Gadget Trends 2019

A lot of gadgets have come out this year. We already saw a few nice products at the American tech fair CES 2018. These are the trendsetters for the coming year, 2019. These gadgets will then be further expanded or reinvented.

Not only do we introduce you to gadgets, but we also make a short prediction about two important trends of today. For example, we will see more wearables and the development of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is progressing like a train. 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

L'Oréal's UV Sense 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 received 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 transmit information to an associated app. To do this, the user only needs to hold the device close to the smartphone. The design comes from Yves Béhar, which immediately explains why it looks more like art for the nail than a wearable.

Keychain Virtual Keyboard

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

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

My Special Aflac Duck

This year a special gadget was on display at the American tech fair CES: My Special Aflac Duck. Normally, smart toys are designed with the aim 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, among other things, by holding a token against the duck's chest. If you hold a token with a smiling face to your chest, the duck will also respond with a smile. In this way, a child knows that there is always someone around who understands him or her. So this duck works as a therapeutic toy.

In all likelihood, My Special Aflac Duck will be available for free to children in 2019 at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of 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

With Augmented Reality becoming more and more important, gadget developers are capitalizing on the trend. Vuzix Blade Augmented Reality Glasses is not just Augmented Reality Glasses, but it is an all-in-one application that can do more than just put objects in perspective.

For example, the glasses offer support for Alexa, so you can ask the glasses about the weather forecast and a suitable route when you are walking. These glasses see slightly more prominently in the user's field of view than the Google Glass we saw years ago. The image is sharper and more colorful than other glasses. All that's missing now is interesting apps that mix Alexa's capabilities with augmented reality. That would ensure 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 very affordable and complete marketing teams are ready to use the glasses on a large scale. Virtual Reality is currently especially hot in the gaming industry, but it can actually be used everywhere.

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

Virtual Reality is therefore not standing still at all. 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 isn't about how much you sleep, it's about how well you sleep. This headband emits a tone that promotes deep sleep. This is the phase when 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 user of the SmartSleep 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 in deep sleep. An algorithm then automatically adjusts the volume and level of the tone, further reducing your activity in your brain.

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. Where we previously only thought of (sports) watches with a wearable, 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 even better in our daily activities. The ultimate goal is a healthier lifestyle. With a healthier lifestyle, we will call in sick less often at work, become more productive and have the opportunity to work smarter, instead of harder.