Digital delights you can put a bow on

It is often daunting to sort through the newest technology products to find something befitting your gadget-loving family and friends. Fret not: Here are some of the most useful and entertaining tech gifts of the year.

Aura Smart Picture Frame, $399 (Rs 27,315): Aura’s tabletop digital picture frame features a stunningly sharp display that pulls photos from your phone to show them off in the best light.

Google Home Smart Speaker, $129 (Rs 8,831): In response to the Amazon Echo, Google has released Home, its own smart speaker. What makes Home special is its tie to Google’s omniscient search engine.

Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker, $50 (Rs 3,423): This smaller version of Amazon’s $180 Echo smart speaker is a fraction of the cost and just as capable.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, $350 (Rs 23,961): Bose’s noise-canceling headphones, which are Bluetooth-compatible, sound as good as some of the best wired earphones and are extremely comfortable to wear.

Roku Streaming Stick, $50 (Rs 3,423): Roku’s video-streaming stick makes a perfect travel companion. It includes a physical remote control, and its software can connect to finicky Wi-Fi networks in hotel rooms.

Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum, $600 (Rs 41,076): Dyson’s cordless vacuum cleaner is powerful and easy to use. It includes attachments for different floor types, and it can transform into a mini-handheld vacuum.

Anki Cozmo Robot, $180 (Rs 12,322): Cozmo comes loaded with sensors and a camera that recognizes your child’s face, and is controlled by the artificial intelligence of a smartphone app.

Sony PlayStation VR, $399 (Rs 27,315): Sony has gotten the best start on virtual reality with its headgear for the PlayStation 4. The headset is comfortable to wear and easy to set up.

August Smart Lock, $229 (Rs 15,677): The August Smart Lock will ease anxiety about getting locked out. The device electromechanically locks or unlocks your deadbolt, taking commands from a smartphone app.

TCL 32S3800 Smart TV, $169 (Rs 11,569): This inexpensive 32-inch television includes the brains of Roku’s software to give you easy access to your favourite streaming apps, like Netflix and Hulu.

Tile Mate Bluetooth Locator, $25 (Rs 1,711): The Tile Mate, a tiny square with a tracking sensor, can easily be attached to a key ring or tied to an Apple TV remote. When you’ve misplaced that item, just open Tile’s smartphone app, hit the “Find” button, and the device will play a sound.

Apple Watch Series 2, from $269 (Rs 18,415): The new Apple Watch is substantially faster, Siri works much better than before and Apple has redesigned the interface to cut clutter and confusion.