Top Ten Tech 2016

As in past years (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top ten tech.   The list will contain 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.  The prices I have in the article are the current prices, but I would expect them to fluctuate between now and the end of the year.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

My Favorite Tech Gadget of the Year

The Amazon Echo Dot ($49.99) - This year, my choice was easy.  The price for performance is unparalleled with this device.  My preference is to be able to plug the Echo into my own speakers and the Dot is the best choice for that preference.  It can play music, easily receive a Bluetooth signal from a phone or send a Bluetooth signal to a Bluetooth receiving device, control lights, control your entertainment center, etc.  It is awesome!  

Most Fun for the Family

Last year, I recommended the Epson 2040 projector, but this year, I am recommending the Epson 5040ub ($2999) for people that want something even better (I plan to review it in the couple of weeks). This projector obviously costs more than the 2040, but it has 4k enhancement, HDR and Wide Color Gamut.  It is also quite a bit larger than the 2040, but the trade offs are worth it for a projector that is better in every single way.

Most Fun for Daily Use

Last year, I had a list of my favorite cord cutting devices.  However, I have been using the Samsung UN65KS8000 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV's ($1697) apps for a lot of the stuff I was using my Nvidia Shield for over the past year.  I still use my AppleTV and Nvidia Sheild to a lesser extent since they have many unique apps, but the Samsung has HBO, Vudu, Youtube, Amazon, Plex, and many other apps easily available.  The Samsung has a fantastic 4k picture that supports HDR 1000.  I preferred the non-curved TV since I hang mine on the wall.    

Best Headphones for Less than $100

The HiFiMan HE-350s are occasionally available on Massdrop (you have until December 11th to order them, this time around).  I would recommend jumping on board.  They are great on their own with even an iPhone, but when paired with a tube amp, they are extraordinary....especially for $99! 

Best for the Paranoid (or those that like security)

Last year, I recommended Arlo cameras and they are still awesome.  However, Ring Pro ($249) adds something new to the equation.  It simply replaces your regular doorbell and allows you to communicate with anyone at your door from your iPhone from anywhere.  It will also record motion and even ring your standard chimes when someone rings the doorbell.  The fact that it doesn't require batteries is the reason I prefer the "Pro" version to the regular Ring.

Top Receiver for the Year

I updated my living room TV to 4k this year, so I also updated my Denon AVR4311CI.  The  Denon AVRX4200W 7.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ($1099.99) was the answer to all of my needs.  It has 3 HDMI outputs (2 are independent).  This meant I could hook up a Samsung TV in the living room, a projector (also in the living room) and send a separate signal to the Onkyo receiver in my office.  It has the awesome Audyssey MultEQ XT32 built in and supports Airplay.   I am a Denon fanboy, but this is one excellent receiver with many bells and whistles and the great Denon sound quality.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

Best mobile device

While there were some complaints about Apple removing the headphone jack from their iPhones, the iPhone 7 Plus is the best phone on the market.  First off, it doesn't explode...I kid..  It has two cameras (one is wide and the other is similar to a 50mm view) which makes it ridiculously versatile when you are out and about.   It is fantastic with shooting video thanks to the optical image stabilization.  It is now water resistant, has much better speakers, has a 256GB option, and with iOS10 more can be done with widgets.  I also love the jet black color and the way it feels in the hand.

Top Tablet

 I am still a fan of the iPad.  The form factor that stole my heart from the Original iPad is still there...only lighter and thinner in the iPad Pro 9.7.   I still think that touch interface is best in this form factor with iOS, but I also like the way the Surface Pro works with Adobe Photoshop. However, then you have to work with a hybrid OS, which I don't find to be very appealing (even though I like the 15 inch Toshiba with touch screen that I reviewed earlier this year).  I think a better option would be a 9.7 inch iPad and a MBP that allows Pencil input with some specific apps without redesigning the entire MacOS interface around touch (which I prefer to Windows).  The thing I like about this iPad is the Pencil input.  It adds a new diminsion with apps like Astropad (see in photo above), Pixelmator, Procreate, Paper, Notes, etc.  If the Pencil worked with Lightroom, it would be perfect, but Lightroom Mobile has at least started handling RAW files, so we are moving in the right direction.  The speakers have gotten a lot better, as well.   The iPad is still the one Apple device that has almost no competition other than old iPads that hold up for years and years.

Most Addictive Tech

Hue bulbs ($69.99) are easily the most addictive tech I have added this year.  You start with one combo pack and end up adding more and more as you discover how convenient they can be.  You can have Alexa or Siri dim them, change colors, use apps to have the work with music/video, etc.  I think they work best with Alexa, but they can also be controlled with mobile devices and you can even put them on a schedule.  I have lights on the porch that come on at the same time every evening and shut off at the same time every morning.  

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

Best for the Chef

I got something called a Anova Sous Vide Cooker ($149) last year and it has changed the way I cook.  It simply plugs in and you drop it in a pot, set the temp, and then put food in a zip lock bag and drop it in for a few hours at a temperature ranging from 140 to 160 or so.  A few hours later (for most food), you have perfectly done food that you can choose to sear or leave it as is.  It is easy and provides a great way to get fantastic results.   I wrote an article about it, if you are interested.

The Other Stuff

10 Cool things that did not make the top ten:

Onkyo TX-NR646 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver - $379

Vizio E43u-D2 - 43 inch 4k TV for less than $400.

Digi Q kit ($454.95) - Regulate the temperature for your smoker (I use it with a Big Green Egg)

Apple Watch - I still have the original, but with the newest OS, it is like having a new watch.  

Das Keyboard ($179 for the soft tactile version I own)- Simply awesome!  It reminds me of the Kramer lane on the highway (Seinfeld reference).  It is a joy to use, especially in these days of low travel keyboards.

Google On Hub ($144) - So many people have wifi issues and need a better router.  This router is easy to setup and has awesome coverage with its thirteen antennas.  I have had it for over a year, but it gets better all the time.  It can now tie into IFTT, so you can have it send you a notification when someone gets home or turn on lights in the house when you get home.

SitNCycle ($129)- This isn't the best workout you will ever get, but it has a small footprint (will fit in most closets), is sturdy, and does the job if you just want to burn some calories while watching TV or listening to music.  I actually have the sitNcycle Elite Low Resistance Exercise Bike from QVC, but it is currently $169.98, so it is slightly more expensive.  They look to be identical in their design (other than color).  

Himalayan Salt lamp ($22.97)- We have these all over the house.  The look cool and they make a handy nightlight when paired with a connected switch.  My favorite one is the one that has a place you can warm up aromatics, but even the regular lamps have a nice warm, soothing glow.

Satechi headphone stand ($34.99) - A place you can hang your headphones, but it doubles as a USB 3.0 hub and even has its own DAC so you can plug those headphones in and get audio.

iHome SmartPlug includes Remote ($47.70) - This is a switch that can be controlled via voice by Siri or Alexa.  It also works with mobile devices and comes with its own remote control.  Works with more stuff than Wemo and isn't as buggy as my iDevices.

 The Wrap Up

There are many other tech items that look cool, but I don't own them, so I can't really give a first hand account.  The best looking tech that came out that I don't own would be the Microsoft Studio ($3999).   Actually, all of the Microsoft Surface computers look pretty awesome.   My main problem with them is that they run Windows, but that interface did get a lot better this year, so maybe that isn't as much of a sacrifice it was with Win8.