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From hydration biosensors to mouthpieces that brush your teeth for you (yup, you read that right), we’ve rounded up some of the coolest gadgets on the market right now.
The good people at Apple set our June ablaze with the launch of their Apple Vision Pro, which the Steve Jobs-founded tech giant describes as “a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, while allowing users to stay present and connected to others”. It’s an innovative product for sure, and the global excitement is palpable, but there’s lots more happening in the tech space, thanks to advancements in AI and internet of things (IoT) technology. For those who prefer their gadgets to be advanced but not as “out there” as the Vision Pro, this round up of five must-have tech toys is for you. It’s also for those who want to get an early start on their Christmas shopping (and/or drop hints for a birthday gift).
Side note: most of the items mentioned below are not available in South Africa, but don’t be deterred, as shopping with your Shyft virtual card solves any hassle. Use Shyft for your online purchases and it will feel as easy and convenient as shopping locally. Plus, because Shyft offers you a virtual card in each of the currencies that are available on the global money app (namely USD, GBP, EUR and AUD), you can use the relevant card for your purchase and save on the conversion fees associated with traditional payment methods. Online transactions, made using a Shyft virtual card, are usually charged at 1.5% of the total transaction value – but between 12 May 2023 and 31 August 2023 you can check out without incurring any extra charges.
For the home workout warriors: VAHA X Fitness Mirror
You’re one of those who discovered their love for home workouts during the pandemic, and now that life has returned to normal and people are exercising in gyms and outdoors again, you’re feeling a bit stumped. Cue the VAHA X Fitness Mirror, which is billed as the UK’s first interactive fitness mirror that offers users hundreds of workouts (from barre, bootcamp and cardio to strength, pilates and yoga, among others) that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Which means that whether you have five minutes or 60 minutes, at any time of the day or night, you can get your sweat on.
The VAHA X Fitness Mirror offers YouTube workout videos on steroids as the classes are personalised to your fitness goals. You enjoy the sense of one-on-one as it’s just you and the trainer in the mirror and there’s a live component that makes it feel that much more real. It’s also very slick looking and can easily work in any room of your choosing.
For the pizza lovers: Ooni Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven
Fresh, stone-baked pizza in 90 seconds. Need we say more?
The Volt 12 is Scotland-based Ooni’s first ever electric pizza oven, though the brand has an impressive range of other pizza-making options (including gas, multi-fuel and wood pellet). The electric option, which reaches 450°C in just 20 minutes, is great for those who don’t have the space for a wood-fire oven nor the patience that’s required to maintain and use it.
Plus, the portable Volt 12 can be used indoors, too, which is ideal for chilly July nights (because the last thing you want to be doing is sitting outside making sure you’re not left with a burnt base and dry cheese).
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For the exercise enthusiasts: Nix Hydration Biosensor
If exercising is a big deal for you and you regularly work up a sweat, then the Nix Hydration Biosensor may be what you need to take your running, cycling, swimming or any other endurance activity to the next level. That’s because it can quantify fluid and electrolyte losses moment-by-moment (thanks to its in-built tech that evaluates the biomarkers in your sweat) and notify you of exactly when, what and how much to drink to replenish what’s been lost.
With dehydration scares out the way, you can focus on what really matters – pushing yourself and breaking your PBs (personal bests).
For the lazy toothbrushers: Sonic Brush
If you’re one of those people who think there’s a better way to spend your two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening than brushing your teeth, then the Sonic Brush is for you. Described as “a marvel in toothbrush technology”, the Sonic Brush will have your pearly whites bright and clean in just 30 seconds – saving you three minutes each day to do more important things.
A fully automated toothbrush, the innovative Sonic Brush cleans all your teeth at once, delivering a 360° ultrasonic cleaning. You insert the mouthpiece into your mouth as you would a gum guard, press a button, meditate for 30 seconds while your teeth get a wash and then you’re done thanks to its thousands of gentle vibrations and silicone bristles angled at 45°.
For the budding bakers: GE Profile Smart Mixer
This one is for all the baking enthusiasts – the ones who can turn flour, eggs and a few other ingredients into the tastiest, fluffiest slice of heaven.
The GE (General Electric) appliance team has launched what they consider to be “the smartest mixer in the USA”, boasting Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control features. It’s also equipped with auto sense technology, which measures changes in the texture of your mixture so you can say goodbye to under- or over-mixing, and a built-in smart scale, making it easier for you to bake with greater precision. You can also connect the smart stand mixer to your Alexa or Google Home device for hands-free control, and connecting it to your Wi-Fi will enable it to receive software updates automatically.
Did we mention that you’ll have access to several step-by-step guided recipes?
This post was sponsored by Shyft, the global money app that’s powered by Standard Bank. Shyft makes it easier and more convenient for you to shop internationally thanks to virtual cards that are available in four major currencies (USD, GBP, EUR and AUD). For a limited period, between 12 May 2023 and 31 August 2023, Shyft users will pay zero card fees when using their Shyft physical (rand, forex or UnionPay International) or virtual cards to swipe, tap and check out. ATM withdrawal fees still apply. T’s and C’s apply.
Visit Shyft to download it now, no matter where you bank. Shyft operates under the licence of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP number 11287).
