The holidays are right around the corner, so now is a perfect time to show the technology lover in your life how much they mean to you!
For the past few years, Global Knowledge, where I recently helped launch an on-demand learning service, has been publising a “Tech The Halls” list of tech toys and stocking stuffers recommended by Global Knowledge tech enthusiasts to create the ultimate wish list.
Three of the wish list items I recommended were included! Drum roll…
Apple iPhone X
How it works: Ten years ago, Apple reinvented the phone with the original iPhone. To celebrate the anniversary, Apple introduced this special model just in time for the holiday season, with its all-screen design, Face ID for secure authentication and wireless charging option.
Coolest feature: The dual-lens 12-megapixel camera has a f/1.8 wide lens and f/2.4 telephoto lens with optical image stabilization (OIS). The camera app supports a variety of new built-in filters and a QR code scanner. Some may insist that the animated emojis — or Animojis — is the best new feature that will make the world a better place. Time will tell.
Paul Tocatlian, Director of Engineering: “The iPhone X is at the top of my list this year. How do I justify the $1,000-plus price tag? By cutting back on Starbucks and enjoying the ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’ coffee available in the Global Knowledge break rooms. The phone camera will certainly come in handy at the company’s next Halloween extravaganza.”
For more information, checkout the iPhone X (unlocked) on Amazon.com.
DJI Osmo Mobile
How it works: If you’ve ever walked around while shooting video with your smartphone, you know how hard it is to keep your camera still. Osmo Mobile smoothens and even cancels out the movements you make, stopping camera shake and turning every shot into a cinematic video.
Coolest feature: The customizable joystick lets you control your phone camera like a professional camera, with dedicated buttons for shutter and record, as well as manual ISO, shutter and white balance settings. Set sensitivity, invert pan or tilt, or even lock the Osmo so that the gimbal can only move in specific directions.
Paul Tocatlian: “I look forward to the day when I can return to Vietnam with the Osmo Mobile and film the utterly terrifying act of crossing the street in Saigon. Should I survive that feat, I would attempt to truly experience the city like a local on the back of a motorbike during rush hour and film this adventure on two wheels.”
[Update: Christmas came early this year and Santa Claus was very generous and granted my wish! Watch the video I took with the Osmo Mobile in Vietnam over Thanksgiving.]
For more information, checkout the DJI Osmo Mobile on Amazon.com.
Nikon D850 DSLR Camera
How it works: The D850 is Nikon’s latest high-resolution full-frame DSLR, boasting a 46MP CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, and feature set that makes it the perfect companion for travel, landscape, portrait and wildlife photography.
Coolest feature: The D850 includes a new “silent shutter,” which allows the camera to take advantage of the electronic shutter in live view mode. What’s great about this mode is that it not only eliminates any kind of shutter but also allows photographers to stay discreet.
Paul Tocatlian: “Today’s smartphone cameras have to a large extent replaced our cameras for everyday point-and-shoot photos. But for those special occasions when your smartphone just won’t cut it, why not go all out and get the best DSLR prosumer camera on the market … you only live once!”
For more information, checkout the Nikon D850 DSLR on Amazon.com.
[Update: Considering the Sony a7R III 42.4MP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera as an alternative!]
More…
To aid in your hunt for the perfect present, to give or to get, here is the complete list of our top picks this holiday season:
- GoPro HERO6
- iRobot Roomba 980 Robot – Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Tile Sport – Key Finder. Phone Finder. Anything Finder.
- WyzeCam 1080p HD Wireless Smart Home Camera with Night Vision
- DJI Spark – Portable Mini Drone
- Teddy Ruxpin – Official Return of the Storytime and Magical Bear
- Prynt Pocket – Instant Photo Printer for iPhone
- Motorola Moto 360 Sport – 45mm
- Norton Core Secure WiFi Router
- Amazon Echo Show
- PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Console
You can also revisit the wish lists from 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013. It’s fascinating to see how fast some of these gadgets have become obsolete, likely tucked away and forgotten in a drawer!
Let’s make the world a better place!
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass.
The Center for Innocent Children in Vietnam needs your help! By contributing to this campaign, you are making the statement that despite being abandoned by their families or orphaned, these children deserve a decent childhood, an education, and a chance at a better life. Your willingness to help makes all the difference.
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