It's Time To Give These Gadgets A Try

Technology's here and it's there, and if you'll forgive the Dr. Seuss-ism, it's everywhere. You cannot avoid it, even if you haven't tried some aspect of it for yourself. Odds are high you've at least a little technology in your personal life, but haven't found a use for some of the latest and greatest gadgets of the modern world. It's time for that to end. Innovation is happening faster than ever, and if you don't get on board soon you'll get left behind. It's time to give these gadgets a try if you haven't yet.

When the first Kindle was introduced, people were amazed and horrified. Some lauded the ugly little device as being the future (which it is, deal with it), but others feared it spelled the end of their beloved paper books (it will, eventually). Many have given in and given the device — and many others like it — a try, and many have found it to be an entirely agreeable little slate for their reading needs.

Some still refuse to touch the thing, though, and if you're one of those people it's try to give it a try.

An ereader, of course, doesn't look like an ordinary tablet — it has what is called an e-ink display, which looks just about as close to a printed sheet of paper as you can get. Because of this a Kindle and other ereaders can be read in direct sunlight — just like a book — and sip battery life, meaning you can get away with charging the device only once a month or so.

It has a whole bunch of benefits you don't get with books, however. For one thing, it is incredibly light and thin but can be loaded with dozens or hundreds of books. How many physical books can you fit in your backpack? Not as many as you can fit on your ereader. Some of the slates also include an integrated light, which allows a book to be read at night without having a lamp on — meaning you won't disturb your partner. It's thin, it's light, it can hold a ton of books, and you'll never get a paper cut.

Wearables. They're gadgets that you wear, hence the name. The most common among this category are smartwatches, though we've seen some smartglasses and other wearable tech surface. Non-smartwatch wearables are hard to come by, with the exception of fitness wrist bands which aren't quite the same as smartwatches. Your first thought, like many, is likely that you've no use for a smartwatch: why would I want a miniature version of my smartphone on my wrist?

It's a valid question, but remember that at one time people were asking why they'd want a miniature version of their computer in their cell phone when they already had a laptop. Times are a'changing.

Smartwatches are on your wrist, and that instantly gives them an edge over your smartphone. Got a new notification? You can turn your wrist a bit and take a peak rather than rudely pulling out your smartphone for a look. You can peck out messages on your wrist in an instant, access data that would otherwise require your handset, and more. Hate alarm clocks? You can set your smartwatch to vibrate in the morning for a more gentle and non-disruptive awakening. And, of course, there's extensive fitness features.

There's the new Apple Watch (review) if you're fond of all things Apple, while others might be more interested in Android Wear and the several smartwatches currently running it. Those aren't the only two options, though — there're wares for Samsung users, quasi-fitness bands like the Microsoft Band (review), and more. Check out the SlashGear Wearables Hub for all the details!

Imagine that when you get home from work at night, the air conditioner clicks a few degrees cooler and starts cooling the house off. That when you leave, your home security system arms itself automatically. That your lawn waters itself only when needed, turning off when the forecast calls for rain. That your dog is automatically fed, you can remotely turn the pot roast off when it's finished cooking, and you can pull out your phone to see who's knocking at the door.

Such is the Internet of Things.

The Internet of Things is composed of gadgets that are connected to the Internet, and with that comes all sorts of functionality you'd never get from an ordinary device. You might think it's just not for you — you've still got your Clapper, and that's good enough — but you're wrong.

The Internet of Things can find a place in every home, and once you use it you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. You don't have to take a big plunge to give the technology a shot. Try out a smart light bulb for a week. The first time it dims itself for a more relaxing late evening session, you'll realize the potential of such devices. We've detailed a whole load of them in our related tag portal.