CHRISTMAS is nearly here and there’s still time for gadget fans to get those wish-lists in to Santa.
I spend a lot of time testing tech – so here’s what I’m hoping to find under the tree on December 25.
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GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #1
Near the top of my list is Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg’s latest virtual reality headset.
The Meta Quest 3S debuted earlier this year, and I had a chance to try it out.
These space-age goggles let you step into imaginary worlds, playing video games, visit distant places, and even meet up with people – all in a computer simulation.
It serves up fantastic visuals, and gives you a glimpse of a future where we might all regularly be visiting the metaverse.
I will add that it’s especially good fun for gamers – even if you’ve only got a casual interest.
During a trip to Meta HQ in California, I demo’d Batman: Arkham Shadow in the headset,
It was stupendous to run around as the caped crusader, especially when it came to using my actual hands to strike down virtual baddies.
But my favourite VR game remains Beat Saber – it’s like Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution but with lightsabers, and it’s a must-play. It might be worth buying the headset alone.
Importantly, this is one of the best-value-for-money VR headsets on the market at £289.99.
That puts it at less than half the price of the new £699 PS5 Pro, and even cheaper than the regular PS5.
You can use the headset as a personal telly, a gaming machine, and so much more – and everyone in the family can have a go.
This is a proper Christmas gift: the kind that you’re thrilled to open, and desperate to unbox.
And really, it’s a small price to pay to become Batman.
GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #2
It’s not going to happen, but Santa, I want a Peloton Bike. Please.
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Even putting aside the problem of the indoor bicycle not fitting down a chimney (and forgetting the fact that I don’t actually have a chimney), these hi-tech fitness bikes are expensive.
So my fingers are crossed, but I won’t get my hopes up.
I’ve been pedalling away on a Peloton at the local gym relentlessly for the past six months, and I’ve become totally obsessed.
That’s why I now want the freedom to cycle at home too. I could watch a bit of Boxing Day telly and ride through the Californian hills at the same time.
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And after my plans to devour enough food to feed several families over Christmas, having one in the living room would probably do me some good.
In all seriousness, the Peloton is a brilliant fitness device.
It’s easy to use, very low impact, is accessible for beginners but scales to be as hard as you’d like it, and the brilliant trainers can guide you along – or be switched off entirely for a bit of peace.
A new Peloton will set you back £1,599, or you can grab a refurbished one for £1,299. Hardly a stocking filler – but it does deliver fitness fun for all the family. Santa, I’ve been good, I promise.
GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #3
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Probably my top pick on this year’s Christmas list is a lightbulb.
Yes, really. It’s called then Nanoleaf Matter Essentials E27 LED Bulb. Appealing, I know.
For a start, it’s way cheaper than a Peloton at £14.99.
And it’s not just any old lightbulb – it’s actually a smart bulb.
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You plug it into a regular lamp then connect it to your Wi-Fi. Once that’s done, you can control it with your phone.
It can be dimmed or brightened at the touch of a button, as well as switched on or off.
And you can even change it to almost any colour you can imagine.
You can use your phone’s smart home apps to set up routines so that it comes on when you’re home, or goes off at a certain time.
And it’s even possible to control it with your voice using AI helpers like Apple’s Siri or Google.
I’ve actually already got four of these, and I can’t get enough.
I won’t stop until every lamp is converted. So that’s my wish, Santa: another bulb. Thanks.
NO LUCK WITH SANTA? WHERE TO BUY THESE GADGETS
Here’s where you can buy these top tech picks…
Meta Quest 3S
Meta Quest 3S at Currys for £289.99 – buy here
Peloton Bike
Peloton Bike at John Lewis for £1,599 – buy here
Nanoleaf Bulb
Nanoleaf smart bulbs at Amazon for £14.99 – buy here
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.
