原创 Peek at hot gadgets for 2012 (Part 2)

[Continued from Peek at hot gadgets for 2012 (Part 1)]

iHealth

Here's the must-have consumer gadget for the geriatric set. Brookstone's iHealth blood pressure monitoring systemworks directly with iPods, iPhones and iPads and includes a diary for tracking blood pressure measurements taken by the included blood pressure cuff and dock. According to Brookstone, iHealth "makes tracking your blood pressure elegant, simple and—dare we say it—fun." Knock yourself out.

Home networking router
According to Cyberoam,a division of Elitecore Technologies Pvt. Ltd., 2012 will be the year the home networking router (like it's NetGenie above) will take off because the popularity of the iPad and its competitors, including the new Kindle Fire, will necessitate a way for parents to control their kids' online habits and protect them from unwanted, age-inappropriate sites. Cyberroam claims its NetGenie is the first Wi-Fi router of its kind to add parental controls and endpoint security.

According to market research firm ABI Research, Wi-Fi connections in consumer electronics devices will rise from 113 million in 2008 to more than 285 million by 2012.

Dimmer switch
Here's another item that Junior will be fired up to see that Santa has left in his stocking. According to lighting solutions provider Lutron Electronics Inc., the company's C?L dimmer will become a hot gadget in 2012. The dimmers are listed UL for controlling a broad range of dimmable CFL and LED blubs.

According to Lutron, 2012 marks the beginning of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which will begin phasing out incandescent light bulbs that do not meet the new standards of energy efficiency. The company claims the C?L dimmer is the only dimmer product on the market that is compatible with both CFLs and LEDs. C?L dimmers can save consumers $50 per year on their energy bills and help extend the life of expensive CFL and LED bulbs by up to three years. Retail prices start at $19.97.

Parrot AR.Drone

Now we're talking. This baby, also from Broostone, puts the ability to pilot a drone helicopter in the palms of your hand via a smartphone or tablet. The Parrot AR.Drone features a built-in Wi-Fi connection, accelerometer and video cameras and lets pilots fly it using Apple iOS or Android. Suggested retail price: $299.

Tankbots

Hold your own epic tank battle in the comfort of your living room. Tankbots, also from Brookstone, are mini vehicles that can be driven via Apple iOS or Android devices. These puppies offer infrared obstacle detection and an autonomous personality mode to explore terrain and navigate through mazes, and even duel each other. Available in multiple colors, starting at $29.99 each.

Explorer Touch Mouse

The Explorer Touch Mouse,the newest member of Microsoft's touch family, is designed for active Mac and PC users, featuring an advanced scroll strip that responds to both horizontal and vertical swipes, flicks and clicks and can track on virtually any surface with Microsoft's BlueTrack Technology. The mouse offers 18 months of battery life, is available in coal black, storm gray and sangria red, and sells for $49.95.

Wireless spy tank
Brookstone makes the list yet again, this time with the app-controlled Rover Spy Tank. Like the Parrot AR.Drone, this bad boy is controlled via an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad and generates its own Wi-Fi connection and boasts an unobstructed range of about 200 feel. It features a built in microphone that transmits sound in real time. From Brookstone's website: "Whether following friends and family, navigating the office or investigating the activities of your dog, it's all possible with this audio/visual-enabled and photo-taking Rover." Imagine the possibilities. Available for $149.99.

Mobile bodyguard

MyForce is billed as the first personal security service that acts as a mobile bodyguard. The one-touch app sends an alert to a live security monitoring team that provides the authorities with details to expedite help. MyForce says it is the first system to provide a security monitoring team that responds, tracks, and follows up with every alert.