Our pick of this month’s best gadgets includes the latest from virtual reality, apps and fitness. Our team has taken a look at what new developments have taken their fancy throughout this past month, read on to find out more!
If you own a HTC Vive VR Headset, you will definitely want to know all about the TPCast. The TPCast is an upgrade kit for the HTC Vive VR headset. The aim of it is to make the headset wireless. There is usually a set of very long cables attached to the headset, so this new accessory is very helpful. HTC decided to partner with TPCast who created this upgrade kit. For it to work, there is a battery pack slotted into the back pocket of the headset which has a cord that runs to another part of the headset. There are two versions of pack, with two different battery life’s. One lasting for 5 hours, and one for 2 hours. The benefit of this wireless experience is that the user is able to freely move around however they wish. It even feels lighter with the wireless receiver, rather than connected to the cables. With a very easy set up, this is a great upgrade for your HTC Vive. So far this is only available on HTC China’s website. However, if you don’t mind paying the shipping then there is no problem! You will be looking at around £200 for the upgrade kit.
SwiftKey
SwiftKey is an app that can be downloaded onto Apple and Android devices. It is a personalised keyboard software that adapts to the way you type, so this means you spend less time correcting your typos. SwiftKey has an estimated 10 trillion keystrokes across 100 different languages. This adds up to 100,000 years of reclaimed typing time! The predictive technology also gets smarter over time, by learning your personal writing style. You can customise your keyboard on your phone via this app with themes, which are free! You can type with a swipe if you are bored of typing! Simply swipe from one letter to the next. Get a faster and more accurate way for your autocorrects. SwiftKey can also predict which emojis you will be using next. A really innovative app, that is completely free!
ICAROS VR
I’m sure by now you have heard of Virtual Reality, well ICAROS are taking it to the next level. They have created a machine which is a gaming controller and a fitness device in one! You can train your muscles and test your reaction and balance. You control and determine the diving path or flight path in your game. All your movements are measured via the controller which is attached to the handle bar. This machine is primarily used with the Samsung Gear VR Headset, but it can also be used with the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. This really is an incredible machine that represents modern technology. However, this machine can set you back about £6000! You need to contact ICAROS for more information on how to pre-order.
Snapseed
Are you a lover of Instagram? Well here is a great app that will really take your images to the next level. Snapseed is a photo editor which has been developed by Google. You have a choice of 24 filters and tools to edit your images with. Here are a few of the great tools and filters that Snapseed provide:
Tools
Healing – removing an uninvited neighbour from a picture
Selective – choose up to 8 points in an image to assign enhancements to
Lens Blur – create a softened background to enhance the foreground object
Filters
Drama – add a hint of doomsday, available in 6 styles
HDR Scape – create an effect of multiple exposures
Retrolux – go retro with light leaks, scratches and film styles
Take a look on their website to see the full list of exciting tools and filters. Snapseed 000000;”>is available for both Apple and Android devices. You can get this app completely free!