As we enter into 2022, it’s time to tidy up our tech. Brushing bad habits off our digital legs will help us get started on a great year.
For that reason, we’ve rounded up a list of fun tech tips to get you off to a good start in the new year!
1. Get a Virtual Reality Headset
Virtual reality is a computer-generated environment that mimics the real world in many ways. Its most common use is gaming, but VR can also be used for training and communication. For example, surgeons can practice their skills in a safe environment before trying them on a patient, and pilots can train for new challenges before taking the controls of their planes.
A virtual reality headset can be a standalone device, such as the Meta Quest 2 (formerly the Oculus Quest), or it can be plugged into a PC or console. Standalone headsets don’t require any other hardware, but PC and console based models need high powered gaming rigs to function properly.
The software that accompanies a VR headset is another important consideration, as it determines whether the experience will be fun or not. Apps can be downloaded from the internet or purchased offline, depending on which type of headset you choose.
Most VR headsets come with a set of hand controllers, similar to traditional game controllers. But more futuristic devices may offer haptic gloves that enable pressure-sensitive touch and navigation in the VR world.
Headsets also have stereoscopic lenses that distort the screen’s image into three-dimensional space to create an immersive experience. To ensure the best possible experience, they should have fast-switching LCDs and a wide field of view.
A VR headset needs a high resolution screen with a high refresh rate to allow the user to see the game clearly without any distortion. This is critical for the best possible immersion and makes a big difference in the overall quality of a VR experience.
To achieve this, a headset has sensors that track the user’s head movement and move the display accordingly. Some headsets also have eye-tracking sensors that recognize when the eyes focus on a VR object or location.
A VR headset should be compatible with a wide variety of software and can be used for a number of different purposes, including games, training and communications. However, it’s crucial to choose a device that is comfortable and fits your face well. Some headsets have physical adjustments, such as a hinge that lets you adjust the distance between your eyes.
2. Get a Smart Watch
Smart Watches are a great way to get more out of your smartphone. They can tell you the time, check your calendar, and even answer phone calls without taking your smartphone out of your pocket.
You can get a smartwatch from Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, Google or other brands. The best ones will have a built-in GPS that lets you track your distance and pace while exercising outdoors. Some will also have FDA-approved ECG and SpO2 sensors, which monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels for signs of atrial fibrillation or sleep apnea.
The first step in getting a smartwatch is to decide what kind of features you want. Some of them are simple, such as telling time and a stopwatch, while others are more advanced, such as an alarm independent from your smartphone. Some even allow you to make contactless payments, which can be helpful if you’re traveling with limited cash.
If you’re an avid runner or triathlete, then you’ll want a smartwatch that has a lot of health features to help you keep track of your progress. Garmin’s Forerunner 255 has the most extensive array of activity sensors of any smartwatch, so it’s worth looking into.
It also has a nice circular display, which allows for a haptic feedback when you’re scrolling through the different modes. Some of the modes include a daily activity report, sleep tracking, weather and step counters, and there are plenty more to choose from.
Another important feature is a GPS, which lets you track your route while running or biking outside. The watch can also measure your heart rate and detect elevations to help you avoid a fall.
Some smartwatches will even connect to your medical alert, which can send emergency services an alert if you’re in trouble after a fall. Apple’s fall detection is one of the more accurate ones out there, though other watches are made for this purpose as well.
You can customize your watch with a variety of straps and face colors to make it look as good as it functions. The best ones will have a comfortable design and easy-to-fasten clasps, which can be important for active people.
3. Get a Robot
Robots are a fascinating technology that can be used in a variety of ways. They can help you keep your home safe, learn new skills, and improve your health. They can also help you with everyday tasks and entertain your family.
The first step in getting a robot is to get one that can do the job you want it to. There are many different types of robots, so it is important to choose one that will fit your needs.
You can choose a robotics kit to start with, or you can try building one yourself. This is a great way to get a feel for how the mechanisms of a robot work and what you need to know to build your own.
Another option is to buy a commercially available robot. There are many robots that can be purchased for a low price and can be used for a wide range of purposes.
There are also robots that can be used for educational purposes, like Spot. These robots are easy to use and are a great way to get students excited about learning with technology.
This makes them a popular choice for educators who are looking for a way to help students get more excited about STEM-related topics. It can help them to become confident in their abilities and inspire them to go on to pursue a career in this field.
A second option is to purchase a commercially-available robot that has been specifically designed for your needs. You can find these robots online or in store.
These robots can do a number of things, including cleaning your house, answering questions and setting reminders. They can even take photos and greet you by name.
In addition, there are also robots that are aimed at helping you age safely in your home. These robots are called companion robots and they can keep you company, help with day-to-day activities and even give you a fist bump if you ask them!
While you may have some idea of what kind of robot you want to build, it is always a good idea to do some research before starting your project. This will help you manage your expectations and make sure that you don’t get too ambitious before you start. It will also allow you to see what others have done before and how they have managed to overcome their challenges.
4. Take a Virtual Tour
A virtual tour can be a great way to show people what you have to offer. It can also make it easier to sell your product or services.
A lot of businesses are using virtual tours to help them build their brand and market their products. For example, a restaurant may want to have a tour of their menu so that potential customers can see what the food is like.
Another use for a virtual tour is for real estate. For instance, realtors can create a virtual tour of a property so that prospective buyers can have a better idea of what the home is like before they visit it in person.
These virtual tours are free and can be created on a computer or phone. The software is usually easy to use and has a step-by-step guide that helps you create your tour.
Some of the best virtual tours include interactive links (also called hotspots), audio descriptions, and other features that will enhance your viewer’s experience. These can be a great way to get potential clients excited about your property and increase the chances of them purchasing it.
In fact, more than half of companies hunting for commercial space or investors looking to buy expect a virtual tour before they commit to a physical inspection, according to American media agency Panomatics.
A good virtual tour should be arranged in a logical order so that it’s easy for viewers to navigate. It should start in a main area and then move to each room in the same order.
The images should be a good size so that viewers can easily see everything they need to know about the home. You can also add narration to each scene to help tell the story of your property.
When creating a virtual tour, it is important to take your time. This will ensure that you are not accidentally leaving out any important details.
Once you have the 360 photos of your home or property, it is time to put them together in a virtual tour. You can do this by downloading an app that will allow you to create a virtual tour on your phone.
