, including a DIY handle and sling strap.
Meta Quest 2 – $399
The latest virtual reality headset from Facebook-owned Oculus is called the Quest 2. Replacing the immensely popular Quest, the new model is more powerful than its predecessor, with better image quality (1832 x 1920 resolution per eye) for a more engaging VR experience. It also has a higher 90Hz refresh rate for smoother video, 50 percent more RAM than before, and comes with a pair of redesigned wireless hand controllers for gaming and 64GB of storage.
As well as being a standalone VR headset, the Quest 2 can also be plugged into a PC to play more demanding content. The Quest 2 is available on Amazon.
Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds– $149
If looking for good earbuds for your early adopter friend, the Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds are a solid buy. They're small, well-designed, have a great fit, can pick up calls, connect to voice assistants, and have an app that lets you personalize how you want to listen to music. These earbuds can pull double duty. Whether it's handling calls on your phone or smartwatch or accessing your smart assistant while exercising, these earbuds are the ones to buy.
They also have excellent active noise cancellation and long battery life. Available on Amazon for less than $170.
Oura Ring - from $299
You're probably familiar with smartwatches and fitness trackers from the likes of Fitbit, but what about a smart ring? The Oura Ring from Finland is arguably the market leader, and while it tracks activity all day, its real focus is on sleep.
The ring monitors your every movement, along with body temperature and heart rate, to help inform you about your daily activity and sleep. With this data, the Oura Ring understands your sleep depth and quality and offers advice via a smartphone app on how to improve it. The ring comes in four different colors and materials and is available in various industry-standard sizes to ensure a good fit.
If you still need help in finding the perfect gift for your geeking friend or early adopter family member, try using The GearBrain, our compatibility product find engine for smart devices. It can help you find compatible products that work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. as well as any other smart device your early adopter might have in their smart home.
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