As we head into November, and with just two pay days left until the big day, at Escapade our minds cannot help but drift towards the right Christmas gift for our nearest and dearest. What is on trend? And is anything actually within our budget?
When it comes to kids, you can’t go far wrong with the top ten list from Hamleys, with gifts priced from £25 to £200+. Interestingly, this year, it is full of tech gifts featuring a Barbie Colour Change Bag, a LeapFrog LeapTV and a Kiddizoom Smart Watch featuring games, alarm and camera functionality. For the grown-ups, Currys and PC World unveiled its top 10 predictions for Christmas tech back in July (afterall that’s prime Christmas season in our world) with wearable tech forecast to be the gift of choice for many.
According to an article by Retail Week Samsung Gear Fit is set to top the sales charts, followed by Fitbit Force, Garmin Forerunner 15 and the celebrity tweeters favourite (and my new best friend) the NutriBullet.
To help avoid a Jingle All the Way Arnie-style disaster, we’ve asked some of our favourite tech journalists what they think will be hot this Christmas and beyond.
James Stables from new wearable tech news and reviews site Wareable
What’s at the top of your Christmas tech wish list?
The Withings Activite and LG G Watch R have to be at the top of the list this Christmas list, although I’m secretly hoping to find FIFA 15 and an Xbox One in my stocking – it’s definitely time to go next gen.
What do you think will be the big tech seller this Christmas?
The Misfit Flash is going to be a huge seller this Christmas. Wearable tech is going to be the big tech story, and Misfit has just got the price right.
Which brands have won out in 2014 – and who will lead the way in 2015?
For me, the small brands have really come through in 2014. Withings, Misfit and Jawbone haven’t been sunk by the big tech names as we thought they might, and it looks as if they’re here to stay. Intel’s doing some really cool stuff as well.
What do you think is the next big tech trend for 2015?
The first half of 2015 is going to be all about the Apple Watch. How that bears out will dictate the next half, but smart tech is going to evolve even more. Car tech didn’t evolve as much in late 2014 as I expected, so let’s chalk that up for 2015, too.
Victoria Woollaston, UK Deputy Science Editor, Mail Online
What’s at the top of your Christmas tech wishlist?
An iRoomba or similar that will hoover my flat.
What do you think will be the big tech seller this Christmas?
The Nexus 9, or an Oculus Rift consumer version if it is released before the end of the year (although that’s unlikely) and smartwatches will also be popular.
Which brands have won out in 2014 – and who will lead the way in 2015?
I think Motorola has stood out this year, as has Dyson. Next year, I think Google will continue to dominate and Oculus VR.
What do you think is the next big tech trend for 2015?
Truly flexible devices and screens, and smart contact lenses.
Seth Barton, Editor, Expert Reviews
What’s at the top of your Christmas tech wishlist?
Apple’s 5K Retina iMac – it’s brilliant for any image-based work (though not really justifiable for everyone).
What do you think will be the big tech seller this Christmas?
Tesco Hudl 2 is very good for the money.
Which brands have won out in 2014 – and who will lead the way in 2015?
Motorola has done brilliantly after being bought by Lenovo, great handsets, great prices, unmodified Android. The new games consoles will have a huge year, with many truly massive, next-gen games arriving on both.
What do you think is the next big tech trend for 2015?
Wearables will boom or die in 2015, it’s make or break time. Phones and tablets have had their day, it’s more about price now, as no one seems able to differentiate their product otherwise.
Sami Mughal, Chief Editor and Founder, OxGadgets
What’s at the top of your Christmas tech wishlist?
The LG 4K OLED TV is on top of my tech want list for this Christmas!
What do you think will be the big tech seller this Christmas?
This Christmas will probably be about wearables, things like fitness devices I reckon.
Which brands have won out in 2014 – and who will lead the way in 2015?
Brands who have done well this year: Apple, though not as much as always, Samsung and LG. I’ll keep my eye on these three again, and maybe Microsoft with the Lumia range.
What do you think is the next big tech trend for 2015?
Wearables, they will only get better!
Ben Pitt, Freelance Journalist, Expert Reviews, PC Pro, Computer Active
What’s at the top of your Christmas tech wishlist? Ebola vaccine. And a BlackMagic 4K Production Camera.
What do you think will be the big tech seller this Christmas?
iPad Air mk1
Which brands have won out in 2014 – and who will lead the way in 2015?
For cameras, Sony is having a great year.
What do you think is the next big tech trend for 2015? Quadrocopters!
So, there you have it. It’s pretty clear from everyone we’ve spoken to that wearables are set to dominate the market in the coming months. Just this week, Wareable also reported that Samsung are predicting a ‘whopping wearable holiday season’, with the UK market set to spend almost £105 million on wearable tech from fitness trackers, health care products and smartwatches, with several other big brand launches predicted in the first half of 2015. These big launches will be complemented by the smaller brands which will continue to innovate and hold their own by creating design and technical points of differentiation. 2015 is shaping up to be another hot technology year. But for now, what are the Escaladies after this year? Well seeing as you asked so nicely…
Charlotte: a new car – preferably a new shape Mercedes A-Class.
Esther: a cream Kitchen Aid.
Leanne: a new dining table and chairs from Heals and a month in Australia.
Lizzy: a PENTAX K-S1 and snowboots!
Lynne: a Névo watch or similar.
And for me: a shiny new MacBook and an Apple Watch in the New Year, please.
This post was first published by Naomi Barry, on Escapade PR’s blog.