Trends in gadgets 2019

Many gadgets have been released this year. We already saw some nice products at the American tech fair CES 2018. These are the trendsetters for the coming year, 2019. These gadgets will then be expanded or reinvented.

We not only introduce you to gadgets, but also make a brief prediction about two important trends of today. For example, we are going to see more wearables and the development of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is booming. What else can we count on in the coming year? We list the best gadgets and trends.

The L'Oreal Sense is reminiscent of a dot of nail polish, but has all kinds of technical gadgets on board (Source: YouTube).

L'Oréal UV Sense: a data sensor on your finger

The UV Sense from L'Oréal looks a bit like a large dot of nail polish, but it is really a small sensor. With this sensor it is possible to detect exposure to ultraviolet. That way you can keep track of how much radiation you have had from the sun. In addition, the device also has an NFC antenna, temperature sensor and is also free of batteries.

This sensor can store up to three months of data and can pass on information to an associated app. For this, the user only needs to keep the device close to the smartphone. The design comes from Yves Béhar, which immediately explains why it looks more like nail art than a wearable.

Keychain Virtual Keyboard

The Bluetooth Laser Projection Keychain Virtual Keyboard from SHOWME will come in handy again. With this keychain you always have a keyboard at hand. The only thing you need is a flat surface. The key ring connects to desktop computers, laptops and devices that support Bluetooth.

You can not only type with it: there is also a multi-touch mouse function. This supports gestures with two fingers. Handy, such a keyboard, because it is compact, light and you always have it with you. This is a great solution for meetings and business trips.

My Special Aflac Duck

This year there was a special gadget on display at the American tech fair CES: My Special Aflac Duck. Smart toys are normally designed for the purpose of learning through play, but in this case it is different. This interactive toy was designed by Sproutel to help children with cancer.

Children can express their feelings with this duck by holding a token against the duck's breast. If you hold a token with a smiling face to your chest, the duck also responds with a smile. In this way a child knows that there is always someone around who understands him or her. This duck therefore works as a therapeutic toy.

In 2019 My Special Aflac Duck will most likely be available free of charge to children at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center or Children's Healthcare in America.

With the Vuzix Augmented Reality glasses you can see the weather forecast while you walk.

Vuzix Blade Augmented Reality Glasses

Now that Augmented Reality is becoming increasingly important, developers of gadgets are taking advantage of the trend. Vuzix Blade Augmented Reality Glasses is not just an Augmented Reality glasses, but it is an all-in-one application that can do more than just place objects in perspective.

The glasses, for example, support Alexa so that you can ask the glasses about the weather forecast and a suitable route when you are walking. These glasses see something more prominent in the user's field of vision than the Google Glass we saw years ago. The image is sharper and more colorful than other glasses. The only thing that is still missing is interesting apps that mix Alexa's possibilities with augmented reality. That would ensure that Blade AR has a lot of potential.

Virtual Reality gadgets

In addition to Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality is also becoming more important. Good VR glasses are nowadays affordable and complete marketing teams are ready to use the glasses on a large scale. Virtual Reality is currently particularly hot in the gaming industry, but it can actually be used anywhere.

Game developers did tests with trackers last year, so that your entire body works visibly in the VR world. Tesla went a step further and presented a complete suit, which takes you completely into the virtual reality.

Virtual Reality is therefore not standing still. Maybe it will bring us nice surprises in the coming year. We can then use it for all kinds of useful applications, such as training employees in special situations.

Philips SmartSleep

Sleeping well improves your concentration. That's why the Philips SmartSleep is not about how much you sleep, but how well you sleep. This headband emits a tone that promotes deep sleep. This is the phase where the wave frequency in the brain is at its lowest, and you breathe the slowest.

Philips claims that studies show that this type of sleep makes the SmartSleep user more alert and that the device increases the ability to concentrate. Two sensors in the headband detect when you fall asleep and when you are asleep. An algorithm then automatically adjusts the volume and level of the tone, so that your activities in your brain decrease further.

More wearables in 2019

Now that we have discussed smart glasses, sensors and headbands, we can safely conclude that the trend around wearables will continue in 2019. Whereas in a wearable we previously only thought of (sports) watches, we can now think of all kinds of equipment.

Whether it's a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, smart glasses or a sensor on your finger: these devices will help us better with our daily activities. The ultimate goal is a healthier lifestyle. With a healthier lifestyle, we will report sick less often at work, become more productive and have the opportunity to work smarter, rather than harder.