It’s Christmas again, and here are few techy gifts you might consider for those who deserve them.

Crave Sex Toys

Ludicrous sex toys that look like rubber chickens and sound like chainsaws are a thing of the past unless you like that kind of thing of course! New companies like Crave are changing the market, making discreet, attractive and sleek toys that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Star Trek. Tech Trends tried out three models, the stunning Vesper necklace, the elegant Wink+ and the powerful Pocket Vibe. Any one of these would make a thrilling stocking filler for your partner or yourself and guarantee a stimulating holiday season.

Ludicrous sex toys that look like rubber chickens and sound like chainsaws are a thing of the past unless you like that kind of thing of course!
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Without doubt the most intriguing and quirky of these toys is the Vesper an unbelievably slim vibrator that doubles up as a necklace or possibly visa versa. The body, tip, and chain are made of 316 high polish stainless steel, with three finishes to choose from: Silver, 24k Gold, and Rose Gold.

To find more perfect gifts for you, check out Instas GearHungry

You can recharge the Vesper quickly with the supplied cable through any USB port. No batteries to mess with and a full charge gives you an impressive 40 minutes of pleasure
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Make it yours. Personalize your Vesper with a special message to yourself or a loved one. Sweet or naughty, your choice.

The Vesper’s 4 speeds and 2 modes (pulsing and constant) are whisper quiet for extreme discretion and you can recharge the Vesper quickly with the supplied cable through any USB port. No batteries to mess with and a full charge gives you an impressive 40 minutes of pleasure.

Almost as attractive is the sleek and minimal Wink+ Crafted from high-quality metals and body-safe silicone, the Wink+ looks a bit like a perfume bottle and claims to provide a much more intense vibration than traditional plastic or silicone vibrators. With an included USB charging cable it recharges quickly and lasts for an incredible 5 hours on the highest setting. Phew!

The Wink+ looks a bit like a perfume bottle and claims to provide a much more intense vibration than traditional plastic or silicone vibrators
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Wink+ brings an understated elegance to your bedroom. Designed for discretion, this compact vibe doesn’t need to hide in the sex toy drawer.

The Wink+ is very elegant and an optional silky smooth silicone cap provides an additional set of textures to explore. The stainless steel Wink+ is fully waterproof for play anytime and anywhere and easy cleaning.

Finally, for those who want to rock, Crave offer the Pocket Vibe a larger and more powerful toy that looks like it means business.

Strong and solid. The Pocket Vibe is designed for those who enjoy a more powerful and intense experience in a compact classic form.

Despite the promised extra oomph, the Pocket Vibe’s motor is still whisper-quiet, delivering deep, rumbly vibrations at the touch of a button with five settings: low, medium-one, medium-two, high, and wave. You also get three body-safe silicone tips for enhanced sensation options: (shown L-R below) ribbed, focused, and flutter!

Despite the promised extra oomph, the Pocket Vibe’s motor is still whisper-quiet, delivering deep, rumbly vibrations at the touch of a button with five settings
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All these toys are beautifully made from solid metal and are waterproof for easy cleaning. From the slinky Vesper up to the more extreme Pocket Vibe, Tech Trends had a very good time indeed and can recommend you pop a Crave vibe in your partner’s stocking this year.

Be sure to check the Crave website for any holiday deals here and prices (dependant on the finish, are below.

• Vesper from $69
• Wink + from $79
• Pocket Vibe from $89

New TILE 2020 range

Tile call their range of nifty products “a family of finders” and they all do this very well, with a few caveats. You are probably familiar with Tile and how they work but for the uninitiated, I’ll recap as this information is pertinent to my review. Attach a tile ‘dongle’ in their various forms to an important object and use the app on a Bluetooth enabled smartphone to locate that device within BT range. Hmmm can you see my potential issue here?

Attach a tile ‘dongle’ in their various forms to an important object and use the app on a Bluetooth enabled smartphone to locate that device within BT range
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Tile gives everything the power of smart location, locating more than six million unique items every day. Leveraging its vast community that spans 195 countries, Tile’s cloud-based finding platform helps people find the things that matter to them most.

The brand new Tile 2020 range primarily adds range and battery life along with a few design tweaks such as replaceable batteries in the Pro version and a thinner Slim wallet tracker. Nothing to sniff at here, Tile reliably revamps their range each year. However, the new 2020 range includes a sticky-backed little button called the Sticker.

Our new Sticker has a 150 ft or 46m range. Slim and Mate each have a range of 200 ft or 61m. Pro features our longest range, coming in at twice the range of Mate and Slim, measuring 400 ft or 122 m. However, as with all wireless technologies, different environments impact the effective range of Bluetooth signals. If your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can check its last known location on the app. This information is automatically updated whenever anyone in the Tile community comes within Bluetooth range of your Tile.

The real news here is the Sticker, which although a little bulkier than might be hoped does indeed stick to any flat surface, even rough Metalic smartphone bodies as I can attest. It is small and versatile (no pun intended!) and opens up a world of possibilities for tracking your important objects that are not your keys or wallet. I love it.

If your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can check its last known location on the app. This information is automatically updated whenever anyone in the Tile community comes within Bluetooth range of your Tile
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Over the years we’ve seen our customers use Tile for a variety of items,” said CJ Prober, Tile CEO. “From wallets to remote controls, power tools to backpacks, our customers have shown us they want a Tile for everything. We’ve designed our new product line to empower the Tile community to find literally anything.

To caveat my only criticism, I’m not a Tile hater, I have used Tile for years and positively reviewed the system on Tech Trends, the system has also been super useful to me on several occasions but Bluetooth is not a very secure connection and I don’t and will not ever leave it on all the time. This is where the Tile system runs into an issue for me, much like the Sure Petcare Animo dog health tracker I reviewed in our recent Black Fridays reviews post if your BT ain’t on it don’t work and mine isn’t often on. Tile themselves sum this up perfectly on their website:

Bluetooth and GPS trackers differ in many ways. In general, GPS trackers maintain a constant connection via satellite and provide real-time tracking. Bluetooth trackers work within a shorter range and are dependent on a connection to a Bluetooth enabled device. Bluetooth trackers typically cost less, are lighter and use less power.

I agree, Bluetooth trackers are cheaper and Tile’s trackers reflect this. I think they are good value if you take into account the tech and online systems behind the devices themselves. I have no issue with the pricing and must emphasise that Tile doesn’t sit on their laurels, their devices are updated and upgraded every year and are always better value and more useful. I just think it’s time they upgraded from Bluetooth to GPS and made them more useful to more people more of the time.

I think they are good value if you take into account the tech and online systems behind the devices themselves
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However, Tile has made it easier to find items by consistently expanding the Bluetooth range and volume level of its hardware devices and within the limits of the technology they have also innovated by leveraging the community of users to benefit everyone. For those moments when an item is truly lost or left behind, the Tile Community steps in to help. Once an item is marked as lost, if any member of the Tile Community passes within Bluetooth range or spots the missing item, the owner is automatically notified with its location. Tile’s ever-expanding Community, comprised of all customers with the Tile app as well as access points, finds more than 90% of items marked as lost.

Our customers increasingly rely on Tile to find and keep track of all of their belongings,” said Prober. “Whether it’s their backpacks, their cameras, or their keys, the Tile community comes together to locate lost items. With more customers using our expanded hardware line-up, more partners adopting our technology, and more access points coming to market every day, we continue to deliver the most versatile and powerful finding platform.

Tile’s ever-expanding Community, comprised of all customers with the Tile app as well as access points, finds more than 90% of items marked as lost
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These are great devices for day to day items that are always nearby in your home or office, it is simply time that these Bluetooth only devices upgraded to a more comprehensive positioning system and function in a way that means they work for us whatever we are doing and wherever we are and more importantly whatever device and connection we are using. With Apple threatening to release it’s own Tag system soon Tile will need to advance their offering.

These are great devices for day to day items that are always nearby in your home or office
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Pricing and Availability
All four products are available on Tile.com and major retailers; including Amazon, John Lewis, Curry’s and Argos.

– Tile Sticker: Available in Black, starting from £34.99 for a 2-pack, £54.99 for a 4-pack
– Tile Slim: Available in Black for £24.99
– Tile Mate: Available in White, for £19.99
– Tile Pro: Available in Black and White, for £29.99

With gifting season around the corner, Tile has multi-packs available.

– Pro Combo: 2-Pack at £49.99 and 4-Pack at £89.99
– Mate: 4-Pack available at £59.99
– Tile Essentials: 2 Tile Stickers, 1 Tile Slim, 1 Tile Mate available for £64.99
– Tile Mate/Slim Combo: 2 Mates and 2 Slims, available for £69.99

Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam

The Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam is relatively inexpensive at $169.99 considering it is way more than just a dashboard camera. It claims to be the world’s first Dash Cam with Emergency SOS to ensure your journey is safer than ever before. It will alert the emergency services to your location in the event of the accident and send on crucial medical data to aid efficient treatment.

It claims to be the world’s first Dash Cam with Emergency SOS to ensure your journey is safer than ever before
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The MyNextbase Emergency SOS service is designed to alert the emergency services in situations where the user has been involved in an accident which renders them incapable of alerting the emergency services themselves

For me the most exciting feature of this new Series 2 dashcam is it’s Autosynch Bluetooth 4.2 low energy technology and Wi-Fi connectivity meaning your latest video files can easily be sent to your smartphone or tablet. This is huge. No more fiddling to remove tiny microSD cards and manually transferring the video files to a computer, it happens wirelessly. Also the 322GW automatically records two video files (High and Low resolution) so you can easily view the videos quickly whilst having the full high quality available to download if you need to zoom in on number plate detail.

The most exciting feature is it’s Autosynch Bluetooth 4.2 low energy technology and Wi-Fi connectivity meaning your latest video files can easily be sent to your smartphone or tablet. This is huge
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Then once on your phone, Nextbase claims it is quick and easy to edit and share your footage straight to your insurer using the MyNextbase Connect App on Android and iOS. The new Bluetooth Autosync feature also means that your dashcam is automatically connected to your phone when you enter the car, ready to use the Emergency SOS service (model 322GW and above) or Alexa or (422GW and above).

The new Bluetooth Autosync feature also means that your dashcam is automatically connected to your phone when you enter the car, ready to use the Emergency SOS service
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Another cool feature is Intelligent Parking Mode which records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended. Intelligent Parking mode is an option that can be selected in the menu of every new Series 2 Dash Cam. As soon as you park and your ignition is turned off, the Dash Cam will automatically switch into “parking mode” by shutting down everything except the G Force sensor (accelerometer). The sensitivity of the G force sensor is then increased dramatically.

With only the G Force sensor active the power consumption is incredibly low, using the internal battery the dashcam to detect any knock or bump to your vehicle for over a week
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With only the G Force sensor active the power consumption is incredibly low, using the internal battery the dashcam can detect any knock or bump to your vehicle for over a week. If your car is bumped and the G Force sensor registers movement then the dashcam will automatically turn on, record for 3 minutes and then shut back down again. If you are unlucky enough to be hit twice in a row then the dashcam would automatically record again and capture both events.

The GPS is also a step up from other systems I have looked at. Nextbase Series 2 Dash Cams (322GW and up) use two satellites systems combined to give the most accurate and reliable GPS fix. They take data from both the American GPS satellite and the Russian (GLONAS) system to provide data that is very accurate indeed. On top of this, the new Nextbase Series 2 Dash Cams refresh at 10HZ. This means that every second the Dash Cam captures 10 data readings, ensuring that the trace shown on Google Maps is accurate and smooth.

By having such a high refresh rate the GPS system also captures very accurate speed and acceleration data, which is shown in MyNextbase Player and can be critical in the event of an incident
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By having such a high refresh rate the GPS system also captures very accurate speed and acceleration data, which is shown in MyNextbase Player and can be critical in the event of an incident. The 322GW is also compatible with the Nextbase Rear-View Camera Modules to add a second camera. Personalise your Dash Cam and choose one of 3 different rear camera views from Rear, Cabin or Rear Window view.

Features: 1080p HD resolution at 30 fps, 2.5” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, AutoSync, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Desktop Player

This is a very comprehensive system that has more than a few tricks up its sleeve plus is very reasonably priced. With each purchase, you get one free year’s subscription to the Emergency SOS service, subscribed to via their app, and after that, it is a paid service. Also with every Nextbase Series 2 Dashcam, you are given free MyNextbase Cloud Storage to allow you easily send files to your friends or insurance company. The cloud storage is fully secure, allowing you to access your footage anywhere in the world. Every video uploaded to the MyNextbase Cloud from your app can be hosted for free for a full 30 days before being deleted giving you plenty of time to share the video if necessary.

The MyNextbase Cloud Storage is fully secure, allowing you to access your footage anywhere in the world
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There are plenty more details of this system on the Nextbase website including the desktop video software that I didn’t get around to trying out. I was very impressed with the 322GW camera and all the supporting services and you can pick one up for $169.99 here.

Piper Computer Kit 2

It was way back in 2017 when I reviewed the first version of the Piper Computer Kit and my first impressions were very good. Now, in the tail end of 2019, we are presented with a new version 2, details here. It is an updated kit including a newer more powerful Raspberry Pi and a bigger and much-improved screen.

DIY LEARNING
Piper drives students to learn what is behind the screen. This educational, DIY experience ranges from building a wooden case, to connecting the hardware of a real working computer.

I handed testing duties off to my niece Roxy and nephew Logan, who immediately emptied the box onto the bed and got stuck in. Minor sibling friction aside they did a good job following the cool blueprints and got the Piper put together and running in about an hour.

The Piper Computer Kit provides an engineering blueprint enabling students to engage in a sensory experience that bridges visual and tactile learning
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FEATURES

• 25+ laser-etched wooden and acrylic pieces
• 50+ hardware pieces
• 20+ electronic components
• 9″ LCD display with HDMI cable
• 7800 mAh rechargeable battery
• Integrated speaker
• 16GB MicroSD card
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model BPhillips-head screwdriver
• Wi-Fi Software Updates
• 8 square foot laminated blueprint
• USB Mouse

VISUAL PROBLEM SOLVING
The Piper Computer Kit provides an engineering blueprint enabling students to engage in a sensory experience that bridges visual and tactile learning.

Learning through gameplay and storytelling is not a new idea, but by theming the entire kit around the massively popular Minecraft games Piper instantly gets kids on board
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With endorsement from Steve Wozniak and funding from Princeton University, Reach Capital, Jaan Tallinn and 500 Startups the Piper Computer Kit comes with an impressive pedigree to recommend it and the kit is ultra-slick looking, very tactile and approachable, with play-focused functionality and aesthetics. The Minecraft theme also makes it instantly attractive for kids of all ages.

STORYMODE
Learners explore the virtual world of the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft and learn electronic concepts through engaging, interactive game levels. Discover new planets, make friends with intergalactic heroes, Pip and Piperbot, and inspire confidence in STEAM to make gaming a valuable and educational experience.

Learning through gameplay and storytelling is not a new idea, but by theming the entire kit around the massively popular Minecraft games Piper instantly gets kids on board, and the building principles of the gameplay work perfectly alongside the engineering, electronics and programming skills the kit introduces.

BUILT TO LAST
The Piper Computer Kit has been designed to be taken apart and put back together multiple times. Whether built, partially built, or disassembled, the purposefully engineered packaging makes storing the Piper Computer Kit incredibly simple.

Overall this is an excellent product if you use it and all the resources available long after the initial build is complete. $299 for the kit alone is a big investment but the Piper team are not exactly resting on their laurels, and they’re constantly expanding and evolving what it’s possible to do with the kit and through their Piper Code website they offer a wealth of ongoing and self-directed project ideas and inspiration.

$299 for the kit alone is a big investment but on the Piper Code website they offer a wealth of ongoing and self-directed project ideas and inspiration
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IMMERSIVE SOFTWARE PIPERCODE
PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi. PiperCode includes preloaded projects that allow students to code and program physical electronic games!

PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi
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Learners establish a basic foundation in coding with PiperCode. They will be able to easily transition from Blockly to advanced languages like Python
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• INFINITE CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES
  Go beyond the box and create your games. Students gain coding skills while having creative control over their own projects.
• CODE PHYSICAL GAMES
  PiperCode includes preloaded projects that allow students to code and program physical electronic games!
• FULL CREATIVE CONTROL
  PiperCode uses Blockly by Google, a drag & drop coding language that enables students to modify and change how their electronics work on the Raspberry Pi.
• BASIC TO PYTHON PROGRAMMING
  Learners establish a basic foundation in coding with PiperCode. They will be able to easily transition from Blockly to advanced languages like Python.
• GAME PROJECTS THAT YOU CODE FROM START TO FINISH
  Learn the basics of coding with over 7 fun physical electronic games you code yourself! Follow simple step by step tutorials!

Be sure to keep your Piper Computer updated when it’s connected to the Internet and to get full value out of the kit you must check out all the online resources available as the fun certainly doesn’t end when you complete the kit build, that’s just the start of your adventure.

Find out more and pick one up here and get $70 off with promo code PIPER70
You then only pay $229, now that is a bargain!

Harry Potter Wizarding World Gold Subscription

The new Wizarding World Gold subscription looks to be the perfect gift for the Potter Heads in your family this Christmas. Designed to give official fan club members a little extra, the annual Gold subscription includes a personalised Keys and Curios journal that interacts with the Wizarding World app to unlock further content, access to all the ebooks in the series on your digital devices plus many more exclusive benefits. Your Keys and Curios journal is filled with interactive secrets and surprises that come to life in magical ways with the Wizarding World app. Look out for the Enchanted Keys hidden within to unlock the magic.

The new Wizarding World Gold subscription looks to be the perfect gift for the Potter Heads in your family this Christmas
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Each and every Keys and Curios journal is totally unique and can be gifted so the journal will be personalised with the recipient’s name and Hogwarts House. There are Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts surprises and more to discover each month and with the collectable pin, featuring the Enchanted Key emblem, your spelltastic loved one can wear their membership with pride wherever they go.

Delve even deeper into the magical universe you love with this spellbinding annual subscription. The ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans. Order Gold now for $74.99 (US) or £59.99 (UK) per year.

Each and every Keys and Curios journal is totally unique and can be gifted so the journal will be personalised with the recipient's name and Hogwarts House
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With the holidays in mind, the Wizarding World Gold Subscription can also be presented in a beautiful gift-box! Recipients are then directed to complete their Wizarding World Gold subscription online or in the free app
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With the holidays in mind, the Wizarding World Gold Subscription can also be presented in a beautiful gift-box (Gold in a Box) where recipients are directed how to complete their Wizarding World Gold subscription either online or in the free app.

The first stop on their adventure will start with the Sorting Ceremony to select their house before having the opportunity to order their personalised Keys and Curious journal. In addition to all of the free content already available in the Wizarding World app such as interactive quizzes, secret codes, and weekly fanzine, the Gold subscription will unlock:

• Wizarding World Originals – Immerse yourself in our new video series, which is set to unravel the mysteries and uncover the secrets from all corners of the Wizarding World. Learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring you closer to the magic in The Workshop and discover our pick of behind-the-scenes content in From The Archive.
• eBooks – Take the magic of J.K. Rowling wherever you go with all seven eBooks of the original Harry Potter stories, available on the Wizarding World app for the duration of your subscription.
• Collectible pin badges – You’ll receive the first pin badge in your welcome gift. Plus, claim collectible pin badges from selected Wizarding World UK and US locations including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatres in London, New York & San Francisco, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Hollywood as well as at the iconic Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station, London.
• Special events – Get access to Gold subscriber events throughout the year, such as the Wizarding World Christmas Party in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London later this year.
• Exclusive discounts – Enjoy discounts from the new Wizarding World.com shop, the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station, London, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as Warner Bros. Studio Tour stores in both London and Hollywood.
• Priority booking – Look forward to priority access to tickets for the most popular Wizarding World events and locations, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child shows in London, New York, and San Francisco as well as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
• Early access – Unlock early access to limited-edition Wizarding World Gold merchandise ranges and curious collectibles – before they go on general release.
• Plus, plenty of perks – including new quizzes and puzzles, chances to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and much, much more!

From the imagination of J.K. Rowling – Explore the grounds of Hogwarts as they were first imagined – from the Whomping Willow to the Great Lake – with a postcard of J.K. Rowling’s original Hogwarts sketch.

The Gold discounts and exclusive access features let you enjoy a range of discounts, including 20% off at the Wizarding World online shop, 10% off at the Platform 9¾ store at King’s Cross, 10% off at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter store and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood store, 10% off at the MinaLima store in London and online and $50 off The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, get early access to limited-edition Wizarding World Gold merchandise ranges and curious collectables – before they go on general release.

The Gold discounts and exclusive access features let you enjoy a range of discounts
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The exclusive content also looks pretty cool. Discover behind-the-scenes content in ‘From The Archive’ and learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring the magic to life in the first instalment of the new Wizarding World Originals video series, ‘The Workshop’. There’s a whole host of curious content waiting to be explored, as well as new quizzes and puzzles, updated regularly.

With individual cover designs for each of the Hogwarts houses created by MinaLima – the designers behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films – the Keys and Curios journal is your chance to own a piece of the Wizarding World.

Discover behind-the-scenes content in 'From The Archive' and learn about the creative talent and craftspeople who bring the magic to life
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Be sure to claim the collectable pin badges from selected Wizarding World UK and US locations, enjoy the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences and look forward to more magical surprises to come.

It's hard to say that when all the benefits included are added up it is not a well designed and high-quality offering!
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A lot of comments from fans online are concerned that, no matter how cool, The Wizarding World Gold subscription is squeezing Harry Potter fans even harder for their devotion to the series but it is hard to say that when all the benefits included are added up it is not a well designed and high-quality offering.

Check out more info on the package here and the annual subscription sells for $74.99 (US) or £59.99 (UK) per year.

Roxi – Ultimate Music Entertainment System

The new ROXi music system is a compact, networked home music entertainment system that is quick to set up, easy to use and compatible with most TVs and external speakers. With 40 million songs available, spanning every decade and genre of music your family will never run out of musical inspiration and on traditional Karaoke nights you will have over 60,000 transcribed tracks to choose from or, unique to ROXi, you can Sing with the Stars, with your voice and theirs crooning together.

The new ROXi music system is a compact, networked home music entertainment system that is quick to set up, easy to use and compatible with most TVs and external speakers
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The nifty handheld controller and microphone features built in voice search to help you find specific songs, games and playlists or you can navigate the simple ROXi interface with good old buttons. The ROXi comes with hundreds of built-in playlists covering every possible mood or occasion from dinner parties to entertaining the kids and even workouts.

The ROXi comes with hundreds of built-in playlists covering every possible mood or occasion from dinner parties to entertaining the kids and even workouts
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It even comes with exclusive playlists put together for you by celebrities including Robbie Williams, Alesha Dixon and Sheryl Crow! An additional controller is available for an extra £19.95 when you buy your new ROXi system so you and your bestie can sing cacophonous duets.

The all new ROXi is a huge leap forward in home music entertanment with a brand-new TV interface that’s fun and easy to use, Smart Voice Technology, an expanded music catalogue with over 40 million songs, music games and ROXi’s unique Sing with the Stars feature. With ROXi you’ll be having so much fun together this Christmas! Rob Lewis – ROXi

Over 10,000 radio stations bring you the latest from the charts plus music from around the world while music trivia games will keep your knowledge fresh and are designed to suit all ages and tastes. If your tired brain needs a rest or you just want to focus on your yoga you can also access a range of curated therapeutic audio tracks in the ROXi Sound Machine.

If your tired brain needs a rest or you just want to focus on your yoga you can also access a range of curated therapeutic audio tracks in the ROXi Sound Machine
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Every ROXi unit comes with a one year Premium Music Pass after which you will need to renew your pass for about £52 for another year of music access. Compared to the other premium music streaming services out there this is a pretty good deal as long as you are happy to stream at home via the ROXi.

Compared to the other premium music streaming services out there this is a pretty good deal as long as you are happy to stream at home via the ROXi
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The device is attractively designed and the soft-touch Wii-style gesture controller allows both easy navigation and sing-along fun
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The device is attractively designed and the soft-touch Wii-style gesture controller allows both easy navigation and sing-along fun. For the menu, simply connect the hub to your TV via an HDMI cable, this cable can carry the audio too if you choose or you can connect to remote speakers via Bluetooth or a good old wired 3.5mm Aux jack output. Then just hook it up to you Wi-Fi or plug in a network cable and you are good to go. The on screen interface is simple and looks great, with the Smart Voice tech often proving the fastest way to get where you want to be.

Tear the kids away from their smart devices and TV screens and get the family together for a good old singalong this Christmas. Pick up a ROXi for a one time discounted price of £99.95 here (don’t forget to order an extra controller!) or for 5 monthly payments of £19.99.

Tom Atkinson is Reviews & Dep. Editor at Tech Trends. Follow him on Twitter @techtrends_tech

The post Christmas 2019 Product Reviews appeared first on Tech Trends.

A new robot to tackle UK’s STEM skills gap.

Danish company Shape Robotics has premiered its latest educational teaching robot Fable Spin at BETT, the world’s biggest education technology event 23-26 January, this week. Designed to make it easy to teach STEM skills and for students to become creators of technology, the new Danish robot aims to inspire students to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics to alleviate the shortage of qualified candidates that is estimated to cost UK businesses £1.5 billion per year.

Danish company @ShapeRobotics has premiered its latest educational teaching robot Fable Spin at @Bett_show this week
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Fable Spin is the latest offshoot from the Fable System from @ShapeRobotics which gives everyone the fantastic feeling of being able to programme a robot
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“We have chosen London for the world premiere of Fable Spin, which makes robot technology widely accessible and inspires imagination while teaching multidisciplinary skills in the classroom. Fable Spin is the latest offshoot from the Fable System, which gives everyone the fantastic feeling of being able to programme a robot. The Fable System ensures successful programming, innovation and creativity in teaching and is robust enough for rough treatment in the classroom,” says David Johan Christensen, CEO of Shape Robotics

Originally developed in 2011 by a Ph.D. student and an associate professor at the Technical University of Denmark this clever system was launched as a start-up business in 2015. Shape Robotics, located in Copenhagen, where the robot parts are assembled after having been produced all over the world.

The Fable Spin has strong magnetic joints, can easily be clicked together and has no wires or cables, so it is fast to get ready and clear up, leaving more time for teaching. The programming is easy, and the unique open-ended system can be extended with LEGO® and your own 3D-prints. Fable Spin has 4 available connectors, 2 rotating connectors, 360-degree rotation, 3 colour sensors, 3 ambient light sensors, 3 distance sensors, 3 gesture detection sensors and 2-meter long IR communication.

The @ShapeRobotics Fable Spin has strong magnetic joints, can easily be clicked together and has no wires or cables, so it is fast to get ready and clear up, leaving more time for teaching
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From small children to geeks

The Fable System assists learning at all levels, from the comprehension of technology in primary and secondary school, through to the teaching of more advanced mathematics and informatics in vocational training programmes in industry and construction. After just 18 months in the market, the Fable System is used by more than 200 schools and educational institutions in more than 20 countries.

“We were thrilled when Fable arrived, and we found it easy to get started. It is really well made and easy to put together. We also loved the blocky editor and found it easy to navigate round. It complimented the other work on blockly we had been doing.” Said Karen Fleming, Keble Prep School, UK. “We set it up and got a few pupils to try it out. They got Fable to monitor movement, then wave and smile. The best thing though was the discussion between the pupils. The problem solving and thinking skills were a joy to witness.”

Pupils can easily programme the Fable Spin to move, play football, tidy up, dance, wrestle, monitor rooms, be social or transport items from A to B
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Pupils can easily programme the Fable Spin to move, play football, tidy up, dance, wrestle, monitor rooms, be social or transport items from A to B. Fable Spin has wheels and a number of integrated sensors that allow it to avoid obstacles, perform search and rescue missions and navigate by lines. The Fable System invites anyone from the age of three through to grown-ups to get to grips with the programming languages Blockly or Python.

“Due to its ease of use and applicability, Fable can be used to teach everyone – from inexperienced children to robot scientists. Its resemblance with professional robots also means that it can be used at vocational training programmes for training programming, automation, computer vision, CAD design and artificial intelligence. Fable covers the entire spectrum and is designed for 21st century learning,” explains Moises Pacheco, CTO and co-founder.

Shape Robotics’ system is already widely deployed in Danish schools, helping to sustain the country’s position as one of the most advanced nations for robotics and automation. It is hoped that widespread adoption in the UK help it shake off its undesirable status as the least automated G7 country and the only one with a robot density below the worldwide average.

@ShapeRobotics system is already widely deployed in Danish schools, helping to sustain the country’s position as one of the most advanced nations for robotics and automation
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The Fable System invites anyone from the age of three through to grown-ups to get to grips with the programming languages Blockly or Python
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This innovative system enables teachers and pupils to be innovative and creative by solving real-world problems. It is composed of three types of modules: function modules, build modules and extension modules. The build modules can be purchased or 3D-printed in various formats so that they can be integrated with both simple and complex robots.

The extension modules make it possible to combine Fable with other systems such as a smartphone running Skype, a robot hand, a 3D-printed robot head or a laser pointer.

Combining function, build and extension modules gives pupils untold possibilities to create different types of robots, a key feature which is in great demand in the industry right now
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Combining function, build and extension modules gives pupils untold possibilities to create different types of robots that are able to walk, drive, see, throw, use laser or ‘pick and place’, i.e. to pick things up and place them correctly, which is in great demand in the industry right now. The system can be used for various subjects other than comprehension of technology and informatics such as innovation. More information available here.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dep. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

The post The Shape of Things to Come appeared first on Tech Trends.

Deloitte releases its predictions for the UK technology, media and telecoms sector trends for 2019

Every year business advisory giant Deloitte, announces its predictions for the UK TMT sector that new year. I have to say, they are pretty accurate so worth paying attention to if you work in this sector. This year we see the launch of the eighteenth edition of Deloitte’s TMT Predictions 2019 report. You can download the full report yourself, buckle up and prepare to see the future (in great detail) or read our selected highlights below. No, they don’t know how you are going to die but if you ask again, I will be able to tell you, with great confidence!

This 18th edition of Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions presents a fascinating array of trends, each developing at its own momentum, which will impact UK businesses and consumers in 2019 and beyond. Many milestones will be reached this year. Progress will be exponential in some fields. But in other areas the way in which we live and work may shift imperceptibly. Based on conversations with over 100 industry executives and more than 10,000 online interviews with members of the public, our endeavour is to provide a considered point of view on key industry trends. This year’s TMT Predictions explore 8 topics, from smart speakers and 3D printing, to 5G and radio.

Based on conversations with 100+ industry executives and 10,000+ online interviews with members of the public, discover what TMT trends we predict will have the biggest impact in 2019 and beyond #DeloittePredicts
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For those of us based in the UK, there is one great big stinky factor we cannot avoid when thinking ahead, Brexit and WTF is going to happen. the brains at Deloitte have of course factored that in but can offer us absolutely no comforting or enlightening words on this so I guess we all just do what we were doing anyway and grind our teeth and dream that we are governed by people whose first priority is our welfare. Imagine that! No, I know it is hard as it’s so unrealistic but it’s more helpful than banging your head against the table.

Our predictions of the major TMT industry trends could, of course, be impacted by Brexit developments. There remains a high level of uncertainty in relation to Brexit, and how it will impact the TMT sector. At the time of writing, the meaningful vote in the UK parliament to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement (governing the legally binding terms of the UK’s exit) and the Political Declaration (the brief summary of the intent of the UK and the EU in terms of future relations) has not taken place. If the deal passes, there remains significant uncertainty as to what the future EU/UK relationship will be beyond the transition period, and how this will impact on business. If the deal is rejected, what happens next is unclear; however, the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without agreed terms (the ‘no-deal’ scenario’) would likely increase given it is the default option if nothing else changes by 29 March.

OK, here we go, our selected highlights from the report.

5G: The New Network Arrives

2019 will see the first mass-market generation of 5G-enabled handsets go on sale. Deloitte predicts that around 20 handset vendors will launch 5G-ready handsets in 2019, with the first available in Q2. Approximately one million 5G-enabled handsets will be shipped by the year’s end, out of a projected 1.5 billion smartphone handsets which will be sold in total in 2019. In the UK, 5G shipments will number around 50,000.

“The introduction of 5G handsets expected this year will look a lot like 2010, when 4G phones first entered the market. There will be a lot of noise in the first year from vendors vying to be first to market, and relatively little action from consumers. We’re not talking about an overnight switch to faster connectivity with lower latency, we will see 5G used by consumers in hotspot locations in the next two to three years, with mass adoption by 2025.” Dan Adams, head of telecommunications at Deloitte

• 2019 will be the year in which fifth‑generation (5G) wide‑area cellular mobile networks arrive at scale, with 25 operators around the world expected to have launched 5G services in at least part of their territory (usually cities).
• A further 26 operators should launch (again with the focus on cities) in 2020. In the UK, all four operators (EE/BT, Vodafone, O2 and 3 UK) are planning to launch 5G services between 2019‑20. It will be many years however before 5G rollout is complete.
• Approx. 20 handset vendors will launch 5G‑ready handsets in 2019 (with the first available in Q2).
• Approx. 1 million 5G handsets (out of a projected 1.5 billion smartphone handsets sold in 2019) will be shipped by year-end. UK 5G smartphone shipments may total about 50k, and in 2020 will range between 2‑3 million.
• One million 5G modems (also known as pucks or hotspots) will be sold, and around a million 5G fixed cellular mobile access devices will be installed.
• At the end of 2020, we expect 5G handset sales (15–20 million units) to represent approximately 1% of all smartphone sales, with sales taking off in 2021, the first year in which retailers will sell more than 100 million 5G handsets.

5G is the connectivity technology of the future – even if its adoption curve may be relatively shallow in the next 12 to 24 months. It will likely take years for 5G to replicate 4G’s marketplace dominance #DeloittePredicts
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What are the three major applications of 5G wireless technology in 2019 and 2020?

• 5G will be used for truly mobile connectivity, mainly by devices such as smartphones.
• 5G will be used to connect “less mobile” devices, mainly 5G modems or hotspots: dedicated wireless access devices, small enough to be mobile, that will connect to the 5G network and then connect to other devices over Wi‑Fi technology.
• Finally, there will be 5G fixed‑wireless access (FWA) devices, with antennas permanently mounted on buildings or in windows, providing a home or business with broadband in place of a wired connection. In the UK two operators may launch FWA services in
  2019 or 2020.

Will 5G impact 4G rollout?

5G spend may simply replace prior spend on 4G rollout. One study predicted that 5G might cause capex to jump from 13% to 22% of revenue for only a limited rollout. But as 2018’s field trials progressed, many operators in North America, Europe, and Japan re‑evaluated cost and releasing public guidance that capex intensity for 5G would be more or less flat with their 4G spending.

5G will be used to connect “less mobile” devices, mainly 5G modems or hotspots: that will connect to the 5G network and then connect to other devices over Wi‑Fi technology #DeloittePredicts
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As far as spectrum goes, early signs are that operators’ spectrum costs will be closer to the 4G experience than the 3G. Based on some early auctions, the prices for 5G spectrum, depending on the frequency band, are consistent with those for 4G spectrum: all auctions in the six countries in figure 3 have been for less than £0.16 MHz pop, and two were under a penny. In the UK the price for 5G spectrum is £0.13 MHz pop.

5G is the connectivity technology of the future – even if its adoption curve may be relatively shallow in the next 12 to 24 months. It will likely take years for 5G to replicate 4G’s marketplace dominance, in the same way, that it took several years for 4G to displace 3G.

Artificial Intelligence: From expert‑only to everywhere

“The trouble with AI, however, is that to date, many companies have lacked the expertise and resources to take full advantage of it.”

The key trends that Deloitte predicts for Artificial intelligence:

• In 2019, companies will accelerate their use of cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) software and services.
• Among companies that adopt AI technology, 70% will obtain AI capabilities through cloud-based enterprise software, and 65% will create AI applications using cloud-based development services.
• By 2020, penetration rates of enterprise software with integrated AI and cloud-based AI platforms will reach an estimated 87% and 83%, respectively, among companies that use AI software. Cloud will drive more full-scale AI implementations, better return on investment (ROI) from AI and higher AI spending. Importantly, we will see the democratization of AI capabilities – and benefits – that had heretofore been the preserve only of early adopters.

What is AI?

AI consists of multiple technologies. At its foundation are machine learning and its more complex offspring, deep-learning neural networks. These technologies animate AI applications such as computer vision, natural language processing, and the ability to harness huge troves of data to make accurate predictions and to unearth hidden insights. The recent excitement around AI stems from advances in machine learning and deep-learning neural networks – and the myriad ways these technologies can help companies improve their operations, develop new offerings, and provide better customer service at a lower cost.

By 2020, penetration rates of enterprise software with integrated AI and cloud-based AI platforms will reach an estimated 87% and 83%, respectively #DeloittePredicts
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Why aren’t companies taking full advantage of AI?

The trouble with AI, however, is that to date, many companies have lacked the expertise and resources to take full advantage of it. Machine learning and deep learning typically require teams of AI experts, access to large data sets, and specialised infrastructure and processing power. Companies that can bring these assets to bear then need to find the right use cases for applying AI, create customised solutions, and scale them throughout the company. All of this requires a level of investment and sophistication that takes time to develop and is out of reach for many.

What are the benefits to investing in AI and which companies are taking full advantage?

For the reasons above, AI’s initial benefits have accrued mainly to pioneers with the required technical expertise, strong IT infrastructure, and deep pockets to acquire scarce and costly data science skills – most notably the global “tech giants.” They have the resources to engage in bidding wars for increasingly expensive AI talent. They have also invested billions in infrastructure, including massive data centres and specialised processors. For example:

• Google has designed its own AI-specific chips to accelerate machine learning in its data centres and on IoT devices.
• Amazon has used machine learning to drive recommendations for many years. The company is using deep learning to redesign business processes and to develop new product categories, such as its virtual assistant.
• China’s BATs – Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent – are investing heavily in AI while expanding into areas previously dominated by US companies: chip design, virtual assistants, and autonomous vehicles.
• These tech giants are using AI to create billion-dollar services and to transform their operations. To develop their AI services, they’re following a familiar playbook: (1) find a solution to an internal challenge or opportunity; (2) perfect the solution at scale within the company; and (3) launch a service that quickly attracts mass adoption. Hence, we see Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and China’s BATs launching AI development platforms and stand-alone applications to the wider market based on their own experience using them.

China’s BATs – Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent – are investing heavily in AI while expanding into areas previously dominated by US companies #DeloittePredicts
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Joining them are big enterprise software companies that are integrating AI capabilities into cloud-based enterprise software and bringing them to the mass market. Salesforce, for instance, integrated its AI-enabled business intelligence tool, Einstein, into its CRM software in September 2016; the company claims to deliver 1 billion predictions per day to users. SAP integrated AI into its cloud-based ERP system, S4/HANA, to support specific business processes such as sales, finance, procurement, and the supply chain. S4/HANA has around 8,000 enterprise users, and SAP is driving its adoption by announcing that the company will not support legacy SAP ERP systems past 2025.

A host of start-ups are also sprinting into this market with cloud-based development tools and applications. These start-ups include at least six AI “unicorns,” two of which are based in China. Some of these companies target a specific industry or use case. For example, Crowdstrike, a US-based AI unicorn, focuses on cybersecurity, while Benevolent.ai uses AI to improve drug discovery.

Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and China’s BATs are launching AI development platforms and stand-alone applications to the wider market based on their own experience using them #DeloittePredicts
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The upshot is that these innovators are making it easier for more companies to benefit from AI technology even if they lack top technical talent, access to huge datasets, and their own massive computing power. Through the cloud, they can access services that address these shortfalls – without having to make big upfront investments. In short, the cloud is democratising access to AI by giving companies the ability to use it now.

Source: Deloitte State of AI in the Enterprise, 2nd Edition, 2018
and Deloitte Flexible Consumption Models Study, 2018.

3D printing reaches the “plateau of productivity”

“There are likely to be multiple, specialised areas where 3D printing is highly competitive and suited to needs. One such example is bionic prosthetic limbs for children.”

The key trends that Deloitte predicts for 3D printing:

• 3D printing’s growth phase is likely to return in 2019. We predict that sales related to 3D printing by large public companies—including enterprise 3D printers, materials, and services—will surpass £2.1 billion in 2019 and £2.4 billion in 2020.
• This area of the industry is poised to grow at approximately 12.5% in each of those years, more than double its growth rate just a few years ago.

Why is 3D printing on the rise now?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, was heavily hyped in its early days. In 2014 industry revenues of £1.6 billion were twice 2009 revenues. But industry revenue growth in 2015 and 2016 slowed to a mere 5% per year.

3D printing is experiencing the predicted inflection because companies in multiple industries are using it for more than just rapid prototyping. 3D printers today are capable of printing a greater variety of materials. There is more 3D printing in metal and less plastic printing. Plastic is fine for prototypes and certain final parts, but the trillion-dollar metal-parts fabrication market is the more important market for 3D printers to address.

Between 2017 and 2018, an industry survey showed that plastic was the most common material, but its share in 3D printing fell from 88% to 65% in one year, while the share of metal printing rose from 28% to 36% #DeloittePredicts
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Between 2017 and 2018, a 3D-printing industry survey showed that, although plastic was still the most common material, its share in 3D printing fell from 88% to 65% in just one year, while the share of metal printing rose from 28% to 36%. At that rate, it seems probable that metal will overtake plastics and represent more than half of all 3D printing as soon as 2020 or 2021.

Source: Deloitte analysis of public company filings and analyst estimates.

3D printers create objects faster than they used to, and they can print larger objects (build volume). Building a part one ultrathin layer at a time is an inherently slow process. But printers are getting faster. While print time does vary by the complexity of the shape being made, the quality of the print job, and/or the materials being used, the 3D printers on the market in 2019 are twice as fast, broadly speaking, compared to 2014 models.

A few years ago, a typical high-end metal printer could only build an object that was smaller than 10 x 10 x 10 centimetres, or a cubic litre. In 2019, multiple printers are available with a 30 x 30 x 30-centimetre volume, or nine cubic litres.

Print time varies by the complexity of the shape being made, the quality of the print job, and/or the materials being used, but the 3D printers on the market in 2019 are twice as fast as in 2014 #DeloittePredicts
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What will this mean for traditional manufacturing?

3D printers are unlikely to replace traditional manufacturing techniques, as in many cases 3D printing—is still more expensive per part than using traditional machines. 3D printers are also far slower taking hours per part instead of minutes (again excluding finishing and post-processing of various kinds).

There are parts that can only be made with 3D printing, as well as situations in which part volumes are so low that neither traditional nor subtractive manufacturing is optimal. These are the markets that are driving some of the growth that we predict for 3D printing.

3D printers are unlikely to replace traditional manufacturing techniques, as in many cases 3D printing—is still more expensive per part than using traditional machines #DeloittePredicts
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What’s next for 3D printing?

There are likely to be multiple, specialised areas where 3D printing is highly competitive and suited to needs. One such example is bionic prosthetic limbs for children. Providing these for children is highly costly, not just because of the base price (about £10,000), but also because of the need to replace these frequently as children grow. In the UK this has meant that few children under nine years old would be offered a bionic hand. Lower cost prosthetics are available. For example, a hook would cost about £600, but this often leads to the child being teased. A 3D-printed hand, offering equivalent functionality to a traditional bionic prosthetic, may cost a mere £20. Further, this hand could be readily customised, featuring the colours of a child’s favourite pop group or football team.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

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