Top 5 Gadgets You Need Right Now

There’s some pretty amazing gadgets and tech products rolling our way this year, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites at the moment, as well as some we can’t wait to get our hands on.

Ultimate Ears Roll waterproof Bluetooth speaker

If you’re a bit of a water-lover then you should take a look at the Ultimate Ears Roll – a waterproof, pint-sized Bluetooth speaker that packs a serious sound punch. This little speaker is made for lazy days spent outside with friends and is the perfect companion when hiking, camping, and making a splash on the beach. We got the chance to review this nifty little speaker and its booming sound quality and functionality. The speaker is super simple to use – you just connect your device via Bluetooth or using an AUX cable and press play. The sound can be adjusted using the oversized ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ symbols on the top of the speaker. What’s more, if you have two of these bad boys (or if someone you know also owns an Ultimate Ears device) then you can double up on the sound experience with another Ultimate Ears device using the UE Roll app! The battery life on the device is also incredible and we were able to play music for a good 6 hours without having to charge it again. Highly recommended for those looking to take their music on the go.

Ultimate Ears Roll is priced at R2,499 from Incredible Connection.

Minipresso

The one key thing you need when travelling is coffee – but the days of settling for horrendous luke-warm instant coffee are done. The Minipresso has been designed to be the smallest, lightest and most versatile handheld espresso machine around. The Minipresso doesn’t require compressed air, N2O cartridges or electricity for its operation, allowing you to create hand-operated coffee on the go. Different water tanks capacity are available so you can enjoy multiple espresso types, going from ristretto to caffè lungo. We’ve been using the Minipresso on a few trips, and even in the office, despite having a full coffee machine a short walk down the hall. There is even a Minipresso CA model for capsule coffee on the go.

The Minipresso is priced at $59 (around R843) and available online at Wacaco.com.

Instax Mini 90

This classic-look Instax Mini 90 camera is just what your inner hipster ordered! The stylish little camera will inject a whole lot of fun into your life and comes in an elegant two-tone brown and silver colour combination. But it’s not just nice to look at it – it’s also packed with features. The Instax Mini 90 offers advanced features such as bulb and double exposure (both attractions of traditional analog cameras) and offers an enhanced capability to capture light creatively. Of course, we live in a modern world so the Instax Mini 90 is also equipped with new functions and features like macro mode and high performance flash making this an instant camera for every photographer.

Available from Takealot.com at R2189.

Huawei P9 smartphone

Speaking of taking epic photos, if you’re a keen photographer in the market for a new smartphone, then you’re going to want to check out the Huawei P9, the world’s first Leica dual-camera smartphone. Created in partnership with Leica Camera AG, the flagship Huawei P9 is any photographers dream device. The P9 promises users the ability to capture images with unmatched clarity, richness and authenticity, while also giving them a powerful smartphone to rival its competitors. Key to the P9’s impressive imaging capabilities is a dual-camera design that fully unleashes the power of Leica’s optical lenses, renowned for their precision and attention to detail. The RGB camera on the P9 specializes in capturing color, while the monochrome camera is outstanding at acquiring picture detail. The two rear cameras of the P9 work in tandem to enable users to create images of superior detail, depth and color. The P9 truly excels in low-light conditions, as the dual-camera design guarantees more light and detail can be captured.

The Huawei P9 is expected to be in South Africa by June 2016 at a recommended retail price of R11,999.

Philips Series 9000 electric razor

The 900 series electric razor is said to be the most advanced Philips has ever made.  The three independent rotating heads each move in 8 different directions for better contouring of your face.  Philips claims this captures 20% more hair in every pass, and it definitely seems the case as it provided us with a close, clean and rash-free shave. Also, one of the unique components of the new 9000 series, is a combination charger and cleaning system for the blades of your shaver.