Top Ten Tech 2022

As in past years(2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top tech.  The list contains my favorite things from the last year, even if they were available in prior years.  By "tech" I am basically including any new toys, apps, etc... that I find cool and/or useful and currently own or owned in the last year.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

​My Favorite Tech of the Year

Apple Watch Ultra - This is a more rugged Apple Watch with a much better battery.   The screen is larger, sharper, and very bright.   It has an extra hard button that can be assigned different functionality.   While it is still basically an Apple Watch, it just feels, looks and performs better.  For me, it was the most exciting Apple product since the release of the M1 Mini. Below is a quick video about my impressions.

Almost my favorite tech - Best Streamer

Wiim Mini - This was a close second on my list.  This is the first time I could have gone with a co-winner since I started making these lists.  This is a very affordable hi res streamer that fills a void in the market.  It can send out a 24/192 signal over digital optical and works with DLNA.   I use it with Amazon Music Ultra HD and it will stream over the air and I can control it with Alexa.  It also works with most of the other music services and supports Airplay 2 and Bluetooth.

For the Digital Music Fan

SMSL Sanskrit DAC  - This was a great addition to the headphone setup I have on my nightstand.  It has a very small footprint and gives me an LED read out of the signal it is receiving (44.1, 48, 96, 192).  You can select different filters with its remote, too.  However, the main upside it that it could take a USB signal or Digital Optical signal.  That allowed me to use it with my Wiim Mini and my iPhone/iPad and get a hi res signal when needed.  Oh yeah, the sound is great, too.  Below is a review of Amazon Ultra HD, but it also shows the DAC.

For the Apple Sheep 

Apple 14 Pro Max - I updated from my Apple 12 Pro Max this year.  The 48MP raw photo files was the main reason.  I also like the dynamic island and always on display.  Hard to believe how much phone cameras for both video and photos have advanced over the years.  I remember when I was shooting with a Canon DSLR 20D that had 8.2 megapixels!  

For the person that has everything 

Bejoan toilet seat - Okay, I never thought I would be one to mention a bidet on here, but it is a nice addition to the household.  It has it all, heated seat, water spray that has a couple different options, options to adjust seat and water spray temperature, a blow dryer, etc,.   It does require an outlet nearby and the thing beeps when you sit down and get up (which is quite annoying), but It is too cool not to make this list.

For those with allergies 

Enerzen O-888 Ozone Generator 20,000 mg/h - Air Purifier Sterilizer Odor - These can be a bit dangerous, so read instructions carefully if you get one.  However, if you have a musty space, this thing can make it smell fresh again.  We had a leak in our water heater in the garage and the room had a musty smell.  We ran this out there for 4 hours and the air was fresh again.   I have also used it in my bedroom since I have allergies and this kills a lot of the contagions.

For those that prefer clean pools

Dolphin Proteus DX4 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner​  - My old pool cleaner was worn out, so I wanted to get something that addressed some of the issues I had with my old cleaner.  The old one had a bag and it was disgusting when you had to pull it out and clean it and getting it back on was also an issue.  It also didn’t want to clean my pool walls even though that worked initially for a couple months.  Anyway, this answered both of those issues.  It uses a basket that is easy to remove and clean.  It has zero issues cleaning the walls.  It is a one button push operation and I have never seen my pool so clean!

For those that want to double their fun

Portable Monitor, QQH 15.6" Portable Travel Monitor for Laptop 1080P FHD IPS Second Screen, Gaming Monitor, USB C HDMI External Monitor Display for Computer Phone PC MAC PS4 Switch, Foldable Kickstand  -   At home, this monitor is mainly paired with a tiny Nuc style computer and acts as a digital photo frame for showing my photos or for showing Album art when I am using it with the WiiM Mini PC app in the bedroom.  However, it is also great for when I need to take my show on the road.  I can connect it up to an iPad (see below for more) with one cable or Laptop and get an extra display.  It also folds down, so it takes up very little space in my bag.  

For the recent iPad converts (it requires M1 or M2 chips)

iPad Extended Monitor Support with Stage Manager - Apple have finally made the iPad compatible with larger displays.  Before this update (still in Beta, but should be out at the end of November), the iPad could output a signal to a display, but it was the shape of the iPad screen.  Now it can support even ultra-wide screens and with Stage Manager you can pop back and forth between apps.  It also allows me to share my Mac Mini's keyboard and mouse thanks to Universal Control.   If I only used an iPad and did not have desktop computers, this would have been my "tech of the year".  Its a game changer for those that want to use an iPad for everything.

For the sweaty bo-hunks

DeLonghi PAC AN125HPEKC (my unit is no longer for sell, but is was the same brand, but model #PACAN120EW) - This is a strange one since I bought my particular model several years ago for my sunroom, but never used it all that much. However, it was a godsend this summer when my air conditioning went out.  It took over a month to get the part for my broken Air conditioning unit, but this unit kept my main living space cool and comfortable.  It could also be moved around if needed, though we just suffered when we got ready for work in the back of the house.  We slept on the sectional in our living room for a month and it all worked out.  It would not have been nearly as "fun" without this unit.  I would recommend picking up something similar for such an event.  I can't imagine what we would have done if we did not have a unit like this available. 

The Wrap Up

This year was rather light on new tech.  I think it's because we got out of the house more---both for work and for going places again.   The Apple Watch and Phone are more representative of my current lifestyle than packing in more home tech.   In the past two years, I guess I got most of the things I wanted for around the house.  You should check out the links to prior years if that is your main interest.   

As I mentioned last year, I had to update my pool liner early this year and that burnt through a lot of money.  The things on my wishlist consist of a wide angle Tamron lens for my Sony A7 R4, some larger SSD storage drives, Apple Pencil 2 (been using a knock off with less features), and a Loupedeck Live.  Also, the Wiim Pro is coming out soon (tried to hold up this post for it, but it isn't out, so maybe it will be on my list for 2023).  I also would love to get an automatic projection screen for watching movies, but it isn't too bad getting up and pulling it down, but it would be more consistent with setting up for movies with a one button operation.  

As you can see, I have some wishlist items for 2023, but the fun part is when something new comes out that gives you the excitement that I had for (especially) the first two items on this list.  Have a great 2023!