It’s that time of year when our jolly old friend, Techno Claus (a.k.a. David Pogue), arrives via chimney with a selection of gift ideas for the tech lovers on your holiday list.
Techno Claus enters from the fireplace, wearing a face mask (because it’s 2020!)
Good morning, dear friends! It’s been quite a yearThe worst one that many remember, I fearThe fires, the protests, the voting, I meanWe needed all that, and the COVID-19?
The family has left out a plate of cookies, a glass of milk, and a bottle of hand sanitizer – how thoughtful!
It’s hard to change focus to gifts, I admitBut maybe they might cheer you up just a bit.I’m here once again bringing presents for allOr at least those who like having tech to install!
ValueRays’ 2020 heated mouse design warms to 99-120° Fahrenheit.
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ValueRays Heated Mouse ($22.95)
When winter is coming, to borrow a phrase,It dries up the air and it shortens the days.Your hand gets so cold from the chill in the house,I give you pure genius – a self-heating mouse!
Two levels of heat, and a comf’t’rable form,At least that’s one part of your body that’s warm!
A night light is just one of the add-ons you can plug into the Alexa Echo Flex.
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Amazon Echo Flex ($9.99)
For technical gifts, you could do a lot worseThan Amazon Echos – machines that converse.But this one’s so tiny! It takes zero spaceAnd so cheap, you can stick ’em all over the place.
A night light, a clock – they sell add-ons, you seeOr just charge your phone in this here USB.It answers your questions, controls all the lightsAnd settles all kinds of domestical fights.
Mr. Claus: “Alexa, do you rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher?”Alexa: “Recommend: Do not rinse/wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.”Mr. Claus: “How many times I gotta tell her?”
The Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses’ rechargeable battery will play music up to 5.5 hours – almost enough for a jog to the North Pole.
CBS News
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses ($179.95-$249.95)
When you go outside, you could wear these (sunglasses), or those (earbuds) –Or just put on audio glasses by Bose!The sound from your phone comes out right by your ear.You can even take phone calls! The mics are right here!
The sound is impressive! I must say, I’m shocked!I also feel safer – my ears are not blocked.
FlipFlip will turn your :04-:15 second videos into flipbooks.
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FlipFlip Flipbook ($19.99)
These young kids today! Sitting glued to their screens!Why can’t they watch videos not on machines?!Check these out! They’re flip books! They’re your very ownProduced from short clips on computer or phone.
A few days thereafter, they’re ready to flipSo cool and old-timey, they’re practically hip!
Techno Claus shows off the iVict Clip-On Gooseneck Ring Light, which doubles as a light for more flattering Zoom calls and a desk lamp.
CBS News
iVict Clip-On Gooseneck Ring Light ($9.99)
On Zoom calls, I’ll tell you what gets me upset:These people who look like a blank silhouette.The problem’s the window – the light shining through.I certainly hope that that person’s not you!
Put an end to your plight –A dimmable ring of quite flattering light.On the desk, it’s a desk lamp; and on Zoom, you’re a starLet your colleagues find out how good-looking you are!
The Kodak Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as USB and HDMI inputs.
CBS News
KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector ($299.99)
We all miss the movies, for that, I can vouchBut I can come pretty close here on the couch.This minuscule thing’s a projector! I swear!And battery-powered, for films anywhere.
It’s got all these apps, or you plug in a stick…
He starts watching a Christmas movie, sits back with popcorn and a seasonal beverage. He’s clearly loving this.
Hey, I know this guy! It’s my cousin, Saint Nick!
Farewell
You may or may not get the gifts I’ve advised;There is something sweet about being surprised.But one gift I promise you’ll get, my dear friend:The year 2020 will very soon … end!
For more info:
- ValueRays Heated MouseAmazon Echo FlexBose Frames Audio SunglassesFlipFlip FlipbookiVict Clip-On Gooseneck Ring LightKodak Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector
Story produced by Julie Kracov. Editor: George Pozderec.