All I want for Christmas is a New Gadget!

If you work in Information Technology the chances are that, like me, you are a bit of a tech gadget nerd. “Early Adopter” should be my middle names! I’m always on the hunt for the latest tech gadget that will change my life whether it’s waking up in the morning to the dulcet tones of Alexa playing my favourite tunes or scheduling meetings on my iPhone. I know I’m not alone, however, so in today's tech-driven world, I thought I’d write a blog on what potential Christmas presents are out there this year that will delight a technophile family member, friend or co-worker.

Smart devices that control home' heating system, drones that fly ever longer distances, where should the discerning tech lover spend their hard earned cash this year! Here are a few of my top gift picks for the gamers, tech-posers and digital aficionados out there.

Smart speakers are all the rage this year. Tech industry behemoths such as Google and Facebook are releasing devices that answer questions and connect users with their friends and loved ones on voice demand. Amazon's latest release, the new Amazon Echo Dot, brings Alexa to your room. It’s less than 2 inches tall, helps order food, plays games and streams music. Tech heaven!

Tech professionals are notoriously well organised when it comes to managing their websites, storage and personal spaces. So a new must have gadget, which is controlled via a smartphone app or voice control with Google Assistant or Alexa, is the iRobot Roomba 960 Wi-Fi vacuum robot. This baby can keep your home or office free from dust and dirt. Believe it or not cleaning can be scheduled in the app or started instantly from any location. Watch with child like glee the robot's real-time cleaning progress status on your smartphone screen and review the cleaning report after each session. Manna from tech paradise!

The Anker PowerCore II 20000 is a high-capacity portable charger. The device can rapidly boost smartphones, tablets and other USB-powered devices. It boasts a 20,000-mAh battery and two USB ports. The PowerCore II allows even the most tech-obsessed people to keep their gadgets operating at full capacity.

Do you like the sound of your own voice? Is podcasting you’re your thoughts to the world your thing? As an avid podcaster I fit into both those categories! Do you have a two-hour commute to work like me so plenty of time to keep up to date with the latest technology thought leadership? Again, tick. If you are an earliest possible adopter then today's headphone jack-less smartphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones will be right up your digital street.

The hardcover version of the 25th anniversary edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has got to be on your Xmas shopping list this year, even for those techies that have made a light speed jump to e-books. So long and thanks for all the fish!

What else is out there?

Pocket Operators feature a minimalist, circuit-board-meets-calculator design for budding music makers allowing for 16 different sequences as well as live play. Tune into the PO-12 Rhythm if beat-making is your way of winding down after a hard day at the office. Meanwhile the TrackR Pixel is a Bluetooth-enabled, coin-sized location device that you can attach to or hide inside those important lost items, which bring a cloud of gloom to even the sunniest tech enthusiast.

The HyperX Cloud Revolver S is a headset with Dolby 7.1 surround sound capabilities, which should be music to any IT geek’s ears. Lastly, the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit puts all your IT tools in one place so you can safely take apart the hundreds of gadgets that you’ve accumulated over the years – and, just as importantly put them back together again - oblivious to the tears of long suffering family members as you descend into a Christmas tech frenzy!

Ah, the wonders of technology. So on that note, I would just like to wish Fifth Step’s clients, IT friends and thought leadership readers, viewers and listeners a very merry Christmas and, hopefully, a stress free New Year!