Here are four cool gadgets that should result in smiles when given as a gift — and they all can be had for under a C note.
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Amazon Echo Dot (2nd generation)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/amazon-echo-dot-2nd-generation/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 5.0 stars out of 5 (Spectacular)
The good: The second-gen, mini-sized Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker is just as smart as the first at nearly half the cost, and it’s better at hearing you, too. It’s also the only Echo product you can connect to an existing audio setup.
The bad: Amazon’s Echo products still can’t offer audio that syncs across multiple devices in multiple rooms.
The cost: $49.99
The bottom line: The new and improved Echo Dot takes Amazon’s best-in-class smart home speaker and wraps it in an ultra-affordable package.
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Roku Premiere+
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/roku-premiere-plus/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The Roku Premiere+ can access more TV shows and movies in 4K and HDR than most rival devices. It has better features for the money than Roku’s other 4K streamers, and unlike the Chromecast Ultra it actually includes a remote (and an Amazon Video app). Roku’s ecosystem offers more apps, better search and more customization than any other.
The bad: Content in 4K and HDR is still uncommon, and your HDR TV probably already has compatible apps. Unlike some of those TVs, Premiere+ doesn’t work with Dolby Vision HDR. There’s no voice capability on the remote. Some app interfaces are less polished than on rival devices.
The cost: $86.95 to $99.99
The bottom line: For 4K HDR TV owners fed up of using built-in smart TV apps, the Roku Premiere+ is our top pick.
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UE Wonderboom
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/ue-wonderboom/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Wonderboom is compact, fully waterproof, plays very loud for its size with a good amount of bass for its small size. It also floats in water, is shock resistant and has decent battery life. You can pair two Wonderbooms together to augment the sound.
The bad: No speakerphone capabilities. It’s slightly too bulky for travel use.
The cost: $99.95 to $99.99
The bottom line: For its size, the affordable and durable UE Wonderboom is one of the fullest sounding mini Bluetooth speakers you can buy.
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Air Hogs Ultimate Millennium Falcon Quad drone
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/air-hogs-ultimate-millennium-falcon-quad/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Air Hogs Ultimate Millennium Falcon is a ready-to-fly toy quadcopter that’s very easy to get the hang of and soft enough to not do any damage to furniture and walls while you’re learning. It can be charged off the controller’s batteries or via USB to a computer or wall adapter.
The bad: Battery life is between 5 to 8 minutes. Nonremovable battery takes about an hour to recharge. High-pitched whine from its motors can get irritating.
The cost: $84.80 to $109.99
The bottom line: Move over, BB-8: The Air Hogs Ultimate Millennium Falcon is a good fit for anyone — young or old — who just wants a cool little quad to fly around the house.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Executive Editor David Carnoy, Associate Editor Ry Crist, Senior Editor Joshua Goldman, Section Editor David Katzmaier and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
