7 gadgets to be on the look out for in 2017

Perry Koh -

This year is going to be an exciting year for all of you tech fanatics out there. Especially after all the new hot products that dropped/demoed at the last CES convention. With drones killing the market, TVs becoming thinner and thinner, VR on the rise, AI right around the corner (let’s hope or maybe not), autonomous cars becoming a reality, and more – plain and simple, we’ve got a lot to look forward to people. If you’re a tech fanatic or simply someone that has a pension for collecting cool gadgets, we’ve put together a list of some the top new gadgets already dropped or soon-to-be-release that turned our heads.

  1. Wireless Glass Keyboard. When it comes to tech guts, this product won’t drop your jaw to the floor but in terms of coolness and aesthetic, the new Bluetooth-enabled glass keyboard is something out of a science fiction movie. It’s compatible with just about everything (iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS) and charges with a USB cable. It may not be typing in thin air, but it sure looks like it. It also comes with a full on QWERTY layout. We’ve added this one more for the cool factor.
  1. Samsung Foldable Phone. Apparently this phone is literally going to fold in half like elastic material. Based off this concept, the sell of this pitch is that users are going to be able to reap the benefits of a tablet-sized screen and yet still have a device that’s as portable as any other mid-sized smartphone. If it drops in 2017 (which they’re saying it very well might), it’ll be a two-in-one smart phone that’ll be the first commercial product of its kind. They’re hoping to attract the ‘anything bigger than an iPhone is too big for me but I’d still love a bigger screen’ type, ensuring them the portability sacrificed on larger phones. If it drops, hopefully it’s not going to sacrifice any of the smartphone vitals for concept.
  1. Racing drones. In case you’re unaware, consumer drones have absolutely slaughtered the market. Industry leaders like DJI have loaded their drones with tech some thought wouldn’t be available for years. Now there’s drone racing; leagues where drone racers fly their drones (that can reach up to 100mph) in competition. Now that it has become not only a commodity but a popular sport, we’re going to see a whole new rise of ‘consumer’ racing drones that are going to be ready-to-fly right out of the box. What was once a gadget meant specifically for hobby enthusiasts is now becoming a toy available to everyone.

  1. PowerVision PowerRay. Let’s keep on the drone train here and introduce the new aqua-drone, the PowerVision PowerRay. Following the success of aerial drones, PowerVision decided to engineer a drone for the deep blue. This thing can venture up to 100 feet below the surface, is equipped with sonar technology that can detect nearby fish, is fit with lights that use color to attract other fish. It can shoot in 4k, livestream the first-person-view, and connect to a synchronized VR headset that allows you to control the drone via head movement. Ever wanted to explore the ocean? Soon you’ll be able to.
  1. Emotech Olly Robohub. If you’re at all keen towards the Amazon Alexa or Echo, then you’re going to love when the Emotech Olly drops. It’s basically the same platform –your household smart robot that can play music, do some basic Bluetooth jazz, pair with some of your devices, and so on – except the Olly is going to control everything. It’s going to be an all-in-one integrated smart unit that’s capable of pairing with all your devices and your network. It will be voice-commanded similar to the aforementioned products, but what makes it a true gem is it has a mildly AI intuition; it will ‘get to know you’ via your conversations and adapt to your routine. Maybe even be your friend. Who knows.
  1. LeEco Smart Bikes. LeEco is trying to be the pioneer of the smart bike; the technologically savvy bicycle that can basically guide you were you need to go, play music for you, and even communicate with other bikes of the same type. Equipped with a 4” Android screen in the center console, it has GPS, music playback, and a walkie-talkie that’ll pair with other bicycles. You’ll never have to pull out your cellphone while riding your bike again. Unless maybe for that perfect snapchat.

  1. Razer Project Valerie. Ever feel like one screen isn’t enough on your laptop? Well the Razer Project Valerie is supposed to be a ‘mobile desktop’ that unfolds into a trifecta of screens and yet remains conveniently portable. It hasn’t dropped yet, but it’s certainly something to look forward to.

We are and have been in the age of tech. With that comes a bit of scariness (okay maybe a whole lot), world-changing advancements, and more new toys than we can count. 2017 is going to be another rewarding years for all of us tech junkies out there. But always remember, the new hot stuff of last year probably going to experience a price drop. Might be worth looking into.