AppAdvice's 2018 Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday shopping season is here, and we’re highlighting some great accessory ideas for any iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch owner in your life.
Made From Beautiful Leather, this Accessory Organizer Will Only Look Better With Age
Anyone who is looking to organize their gadget bag should take a look at the Twelve South Journal CaddySack. Part of the accessory maker’s popular Journal line, the organizer can hold a MacBook power adapter and charging cable plus more like an AirPod case.
- Made from full-grain leather.
- Resists water and UV rays.
This App-Connected Robot Vacuum Takes Care of Emptying its Own Bin
Robot vacuums have come a long way. And the iRobot Roomba i7+ shows how technology can take care of the task. The headlining feature of the i7+ is the automatic dirt disposal bin. It will hold 30 full bins from the robot vacuum. That means you can go for weeks without needing to worry emptying the dust. The vacuum can also be controlled with a comprehensive iOS app.
- Can clean a specific room in your home.
- Voice controllable with any Amazon Alexa device.
With a USB-C and USB-A Port, This External Battery Pack Can Charge Almost Anything
Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL is pretty much all you need to charge any Apple device. Thanks to a USB-C port, the external battery can provide power to the newest iPad Pro models and even most modern MacBooks. There is also an additional USB-A port on the 19,500mAH battery for an iPhone or another device.
- LED lights show users how much power is left in the battery.
- Covered with fabric to prevent scratching on other devices.
Belkin’s Dock Provides a Charging Home for Both an iPhone and Apple Watch
It’s time to face it - Apple’s vaunted AirPower is more than likely dead and will never go on sale. But if you’re looking for a great way to charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch wirelessly, Belkin’s Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock is a great alternative. The dock will charge an iPhone at the fastest possible speed. The Apple Watch charger supports Nightstand Mode. On the rear of the charger, there is also an additional USB port to charge another device.
- Available in black or white.
- No cables necessary.
More Than Just a Robot, Anki Vector is Full of Personality
Anki’s Vector shows that the future AI and robotic technology is bright, and can even be cute. Made to be a home companion, Vector is designed to come to life using technology. The robot can see, hear, feel, and much, much more. You can also ask the robot to take a photo, play, blackjack, and many other tasks. With a simple wake word “Hey Vector,” the robot will come to life.
- Can receive updates via Wi-Fi.
- Support for Amazon Alexa coming soon.
This Link Bracelet is Comfortable to Wear
There’s no need to pay the high price for Apple’s official Link Bracelet for Apple Watch. The Ouluoqui Link Bracelet is priced at a fraction of Apple’s option and look almost identical. It’s made with 316L stainless steel and also features and easy butterfly closure. There is an option available for both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm versions.
- No tools needed to add or remove links in the band.
- Available in space black or silver.
These Sweatproof and Waterproof Headphones Provide up to 6 Hours of Music on a Single Charge
Tailor-made for the gym or a workout, Jaybird Tarah can blast music for up to six hours before needing to be recharged. And in a pinch, a 10-minute charge will provide an hour of music. Along with being sweatproof and waterproof, Jaybird includes a number of different sizes of silicone earbuds to help find that perfect fit.
- Two colors available.
- Customizable EQ using the Jaybird app.
This Security Camera Can Be Placed Inside or Outside and is Battery Powered
A wireless high-definition security camera, the Canary Flex can be placed almost anywhere inside or outside as long as its in range of a wireless signal. It can also be used plugged in. Built to withstand outdoor weather, the camera features both night vision and a wide-angle lens. To help make alerts even better, AI technology can determine whether the movement is a person or something else.
- Can choose from a black or white version.
- Works with Amazon's Alexa.
The Tile Pro Now Features a User Replaceable Battery
Tile has always been one of the best trackers on the market for finding lost objects like keys and anything else you can imagine. And the new Tile Pro is the most feature-packed tracker yet. It has a 300-foot range and is three times louder than the original to make it easier to find a lost object. And its also features a user-replaceable battery, which is a first from Tile.
- Two colors to select from.
- An optional, addition Pro service adds a number of additional features including free batteries.
This Unique Lighting Product is Adjustable and Dimmable
One of the most unique smart lighting products on the market, LIFX Beam can enhance any space in your home. LIFX provides six beams that can be placed together in a number of different configurations. Each Beam has different zones so you can create different patterns and waveform. Along with control through the app, HomeKit compatibility allows users to change the lights via Siri.
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit along with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- No hub required.
Charge up Your Apple Devices With a Cable Backed by A Lifetime Warranty
Featuring a special reflective technology, the Neve Lighting cable can easily be found in the dark. There’s no need to worry about getting it tangled as the cable is made with a flat design. The cable’s connectors are enhanced to help avoid breaks or rips at vulnerable spots.
- Available in black or red.
- MFi certified.
A Less-Expensive Stylus Offers a Number of Kid-Friendly Features
The 2018 iPad is a great choice for children. And while the tablet can support the first-generation Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon offers many of the same features at a lower cost. The stylus automatically pairs to an iPad and can provide up to seven hours of use on a single charge. Instead of needing to plug it into an iPad, the Crayon can be charged with any Lightning cable. And the cap is non-removable. It also features palm rejection and a smart tip that adjust line weight automatically.
- Can withstand drops of up to four feet.
- Automatically connects to an iPad.
A Game System to Help Get Kids, or Kids at Heart, Moving
Connecting to an iOS device, the Play Impossible Gameball system provides digital play in an active way. Designed for use by one or a number of different players, a number of different games to take advantage of. The ball measures and challenges hand-eye coordination and many other skills. Just 20 seconds of time on a rapid charger provides up to an hour of play.
- Can connect to an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV.
- All games compatible with the ball are free to play.
A Great Portable Bluetooth Speaker Line Gets Even Better
UE’s portable Bluetooth speakers have always been a great choice for music lovers looking to take their tunes on the road. And the big highlight of the Megaboom 3 is the Magic Button. You can set up specific playlists from Apple Music or Deezer Premium that can start with a simple touch of the button. No need to reach for your phone. It can also be completed submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.
- Three colors to select from.
- An optional Power Up dock can charge the speaker wirelessly.
This Waterproof and Dustproof Lantern Also Features a Built-in Battery Pack
The Cairn Lantern + Power Bank does double duty as both a portable light source and power pack. The 3,300mAH battery provides enough juice to power up a completely dead iPhone XS Max. When you need to shine some light on the situation, the lantern provides a number of different lighting levels and even a strobe feature.
- Two colors to select from.
- Built-in anchor system allows the lantern to be hung almost anywhere.