Last-minute buyers, make your holiday gifts a slam-dunk with some of the season's best new gadgets. Some of our favorite picks, whether you're shopping for a loved before the holiday or yourself after:
SMARTPHONE ACCESSORIES
Orbotix Sphero 2.0 smart ball ($130)
The Sphero is a plastic ball full of smart electronics and sensors. With a phone or tablet, you can make the ball spin, swim, chase your dog and even dance in response to completing challenges. For the rugged outdoors, you'll want to outfit the Sphero with a knobby rubber cover, which is sold separately for $15.
The Sphero comes with a couple of jump ramps. It can quickly reach top speed and go flying off the jumps, or you can create your own robot obstacle course out of ordinary objects. It is the smart round robot of choice.
NuForce Mobile Music Pump ($60)
The NuForce MMP is a small headphone amplifier that increases the volume of audio coming from small portable devices to optimize the performance of high-quality headphones.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
The amplifier in your smartphone likely isn't strong enough to drive high-quality headphones. That's where a portable headphone amplifier can be useful.
This matchbox-sized amp from NuForce pumped up the volume while retaining clarity and limiting distortion on several larger, over-the-ear headphones. Headphones plug into the amp, and the amp plugs into your phone. Music suddenly had more bass and more acoustic range.
The NuForce MMP is a nice affordable companion for the audiophile on the go.
MOS phone cables ($30 Lightning for Apple; $20 Micro-USB for Android)
The MOS smartphone charging cables are reinforced with strong woven material along their length and anodized aluminum protection at the connector ends.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
The good news? Your smartphone came with charging and syncing cables. The bad news? They don't always last very long, given the daily use we put them through. Give the gift of durability with these tough cables from MOS.
The company's Lightning cable for the iPhone 5s and Micro-USB cable for a Samsung Galaxy S4 are better than the standard, out-of-the-box cables thanks to a spring-relief sleeve where the cable meets the plug and a rugged woven sheath that protects the full length of the cable. They're smartly finished with sleek, anodized aluminum heads housing the connector ends. If cables can be sexy, these MOS cables are sexy.
Halo/Hisy ($25)
The Halo smartphone accessory allows users to trigger their camera shutter via Bluetooth.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
This one is really simple. The Halo is a small plastic button that serves as a wireless shutter trigger for your phone's camera. Its only job is to trigger your phone's shutter when you click the button. One function, one result.
Tests with the Halo for Android phones went smoothly. The company makes an iPhone version called Hisy. You need to install its free camera app, Shutter Panorama, as neither Halo nor Hisy works with the regular camera app that comes with the phone.
Shutter Panorama doesn't have too many manual settings or special features. But the device does a good job in allowing me to place my phone in places other than my hand. I got some nice shots of myself and my dog by putting the phone against a rock in the front yard and sitting a few feet away. It's better than setting the camera's timer and running to get in the shot.
Kodak Pixpro SL25 ($300)
The Pixpro connects wirelessly to the user's smartphone and takes high-resolution photos and video while framing the image on the phone's screen.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
The Pixpro SL25 from Kodak is essentially a camera lens that mounts onto your phone, allowing for higher resolution than what your phone's camera can capture. The Pixpro communicates with your phone over Wi-Fi and lets you compose the image on the phone's screen. Once the photos are snapped using the shutter button on the Pixpro, the phone serves primarily to review and share the images to social media services.
The downside is you have a second device to carry around, which defeats the purpose of taking selfies on the fly.
The upside is image quality. The Pixpro shoots sharp 16 megapixel photos and full high-definition video at 1080p. This quality is common for rear cameras, but not the front ones for selfies. As a bonus, the Pixpro offers a zoom of up to 25 times, which is more helpful for regular shots than selfies. It's a real, optical zoom, not a software magnification phones typically use.
The Pixpro has fold-out arms to attach to your phone, such that the two devices act as one. That, in itself, isn't different from using just the phone for selfies. But I was able to hold the Pixpro and press the shutter in ways I could not with my phone. For instance, I was able to have my finger rest on a physical button on the Pixpro instead of searching on the phone's touch screen for a virtual one.
I had a lot of success using the Pixpro unattached to my phone as well. It has a wide-angle lens that fits plenty of action into the frame.
Some phones are coming with better front cameras. The one on HTC's new Desire Eye is 13 megapixels, the same as the rear camera. There's even a front flash. You'll still get sharper images with the Kodak attachment.
NICHE SMARTPHONES
Sony Xperia Z3 (available from T-Mobile for $630, Z3v variant from Verizon for $600)
Like previous Sony Xperia models, the 5.2-inch Xperia Z3 smartphone is waterproof. You can take it to the pool or the beach without worry, as long as you remember to close the covers for the charging port and other slots.
Photo Credit: Steffi Loos/AP
Like previous Xperia models, the 5.2-inch Xperia Z3 is waterproof. You can take it to the pool or the beach without worry, as long as you remember to close the covers for the charging port and other slots. The headphone port can remain open so you can listen to your tunes.
The volume key turns into a shutter button to shoot photos underwater. The touch screen itself isn't responsive when wet. And you have to start the video before you jump in. Sony says the phone is safe up to 5 feet underwater for up to 30 minutes.
The Xperia phones aren't the only water-friendly phones available. Kyocera has a line that's built not just to repel water but to withstand all kinds of abuse. Samsung's Galaxy S5 is water resistant, which means it will withstand accidental dunking but isn't meant for serious underwater use. The Note phones, however, don't have any water protection.
Owners of Sony's PlayStation 4 can use the Z3's display rather than a TV to watch shows on the porch or in another room. In addition, the Z3's camera has one of the most light-sensitive sensors in a smartphone, although many low-light shots looked washed out and out of focus in tests.
Motorola Droid Turbo (available from Verizon for $600)
Most of us take it for granted that smartphones need to be recharged every night. But it's not practical for everyone, especially while traveling, and heavy users might not even get through the day.
The 5.2-inch Droid Turbo promises a full two days of mixed usage, thanks to its 3,900-milliampere-hour battery. Even larger phones — which can fit larger batteries — don't have as much capacity. The Note 4 has 3,220 and the Note Edge has 3,000, for instance.
Those numbers translated to 12.5 hours of streaming video on the Turbo. That said, tests results found similar amounts with the Note 4 and the Z3, which has a 3,100 mAh battery. Neither is as bulky as the Turbo.
With the quick-charge adapter that comes with the Turbo, it charged from zero to 50 percent in about 45 minutes and to full charge in less than two hours. It took about six or seven hours with a regular charger. The Note phones have similar capabilities, but most of the others do not.
CHEAP SMARTPHONES
The cheapest smartphones don't have all the gizmos of Apple or Samsung models, but you can get impressive features for about a third of the price.
Processors are slower, yet that's not so noticeable for basic tasks such as email, Facebook and weather checks. Video and audio are also enjoyable, as long as you're not expecting the same performance you get on high-end phones. Batteries don't last quite as long without a recharge but do you really need the nine to 12 hours you can get with an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
Because you spend so much time with your phone, there's a case for having the best. But those come with a price tag starting at about $650 (unless you agree to a two-year contract, in which case you end up paying higher service fees for voice, text and data).
So consider how you use your phone and what features will remain most important to you over the next year or two. Before you break the bank, here are three solid phones that cover the basics:
ZTE Nubia 5S Mini (Android, $280)
The Nubia is a slim, light device with a 4.7-inch screen — the same as the iPhone 6. It looks sleek and is comfortable to hold. What's the catch?
The Nubia's display measures 1,280 pixels by 720 pixels, well short of what you get on the latest iPhones and top-end Samsung Galaxy devices. That resolution is adequate for 720p high-definition video, not the sharper 1020p. The camera is OK for taking everyday shots; pricier models deliver better focus and colors and take nicer low-light photos with the flash off.
However, the front camera for selfies is 5 megapixels, better than the typical phone. (The rear camera takes 13 megapixel shots, which is common.) And it comes with 4G connectivity and 16 gigabytes of memory.
Motorola Moto G (Android, $180)
Motorola has a $129 Moto E phone, and you get a good device at that price. But photos have been found to be subpar, especially because the camera has a fixed-focus lens, meaning it doesn't compensate for how far away your subject is. Given how much people use the camera on their phones, consider spending another $50 for the Moto G.
The latest Moto G model has a large 5-inch screen that is covered with Corning's Gorilla Glass for durability, something more common in pricier phones. The Moto G's back is curved, which could contribute to a better grip. Like the Nubia, its display is 1,280 pixels by 720 pixels.
The rear camera is 8 megapixels, the same as the iPhone, though shots weren't as good. The front camera is 2 megapixels.
The Moto G's main shortcoming is the lack of 4G LTE cellular connectivity. You're stuck with the slower 3G network. LTE is available for last year's Moto G model, but that screen is only 4.5 inches and the camera's resolution isn't as good. The Moto G also starts with just 8 gigabytes of memory, when many smartphones are starting to offer 32 gigabytes.
Microsoft Lumia 635 (Windows, $179)
This 4.5-inch device doesn't feel as sleek as top-end Lumia phones such as the Icon and the 1520. But it's better than the $79 Lumia 530, which feels like a bar of soap, given its bulk and smaller screen. It's worth getting the 635 instead, especially as some carriers and retailers are offering substantial discounts to bring its price close to the 530's.
The 635 has a 5 megapixel rear camera, no flash and no front camera. It performed better than the Nubia and the Moto G in low light. Just don't expect shots to match what the 20-megapixel Icon produces. The display resolution is lower than on the Nubia and the Moto G, and the built-in storage is again just 8 gigabytes.
But the 635 does have 4G connectivity.
TV & ENTERTAINMENT
Asus S1 LED projector ($330)
The ASUS S1 digital projector has a built-in rechargable battery, HDMI input port and weighs less than a pound.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
Yes, there is a digital projector that can fit into a Christmas stocking. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. It's also a hearty performer for its size.
The Asus S1 weighs less than a pound and has a battery that can last up to three hours. That claim held up well during tests, which included hosting a children's sleepover viewing of "Frozen" on a large wall.
We successfully connected an Android smartphone and an Xbox 360 and used the S1 to project what's on those screens. The most fun came when plugging a small Roku Streaming Stick directly into the projector's HDMI port -- within minutes, watching Netflix and playing "Angry Birds" on large walls throughout the house, with no power cords in sight.
The S1 has a nice built-in speaker, but it was tethered to a large portable speaker for movie night.
SlingTV ($300)
The Slingbox offered out-of-home viewing long before TiVo did. The device mirrors what's on the TV at home so you can watch through an app or Web browser while traveling. It's particularly useful for sports fans who might not get their favorite teams on out-of-town channels.
You can't record or stream Netflix or Hulu. But the latest model, SlingTV, tries to be more useful in the living room by helping you decide what to watch.
The new Gallery feature lets you see what's on or coming up. You can filter recommendations based on channels you've marked as favorites. SlingTV will suggest TV shows based on what's trending on Twitter. Movies are featured based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings, while sports are recommended based on data from sports-monitoring service Thuuz. With sports, you also get scores at a glance and stats for individual games. You can see which games are more exciting; close games and comebacks have higher Thuuz ratings.
The program guide is limited to 24 hours — not the two weeks you get with TiVo. You can't filter by genre, such as documentaries or horror. With the exception of sports, you'll get only a general description of the show, not the episode details you get on TiVo.
Like TiVo, you end up paying at least twice for SlingTV. The box itself costs $300. That entitles you to viewing on Mac and Windows computers while traveling or from another room. For phones and tablets, you have to pay $15 per app. If you have both an iPhone and an iPad, for instance, that's $30. Fortunately, these aren't monthly subscription charges.
Sling Media has a cheaper, $150 model called Slingbox M1, but that doesn't have the Gallery features. Again, apps are sold separately.
Amazon Fire TV Stick ($39)
The Amazon Fire TV Stick connects to the HDMI port on your HDTV for instant access to movies, TV shows, music, photos, apps, and games.
Photo Credit: AP/Amazon
A "stick" is a cheaper, lightweight version of a regular streaming device, often with poorer performance. That's not the case with the $39 Fire TV Stick, which is why I'm recommending it over the $99 Fire TV. The processor isn't as powerful, and there isn't as much working memory. But in my tests, video streamed well on both devices.
The Stick lacks a remote control capable of voice search — you type searches into the on-screen keyboard. Voice search costs $30, or you can download a free app for your Android device. A version for iPhones and iPads is coming too. The app isn't as easy to use as a real remote, but it does the job.
The Fire TV devices stand out in having voice search that works well. My lone complaint is that you're currently limited to content from Amazon, Vevo, Showtime, Crackle and Hulu. No surprise that Amazon content is emphasized; its two main rivals, Apple iTunes and Google Play are missing.
Unfortunately, the Stick is out of stock until mid-January, so your loved one will have to settle for a promise. The regular Fire TV is available immediately and is better for games.
Apple TV ($99)
Apple TV remains a solid device and is a great choice for those who already have iPhones or iPads. Place one near the Apple TV for easy set-up. Your iTunes account transfers over wirelessly.
You can't download new apps as you can with the others. Apple takes a "less is more" philosophy and curates Apple TV with 45 or so outside services, including ABC, HBO and Showtime. Apple is able to insist on consistency that way, so keyboards and menu layouts are similar from app to app. New services are automatically added through software updates. Amazon and Google Play are missing, though you can "cast" content to the TV indirectly. Using your iPhone or iPad, load Amazon or Google Play video and send that to Apple TV using a feature called AirPlay. Quality sometimes suffers with casting.
SPORTS
Hexoskin shirt ($400)
The Hexoskin exercise shirt contains built-in sensors that measure the breathing patterns, heart rate and motion cadence as it is worn. The shirt then transmits that information wirelessly to a companion app installed on a smartphone or tablet computer.
Photo Credit: AP/Hexoskin
Hexoskin is a snug, black sleeveless shirt with a brain. Two bandage-width strips containing sewn-in sensors run across the chest and abdominal areas, held tight by adjustable straps. A rechargeable pack about the size of a mint tin fits nicely near the waist.
The shirt communicated wirelessly with a phone app to give real-time feedback about breathing, heart rate, running cadence and calories burned.
All of these things are connected in exercise. Hexoskin did an excellent job illustrating that with smart on-screen graphics and stored all that data to measure improvements.
Babolat Play Pure Drive tennis racket ($400)
The Babolat Play Pure Drive tennis racket contains sensors that measure the impact of the ball on the strings as well as the power and type of swing used by the player. The racket then transmits that information wirelessly to a companion app installed on a smartphone or tablet computer.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
This tennis racket logged every shot hit, in or out, over multiple practice and competitive sessions. Sensors are integrated into the frame.
Through a companion phone app, the racket tells a lot, including things to build to get better. Nearly a half-hour against a ball machine resulted in 191 shots: 106 backhands, 67 forehands, 15 serves and three overheads that were probably out of bounds. But those numbers mean nothing without the underlying metrics the racket also measured.
Hitting a tennis ball with topspin allows you to swing harder, but keep the ball in the court. Of those 106 backhands, only 18 registered as being hit with topspin. Thirty weighed in as slice backhands, and 58 were flat strikes.
The on-screen statistics were primarily displayed with numbers and percentages, though the "impact locator" gave a graphical representation of a racket and showed the location of off-center hits. This was helpful and gave valuable information for future hitting sessions.
The data from the Babolat Play Pure Drive could be useful for mid-level to advanced players. The best part is that Babolat put the smarts into one of the best-selling rackets available, and not some odd outlier model that nobody uses.
94Fifty basketball ($250)
The regulation-size 94Fifty basketball contains sensors that measure its speed, arc and rotation. The transmits that information wirelessly to a companion app installed on a smartphone or tablet computer.
Photo Credit: Ron Harris/AP
This smart basketball is primarily designed to help you develop better mechanics and fundamental hoops skills. It won't tell you, though, whether you made the shot. Arc and rotation are the primary metrics the ball calculates.
After stretching and dribbling around, I began a pretty lengthy shoot-around session at a local court. When I launched the companion app, I took the option of setting my desired shooting range at 15 feet. That's how far away the free-throw line is, and anything beyond that was going to nibble away at my confidence and cause me to miss more.
During one session, out of 26 shots from 15 feet, the ball and app reported the arc too low on 14 of those shots and too high on another four.
It's hard to tell whether the advice from the app helped, but the technological heft of the ball is for real, and it can measure dribble power, the number of consecutive dribbles and the amount of backspin on shots.
