If you’re reading this you likely still have to buy a present or two at the eleventh hour for the festive season. Should gift ideas be alluding you, we have come up with a few tech-focused options to assist.
Some of the choices based on devices we have actually reviewed and others rooted in our knowledge of the brand.
Without further ado, here’s five last minute tech-y gift ideas.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
Let’s get the expensive stuff out of the way with the Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machines. These new devices landing in the country only a couple of months ago, therefore they should appeal to anyone who needs to have the latest and greatest, or simply has a penchant for kitchen gadgets.
As for how much it costs, at the time of writing, pricing starts at R2 799 (currently discounted) for the Vertuo Next, with three different models available.
These coffee machines also feature a proprietary pod system that integrates a mix of QR codes for security and a CentriFusion technique to extract coffee from the pods and yield a satisfying crema.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
The next option is for those who are into photography or simply enjoy gifts that have a bit of nostalgia to them.
That said, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is not a retro camera, although it is styled in that aesthetic, with the Mini Evo featuring the ability to both capture and print photos on instant film.
It is the latter functionality that most intrigues us, with the ability to load, edit and print images from a paired smartphone being a better option than the limited nuance and functionality of the Mini Evo’s onboard camera alone.
Costing around R2 495 depending on the retailer, the Mini Evo might be the best hybrid instant camera Fujifilm has released to date.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IJ-Kekp4-w
BritBox
Our third option is a streaming platform in BritBox. The service perhaps did not make as a big a splash as Netflix and Showmax did locally, but for fans of British television there is no better option at R99 per month.
There is also the option to purchase a year’s worth of access for R999.99, essentially knocking off two months.
The service has access to most of the series found on the BBC and ITV and is routinely expanding its catalogue each month and we have particularly been interested in the great British crime dramas and thrillers that is made available to stream.
Apple TV
If the person you need to buy a present for is into streaming and BritBox alone isn’t going to cut it, then the Apple TV might be worth looking into.
There is a regular HD model and 4K version, but our focus for this gift guide is on the former.
To that end, the Apple TV retails for R2 799 (RRP) and not only opens up access to a wealth of Apple applications, but a number of streaming services too. There is also the ability to set up DStv Now, which means a full set top box experience is not dependant on an aerial cable, just a WiFi connection.
As such, if entertainment and portability are top on mind, the Apple TV makes for a mighty fine gift.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Rounding up our five gift ideas is another streaming service – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
We have eulogised ad nauseam about Game Pass as perhaps the best for your buck gaming service on the market and the Ultimate edition is still well priced at R149 per month when you consider what’s on offer.
This includes access to an ever-growing library of 100-plus titles, exclusive member discounts, as well as in-game access to offers from developers and Xbox partners.
There are also PC and console specific tiers of subscription that cost less per month, but if the gamer in your life is a part of the Xbox or Windows ecosystem, there is really only one option to go for.
