#ThatWas2017: As 2017 wraps up, here are 9 hottest gadgets!
In 2017, the tech world witnessed a lot of changes and exciting launches as companies constantly tried to bring innovative products and improve their offerings as well. As the year is drawing to a close, we bring to you the best technology, gadgets, and innovations this year. From smartphones to smart speakers, gaming consoles to toy robots to mini-drones, here are the best ones!
Tenth-anniversary iPhone is one of the blockbuster gadgets of 2017
iPhones have always looked the same; this, however, changed with iPhone X that represented the most radical iPhone design change. iPhone X comes with an "edge-to-edge" 5.8-inch OLED display, Apple's A11 Bionic chip, 3GB RAM, dual 12MP rear-camera, 7MP front-camera, and 2,716mAh battery. The 64GB version costs Rs. 89,000 while the 256GB model costs Rs. 1,02,000. There's no "Home" button; facial-recognition-powered FaceID replaces TouchID.
Transform Samsung device into a desktop with DeX docking hub
Samsung DeX Station is probably the best accessory one can get right now for their Samsung flagship smartphones (recent ones). The company's DeX docking station can turn a Galaxy S or Note device into a desktop computer. The handsets need to be docked in the DeX device, which should be connected to a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse for an amazing desktop-like experience.
Samsung Galaxy S8 phones among the best 2017 releases
Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the most beautifully crafted bezel-less display phones. Samsung's Bixby voice assistant also debuted with Galaxy S8 series. Galaxy S8 features a 5.8-inch Infinity Display while S8+ sports a 6.2-inch Full-View display. They are powered by Samsung Exynos-8895 processor with 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, 8MP front and 12MP rear cameras. S8 costs Rs. 53,900 while S8+ costs Rs. 58,900.
The Spark: DJI's most affordable "mini drone"
Chinese drone-maker DJI, known for its powerful drones, has launched the "Spark" mini-drone, which is also the most affordable one by DJI. It's priced at Rs. 43,000 in India. Weighing only 300gms, Spark can fly for 16 minutes (maximum). With its 12MP camera, it can capture 1080p videos/photos. It has the "PalmControl" feature, which allows users to control the drone using their hands.
Is Microsoft Surface Laptop the best laptop this year?
Microsoft Surface Laptop has become one of the most loved Windows laptops in 2017. Having premium specs and design, it is well built with good looks. However, it's a traditional laptop and lacks 2-in-1 capabilities. It comes with a 13.5-inch display, Windows 10 S OS (upgradable to Windows 10 Pro), Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 4GB/8GB/16GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage.
Nintendo Switch: An innovative gaming console
Japanese video-gaming giant Nintendo's Nintendo Switch is a handheld hybrid console that is primarily designed as a home console to be inserted into a docking station for connecting it to a TV. It can be used as a standalone tablet through its 6.2-inch 720p LCD screen. Buyers get two Joy-Cons (controllers on either side), Switch Dock, HDMI cable, USB Type-C power-adapter in the box.
Xbox One X: Microsoft's 4K game console
Another gaming console unveiled by Microsoft in May -Xbox One X- is one of the most loved gadgets this year. The compact Xbox costs $499 (roughly Rs. 32,000). The higher-end Xbox variant comes with improved hardware and performance. It is the smallest Xbox till date and comes with ultra high-resolution 4K playback capabilities, liquid-cooling technology, octa-core Scorpio Engine SoC, 12GB RAM, and 1TB storage.
Echo: Amazon's Alexa-powered smart speakers
This year, Amazon brought its AI assistant Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers to India. They come in three variants: the tiny Echo Dot, the regular Echo, and the bigger Echo Plus. The intelligent devices can be controlled through voice-input, even in the Indian accent. The intelligent speakers can answer questions, look up something, set reminders/timers, control smart lights, search and play music and videos, etc.
Meet AstroBot Kit, the STEM-friendly toy robot
China-based UBTech Robotics unveiled the cutting-edge STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) friendly Jimu Robot AstroBot Kit at Toy Fair 2017, aimed at inspiring kids to take an interest in robotics. The $199 (roughly Rs. 12,750) AstroBot Kit can be built into three different robots/characters -a humanoid, anthropomorphic wheeled-vehicle, and treaded-mobile-robot with grab and lift action- and programmed using a simple, kid-friendly mobile app.
