In Something on the Side, SEAN BACHER highlights the GoPro Hero 4 Black, Neato BotVac 80, Beats Pill2 speaker, Furby Boom and Dell’s Tablet Keyboard Slim.
GoPro Hero 4 Black
The GoPro Hero 4 Black now offers 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and 2.7K video recording at a rate of 50 frames per second. The Hero 4 has also had its microphones redesigned, allowing the camera to pick up twice the amount of sound as any of its predecessors. A range of new housings and brackets has also been released, allowing users to take the camera into just about any environment.
Stockists: Cape Union Mart, Incredible Connection, Makro, Total Sports and Outdoor Warehouse Expect to pay: R7 500
Neato BotVac 80
The Neato BotVac 80 robotic vacuum employs Botvision, which is made up of sensors and eyes located around the vacuum’s chassis that lets it scan and map out a room before it begins to vacuum. This means that, unlike other robotic vacuums, the Neato is able to decide on a vacuum path and stay away from furniture. That said, it does still bump into furniture, but quickly reverses or turns to get itself out of any tight spots. When charged, simply press the vacuum button and leave the Neato to get on with cleaning the floor while you concentrate on more important things. A fully charged battery will last about 3.5 hours. When the battery is about to die you will hear the Neato race back to its charging station so it’s ready for next time it’s needed.
Stockists: www.robozone.co.za
Expect to pay: R8 200
Beats Pill2
The Beats Pill2 is a lightweight and portable speaker designed to let users take their music wherever they go. However, despite its compact size, the Pill produces good sound with deep bass, which will keep most parties going. The Pill2 connects to most Bluetooth-enabled devices and it is able to pair with additional Beats speakers, giving users a stereo effect. The speakers are available in Dr. Dre signature colours of black, red, white, pink, silver and blue.
Stockists: Most reputable electronic retail outlets nationwide.
Expect to pay: R2 999
Furby Boom
Through the use of the Furby Boom app and a smartphone or tablet, children can raise and care for their Furby Boom creature. The more they play with it, the happier it is and the more virtual eggs it hatches. These eggs then become friends for the Furby. The Furby makes use of games like Furball that, once installed on the phone or tablet, forces children to interact with the creature physically and play with it digitally. The app also lets owners personalise their Furby and the interactive dashboard allows them to see what the Furby needs to stay happy – very much like a Tamagotchi.
Stockists: Most reputable electronic retail outlets nationwide.
Expect to pay: R1 600
Dell Tablet Keyboard Slim
The thin and lightweight design offered by the Dell Tablet Keyboard Slim is great for users on the move. It features full-sized keys for easy typing and a built-in touchpad for pointer control. The lightweight keyboard with dock ensures the tablet is held in place at a 117-degree angle for good viewing. The keyboard also folds over the tablet to protect the screen from scratches and dings.
Stockists: Visit http://www.drivecon.net for ordering information.
Expect to pay: R1 699
* Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher