STACK #242 December 2024

TECH FEATURE

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SUMMER TECH CHECK

Before equipping yourself with the ideal devices to enhance your summer break, there are several important things to consider.

Durability The elements are the enemy of electronics, but the good news is that tech for the outdoors, such as Bluetooth speakers and smart lighting, is durable by design and can withstand splashes, rain, sand, and accidental drops or knocks. Look for a device’s IPX (water) or IP (water and dust) rating, which indicates how rugged it is. The higher the number, the better the protection. Battery life

Ready for some fun in the sun? Summer's here and it’s time to hit the beach, take a road trip, head off overseas, or simply relax at home. We’ve rounded up the cool tech that you need to keep you connected, comfortable, and carefree throughout the summer break. Words Bec Summer

When you’re basking on the beach, boarding a long flight, or setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, you want the peace of mind that your devices won’t run dry at an inopportune moment.

Checking a device’s specs will give you a good indication of how many hours of use you’ll get from a fully charged battery, but ultimately it all depends on how often you’re using it. A backseat streaming binge during a long road trip is likely to drain a tablet’s battery well before you reach your destination. Portable speakers, smartwatches, and cameras often have a longer battery life than other devices, and some watches, security cameras and chargers can also handily tap solar power to keep them going for longer. A long-life battery can also be vital in remote areas without access to power, so packing a portable power bank that can charge a device several times will relieve any battery anxiety. Portability You don’t want to be lugging a hefty speaker to the beach, struggling to get an electric scooter into the car’s boot, or carrying a heavy backpack while hiking. Fortunately, you don’t have

T he best time of the year is here! It’s summer, and that means more time outdoors, spending quality time with loved ones and friends, catching the travel bug, and relaxing after a busy year of work, school, or study. Oh, and celebrating Christmas, too! In a departure from our annual Christmas gift guide, this year we’re celebrating all things summer and rounding up the essential tech you need to make the season a memorable one. (Psst, they make great Christmas gifts as well.) Whether you’re jumping on a plane, embarking on a road trip, camping out, or simply enjoying a lazy staycation by the pool, having the right devices on hand can be both convenient and practical. Summer isn’t just about travel and relaxation, though. Perhaps you want to stay active and fit amidst all the festive feasting? Or what about keeping cool when the temperature soars? And how do you keep your home safe and secure

while you’re away on holiday? There’s tech for all of that too, and devices to suit every budget. From music on the move and smart lighting, to sprucing up your outdoor entertainment space, capturing summer memories on camera, and tech you shouldn’t leave home without when travelling abroad, you’ll find all this and more on the following pages. You may even discover devices that you never knew you needed…

to. Portable tech is generally a lightweight traveller, and some devices are also foldable for

easier transportation. However, it does pay to size up and feel the weight of outdoor and travel tech before you head off, so you’re not overburdened.

DECEMBER 2024

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