The A List: Coolest Gadgets Of 2021

2021-12-30 10:08:28 By : Ms. Sunny Wong

Your guide to all the cool new gadgets that released this year

APPLE IPHONE 13 PRO AND 13 PRO MAX

They are both propelled by the A15 Bionic chip that boasts of a new 6-core CPU with two new highperformance cores and four new high-efficiency cores. The new pro-motion display, with an adaptive frame rate that goes all the way up to 120Hz, adds extra fluidity to the iOS experience. The adaptive frame rate also optimises battery life; both the 13 and 13 Pro deliver an improved battery life over its predecessors.

This is the latest addition to the brand’s GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras equipped with a large format sensor. This pro cam packs a 51.4MP large-format sensor to boast an incredible imageresolving power, capturing every detail in sharpness across the frame. It is complemented by GF lenses’ edge-toedge sharpness to accentuate the main subject against a blurred background for added threedimensional definition. It’s also incredibly compact, weighing only 900g.

Positioned as the world’s first convertible gaming laptop, this one is also perfect for the everyday corporate executive who needs a stylish, light-weight laptop by day that can morph into a gaming beast after hours. It weighs just 1.3 kg and is slim enough (15.6 mm) to slip into your slimmest messenger bags. ASUS’ proprietary Ergo lift hinge allows the Flow X13 to swing from tablet to laptop mode in a flash.

It received a complete makeover in 2021 with a new 8.3-inch display that shaves off the bezels and maintains its compact footprint despite a larger display. Touch ID is now added to the power key, making it easy to unlock. At its heart is the same A15 Bionic chip that powers the new iPhone 13 quartet. The camera gets an overhaul, but it’s the USB-C port and support for the latest Apple Pencil that has our attention.

This ultra-portable speaker packs two Class-H amplifiers — a mid-woofer that maximises lowend output and also delivers faithful playback of mid-range frequencies and a tweeter that creates crisp high frequencies. It weighs just above 400gms, it’s elegantly designed and compact enough to fit into your shower cubicle — it’s IP67 certified.

Breaks design cliches in the True Wireless Bluetooth earbuds space with a strippeddown design — you see the microphones, magnets, and circuit board, with practical touches. The buds feel remarkably light (just 4.7 gm) in your ear. The ear (1) punches way above its weight and price in the sound quality department. These buds come with wireless charging, and up to 34 hours of battery life with the case.

The design language borders on quirky — a tab mounted on a smart speaker, but it’s super functional. Colours are vivid on the large 10.1-inch display (1280 x 800 pixels). With two 1-inch, front-firing tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, the Echo Show 10 delivers incredible audio, and can double up as a party accessory. Aside from Alexa’s improved skills and growing intelligence, the Echo Show’s coolest trick is how it keeps up with you with AIcontrolled swivel movements up to 350 degrees.

OnePlus worked closely with the iconic Swedish brand Hasselblad to improve the colour science of the rear cam that integrates a 48MP Sony IMX789 primary sensor (with OIS and EIS support) with an f/1.8 lens. The other differentiator is the 6.7-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3216 pixels) Fluid 2.0 AMOLED display. Speed is a given with OnePlus, this one’s powered by the best of breed Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor.

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP 3 5G

It comes with some thoughtful design enhancements over its predecessor. First, it’s the cover screen that goes from being a tiny strip to a 1.9- inch Super AMOLED display (260 x 512 pixels). The primary 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X display (2640 x 1080 pixels) display gets a boost with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device feels more rugged (compared to its predecessor); it’s the first water resistant foldable with an IPX8 certification.

Sony’s popular Android TV comes in two sizes — 43 and 50 inches. It’s quite light with minimal bezels and a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. This 4K Ultra HD LED display can support high dynamic range content in HDR10 and HLG formats. Sony’s X1 4K processor uses advanced algorithms that cut noise and boost details. Google Assistant and Chromecast are baked in.

Sony’s next-gen console is propelled by a custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and a custom AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU that guarantees 10.28 teraflops of raw power. There’s what Sony calls the Console version and the PS5 Digital Edition — an all-digital version with no disc drive. Both devices give you access to a whole new generation of PlayStation games. An ultra-high-speed SSD, deeper immersion with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio all come together for an immersive gaming experience.

This one is a great advert for an ultrashort throw projector. You don’t need more than 20 inches for a massive projection. This saves space, and allows you to cram your projector into the smallest living room spaces or dens. You get a Full 4K, 8-million-pixel display with perfect pixel alignment. HDR10 compatibility renders vivid 4K UHD content. With a combined sound output of 40W, you won’t need to add a soundbar to the mix.