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Boxing Day 2021: Best tech buys if you know nothing about tech

If you don't know Apple from Samsung, don't despair – we've compiled a list of the best, user-friendly tech buys for this year.

Lauren Chaplin
Lauren Chaplin

Updated

Fact checked
Google Home mini and chromecast

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There has been so much new technology released over the last couple of years alone that it's getting increasingly difficult to keep up. However, if you've found that you have become the Jon Snow of the technological world (you know nothing), allow us to bring you up to speed. From finding your keys to blocking out the screaming baby seated directly behind you on the plane, this technology is all about making your life better. Read on to find out which items to keep an eye on at this year's Boxing Day sales.

1. Google Home Mini

Where to buy: The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, or Officeworks.

Voice assisted devices are the next big technological venture and the Google Home Mini is one of the most popular of all. This tiny speaker gives you hands-free help in any room by allowing you to ask the built-in Google assistant a range of questions and requests from, "What's the weather?" to "Play some rock music". To set it up, all you need to do is plug it in and download the app. From there, control it using just your voice.

2. Amazon Echo Dot (3rd generation)

Where to buy: Amazon Australia, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi.

Smart speakers are here to stay and there's no better time to grab one than on Boxing Day. Just like the Mini, the Amazon Echo Dot is a voice-controlled device that uses an assistant (in this case, Alexa) to complete a range of tasks from playing music to controlling compatible smart home devices. Simply connect the Echo Dot to power and sync it with the Alexa app and everything sets itself up automatically, making it one of the most user-friendly gadgets you can get your hands on.

3. Google Chromecast

Where to buy: The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Harvey Norman.

Compatible with popular streaming apps and boasting a quick set-up, the Google Chromecast should be top of your Boxing Day shopping list. Put simply, Chromecast is a compact receiver that allows you to wirelessly stream video, music, photos and more straight to your TV screen, making it easy to share your material with others. All you have to do is plug it into the HDMI port on your TV. Once it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smart device, simply open the app you want to use (such as Netflix) and tap the Cast icon.

4. Apple AirPods

Where to buy: Apple, Amazon Australia, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi.

If you're sick of getting the wires of your in-ear headphones caught on every surface possible, Apple's AirPods are your answer. The wireless AirPods are designed to change the way you use headphones by doing most of the work for you. They automatically turn on and sync to your device as soon as you take them out of their charging case. Speaking of the case, it holds more than 24-hours of battery life making things easy for those who forget to charge their products often. While Apple doesn't often have sales, make sure to shop around this Boxing Day to see if you can grab a deal.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Where to buy: Sony, Amazon Australia, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.

Pairing excellent sound quality with a light-weight comfortable design, the Sony WH-1000XM3's are a must-buy for frequent travellers or anyone serious about their music. If you've never used noise-cancelling headphones before, don't panic. All you have to do to set them up is download the "Sony Headphones Connect" app from the app store on your smartphone and follow the simple instructions. Sony has also upgraded its touch sensitivity, meaning you can simply swipe your finger across the right earpiece to change songs, swipe up and down to adjust volume or double tap to pause and play your music. Easy.

6. Bose Noise-masking Sleep Buds

Where to buy: Bose, Amazon Australia, Myer, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.

Snoring partner? Party-animal neighbours? Whatever the reason, not getting a proper night's rest is neither fun nor healthy. That's why Bose has implemented their superior noise-cancelling technology to make tiny earbuds that help you get a better sleep. While the noise-masking sleep buds don't play music, they come pre-loaded with ten ambient sounds to help you unwind and soothe you into a slumber. The sleep buds are simple to use – just download the app and follow the instructions. At $379.95, these are worth shopping around for on Boxing Day to see if you can snag yourself a deal as well as a bit of shut eye.

7. Fitbit Versa

Where to buy: Fitbit, Amazon Australia, David Jones, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Bing Lee, Rebel Sport and Officeworks.

A far-cry from the first versions that were little more than a glorified fitness tracker, the Versa is a smartwatch that does everything from storing and playing music to offering you personalised workouts and tracking your sleep cycle. The Fitbit Versa is also light-weight and water-resistant, making it the perfect companion for anyone into outdoor activities. The watch is simple enough to navigate as it has a large, digital screen face that you can interact with at the touch of a finger.

8. Tile Mate

Where to buy: Tile, Amazon Australia, Myer, JB Hi-Fi.

If you're best known for saying, "Has anyone seen my keys?" then Tiles are the product for you. Compact, durable and super easy to attach, Tile Mate turns into a bluetooth tracker for any item you put it on. The Tile Mate connects to your smartphone via an easy to set up app which then allows you to find your item by making the Tile Mate ring, alerting you to its location. If it's your phone you can't find, simply double press the button on the Tile and it will make your phone ring, even if it's been set to silent. Grab one for everyone in the family this Boxing Day and start the new year organised and panic-free.

9. Nintendo Switch

Where to buy: Amazon Australia, The Good Guys, BIG W, EB Games, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.

The Nintendo Switch is the only console that doubles as a hand-held device you can play on the go and one that you can connect to your TV and play on the big screen. The sides of the Switch easily slide off to become two seperate joy-cons you can use to control your games when playing via TV. They also come with wrist straps to stop you accidentally throwing them through your screen while playing. Even if you aren't a regular gamer, this console is simple enough to navigate and is fun for any age group.

10. Cygnett ChargeUp Pro 10K Portable Power Bank

Where to buy: The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.

Slim and portable, the Cygnett ChargeUp Pro 10K Power Bank provides you with back-up power when you need it most. This little device can charge your smartphone up to five times and fully charge your tablet once before it needs to be recharged. When it's time to charge it, simply connect your Micro-USB cable to a USB port and the Power Bank will begin to charge instantly and quickly.

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Main image: Instagram user madebygoogle

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