Seven of the best new travel gadgets to look out for in 2017, from mini passport trackers to remote pet-treats dispenser
The world’s biggest technology show, CES 2017 in Las Vegas, saw hundreds of mobile tech and travel gadgets make their debut. Here’s our pick of what’s coming up
ThinOPTICS glasses
Designed for travellers who use reading glasses but never seem to have them on hand when needed, these small, bendable spectacles can be physically attached to a smartphone thanks to a low-profile case with an adhesive strip on the rear. Available in four strengths, they use flex-grip tech to fit on all shapes and sizes of noses. On sale now for about HK$155 from thinoptics.com.
Aimed at travellers, this compact yet advanced snapper has a new DIGIC 7 image processor, so should perform better than ever in low light. Now recharged via USB (so you can travel without the battery cradle), it also has a Bluetooth option, and syncs all photos to a smartphone app. It will ship in February for about HK$4,110 from canon.com.hk.
Never lose your keys, passport or backpack again. Just 5mm thick, these colourful and truly tiny Bluetooth trackers can be attached to almost anything. Load up the TrackR app and your gear will not only be shown on a map, the TrackR pixel device also lights up in the dark. Launching this spring for about HK$195, they are available for pre-order at thetrackr.com/pixel.
An exceptionally compact and sleek backpack, the Arcus has discreet zippered body-facing pockets and a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop. Add the separate Camera Insert and it becomes a DSLR camera bag that can store up to three lenses. It’s on sale now for around HK$1,780 from moshi.com.
Now redesigned for smaller wrists, the waterproof fēnix 5, 5S and 5X still boast long-life GPS mapping for hikers, but also battery-hungry smartwatch modes for everyday life. Prices will start at around HK$4,650 when they become available in spring from garmin.com.hk.
A definite trend at CES 2017 was the “connected pet”. This new all-Wi-fi camera with night vision lets you see and communicate with your pet from afar via a smartphone app. There’s even a built-in treat dispenser; at the touch of a button you can fling a biscuit for your dog or cat. Crazy or cool? Available soon for HK$1,930 from petcube.com/bites.
With around 22 hours of battery on one charge, these new wireless Bluetooth headphones from Sony’s flagship EXTRA BASS range should be able to withstand almost any long-haul journey. However, it’s their noise cancelling talents that will really attract frequent flyers. Available in spring (price not yet confirmed), from sony.com.hk.