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The best tech gadgets of 2014 – Metro US

The best tech gadgets of 2014

And that was 2014… From phones to drones, Metro rounds up the best consumer gizmos and gadgetry available for purchase in the last 12 months

DJI Phantom Vision+ Camera Drone

2014 was the year drone-mounted cameras really took off, with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ quadcopter leading the way. Equipped with a 3-axis gimbal-stabilized camera, the device takes dramatic video and still images. What’s more, the gadget is GPS-aware and can be monitored via your smartphone.

$1,369 {with extra battery + 4 props} (Dji.com)

Jawbone’s UP3 wristband

The latest product from Jawbone uses metal-covered sensors on the underside of the band. Jawbone’s improved technology, bioimpedance, sends an imperceptible signal through the body between the sensors on either side of the wrist. The process claims to be more efficient in tracking body fat, fluid levels, sleep patterns and other personal data.

$179.99 (Jawbone.com)

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Produced with a pin-sharp 2K screen and sophisticated metallic look, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge became known as a very useful phablet with its huge 3220mAh battery and plenty of functionality. Even with a large screen size (5.7 inches), the device is lighter than appears at 176g.

$699.99 (Amazon.com)

iPad mini 3

Apple’s 7.9-inch tablet won praise thanks to its improved Retina display, Touch ID fingerprint scanner, high resolution and an A7 chip. The iPad is also made by recyclable materials and it’s thinner than others.

$399 and 599 {depending on storage} (Apple.com)

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Apple’s recent devices, at their respective 4.7 and 5.5 inch size, arrived amid much global fanfare back in September. The phones bring more powerful hardware, longer-lasting batteries and a new iOS with more features, apps and facilities to the users. The gadgets also operate with the new and convenient Apple Pay system.

Between $199 and 949 {depending on storage and contract} (Apple.com)

Nest Thermostat

This self-aware thermostat can learn your routine and movements and operate only when it’s necessary, in a more sustainable way, so the person can save electricity and money. Nest Thermostat has three temperature sensors, Wi-Fi radio and the user can control the heating via smartphone.

From $249 (Nest.com)

Microsoft’s Universal Mobile Keyboard

Compatible with Android, Apple or Windows phones and tablets, this keyboard is recommended for those in need of multiple gadgets. Compact and lightweight, the keyboard is easy to carry and also has wireless Bluetooth technology and rechargeable battery.

$79.95 (Microsoft.com)

Motorola Moto 360

Motorola’s smartwatch, the Moto 360, boasts a very nice design with its 1.56-in stainless steel and leather fitting. By using an Android Wear system, it doesn’t offer a perfect resolution, with its 205ppi, but the functions work very well. The gadget has voice command and a heart-rate monitor.

From $249.99 (Motorola.com)

Google Chromecast

This innovative and cheap dongle is a simple way of downloading web-sourced movies and see them on your living room TV. Compatible with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play and BBC iPlayer, this little nifty streaming device can be plugged into a spare HDMI socket and an USB port.$32.49 (Amazon.com)

GoPro HERO4

The adventure photography camera brings an improved resolution, upgraded audio systems and time lapse capabilities for ultra low-light scenes at night. The Hero4 also has a touch-display and built-in Wi-Fi + Bluetooth.$399.99 {silver} and $499.99 {black} (GoPro.com)