Compiled by
CIARA O'BRIEN
HTC One X+ From free to €249.99
HTC has revamped its One X phone to include a faster chip, a better battery and more space to store apps and other data. The new version comes with Android Jelly Bean, and HTC’s new Sense interface.
It also doubles storage to 64GB – crucial since the phone doesn’t provide for an external memory card. And the battery has been increased so you can spend more time surfing the web or taking photos with your improved camera – a new self portrait mode on the front camera makes it easy to detect faces, while a new “sightseeing” mode starts the camera by bypassing the lock screen.
[ HTC.comOpens in new window ]
Hotwheels Apptivity €15
If you have an iPad and a child under a certain age, there’s a high chance your expensive Apple device has been slapped, drooled on and used as a ramp for cars. Well Mattel has decided it’s time to get in on the action.
A range of Apptivity toys has been designed to work with the iPad, from Hotwheels cars to Batman action figures, and they can be used to control a game on the iPad. So you can race and jump cars, or move Batman around Gotham through the toy on the iPad screen. And they’re guaranteed not to scratch your screen either.
[ mattelapptivity.comOpens in new window ]
Hi Call Bluetooth Gloves €62.49
Yes, you read correctly. Bluetooth gloves. You know the universal sign for “call me”? Well now it has a purpose – if you have a pair of Bluetooth gloves anyway. There’s an integrated microphone and speaker in the thumb and little finger of the gloves; all you have to do is make the “phone” shape, hit the answer button on your phone and you can carry on a conversation. They charge via USB too.
As an added extra, they also work well with touch screens and they’re pretty warm.
[ Firebox.comOpens in new window ]
Boogie Board Jot Paperless €50
The Boogie Board Jot Paperless tablet has been developed from humble roots into something that earns its price tag. It’s still a paperless LCD writing tablet, but comes with a stylus that doubles as a kickstand for propping it up, a magnetised back so it sticks to the fridge (even a replaceable battery). Use for reminders, shopping lists or leaving humorous doodles for your family and friends. More advanced than your average kitchen reminder board and probably more environmentally friendly than the 50,000 pages it replaces, this should be on every scribbler’s wishlist.
