Top 10 gadgets of 2017 according to Time Edition

In 2017, technology companies such as Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and others were constantly finding new ways to improve their products, be it new functions, software improvements, or completely new products that we had no idea.



When it comes to new gadgets, 2017 introduced several big changes. First of all, it was the year of voice assistants, devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home are increasingly invading our homes. It was also the year when the designers came up with how to fit the big screen organically into a relatively small case, as Apple and Samsung did, as well as some other companies. And this was the year when the Nintendo Switch marked that it was not necessary to sacrifice gameplay to portability.

10. Sony Alpha A7R III

Sony



Significant improvements compared with its predecessor and lower price compared to the Sony Alpha A9 is enough to recognize the recently released mirrorless camera Sony Alpha A7R as one of the best not only in its class, but in principle among all cameras. It can shoot with a resolution of two times more than the Sony Alpha A9, and also has autofocus, which is two times faster than its predecessor, although it should be borne in mind that the Alpha A9 provides a higher burst speed. But the lower price fully justifies this, and the increased quality can impress both a novice photographer and a pro.

9. Apple Watch Series 3

Apple



In its newest smart watches, Apple has finally enabled users to leave their smartphone at home. Since they support LTE, you can receive all notifications and calls right on your wrist, even when the watch is not connected to the phone. The third generation Apple Watch also received a faster processor and a new altimeter barometer for measuring the height you are climbing. Apple Watch is not designed to replace the phone, because the clock screen is too small for full use. But the freedom that this watch provides can be enough to convince skeptics that it is worth thinking about buying an Apple Watch, especially if you play sports.

8. Xbox One X

Microsoft



If you are still not convinced that the days when you had to buy a bulky console to get maximum performance have passed, then you should pay attention to the Xbox One X. The latest Microsoft console is filled with six teraflops of graphic power, and is able to reproduce the picture in full 4K resolution . This makes it a choice for those players who want to get great performance for less than the cost of a powerful gaming PC money.

7. Amazon Echo (Second Generation)

Amazon



Virtual helpers like Siri appeared quite a long time ago, but they really became popular only in 2014, when Amazon released the first Echo column. Three years later, the company released the true heir to the original Echo, which in many aspects surpassed its predecessor. The design has become more compact and attractive, the improved speaker includes a subwoofer and a tweeter, and most importantly, the speaker is much cheaper — $ 99.99. All these changes should help the company to remain in the upper part of the market of smrt-columns, on which more and more new players appear.

6. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Classic

Nintendo



The iconic gray-violet SNES in 2017 returns to the market. Together with the SNES Classic Mini, 21 retro-games are delivered, among them there are such as Super Mario World, The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past, Donkey Kong Land, and Star Fox 2, not previously published. Everything, starting with the games themselves and finishing with controllers are felt just like in the 1990s. The release of a console aimed at nostalgic players seems to have borne fruit: SNES Classic became the second most sold console in October, according to the company NPD.

5. Samsung Galaxy S8

Samsung



Samsung in its Android flagship set the standard for smartphones in 2017. It was not the first smartphone with an almost frameless screen, but the curved display made it one of the most attractive smartphones this year. Not to mention its beautiful Amoled screen, which for a long time has been the best one on the market. Samsung also made efforts to simplify its own software, cut out a lot of unnecessary features from which the company's previous smartphones suffered.

4. DJI Spark

DJI



DJI compact drones have become a big step towards bringing them closer to the common man. A distinctive feature of Spark is that it does not require remote control. Just double-click on the button at the back of the copter, and it will take off from your hand. You can also control Spark hand movements, make it fly higher, lower or in the same direction as your arm. Of course, this function works perfectly only in optimal conditions, and Spark does not always work flawlessly, but you can forgive its size and simplicity.

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop

Microsoft



The first laptop company from the line of Surface (not a hybrid) is a real achievement. Light and elegant design, clear screen, and long battery life from a single battery charge, make Surface Laptop a good choice for those who are looking for a new laptop on Windows. Microsoft is positioning this laptop as a reference device on the new version of Windows 10 S, which can only run applications from the Windows store. With its help, Microsoft hopes to do the same thing as Google with a Chromebook: to make the operating system more “easy” to improve performance, increase battery life, and increase security. But those to whom Windows 10 S seemed too limited, the company offers to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free until the end of this year. After this period, the update will cost $ 50.

2. Apple iPhone X

Apple



Yes, it is expensive. Yes, you can hardly get it now. And yes, Android did it first. But the iPhone X with its frameless screen and face recognition system undoubtedly sets new standards for smartphones. For example, the Face ID system, even despite security problems, can be used in more creative scenarios than the Samsung face recognition system. Applications like Snapchat use Face ID to apply realistic masks to the user's face. What combined with great cameras, long battery life and a large frameless screen made the iPhone X the best smartphone of the year.

1. Nintendo Switch

Nintendo



Approximately as much time as there are game consoles, players had to choose between playing on a TV or a small screen in their hands, until it is outside the house. But with the Nintendo Switch, this is the first console that is truly designed for both home and outdoor entertainment. Switch consists of a tablet with a diagonal of 6.2 inches with mounts for Joy-Con controllers on the sides, which turn it into a portable console. When you are at home, you can simply insert the console into the docking station that connects to the TV, and play it like a traditional console. This and the company 's approach to “Play Anywhere, Anytime” , as well as an excellent list of games that includes the recently released Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Lelda: Breath Of The Wild make this console the best gadget of 2017.