New Gadgets To Help Keep You Occupied In Lockdown 2.0
Lockdown 2.0 is now underway in England, and while some aspects are different this time round, such as schools remaining open, the reality is that just like the first lockdown we’ll be spending more time in our homes over the next month.
But fear ye not – to help keep the boredom at bay the Switched On team has rounded up the latest tech on the market that will either keep you entertained or make your home run smoother when it really matters.
So, from smart outdoor plugs to the latest Xbox, here’s a few ideas for your next new gadget.
Xbox Series X
Released on November 10, just in time for the bulk of lockdown is Xbox’s newest upgrade, the Series X. Available to pre-order now for £449, it’s a brand new type of Xbox, with its tower design and best performance yet. Happily for loyal Xboxers, it’s compatible with all previous games. If the Series X is too pricey in these precarious times, you can also opt for the Series S, a cheaper version at £249 akin to the current Xbox One X and Xbox One S options. Just note that the major difference is that it comes without a disc drive.
Sony XH90 TV
Need a TV upgrade to make the most of the Xbox Series X? Or even if you simply want to futureproof your next TV purchase, it’s worth bearing the Sony XH90 in mind. It has the all-important HDMI 2.1 port to take advantage of the new console, the upcoming PlayStation 5, and other gaming consoles to come. A 4K Ultra HD telly, screens vary from 55” to 85”. As well as the brand new style of port, it prides itself on its lifelike colour contrast, sound that matches the sound location on the screen (for screen sizes of 65” and more), plus clear motion graphics. Priced from around £1,200.
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Dock Charger
Frankly, charging via USB was a pain anyway. The bulky plugs, the faulty cables that weren’t quite long enough…thank heavens for wireless charging. If we’re using our tech and accessories more now that we’re at home, the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Dock Charger is a space-saving all-in-one piece of equipment that can recharge your earbuds, phone and watch at the same time without a mess of wires. It’s designed with Apple products in mind, but it’s compatible with any wireless charging device, like Samsungs and Bang & Olufsens. The fast charge feature is perfect for those who don’t like to be away from their phone too much, and it charges through protective cases, so it’s as easy to use as you’d hope. Available for around £100.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Spas and beauticians may be closed, but that doesn’t stop us from being able to pamper ourselves at home. One of the newest trending treatments is LED Light Therapy Masks, as used by Madonna, Kourtney Kardashian and Victoria Beckham. It’s when you don a mask for around 10 minutes that beams red, blue and infrared light on your skin, which is effective at reducing acne, pigmentation and generally making skin look healthier. What once was a specialist salon treatment can now be done while we’re stuck at home. CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask is a market leader and a solid budget option at £349 (and on sale for £249 at the time of writing).
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug
For those with outside space, the spring lockdown was easier. But over winter, we’re less able to make use of our balconies, terraces and gardens thanks to the dark and cold of the British winter. While there’s no tech that will create the illusion of a tropical beach in our gardens (yet), we can at least make it more hospitable for autumn/winter 2020 by powering it, and the Meross Outdoor Smart Plug is a good place to start. The heavy-duty double plug socket is weatherproof, covered and compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, so using an outdoor electric heater or light couldn’t be easier. Pick one up for around £26.
Note – these products have been picked independently and we don’t earn commission from any of the links. We also have no control over the content of external websites, product pricing or availability.