Technology is supposed to improve our lives, but often it comes to dominate our existence or bamboozles us. We’ve never met anyone who has a clue about what all the screens and buttons on their in-car entertainment unit actually do and we question whether there’s really a need for a subscription-based app for everything from shaving to breathing. Anyway, here’s our pick of the latest tech that will actually make your day more enjoyable…
If you’d rather spend your time on something other than chores, consider a robot vacuum cleaner. It’ll scoot around hoovering up dust and debris on its own schedule, saving you the bother. Proscenic’s 850T model can even cope with pet hair, and at just 2.8 inches high, can glide into hard to reach areas under cabinets and couches. You can control it via app, remote control or using voice commands via a smart speaker. It has a 120 minute run-time between charges and automatically adjusts to different flooring types. Job done!
Stoov’s Big Hug XL is a heated chair cover that can also be used as a throw. Perfect for knocking up some spreadsheets in your home office chair, bingeing on Netflix or a cosy gaming experience. They also do some rechargeable huggable heated cushions that work wonders for soothing muscle pains after an overenthusiastic exercise session. The range can be ordered from uk.stoov.com
Thai design specialist Gadhouse has just launched its Miles stylish wireless speakers, meaning you don’t need to faff about with cables and cable ties to get great sound and a retro-stylish look. It’s an East meets West aesthetic combining 70s and 80s European style with Japanese minimalism and the latest audio technology. The also do a cool retro turntable with 3.5mm in and out jacks, pitch control, dust cover and belt-drive turntable mechanism. At under £120, it’d be a stylish way to get back into vinyl. See the range at
gadhouse.com
Char-Broil’s Electric Smart-E BBQ will make you King of the Barbecue. The TRU-Infrared technology creates an even heat, with no flare ups and far juicier results. As its electric, there’s no need to fire it up two hours before your guests arrive and no danger you’ll run out of gas. It takes just 15 minutes to reach 2600C and you can choose the cooking temperature – anywhere from 90-3700C digitally. There’s even a brilliant Auto Clean function which removes the hassle of cleaning and an Auto-Shut Off to power down automatically when the cleaning’s done. RRP £799.99 from garden centres or via char-broil.co.uk where you’ll find stockists and lots of recipes.