PPB August 2018

Get Your Tech On With The Latest Gear Business Insider predicts that 80 percent of adults around the globe will have internet-connected smartphones by 2020. Users expect uber-connectivity and “smart” technology that they can access at their convenience and use in their daily decision making. Justin Warriner, account manager for supplier MMI International Trade (PPAI 112486), says, “The future of tech, in my opinion, is going to be all about mobile devices and the accessories one can pair with them. Take the rise of QI wireless charging [wireless power transfer through electromagnetic fields] as an example. Everyone was showcasing a QI charger at this year’s PPAI Expo. Phone rings, which attach to the back of phones for easy carrying, have been extremely popular lately, as well. “With the amount of computing power on one’s cell phone or tablet, we will be able to do absolutely anything on our mobile devices soon,” Warriner adds. “That means that we will be spending even more time than we already do on our mobile devices, which naturally means the value of real estate on a mobile device, for companies looking to make a name for themselves, will compound on a yearly basis.” With innovations ranging from functional to fun, both tech products and traditional products with tech capabilities are in demand across all demographics as the Internet of Things marches forward. Not everything will make it to the marketplace, but a variety of products from the CES showmirror some of the trends that are already influencing the promotional products industry. For example: • Health and wellness trends have inspired an array of sensors to help track sleep habits and quality. • Multitaskers demand products that perform double-duty, such as laptops that convert to tablets, and vice versa. • Privacy and security are top of mind, thanks to scammers and recent high- profile security breaches. • For the sports-obsessed, new apps that give real-time feedback to foster performance improvement help even weekend warriors excel in their sport of choice. Branded by Selco, the military-inspired Fossil Q Nate Hybrid Smart Watch allows the wearer to receive discreet notifications, customize options and more. Powered by the Fossil Q App, this smart watch is compatible with Android ™ OS 5.0+ and iOS 9.0+ devices. Selco / PPAI 113845 / www.selcotime.com The Toddy Twist Cable and Cord Organizer is designed especially for the promotional industry. Durable, reusable and simple to use, the Toddy Twist solves the everyday cord and cable organization problem while providing a full- color decoration area. Use it for AV leads, extension cords, kitchen appliance cords and power tool cables, as well as smaller jobs such as keeping headphones and USB cables organized. Toddy Gear / PPAI 516677 www.toddygear.com | AUGUST 2018 | 43 GROW