This week Abu Dhabi Week takes a look at all things excessive; gadgets that fall into the “I want” rather than “I need” category of lifestyle accoutrements. This week, it’s time for boys’ toys
Parrot Zik Headphones
Apart from the space-aged look, the Parrot Zik Headphones offer more than just an extraterrestrial stylings for your head. Connecting via Bluetooth, this noise-cancelling headset removes wayward wires leaving you tangle free. The sound quality is in no way affected, as the comfortable, earpieces gently rest on each ear delivering crystal clear and precise sounds. You can control the sound settings on a downloadable app, swapping acoustic surroundings from ‘jazz club’ to ‘concert hall’ to ‘living room.’ But what makes this piece really cool is the touch-sensitive earpiece. The right-hand ear speaker reacts to a swipe or tap from your finger, controlling volume, playback and the song you’re listening to. Priced at AED 1,599.
Bose Bluetooth MiniSpeaker
Our favourite portable speaker on the market by a mile. We simply adore this little powerhouse of a speaker. It’s tiny too. 5.1cm x 18cm x 5.8cm meaning it fits into your hand comfortably and somehow manages to effortlessly fill a room with its sound, pump out a some serious bass and best of all, the little box goes unnoticed in any space, making the music seem a part of its surroundings. Furthermore, the MiniSpeaker is a thing of beauty. Crisp lines and contemporary colours evoke style. An impressive battery life, strong Bluetooth connection and light in weight. I want, I want, I want! Priced at AED 899
Sony HMZ-T3
It looks like this Sony 3D viewer has ticks all the boxes. The third generation Sony HMZ-T3 offers an incredible 2D and 3D screen in each eyepiece, giving the viewer the sense of watching a 70” TV screen. This is then enhanced by 7.1 channel surround sound for an immense acoustic experience, making this headset a real treat. Do you need one? No, not at all. You won’t have the same viewing experience when with friends or family, which is all part of the fun, but you will feel like you are in your own private cinema with none of the usual distractions. Priced at AED 3,670
AR.Drone 2.0 “Power Edition”
This is a must on your ‘want but can’t have’ wish list. The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Power Edition is a menacing yet stylish ‘quadricopter’ on the market. Controlled by your Smartphone or tablet, become a pilot of your very own drone. With an on-screen view from the built-in HD camera, not only will you get a live stream of what your drone sees, you’ll be able to record, save and share your pictures and videos with the click of a button. We cannot think of a solid reason for buying one of these drones, apart from the fact they’re incredible fun and even more so to watch video playback with all the family. Priced at AED 1,799
Top 3: Boys toys under AED 250
1. Apple iPad 2 Bluetooth Wireless Aluminium Keyboard – AED 77
Turn your iPad into a laptop. Sometimes working on the keyboard on your tablet can be frustrating. This lightweight wireless keyboard allows you to connect to your tablet and work on emails, word documents and more.
2. Mushroom Bluetooth Speaker – AED 58
Singing in the shower just got louder. This waterproof silicon speaker can connect via Bluetooth to your music player, keeping your electronic device safe from wayward splashes. There’s even a built in microphone incase you get a call.
3. Google CromeCast – AED 215.88
Just under the AED 250 limit is the CromeCast. Connect your laptop to your TV with HD quality. Great when traveling and also for business meetings. Stream videos, music and more.
App of the week: MyFitnessPal
This is where geeks meet fitness freaks. For many, their New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in shape. Using this free app, you can track your calorie intake, set goals, add meal plans and even see your progress with a variety of geeky charts.
YouTube of the week: Walk Off the Earth – Royals
They’re back with another YouTube classic. Covering Lordes’ “Royals” the Canadian musical troupe create a human musical instrument machine to recreate this hit song; flying ukuleles, random- sized symbols and of course a digaredoo. We think this could be better than the original. What you do think?
Blog of the week: AnExpatAbroad
Settle down with a hot drink, some good biscuits and enjoy the writing of insightful blogger Jo Brett. Words on local art, newly experienced restaurants and family fun to name but a few, Brett writes with ease and shows an eclectic mix of recognisable topics – especially when you say to yourself, “I know exactly what you mean!” visit: www.anexpatabroad.wordpress.com
