We live in what is known as a technological revolution: from the way that we shop for clothes to how we work out, our world is conditioned by technology. Technology enables us to swipe potential Instagram Husbands on Tinder, allows us to decide whether we are too lazy to cook and would rather order from Just Eat instead and can even help us revise last minute for exams you should have studied for a month ago. Whatever your prerogative, there is guaranteed to be a technological solution that enables you to live a more stress-free, organized lifestyle that works for you. But when technology changes so rapidly, how can we be sure that the brands that we know and love will still be around for years to come? Theoretically speaking it is difficult to predict which brands will fluctuate in popularity 10 years down the line or whether there are brands that will make a ‘comeback’, unlike the 3D TV’s that were so unpopular that even the Technology giants behind them like Samsung have abandoned all advertising and pretended that the invention didn’t even exist. But what does this have to do with ‘tech brands’ I hear you ask?
Good question; 2018 is set to be a year where the technological revolution expands further into industries like beauty, fashion and food, but where does this leave the traditional technology market i.e computers? Well naturally well known brands like Panasonic are set to make a splash this year with new products that are guaranteed to change the way that you use technology on a daily basis. From a watch that you can personalize and design yourself, to a camera that captures low light settings in a beautiful, dramatic aesthetic, here are five tech brands that you need to try in 2018.
1.Panasonic: For Low Light Cameras With Spectacular Results
When it comes tech brands, Panasonic is a household name. From 4K TV’s to home entertainment, Panasonic has a range of technological products that are guaranteed to put the magic back into your lives. But here is where things get interesting; as someone who is constantly experimenting with photography and a range of unique aesthetics like neon lighting, street art and bokeh effects, I am always looking for cameras that can help take my photography to the next level, which is where the Lumix GH5s comes in. Not only is the Lumix compact and thus much more easy to take ‘on the go’ than the DSLR that I currently have but it also captures light beautifully in the most challenging environments. For example, there are times where I would like to take photos in low lit environments but they don’t always capture the ‘vibe’ of the environment that I am trying to encapsulate.
With the Lumix GH5s you have the ability to create stunning photographs that can transform ‘low light locations’or compromising lighting like shadows into masterful masterpieces that evoke emotion, colour and texture all in one photograph. The high performance camera is ideal for beauty and fashion but can also be used for other genres like interior i.e. shoots with neon, dark moody lighting and food, to create a stark contrast to the monochromatic ‘food photographs’ that you might be used to photographing.
You can find out more about the Lumix GH5S below
2. LG:For 4 K TV’s That Are Budget Friendly
In 2017, the rise and fall of ‘3D TV’s’ was over before the TV revolution had truly began. Shame really because when it comes to tech brands Samsung and LG are huge leaders in the Television market, so it was disappointing that even global giants couldn’t make ‘3D TV’s’ a thing. Which is where 4 K TV’s come in; boasting ultra-high-definition screen resolution, which comes in at 3,840 x 2160 pixels, 4K resolution has four times as many pixels as the leading ‘HD TV’ which translates into 8 million pixels in total. While a higher resolution is all well and good, will 4K TV’s go down the same route as their predecessors aka the 3D TV and die a slow and painful death? Although time will tell, there is more to a 4K television than just ‘good resolution’ ; with a range of Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services offering select 4 K videos, as well as gaming devices like PC’s and PS4 Pro getting ‘in on the action’.
While 4K TV’s do look better on 50 inch screens, you don’t necessarily need the ‘largest’ television screen or fork out 1,000’s of pounds to enjoy 4K quality. In fact thanks to LG, you can watch 4K videos, films and shows on its 43 inch model at just £349 from Curry’s, meaning that you don’t need to compromise on quality, when settling for a budget model. Granted a 50 inch screen offers a more immersive experience, but if you are on a budget like me but still want to ‘enjoy good visuals’ then LG is the best budget friendly 4K TV provider that you can get.
3. Dell: For The Best Laptops That You Can Buy In 2018
I remember sitting at a large, square desktop computer aged 10, waiting for what seemed like eons to establish a good internet connection, in order to get my homework done. My foster mum on the other hand, remembers using computers where you had to use dial up connection, and now desktop computers are a thing of the past. With the exception of schools, most people now have access to a laptop, a streamlined version of the desktop computer, which makes ‘working on the go’, that much easier. From competitors like HP to the infamous ‘Mac’, there is a range of laptops designed to suit every person’s needs. For example ‘window’ computers are generally considered to have better processors for ‘gaming’, while Mac’s are used by media suites in universities because they are found to be better equipped for film makers and photographers. But where does Dell fit into this equation?
According to ‘Tech Radar’, the new ‘Dell XPS 13’ is the ‘best laptop money can buy in 2018’ at a cool £1149, available to buy at Amazon. Described as a ‘Windows Ultrabook’, the XPS 13 has a 13.3-inch screen ‘packed’ into an 11-inch frame, with a choice of either a ‘super high resolution’ or multi-touch screen option. With powerful intel processors ranging from i3 to i7 and a USB-C, USB 3.0 and elusive SD card slot, it is no wonder that tech brands like Dell revolutionize the ‘laptop market’ with impressive credentials like these. In fact the only downside is that a more aesthetically pleasing ‘alpine white model’ is about to launch soon, although the date is still to be confirmed.
4. Sudio Sweden: For Aesthetically Appealing Wireless Headphones
When it comes to headphones and earphones, the most obvious choice to gravitate towards would be Sony (for earphones) and Dre Beats (for headphones), after all they are leading retailers in the music entertainment market. But when it comes to ‘pure aesthetic’ intermixed with ‘smart technology’ Sudio Sweden is paving the way for a new music entertainment ‘cult following’. Inspired by their Scandanavian heritage, Sudio Sweden’s origins were inspired by Phil Collins, after a founder of ‘Sudio Sweden’ saw Collins in a park in New York, having problems with his headphones. The founder, frustrated that he ‘couldn’t do anything’ but comiserate, set up Sudio Sweden with his team, the name ‘Sudio’ paying homage to Phill Collin’s song ‘Sussudio’. Not just any tech brand, the team sought to differentiate themselves from competitors in the music market, by equipping their headphones and earphones, with wireless, bluetooth control, transforming the way that we listen to music.
If you are anything like me, then the struggle to untangle headphones is most definitely real, yet with Sudio Sweden its wireless headphones and earphones put the fun back into ‘listening to music’. So whether you are seated next to a screaming child on the plane or would rather not listen to strangers on the tube talk about their sex life, feel free to drown out the noise and get lost in the world of sweet, sweet music.
5. Swatch : Design Your Own Watch (‘Swatch’)
Sure we have all heard of a smart watch; from apple watches, to watches that track how many steps you have taken that day, there are no shortage of ‘smart watches’. But what if you want something more than just a functional watch, what if you want a watch with personality that is unique to you? Well fear not because Swatch X You is here: available in either a 34 mm or 41 mm capacity the Swatch X You puts the ‘fun’ back into watches, with designs that are entirely down to you. Whether you want to be surprised with their ‘random generator’ that picks out a design for you or want to add on ‘additional accessories’ like unique pins and loops, when it comes to Swatch they know that the key to a good watch is personalization.
If designing your own watch sounds like too much of a hassle, then don’t worry Swatch has plenty of budget friendly watches that are packed full of colour. Whether you want something classic like a ‘rose gold’ finish or want to delve into retro territory with a watched inspired by a visit to the beach, there are a range of unisex watches that have your name on it. Question is which watch will you choose?
What Tech Brand Will You Try In 2018?
*Disclaimer
Please note this is a sponsored post with Panasonic but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation.
Christopher Mitchell says
I think you bring up some great points here, but I have such a hard time moving away from my precious Mac no matter what the competition brings 🙂
Mommy Jhy says
I used to collect Swatch watches when I was a kid. Good to know that they are keeping up with the times!
Sonia says
I adore swatch and I always had them through my teens and twenty’s. I loved how funky and bright they are
Helen says
I’m also a big fan of Dell and have always chosen their laptops 🙂
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says
My dad will only ever buy Panasonic products and this has been passed down to me. They’ve never let us down x
Cristina says
I still love Apple products for tech, my Dell laptop died really quickly! Have always wanted to try Sudio Sweden and Swatch though.
Rachel says
I’m looking at getting a new camera so thanks for the heads up on the Panasonic. Love those watched – super funky and I love the colour!
Ali Rost says
I’m of the same generation as your foster mom. It’s crazy to think back to the days when I was a college student with two little ones at home. My Dad bought me my first computer, helped me get it set up, and paid for our dial-up connection. I studied math and computer science and if I needed to work on my homework, I had to schlep it over to the University. Now, here I sit on the sofa typing to you from my Mac and my work laptop sits off to the side. Truly amazing how much can things change in just 20-25 years.
Stephanie says
How pretty are those headphones! Panasonic cameras are brilliant, my Sister has one and it’s fab
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
These are good tech brands. I’m loving Swatch. I have to check for other colours too.
Lorna says
I want a new Swatch and would probably try to replicate the one I had when I was a kid!
Samantha Bazzini says
These seem like amazing tech brands and products to try. I’m dying to try a 4k Tv and the panasonic one seems very interesting!
Kara Guppy says
I love the sound of the Panasonic Lumix camera, not sure I actually NEED another one though
fashionandstylepolice says
I use to be a huge fan of Swatch. Have quite a few Swatch watches. Love the Lumix Camera too. Great brands here.
Laura Dove says
Oh swatch!!! I remember my first swatch watch back in 1993 when everyone had the pop out watches, it was the best day ever when I got one for my birthday! Great post Ana!