Christmas is right around the corner, but don’t panic — there’s still time to find good tech gifts as long as you know your audience, the better options out there, and what you’re willing to spend. These are our picks for the best holiday tech gifts this year, split into four (reasonable) price brackets.
The best tech gifts for Christmas
The best tech gifts under $25
It can be surprisingly tough to shop in this category, since many products this cheap are utilitarian, and it’s best to find something a person might still get excited about.
Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000
While it looks like an ordinary wall charger with two USB-A ports, the PowerCore Fusion’s trick is that it doubles as a 5,000mAh portable battery, so you can charge your phone, earbuds, or smartwatch when there’s no wall outlet in sight. It’s not Anker’s most advanced PowerCore, but for $25, it’s hard to complain.
PowerCore Fusion 5000
Tile Mate 2022
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Tile is no stranger to our holiday gift lists, and the Tile Mate is one of the best Bluetooth item trackers on the market. It works with both Android and iOS devices, and it has IP68 protection against water and dust. Although its battery is non-replaceable, it can last up to three years.
A new phone case
Ankit Banerjee / Android Authority
Be careful about this option. You not only need to know the exact phone model a person has, but what color and style of case they’d like — slim, rugged, wallet, etc. If you get it right, they’ll be thankful for the protection and new look a case offers. Check out some of the guides below for ideas. There are certainly other case brands, so keep an eye open.
Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini (2-pack)
Smart plugs are the simplest possible smart home accessory, mostly just allowing you to turn connected appliances on and off. But that’s their strength — bringing automation and remote control to appliances that wouldn’t otherwise have them, like fans, lamps, heaters, and coffee makers. The Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Kasa app, and connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
Smart Plug Ultra Mini (2-pack)
Wyze Bulb Color (2-pack)
Color-changing smart bulbs can be an ideal gift, since they’re affordable and impressive — the mood of a room can change radically with a voice command or a few taps. If you create automation routines, you may not have to control them at all. The Wyze Bulb Color hits an extremely bright 1,100 lumens, and can be managed with Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Wyze app.
Wyze Bulb Color (2-pack)
Anker 643 100W USB-C cable
A USB-C cable might not be the sexiest gift, but this one has a 6-foot reach and delivers up to 100W of power. As long as both a device and a wall adapter support it, you can expect ridiculously short charging times. Anker’s cable additionally has a soft silicone texture, and comes in several different colors, such as black, green, and lavender.
Anker 643 100W USB-C to USB-C cable (6 ft.)
The best tech gifts under $50
This is where gifts start to get interesting. While we’re still in “budget” territory, entirely new categories open up, such as smart speakers.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen)
Roger Fingas / Android Authority
The Echo Dot has long been the king of budget smart speakers, and it’s even better in its fifth incarnation, with improved sound, tap gestures, and built-in motion and temperature sensors for Alexa routines. If you’ve got an Eero router, you can use it to extend Wi-Fi to rooms with low or non-existent connectivity.
Google Nest Mini
The Nest Mini is a no-frills speaker, mostly just meant as a gateway to a Google Assistant smart home. But within that context, it works well, and for its price, it sounds good enough for radio, podcasts, and low-key ambient music. Just don’t expect perfect clarity or hard-hitting bass.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Roku products are practically the default for media streamers, and for good reason. They may not have as many features as an Apple TV 4K, but they get most of the way there for a lot less money. You can plug the Streaming Stick 4K directly into a TV’s HDMI port and get 4K HDR, including Dolby Vision.
Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini
We’d suggest spending on a full-size DeathAdder if you have the money — or large hands — but for less than $50, the V2 Mini is a solid wired gaming mouse. Its 8,500dpi optical sensor is insanely responsive, and there are six programmable buttons. It further includes Razer Chroma lighting, which can link not just with other Razer devices but also smart home brands like Nanoleaf, Twinkly, and Philips Hue.
Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini Gaming Mouse
Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
David Imel / Android Authority
If you’re building a Google-based smart home, a Chromecast is practically essential. That’s because Google Assistant makes playing media incredibly easy, whether you’re using the bundled remote, a nearby speaker or smart display, or routines created in the Google Home app. It’s also worth owning a Chromecast solo, though, since Google TV is highly user-friendly and you’re getting a portable streamer with 4K and Dolby Vision.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X
It’s not the flashiest gaming headset, and you’ll have to catch it on sale to get under $50, but the Nova 1X is a wired model that works with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and even mobile devices, as long as you can plug in its 3.5mm audio cable (check first!). It features comfortable earcups, a noise-cancelling microphone, and support for Microsoft and Sony’s spatial sound standards.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X
The best tech gifts under $100
At this price level, we’re out of the realm of impulse or Secret Santa gifts, at least for most people. These are products you buy for family and other loved ones, and often a step up in quality, not just price.
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
The Nest Hub smart display can be used in many environments, such as a kitchen or office, but seems deliberately built with nightstands in mind. Its size and sound are perfect for bedrooms, and there’s no camera to exacerbate privacy concerns. In exchange you get Sleep Sensing, as well as “sunrise alarms,” which can optionally link with Google Assistant-compatible smart lights to wake you up gradually. The Nest Hub is handy for controlling Google-based smart homes in general, plus things like recipes, YouTube, and standard smart speaker functions.
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
Adam Molina / Android Authority
While we’re on the subject of speakers, a 4th gen Echo should be the cornerstone of any Alexa-based smart home. Its fidelity and bass punch well above its price tag, and like the Echo Dot, you get motion and temperature sensors, plus support for extending Eero Wi-Fi networks. It doubles as a Zigbee hub for compatible smart home accessories. In the near future, you can expect Matter and Thread.
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition TKL
Though its name is a mouthful, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an aluminum RGB keyboard with optical switches that’s also this cheap, now under $70. The TKL acronym refers to it being a “tenkeyless” model without a numeric pad. It supports Razer Chroma lighting integration, and for convenience, it connects with a detachable USB-C cable.
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition Keyboard
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Fire TV devices have come a long way, and if you’re not buying a dedicated TV set, the 4K Max is probably the best add-on Fire streamer. Performance is snappy, and it integrates with Alexa voice control and smart home functions. An Alexa voice remote comes in the box. If you like, you can pair a couple of Echo speakers for wireless TV audio, though you’ll really want each of those to be a 4th gen Echo or Echo Studio. Additional format support includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10 Plus.
Fitbit Charge 5
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The Charge 5 is another one of those options where you have to catch it on sale to meet our price cap, but that’s not hard ahead of Christmas, and what you get is a very capable fitness tracker. Features include an always-on OLED display, and tracking of core metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, sleep patterns, and GPS data. Its battery can last multiple days on a single top-up.
Philips Hue Go
Most Philips Hue lights are dependent on a Hue Smart Hub (aka Hue Bridge) to be genuinely useful, since that’s how you get remote control, consistent automations, and links with third-party platforms. All those benefits still apply to the Hue Go, but it can also operate as a fully portable lamp thanks to Bluetooth support, button controls, and an internal battery good for 2.5 to 18 hours, depending on lighting mode. The only catches are that brightness dips when you unplug it, and that it’s not waterproof, so you can’t leave it outdoors.
Philips Hue Go
The best tech gifts over $100
The sky’s the limit at this point. To be realistic, however, we’re going to keep things under $1,000. Over that threshold, most people have very specific products in mind anyway.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
If you want the ultimate in multi-device headphones, the WH-1000XM5 are where it’s at. Sound quality, mic input, and noise cancellation are all excellent, and they support a wide range of formats, including wired connections and multipoint Bluetooth if you regularly switch between sources. We just wish they were certified water-resistant, which would give general peace of mind and the option of using them during workouts.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
Zak Khan / Android Authority
You need to own an Apple device to get the most out of AirPods, but even Android owners can take advantage of the AirPods Pro‘s sound, mic, and noise cancellation technology, including a fantastic transparency mode. Apple users get enhancements like spatial audio, automatic ear detection, more customization, and seamless multi-device switching.
Apple Watch Ultra
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
All Apple Watches must be paired with an iPhone — for now — but if you know someone with an athletic or adventurous bent, the Ultra may be the perfect iPhone accessory. It has much better battery life than the Series 8, running multiple days, along with tougher construction and superior waterproofing, good for diving down to 100 meters (328 feet). It also has features like a bigger, brighter display, a dedicated action button, dual-band GPS, and an emergency siren that can be heard up to 600 feet (183 meters) away.
Sony WF-1000XM4
For earbuds that are more Android-friendly, check out the WF-1000XM4. These offer great isolation and noise cancellation, and support for spatial audio through Sony’s 360 Reality Audio standard. They’re also IPX4 water-resistant, so unlike the WH-1000XM5, you can wear them during workouts or light rainstorms without fear.
A new console
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
Nintendo Switch OLED
A new phone
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Being Android Authority, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest a few phones as options. Our $1,000 price cap cuts out some top-end models, but there are still great choices below that ceiling. Check out our best Android phone and iPhone 14 guides for more details.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The tiny Mideast nation of Kuwait has banned the release of the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which features the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and is set in part in the 1990s Gulf War.
The video game, a first-person shooter, follows CIA operators fighting at times in the United States and also in the Middle East. Game-play trailers for the game show burning oilfields, a painful reminder for Kuwaitis who saw Iraqis set fire to the fields, causing vast ecological and economic damage. Iraqi troops damaged or set fire to over 700 wells.
There also are images of Saddam and Iraq’s old three-star flag in the footage released by developers ahead of the game’s launch. The game’s multiplayer section, a popular feature of the series, includes what appears to be a desert shootout in Kuwait called Scud after the Soviet missiles Saddam fired in the war. Another is called Babylon, after the ancient city in Iraq.
Activision acknowledged in a statement that the game “has not been approved for release in Kuwait,” but did not elaborate.
“All pre-orders in Kuwait will be cancelled and refunded to the original point of purchase,” the company said. “We remain hopeful that local authorities will reconsider, and allow players in Kuwait to enjoy this all-new experience in the Black Ops series.”
Kuwait’s Media Ministry did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press over the decision.
“Call of Duty,” which first began in 2003 as a first-person shooter set in World War II, has expanded into an empire worth billions of dollars now owned by Microsoft. But it also has been controversial as its gameplay entered the realm of geopolitics. China and Russia both banned chapters in the franchise. In 2009, an entry in the gaming franchise allowed players to take part in a militant attack at a Russian airport, killing civilians.
But there have been other games recently that won praise for their handling of the Mideast. Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage” published last year won praise for its portrayal of Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age in the 9th century.
