Futuristic drones, wearables, and augmented reality are cool tools to watch
Ed. note: We’re counting down the top stories of 2015 based on popularity (i.e. website traffic) to No. 1 on Dec. 31. If you’ve ever heard Leslie Fisher speak live — about gadgets or anything else — you might understand the runaway popularity of this article. Leslie casts a wide net and digs out some of the more incredible devices more likely than not to be released in the near future. I still want one of those 3D doodler pens…
Speaker and self-professed gadget geek Leslie Fisher took to ISTE 2015 to share her favorite futuristic tech tools at her session “Attack of the Gadgets,” where she previewed everything from drones that follow you to next-gen augmented reality tools to a gadget that really does attack you. From the just-released to the possible pipe dream, here’s a sampling of the future of tech.
Lily. Your own personal paparazzi drone flies and follows you (or, rather, the tracking device you wear like a watch) for up to 20 minutes as it snaps photos and records video from way up high. It’s also waterproof, captures sound, and shoots in HD.
Release: February 2016; $500
Pavlok. Fisher describes this bracelet that uses light electric shocks to help wearers reach goals and break bad habits as “a personal coach for your wrist — a personal coach who is basically a low-grade masochist.” Users who don’t meet their goals risk getting zapped, having shaming Facebook posts pushed to their feed, and even losing money (to other users who are meeting their goals, naturally). According to a video on its website, the bracelet bullied one user into abstaining from all refined sugar (which admittedly was her goal) in a single day. Did somebody say stocking stuffer?
Release: Pre-order; $200
QBall. Basically a dodgeball with a built-in microphone, this soft, bouceable sphere can be linked into any sound system and tossed around a classroom or gym for audience participation. Certainly gives new meaning to a mic drop.
Release: Pre-order
Next page: Augmented reality, iPad tools, & more
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