No matter the season, we are always on the lookout to discover buzzed-about tech products that are sure to make a big splash with consumers. Whether it's virtual reality headsets or a Samsung Galaxy phone you can pour champagne on, there have been no shortage of new product releases to be excited over as of late.
At Pepcom's Digital Focus spring media event on Thursday night in New York City, the press got a look at a handful of products that brought out the inner geek in all of us. These included everything from a wearable called MOCAheart that helps consumers track their heart health and manage high blood pressure to the iBobber sonar device that helps users find their fish with their smartphone to make for an easy catch.
Of course, the big product of the night was HP's Spectre 13, the "world's thinnest laptop" that is as thick as an AAA battery, features a luxurious design and packs all the power you need.
While HP's new laptop was the showstopper, here are the best tech gadgets we found that you must check out this spring.
BIG-i
Ever imagine what it would be like to have your own version of R2D2 rolling around in your home? Well, you soon can with NXRobo's robot BIG-i.
BIG-i is a robo-butler that is designed to bond with its users over time. It's 2.5 feet tall and weighs about 26.5 lbs., and uses voice and facial recognition and motion detection. It can be used to control smart home products and appliances, make voice or video calls, be used as an encyclopedia and even help you find your missing phone.
BIG-i can be programmed to carry out just about any command via voice activation, no apps or further coding necessary using a process that's similar to Ifttt. Simply tell it to turn on the TV every time you sit on the couch, or it will learn to play a special song when someone is giving a heartfelt toast at dinner. This robot acts shy at first, but warms up and communicates more as it learns more about you and your family.
BIG-i retails for $699, and the company will launch a crowdfunding campaign later this summer to help get the robot into homes by the end of the year.
Game Golf Live
If you want to really step your golf game up this spring, then Game Golf Live is the tracking system you need to check out.
The system consists of a wearable device that is attached to the golfer's hip, and tags that are placed on the top of the golf club. Before the user is about to hit a golf ball, they simply have to put the tag up to the Live device and it will start tracking data in real-time, including how hard you hit the ball, the type of club used and provide the user with all their stats in real-time.
All this data is stored into the device and can be accessed using the accompanying app on your smartphone or smartwatch. The app also features a social element where users can challenge friends.
Game Golf Live retails for $299, a perfect gift for Father's Day.
The Mojoe Mobile Brewer
Since the sun sets a bit later now, we might find ourselves staying up a little longer than we are prepared for in the morning. Now, you no longer have to worry about waiting on long lines in the morning just to get coffee that isn't so fresh anymore, because there is a coffee mug that will brew a fresh cup while you are on-the-go.
Mojoe Brewing Company launched its mojoe mobile brewer on Kickstarter, and received $86,000 in funding that has helped it get into our hands.
This travel mug will heat up any temperature water and brew a cup of coffee within itself. It features its patented VacDrip system that takes from vacuum- and drip-brewing. It takes the water and coffee grinds and releases the hot java into a separate chamber. Because the chambers are separate, you can fill the mug with water for a second cup as it is storing the 8.5 fluid oz. of coffee. The best part is it only takes up to 10 minutes for the coffee to be ready — just push the button, and it will start brewing.
The mojoe has a rechargeable battery that takes up to 30 minutes to charge, is easy to clean and is BPA-free. The mobile brewer is currently available on the company's website for 40 percent off for a price of $89.
