ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD
FOR skateboard fans, here comes DOC Skate by Nilox. The electric skateboard is able to achieve a maximum speed of 15km/h, as well as a battery life that allows you to travel for up to 25km in distance.
The DOC Skate features a couple of modes. The Slow mode is for beginners and entry level skaters, where it hits a top speed of 6km/h in three seconds. If you like to traverse through the mall or public streets within the fastest time possible, there is the Speed mode for pro users. In this mode, you can achieve a maximum speed of 15km/h in five seconds. Not only that, its internal battery can be recharged in 2.5 hours. There is a tiny remote control which comes with relevant buttons to choose the direction of your choice (forward and reverse), as well as to accelerate and brake via the control stick.
Those who are interested in the DOC Skate electric skateboard can pick it up in a trio of versions, wood/blue, wood/black, and “PLUS” total black that boasts Bluetooth connectivity. To keep in line with the times, the skate also features an app that lets you keep track of your routes, speed and favourite places, allowing you to share your destination with family and friends on social media.
The DOC Skate Sky Blue and Black models retails 529.95 euros (RM2,488) while the DOC Skate PLUS model is more expensive at 569.95 euros due to the Bluetooth feature. www.nilox.com
SMARTEST SELFIE PHONE
CHINESE brand Meitu M8 claims to be the most sophisticated selfie smartphone in the world as it boasts DSLR camera features as well as a totally new, proprietary facial recognition technology. While major smartphone manufacturers like Huawei, LG, and Apple have started to feature dual camera lenses at the back, Meitu decides to cut to the chase by introducing dual cameras in front for an enhanced selfie experience.
The Meitu T8 is the first of its kind that delivers 12MP Dual Pixel PDAF technology in front of any handset but contrary to its claims, do not expect dSLR quality photos and performance. At the back is a 21MP shooter. Functions in the Meitu T8 include auto-focus, OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) as well as Meitu’s proprietary noise-reducing ISP and smart fill light which allows selfies to focus automatically.
The Meitu M8 also features the Magical AI (Artificial Intelligence) Beautification which is touted to be able to apply specific effects for women, men and children in the same selfie.
A 10-core processor keeps the Meitu T8 running, aided by 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal memory. The Meitu M8 is available in Magical Orange, Jazz Gold, Dazzling Blue and Diamond Grey colours, and retails at US$479 (RM2,133). http://corp.meitu.com/en/
PREMIUM GAMING LAPTOP
RAZER has come out with yet another updated version of the Razer Blade gaming laptop. This 14-inched device comes with Intel’s latest Intel Core i7 quad-core processor. Faster 16GB of RAM will also facilitate a smoother gaming experience and when you have the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics chipset handling all your visual elements, you know that you are in for a treat.
Imagine all of that crammed into a unibody CNC aluminium chassis that is surprisingly thin and lightweight, measuring a mere 18mm, while tipping the scales at 1.8kg.
The 4K UHD touchscreen comes in handy even if you do not game but work with graphics programs and imaging. Other connectivity features that intend to eliminate lag and bottlenecks include a Killer Wireless-AC and Thunderbolt 3, with the SSD storage options that max out at a whopping 1TB. To top it all, you can always show off in low light conditions with its comfortable yet accurate anti-ghosting keyboard, which is powered by Razer Chroma, which allows a colour palette of 16.8 million colours to light up your world.
However, such class and quality will not come cheap, as the Razer Blade 2017 is retailing from US$1,899, depending on the kind of hardware configuration that you decide to settle for. www.razerzone.com
RUGGED SMARTPHONE
THE BLU Tank Xtreme 5.0 is a rugged smartphone that is able to shake off all regular knocks and drops. After all, it is IP65 certified that makes it dust-proof as well as water-resistant. The presence of an impenetrable seal makes it dust-proof as well, allowing you to have fun by the beach without worrying about any of your ports being filled with sand that render them unusable later on.
Daily wear and tear is not going to be an issue, thanks to the shock absorbent rubber frame. The 5-inch HD full lamination display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while both front and back cameras sport a resolution count of 5MP.
A MediaTek quad-core processor runs proceedings from within, accompanied by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory which can be augmented to 64GB through a microSD memory card slot. To keep this dual SIM-capable smartphone running, a 3,000mAh battery is used. Connectivity options include WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 4.0, although there is no NFC support. The BLU Tank Xtreme 5.0 will retail at US$129.99 and is only available in black. http://bluproducts.com
**Edwin Kee believes that technology should serve mankind, and not the other way around.**