Simply’s tech gift guide has something for everyone on your list

(This article is sponsored by Simply Computing.)

Great technology is designed to make our lives better. You can bet there is a machine, app, or gadget for almost every potentiality. From intuitive home theatre systems to a tool for finding your keys, we can all stand to benefit from the latest innovations from the tech industry. But sometimes having so much choice can feel overwhelming. So to save you the stress and anxiety of picking out the perfect gift, we’ve elicited some help from the experts at Simply Computing.

Despite being the largest independent Apple retailer in Canada, with seven locations, Simply has maintained its small, local business mentality. When you pay a visit in store you can expect friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as a selection of brilliant products. That’s because unlike the Apple store, Simply offers much more in the form of accompanying items and services.Think flexible financing options, home entertainment, audio and computer accessories, training and seminars, as well as Mac-based business solutions.

With brands such as Sonos, G-Technology, Wacom, LaCie, and Moshi, along with Vancouver-based favourites like Herschel and Kanto, there is something for everyone on your list.

And even if you missed out on Cyber Monday deals, you don’t need to despair. Simply has something at every price point. Consider it your one-stop-shop for all your holiday shopping needs. Below, Simply has given us the inside scoop on the top five gifts for the holidays this year. But if you’re looking for further inspiration, be sure to check out Simply’s online gift guide and take advantage of free shipping on all orders over $50.

Sonos One

($224.99 in store or online)

Sonos is widely known for delivering great-sounding music, movies, and TV via Wi-Fi. The Sonos One is an upgrade of the blueprint of last year’s Play:1 and is the smart speaker for the music lover in your life. That’s because this clever little speaker delivers much more than pulse-pounding sound. With Amazon Alexa built in, you can use your voice and the Sonos app to control and manage all of your music—and more— in one place. Play songs, check news, manage smart devices, and enjoy the other helpful Amazon Alexa skills using the speaker. Sonos One is backed by a pair of Class-D amplifiers and custom-built drivers, meticulously tuned to the speaker’s unique acoustic architecture whether you’re listening to Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more than 30 other streaming services. And as part of the Sonos sound system, you can easily add more speakers to fill every room with sound, which means you could have Christmas wrapped up for the next few years. We told you this speaker was smart.

Sonos Beam

($499.99 in store or online)

A step up from the Sonos One, the Beam is definitely an option for the person on your extra nice list this year. The top-of-the-line speaker allows you to experience the ultimate in sound whether you’re streaming music, watching TV, listening to podcasts, or playing video games. This is a gift that everyone in the family can enjoy. With four elliptical full-range woofers and one tweeter to harmonize low and high frequencies, the pitch will always be perfect. And the three passive radiators intensify and deepen bass, eliminating the need for an accompanying subwoofer. It only requires two cords to work its magic, which means that you don’t have to worry about the tangled mess traditionally associated with home theatre systems. You can also add surround sound without any additional wires. At a compact 65 centimetres long, it won't hang off furniture, block the TV, or overwhelm your space. But don’t let its size fool you into thinking it’s anything short of incredible. This speaker is small but it is mighty. Like the One, the Beam comes with Amazon Alexa, which is ready for command unless you’ve set it to privacy mode. Five far-field microphones detect your voice from any direction, anywhere in the room, even when the music is blasting, which makes for very easy control. They do say that the best things come in small packages.

Apple Airpods

($219.99 in store or online)

Given the amount of time we spend using our iPhones, having the right headphones is music to our ears. Although Apple launched AirPods back in 2016, these breakthrough beauties still make it into the top five of wish list items. AirPods reinvented the wireless experience, finally making it effortless and magical. After a simple one-tap setup, AirPods are always connected, meaning they are ready to go when you are. We are particularly impressed by the automatic functionality—they have built-in sensors that will pause as soon as you take them out your ears. Enjoy up to five hours playback and two hours of talk time on a single charge.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2

($169.99 in store or online)

The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 is the perfect gift for that friend or family member who considers themselves a budding director of this movie we call life. This handheld smartphone gimbal is made for the storyteller in all of us—without The Blair Witch Project-style wobbly footage. Using a lightweight design, intelligent functions, and a long-lasting battery, the Osmo Mobile 2 allows you to capture moments with cinematic movement and incredible ease. Built-in sensors and brushless motors ensure stability even when you’re filming on-the- go movies of your latest escapades on a skateboard. For aspiring filmmakers, a new built-in zoom slider lets you completely operate your smartphone camera from the handle with a more fluid, cinematic zoom. You can even produce dolly zoom—a visual effect that only professional film sets could produce in the past.

Tile Pro

($69.99 in store or online)

The Tile Pro is the brand’s most powerful and durable version to date. It’s a life-hack item that your lucky gift recipient won’t know how they ever lived without. This nifty little Bluetooth tracker can be attached to any item that you often misplace. No more time wasted hunting for your keys, phone, or the remote control. The Tile allows you to quickly and easily locate your lost item by sound when it’s close but out of sight. If you still can’t find it, use the Tile app to see its last known location on a map, or leverage the Tile community to find it for you. One especially useful feature: it can make your phone ring with two taps of your Tile—even when it's on silent. And the replaceable battery means that it will last as long as you need it.

For more expert-approved gift ideas, check out Simply’s gift guide or visit in-store (1690 West Broadway).