21 Cool tech gadgets that prove we are living in the future

Originally published at Gadget Flow on September 23, 2019.

• What are some of the biggest tech events of the year? CES takes place in Las Vegas each January while IFA takes place in Berlin each September.
• What are the most popular tech products? While renewable energy gets a lot of funding globally, for the consumer, smart home devices have been growing in popularity with no sign of slowing down.
• Where can I keep up with the latest cool gadgets and tech? Follow along with our category dedicated solely to the latest gadgets and gear.

If you’re a lover of technology and innovation, the year can fly by quickly with all the announcements we see. From Apple’s yearly event in September to announce the new iPhone to CES in January showcasing the most incredible new products and concepts, we’re never left wanting. Even when we see technology initially flop (Galaxy Fold, anyone?), it gives the perfect platform for other brands to pick up where they left off and offer something even better.

With each new smartphone, drone, or smart toilet, we’re achieving all-new levels of technology creativity. While the majority of new technology aims to solve a problem, a lot of exciting ideas are designed purely out of curiosity and the need to push the envelope. No matter the reason for its inception, we welcome these new technologies with hope and open minds.

Enough of the chatter; we’ve rounded up some of the best gadgets and devices we’ve seen. Check out all these cool tech gadgets that prove we’re living in the future.

AirUnleashed Wireless Charging Mat

You can stop holding your breath for the AirPower, but be grateful the AirUnleashed is here. This wireless charging mat measures just 12mm thick but has the power and space for your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch to charge simultaneously. Taking a design cue from Apple, the AirUnleashed comes in all-white and is absolutely stunning no matter where you put it. The top is even soft to help keep your devices protected as they charge.

HP Tango X Smart Home Printer

You’ve never seen a printer quite like this. That’s because it doesn’t look like a printer at all. At first glance, you may just think it’s a book thanks to its modern linen cover. But, when you unroll the cover, you’ll see just how smart the Tango X is. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana, you can print, scan, or copy what you need using just your voice. What’s more, you can use your voice to use this printer even when you’re not right next to it. Then, when you’re done, you can re-cover with the striking linen to maintain your interior design.

Awake RÄVIK Electric Carbon Fiber Surfboard

The RÄVIK looks like something you’d imagine if you were told you could invent anything in the world. Bringing electric capability to a surfboard, it reaches nearly 35mph. In fact, it can reach 31mph in just four seconds. And unlike other personal vehicles, this surfboard offers plenty of ride time; you can enjoy up to 40 minutes on a single charge. Thanks to the carbon fiber body, the RÄVIK remains superbly lightweight yet exceptionally durable. It can hold up to anything the water (or you) throws its way.

Hi-Interiors HiBed Canopy Smart Bed

Of everything on this list, the HiBed might be the most impressive. This canopy smart bed takes a whole new approach to bedtime. With a built-in system to help you fall asleep and wake you up, you’ll never worry about hitting snooze again. But, the HiBed also has a built-in projector so you get an HD TV experience right at the foot of your bed. When you’re not bingeing on Netflix, the screen rolls out of the way. With features like this, you may never leave your bed ever again (we won’t judge!).

Samsung AirDresser Garment-Refreshing Appliance

Samsung is one of those brands always on the edge of innovation, creating futuristic concepts and designs. The AirDresser is no different. This garment-refreshing appliance is like a personal dry cleaner for your bedroom. Simply hang your clothes inside and let it get to work, eliminating 99% of dust particles. Impressively, it does this in just 25 minutes, meaning you can get a quick refresh before your commute to the office. To make it even better for your space, the AirDresser has a built-in full-length mirror on the exterior.

LG HU85LA CineBeam Smart Laser Projector

When you imagine a projector, you probably think of the bulky unit hanging from the ceiling 15 feet away from the screen. But the HU85LA CineBeam from LG is designed for practical use. It can sit just 2.2 inches away from the wall and deliver a stunning 4K UHD picture. For those who want that big-screen experience, this incredible projector can produce an image up to 120 inches. Even with all this ability, the CineBeam Projector is surprisingly compact to fit in with any entertainment setup.

Phase One XT Camera System Modular Photography Setup

Even if you’re not into photography, you can marvel at this camera. The Phase One XT is modular in design so you can make it into what you need. Add the elements you want to nail the style, composition, and feel you’re looking for. Great for those who are always on the go, the Phase One XT captures superbly sharp images. Plus, you can even share directly from the camera to keep your followers in the loop.

Facebook Portal TV Smart Video Chatting Device

Facebook is going even further with their hardware. Portal TV is a smart video chatting device that pairs with your TV. Just like the other Portal devices, it keeps you in focus even as you move. You never have to hold your tablet or smartphone while video chatting again. And because it provides a 120-degree field of view, it’ll feel like your visitor is right there with you rather than on the other side of the world. It’s also small yet mighty, so you can keep it plugged in and on display so it’s always ready to use.

ROCKUBOT Mite & Bacteria-Eliminating Robot

Are you a germaphobe? You might want to be. There loads of bacteria and mites everywhere that the human eye can’t see. Luckily, the ROCKUBOT not only spots them but eliminates them. Pairing the power of UV-C light with 24 powerful AI sensors, this automatic robot cleans like no other device. It works on anything from counters to your bed to your desk. To tie in perfectly with your smart home, ROCKUBOT doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and can even be used as a wireless charger for your smartphone.

Acer Predator Thronos Air Gaming Chair

Gamers: it’s time to tune in. The Predator Thronos Air is a gaming chair from Acer that will make the Iron Throne look like chump change. This chair tilts you back 140 degrees while the system can hold up to three displays at once. There’s even a built-in massager for those all-night gamers who might need a bit of a break. Coming in at $14,000 it’s only for those who can drop a pretty penny. If you think this chair is out of your budget, we shouldn’t even mention the Air is the pared-down version of the regular Predator Thronos that comes in at $30,000.

Urbie Air 3-in-1 Advanced Indoor Air Purifier

We all know plants and trees provide humans with the air we need to breathe. But, Urbie uses plants to make the air even better. Housing the plant of your choice, it purifies the air while offering three smart features. The plant itself serves as an eco-friendly filter. But the device then helps by removing humidity, making the air around you more comfortable. Impressively, Urbie takes care of watering the plant all on its own. Plus, it comes with an app so you can keep an eye on the health of your plant, the temperature, humidity in the air, and even the water tank level.

Nanoleaf Canvas Interactive Ambient Light

Some of the most exciting innovation comes from being able to interact with technology and devices. The Nanoleaf Canvas is an interactive ambient light that you can control with your touch. Choose the layout that works best for your space; these square lights can be arranged in any way, shape, or form. Then, when you want to adjust the lights, you simply touch each one. Or, you can use your voice or the Nanoleaf app to fine-tune the lights. Along with illuminating your space, you can use the Nanoleaf Canvas to play games. For dinner parties, you can set the lights to the music and they’ll respond to the rhythm of each song.

Allocacoc CupCooler Instant Drink Chiller

We’ve seen plenty of devices that keep our coffee warmer for longer, but the CupCoolerdoes the exact opposite. Designed for cans and bottles, this instant drink chiller retains a temperature between 32°F and 41°F. It does this with the built-in fan and using an aluminum cup. If you don’t have a can or bottle to use, you can actually pour your drink directly inside the aluminum cup. Or, for those with a sweet tooth, you can put ice cream right inside to keep it nice and frosty through the last bite. It’s the ultimate desk accessory for hot summers.

Netgear Meural Canvas II Digital Frame

There is no industry that isn’t touched by technology, art included. Though originally its own brand, Meural Canvas II is the latest iteration of this digital frame and now lives under the Netgear umbrella. Featuring a minimalist frame, you can choose the artwork you want this device to display. Along with your own photos and creations, you also have access to an ever-changing library of over 30,000 works. It totally takes the hassle out of printing your own photos or buying additional artwork. Plus, you can create a schedule to change the image as often as you want.

Insta360 GO Steady Cam

Cameras are getting smaller and smaller and Insta360 is making sure they’re more versatile, too. Weighing only 20 grams (no, that’s not a typo), this Insta360 GO lets you record short video clips of 15, 30, or 60 seconds in length. Then, it uses the power of AI to determine the best shots and edit the footage so you only see the best. With just a press of a button, you get social media-ready footage to instantly share with your followers. Even with its small size, it helps to stabilize your footage and can even record underwater.

PEGASI 2 Smart Light Therapy Glasses

No one likes jet lag and it can be a huge hindrance on our travels (or work). With the PEGASI 2, you can more easily assimilate into a new time zone. These smart glasses use light therapy to help regulate your circadian rhythm. And it’s for more than just jet lag; those with SAD or simply poor sleep can also benefit from these glasses. Along with helping you fall asleep at the right time, the PEGASI 2 can improve your mood and boost your energy levels.

Philips SmartSleep Deep Sleep Headband

For those with really serious sleep issues, check out the SmartSleep Headband from Philips. It’s made specifically for those who sleep less than seven hours a day. Without the use of drugs, this headset includes 30 adhesive sensors to help you fall asleep. Thanks to this, you’ll wake up with more energy and feeling your best for a more productive day. Of course, because it’s designed for sleep, the SmartSleep features a fabric design to remain comfortable all night long.

Phlex Edge Swimming Fitness Tracker

Out of all the sports with technology innovation, it seems swimming has the least. Phlex changes all that with the Edge Tracker. It was designed with high-level swimmers, so you know it’ll track what matters. It attaches to your goggles to capture a clear and accurate reading of your swimming. It keeps track of intervals, pace, strokes, and 30 other metrics. Included in that lineup is a real-time heart rate sensor. Then, with the app, you can analyze everything in one place to improve your swimming.

DJI FPV Experience Combo Low Latency Digital System

Leave it to DJI to come out with something amazing. The Digital FPV System takes drone racing to new heights (see what we did there?). Giving you a real-time view, this headset delivers a 28-millisecond video transmission. It’ll make you feel like you’re flying with your drone. Impressively fast, you can even be up to four kilometers away from your drone.

PicoBrew Pico Model C Craft Beer Home Brewer

Beer lovers have probably already heard of PicoBrew, but the Pico Model C offers a way for people to make delicious craft beer at home at a surprisingly low price. At just $300, this countertop appliance can brew up to five liters of craft beer. And it does this in just two hours. It works with the brand’s PicoPaks, offering loads of versatility and flavor options. You can even alter the recipe to make your very own brew that’s unique to you.

Sena Momentum Smart Motorcycle Helmet

The Sena Momentum is more than just a super sleek helmet (although it is that, too), it’s a super-smart helmet that keeps you safe. The full-face helmet has a built-in audio system so you can follow along with your navigation for every turn, all done hands- and glance-free. Plus, you can listen to music, podcasts, and more, eliminating the need for headsets or earbuds. For those with friends who ride, fellow wearers can chat with up to seven other riders thanks to the intercom feature.