Whether we like it or not, technology is, little by little, taking over the smooth-running of our homes. Our devices can switch our lights on and off, give us the news headlines over our morning coffee, answer probing questions from the internet, sing us songs, or bark like dogs should we so ask them to. Alexa’s dulcet tones chime from smart speakers in around 78% of UK homes, while 36% of Brits prefer Google Assistant, and sales of smart speakers tend to spike around Black Friday, when retail giants slash their prices and the home assistant technology becomes immediately more attractive.

Home assistant technology is only going to become more intelligent and more omnipresent in 2022, and it may not only improve your household organisation but save you money on your energy bills. Apps such as Nest and Hive thermostats study your household energy usage and adapt it to suit your needs, allowing you to save energy and lower costs. You can configure heat and light settings from these apps, controlling your energy usage far more accurately than turning a dial or flicking a switch on a boiler. It also helps on cold nights when heading back from work, or if you are caught unexpectedly in the rain – you can have your house toasty and warm for your return by remotely adjusting your heating from your phone. Also, if you are prone to accidentally leaving the heating on when you leave the house, smart thermostats allow you to correct the error of your forgetfulness when you’re on the go.

Ai is also making strides in home security, and sales of networked cameras, video doorbells, and smart speakers are expected to boom in 2022. Apps such as Ringo and Eufy allow you to answer your doorbell remotely when it rings, meaning that no matter where you are in the world you can see who’s standing on your front doorstep and speak to them directly. This should bypass any ‘sorry we missed you’ Royal Mail or delivery cards, but also fend off any unwanted guests you’d rather not answer the door.

Linking smart devices will be huge in 2022, thanks in small part to the arrival of Matter. The big AI home assistant players such as Amazon, Google and Apple have agreed that Matter will be a connectivity standard that allows all smart home devices to communicate with each other. In layman’s terms, that means your Siri and Alexa can be friends, and your TV remote can talk to your thermostat. This groundbreaking development is a huge move towards the technological utopia of ‘The Internet of Things’ which will see homes have an interrelated system of objects – from the app that tracks the location of your cat to your bedside lamp – which share data and learn from your surroundings without the need for human intervention. And if that sounds like the robots are planning to overthrow us in 2022, it’s probably because they are.

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Tech can help make life a little bit easier, from charging your laptop on the go to making sure your pets are safe; so have a look at these 10 of the best gadgets for the whole family.

1. Planet Buddies Headphones

Looking for a sustainable company that will help educate and entertain your children? Look no further than Planet Buddies.

Their range of wireless headphones, speakers and gadgets are perfectly suited for the younger members of the family to keep up with their technological needs and keep them learning about the environment. Each of their products comes with a character designed to inform your kids about endangered species.

Find out more at planetbuddies.com

2. Juice Wireless Chargers

Say hello to the Juice Grip-It Wireless Universal Charging Cable. The Grip-It is a super simple way to Wireless Charge your devices – plug the USB port into a charger or computer, then just attach the suction pad to the central area on the back of your phone, and away you go.

Remember when everyone needed a different phone charger? The 3-in-1 cables were handy, but this is the new 3-in-1 – leave the Grip-It on the kitchen worktop, desk or any table really, and allow all phone users to wirelessly charge.

Find out more at juice.co.uk

3. The Apple Watch Action Sleeve

Know someone that loves their exercise but can’t get their fitness tracker to keep up with their workout?

ActionSleeve is a fabric armband that allows an Apple Watch to be worn on the upper arm or bicep. It’s ideal for sports like kickboxing, weightlifting and crossfit training where protective sports gear and full wrist mobility is often needed, ruling out the use of the Apple Watch on the wrist. 

Whether cycling, playing golf, doing yoga or weights, users will be able to move more naturally without the Apple Watch getting in the way of their workout.

Find out more at twelvesouth.com

4. Stealth Gaming Station for Xbox and Playstation

Declutter the little gamer’s room and give them a gift they’ll use all the time with Stealth’s Gaming Stations.

They are perfect gifts for gamers of all ages, providing a one-box solution to keep their gaming space neat and tidy. This includes a premium headset, headset stand and charging base; everything you need to complement your setup.

Find out more at smythstoys.com

5. PitPat pet activity monitor

It wouldn’t be fair to be handing out gifts to the whole family without getting something for our four-legged family too. PitPat is an activity monitor designed to keep an eye on your dog’s exercise, heart rate, calorie intake and weight.

It’s more important than ever to maintain awareness of your pet’s health in order to predict and detect any health problems as early as possible for their safety and your vet bills.

The app also recommends tailored exercise goals and feeding recommendations based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and activity levels. The tiny, waterproof, and robust device is made to withstand all your dog’s adventures.

Find out more at pitpat.com

6. Nintendo Switch Travel kit

Perfect for the Nintendo gamer in the family and to keep them from a shocking outburst when they drop their precious device, comes the protective and convenient Switch travel kit.

This travel kit includes everything gamers need for playing Nintendo Switch on the go. This bundle includes a protective Switch case with game cartridge slots in Switch’s classic red, blue and black colour scheme, matching headset with comfortable ear cups and integrated mic and a charging cable. 

Find out more at argos.co.uk

7. PictoScanner

PictoScanner is a simple, smart and user-friendly way to scan and share your old film negatives and 35mmslides using your smartphone and the PictoScanner app. All it takes is knowing how to take a photo on your smartphone.

To scan a photo, place your film negative in the slider, open the app, shoot the negative. The scanned photo opens on your smartphone screen as a positive. You can edit it as you wish.

Manufactured in a high grade cardboard box, easy to set up, PictoScanner uses an LED back light and the eye of your camera to get the scanning job done.

Find out more at pictoscanner.com

8. Airpod Pro Stand Case

Personalise your family’s sound systems with Atom Studios eco-friendly Airpods cases. The flat base also means this case can stand upright on your desk or night stand. 

This silicone back allows you to wirelessly charge your AirPods Pro without removing them from the case. Just place your AirPods Pro, inside their case, on top of a wireless charger.  The charge indicator light is clearly visible when in use so you can easily check that it’s charging.

Find out more at atomstudios.com

9. Crosley Bluetooth Turntable

Vinyl is making a massive comeback in recent years. There’s bound to be an audiophile in the house, whether it’s the younger generation discovering the joy of vinyl or adults looking for a blast from the past.

The Crosley is perfect for those looking to get into vinyl, as an affordable and compact record player. It also has Bluetooth capability so you can stream albums in case you haven’t built up your record collection as quickly as you would like. Perfect for throwing on some tunes as a group with the family or with friends over.

Find out more at hmv.com

10. PowerPic Wireless Charger

The convenience of wireless chargers and tablet stands is hard to argue with. But, often they stand out against the rest of your home decor. Twelve South have found a way to sneakily slip in a functional decoration that will wow your guests.

Meet PowerPic, the picture frame that wirelessly charges your phone. Just set any compatible phone inside the frame to begin charging. It can even serve as a stand for sneaky selfies or video calls from home.

Find out more at twelvesouth.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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1. Razer Kraken headphones

The Razer Kraken X for Console is the perfect headset for console players, bringing the best audio  quality and voice comms to the living room, bedroom or wherever you want to game, whether it’s on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch.

Using custom-tuned 40mm drivers in the earcups, the Kraken X gives amazingly clear, rich sound, from the quiet footsteps of approaching enemies to the thundering explosions of an all-out battle. And for competitive games, there’s nothing quite like the Kraken X for positional audio.

Coming in at an ultra-light 250g, the Kraken X for Console is designed for long-term comfort during intense play sessions. The ear cups are fitted with plush memory foam cushions for excellent comfort and noise isolation, with a soft, cushioned, adjustable headband for a secure fit with minimal head clamping. Sit tight and play for hours – your console gaming marathons are about to be a breeze.

Find out more at razor.com

2. CeX products

If you’re in need of upgrading some parts or getting a pre-owned console for cheap, CeX is a great company to keep in mind.

They buy, sell and exchange a range of technology and entertainment products including mobile phones, video games, DVDs and Blu-ray movies, computers, digital electronics, TVs and monitors, and music CDs.

Buying new tech can be expensive, but it pays to be prudent.

If you’re considering an upgrade, remember that your old tech and games can save you cash. You’ll get more if they’re in good condition. Keep the box and accessories these could add value.

CeX has the widest choice of phones, tablets, electronics, and games, all with a free 24-month warranty. With over 380 stores, they are the UK’s leading second-hand tech and entertainment retailer.

Find out more at uk.webuy.com

3. Arcade Depot

Who remembers the 70s and 80s? Take back a bit of the past with a retro arcade machine, including all the classic games you remember. Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong just to name a few.

Arcade Depot’s UK-built machines are the perfect addition to an entertainment space, with a variety of styles, finishes, and themes to choose from. With at least 60 games there is something for the whole family to enjoy, just plug it in and start playing.

With more than 10 years of experience manufacturing arcade machines, the Arcade Depot bring you premium arcade machines at affordable prices.

Their designs have been refined to offer the best looking, best performing, and most practical machines available today. These machines would look great in your home bar, man cave, games room or living room.

Find out more at thedepot.uk

4. MSI Computers

Thinking of purchasing RGB peripherals for friends and family? Well, look no further. Whether you’re after a gift for a casual gamer or a professional, they’ve got you covered – offering premium mechanical keyboards, high-fidelity headsets, ultra-high DPI gaming mice, wireless gaming controller, and lightning-fast surfaces to go with them.

Looking for a hardware upgrade? MSI offers the latest in groundbreaking GeForce RTX 30 Series Graphics Card as well as powerful AMD 5000 series. The ultimate MSI gaming experience wrapped up just for you.

In the gaming gift guide, you could find reviews and recommendations from the best gaming and technology media, giving you a quick grasp of why it’s worth investing in high-quality gaming peripherals.

Find out more at uk.msi.com

5. Wifi UK

Have you ever experienced endless buffering when you stream music or videos? Or weak Wi-Fi signals in different rooms?

Wi-Fi UK understands how important connectivity, reliability and convenience may be to you. Which is why they have created a powerful Mesh Wi-Fi network to guarantee that once you are connected, you stay connected.

Wi-Fi UK allows your devices to connect to their full potential. No more Wi-Fi complaints from the kids. Just smooth 4K Netflix, Apple TV streaming and Sonos speakers play with ease.

Mesh Wi-Fi uses your internet, then spreads it across the property via intelligent access points. Each has three powerful antennae to guarantee uninterrupted communication between access points, creating blanket-like coverage.

The team design and install the system then set it up in 90 minutes. There’s no drilling or wires to run and it works with any internet providers.

Find out more at meshwifi.co.uk

6. Kano Computing

Learning how to code is a valuable skill in many professions today. This is why schools are encouraging children to master this from as early as the age of five. Teaching little ones how to code can be challenging though; which is where Kano comes in.

Build a tablet, learn to code games, apps, and music with a DIY computer kit that teaches kids how their PC works. Children can put together the hardware aspects of a computer themselves while discovering the bits and bytes that keep the technology running.

Kano’s coding kits make teaching how to build computers fun with themed hands-on play. Disney Frozen 2 and Star Wars, along with Harry Potter, are among the themed games that Kano offers. Anyone can give kids an incentive to learn basic coding.

The make-your-own computer firm has designed its kits so that children can be guided through loops, logic and variables using puzzle games and challenges.

Find out more at world.kano.me

7. Retrosix

Do you remember the sheer exhilaration you experienced while playing your first gaming console? Get ready to take yourself back to pixelated paradise this Christmas with RetroSix.

RetroSix was formed by a small group of gamers passionate about all things retro. Their focus is restoring original consoles to like-new, adding modern tech to vintage consoles.

You can experience the nostalgia of your favourite games without the limitations of old outdated hardware. RetroSix believe that products nowadays are mass-produced and not designed to last; and are here to change this.

RetroSix was formed to provide hand-built products with limited quantity and restored to absolute gaming perfection.

All work and improvements are carried out in the UK, in-house, by hand. Attention to detail is provided for every customer.

Find out more at retrosix.co.uk

8. Dan Clark Audio Aeon headphones

It’s time to listen up. Multi-award-winning brand Dan Clark Audio has unveiled the latest in high-performance headphones in three different series: Aeon, Ether and Voce.

Why the multiple awards? Dan Clark Audio’s headphones pull off a game-changing feat; their advanced planar magnetic and electrostatic drivers are engineered to deliver outstanding sound quality. Yet they are among the lightest, most comfortable headphones on the market, perfect for those long gaming marathons.

The company achieves this by building its models from the ground up, avoiding off-the-shelf components and insteadq creating its own proprietary technology, for exceptional results.

These headphones reach ‘out of your head’ and play your favourite sounds with their full emotional impact. Immerse yourself for hours on end, with absolutely no fear of headphone fatigue.

Find out more at electromod.co.uk

9. CCL Computers

Next-level gaming is here, with the multi-award-winning CCL Reaper GT gaming PC, featuring the 2nd generation AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics with Ray-Tracing technology.

Housed in a sleek Corsair Carbide chassis with a tempered glass side panel, the Reaper GT offers great value, performance and upgradability.

Enjoy blistering speeds with fast 3000MHz DDR4 memory and NVMe solid state drive with read speeds of up to 3500MB/s and write speeds of 1200MB/s. Keeping the system running cool and silent is the Corsair Hydro Series high performance liquid CPU cooler.

All CCL systems are expertly built and tested and come with a three-year collect and return warranty as standard.

Find out more at cclonline.com

10. Defy Gaming

Defy Gaming provides the opportunity to build your own personalised custom controller individual to you. For a completely bespoke gaming accessory, the online controller builder allows you to personalise and customise every aspect of your controller with thousands of possible design combinations on offer.

Personalise controls for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Defy Gaming only use brand new controllers from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo and include warranty as standard.

Defy Gaming also caters to the more serious gamer, providing a variety of controller upgrades such as interchangeable thumb sticks, trigger extenders and rear paddles for PlayStation and Xbox controllers.

With the largest selection of options to customise your controller worldwide, Defy Gaming are the biggest providers of custom controllers in the UK. The team offer fast dispatch, free tracked delivery in the UK, worldwide shipping and warranty is included as standard.

Find out more at defygaminguk.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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1. HoMedic

We’ve all had a lot to deal with this year, and the ongoing disruption to our daily lives can leave a lot of us feeling increasingly stressed. Finding time to unwind is key to our wellbeing, and neglecting to do this can cause our bodies to absorb a lot of stress, leading to tension in our muscles. However, making the most of downtime is easier than you think, particularly when you can enjoy a massage with a HoMedics Massager.

From massage chairs and hand-held devices, to massagers for your feet and neck, there is a vast selection of different tools on offer which can help you ease sore muscles and achieve ultimate relaxation.

Each massager can help you achieve deep-kneading shiatsu, invigorating vibration, muscle-relieving percussion or even gentle yoga massage in the comfort of your own home, making it easier than ever to truly unwind and destress after a long day.

Find out more at homedics.co.uk

2. Ibeani

The award-winning iBeani tablet cushion will securely hold any size iPad, tablet, eReader or book on any surface. The viewing angle is fully adjustable to provide hands-free comfort. Being ultra-lightweight and with five-star reviews, the iBeani tablet cushion will help make learning a breeze.

Thanks to its unique design, you can position your iPad, Tablet, eReader or book at any viewing angle on any surface. Great on your lap, on the sofa, in bed or for holding recipes in the kitchen; offering a stable and comfortable experience wherever you require a tablet device holder.

Designed in the UK and with many great benefits, iBeani is simply the best quality and most useful iPad stand and tablet bean bag cushion you can buy.

Available in a range of designs to suit all, iBeani tablet cushions will complement any room in the home.

Find out more at ibeani.co.uk

3. Vodafone GPS Curve

Never has it meant more to stay connected with the people and things we love, so keep them in sight with the Vodafone Curve, available on Amazon. Smart and compact, the smart GPS tracker designed and connected by Vodafone, makes it easy to stay in touch with family and possessions – all through the Vodafone Smart App.

Curve is different to Bluetooth-only trackers, which mostly require phone proximity to work. With a built-in smart SIM* connecting the device to the internet via Vodafone’s global network, it also uses four different tracking technologies: GPS, Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth for reliable connection no matter the location.

Not only is Curve as light as a house key; its handy keyring accessory allows you to attach it to almost anything, meaning it’s always with you. With its smart technology, versatility and long-lasting battery, Curve fits into your life, however you live it.

Find out more at vodafone.com

4. Stealth gaming headset

If you’ve got kids or grandkids who love playing video games, then already be aware that there are some top new games out there ready to purchase for Christmas. Why not treat them to some premium accessory products, to get the best out of their gaming exploits this coming festive season.

British gaming accessory brand STEALTH offer a wide range of accessories, from stylish high-performance headsets to console cases to powerful charging solutions for XBOX Series X, PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch.

Plus, they’re currently the only gaming accessory company to use 100 per cent plastic-free packaging with all of their products, so you can be sure that your choice is a sustainable one.

Find out more at stealthgaming.net

5. Olympus Cameras

Just about as hot as you can get in photography at the moment is this pro-spec marvel from Olympus.

The brand new OM-D E-M1X incorporates all the benefits of the Micro Four-Thirds system and some seriously useful advanced features for sports and action photographers.

It enjoys intuitive design with an integrated vertical grip for superb ergonomic control in horizontal and vertical modes. Camera-shake is a thing of the past, it has the world’s best image stabilisation, with up to 7.5 EV steps of compensation for incredible hand-held performance, through the 5-axis IS system.

Plus it has a re-developed autofocus system with a variety of AF target modes and settings, plus the ultimate game-changer for sports and action photographers: intelligent subject tracking. All this is crammed into a super portable dust-, splash- and freeze-proof all-weather body.

Find out more at olympus.co.uk

6. Smeg home appliances

Looking to gear up your kitchen ahead of the imminent party season? Cue Smeg, the iconic Italian appliance manufacturer.

There’s a present idea to suit even the trickiest of recipients. For that budding star baker, it’s got to be a stand mixer or hand blender, while for the coffee connoisseur, an espresso coffee machine in a choice of colours. Fitness enthusiasts will adore Smeg’s citrus juicer or blender complete with Smeg’s bottle-to-go for smoothies on the run.

On the large appliance front, if you’re considering a change to your kitchen there’s a Smeg product to suit, from state-of-the-art touch-controlled built-in ovens, microwaves and hobs through to wine coolers, sous vide systems and blast chillers. Smeg’s collection of range cookers and hoods are also worth considering, should you be seeking out a focal point and extra oven capacity in your kitchen.

Find out more at smegukcom

7. Celestron telescopes

Celestron’s range of AstroMaster telescopes are ideal for those looking to start out on their astronomical journey of exploration. Suitable for all ages and experience, you’ll be ready to observe in minutes thanks to the AstroMasters’ quick and easy no-tool setup.

The AstroMaster 70 AZ gives wonderfully bright, clear images of the Moon, nearest planets, and many more objects for great night-time viewing.

Using additional accessories, this beautiful telescope is also perfect to set up at home for daytime views of distant land or seascapes. What’s more, if you purchase an AstroMaster telescope from either the website, or direct from one of their authorised dealers you will receive extra accessories including a smartphone adaptor to take images through the telescope.

Find out more at celestron.com

8. Mixx Charge headphones

The JX2 wireless headphones from MIXX Audio are available in black, space grey and rose gold. Not only do they look stunning but they sound great too, thanks to their dynamic stereo providing a refined listening experience. 

The JX2 headphones boast an impressive 14-hour battery life, making them ideal for commuters looking to immerse themselves in their favourite music or movie. If the juice does start to run low, simply plug in the 3.5mm audio cable to ensure the entertainment doesn’t stop.

With integrated headphone controls, calls can be picked up hands-free and songs skipped, paused or the volume can be turned up or down. The JX2 is designed with extra soft faux leather earpads that tilt to fit the contours of the head, users can experience the ultimate snug fit and noise isolation.

Find out more at mixxaudio.com

9. Power Plate

Using Power Plate is an innovative, time-saving and results-driven way to improve health and fitness at home. Power Plate’s vibration technology is safe, effective and trusted around the world by professional sports teams, fitness pioneers and wellness advocates.

Power Plate delivers accelerated health and wellness results, whatever the fitness level or training style. Power Plate’s whole-body vibration products help users prepare faster, perform better and recover quicker by stimulating natural reflexes and helping with muscle activation.

With easy-to-follow exercises, on-demand workouts and coaching tips on the free Power Plate app, there has never been a better time to take control of your fitness.

Power Plate’s targeted vibration products deliver therapeutic relief directly to the areas that need it most. Perfect before and after a workout or to provide relief for tight and sore muscles.

Find out more at powerplate.co.uk

10. JLL Fitness equipment

If you are looking to build your very own home gym, so you can work out in the comfort of your own home, look no further. JLL Fitness offers a great range of cardio equipment, treadmills, rowing machines, indoor cycling bikes, and more.

Their in-home premium 500 Series is designed to be stylish and easy to store within your own home. The 500 Series is built with you in mind. Thanks to the ergonomic design, you can always work out in full comfort. The 500 Series monitor helps you keep track of your speed, distance, calorie, time, and pulse while you are working out, and so helps you stay focused on your goals.

Their T350 Folding Treadmill is perfect for in-home use. The running deck has a 16-point cushion system which reduces the impact on your joints when running.

Find out more at jllfitness.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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