Gadgets & Gizmos

By Isabel Rose, 2015-08

Essential summer devices for the whole family.
 

Nintendo 3DS XL
The new Nintendo 3DS XL has a 90% bigger screen than the Nintendo 3DS. Perfect for anyone who loves gaming and is planning a long trip this summer. Face-tracking 3D, fast processing speeds, amino support and built-in entertainment options make this the best way to play.
Price: From RMB 1,085. Web: www.nintendo.com
Robosapien X
The latest update to WowWee’s award-winning, iconic humanoid robot. At 14” tall, and designed by a NASA scientist, this gadget is suitable for children, as well as those “big kids” in your life. The robot is fast moving, fullfunctioned and comes to life using either the included controller, or via iOS and Android devices.
Price: From RMB 500. Web: store.wowwee.com
Amazing Echo
This futuristic bit of kit is designed around your voice, hands-free and always on. Echo connects to Alexa, a cloud-based voice service, to provide information, answer questions, play music, read the news and much more – instantly. With seven microphones and beamforming technology, Echo can hear you from across the room, even whilst playing music through its expertly tuned, immersive speakers.
Price: From RMB 1,110. Web: www.amazon.com
Chops In-Ears
These headphones have been engineered to deliver the best possible fit, comfort and sound during the most demanding activities. Perfect when out and about in the city during the hot summer months, the sweat resistant earbuds are fully sealed and protected from moisture, whilst the swivel hinge allows you to swing the earbud away for when you need to hear surrounding sounds.
Price: From RMB 310. Web: www.skullcandy.com
Mi Band
Monitor your daily fitness level with Xiaomi’s new Mi Band. The band allows you to track your walking distance and calculates calories burned, helping you to achieve your daily exercise target. The automatic sleep analysing function measures the length and quality of your sleep, and offers action plans to improve sleep quality based on the data gathered. 
Price: From RMB 98. Web: www.mi.com
Grush Brush
This kid’s tooth brushing gadget aims to make brushing fun, with interactive games. Kids can find it hard to visualise the results of brushing their teeth, however, with the Grush Brush and app, every stroke is counted and rewarded. Results can also be tracked through the parent’s dashboard app.
Price: From RMB 370. Web: www.grushgamer.com
Spyridon LS
The barefoot running brand, Vibram Fivefingers, has released its first trail running-specific model. Get out of the city one weekend and enjoy the perfect balance between “foot feel” and protection on rugged surfaces. The Vibram rubber sole provides impact protection from stones and debris, whilst allowing proper barefoot dynamics.
Price: From RMB 745. Web: www.vibramfivefingers.com
App Of The Month: Plume Air Report
The aim of this urban weather forecast is for you to breathe better air. It lets you explore and predict air quality real-time in 60 cities around the world, including Shanghai and Beijing. The app also offers personalised, actionable advice to beat air pollution and protect you and your loved ones.
Price: Free. Web: www.plumelabs.com