Upgrade your tech game

Upgrade your tech gameUpgrade your tech gameIts a good idea to update your tech on a regular - though preferably non-obsessive - basis. Heres why.Using outdated tech can mean that you potentially work slower or less efficiently, have more limited access to newer apps or have to delete necessary files to keep up with normal work flow. Using an old phone might make your boss think youre out of touch, or uninterested in moving forward. Not always, but if you work in a tech or trend conscious industry, you probably should start thinking of your next big tech investment.Here are some ideas of tech toys and tools that will help you work or improve your work/life balance. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a starting point. In no particular orderAn evolved smartphoneSince the iPhone isnt the only way to go, a great way to decide on new phone would be to consider your specific needs or current trends. Ive tested out some of the newest launches and these are two of my top picksWe all have a Blackberry lover in our lives (stares meaningfully at my relative who shall remain nameless) who insists on staying loyal to the brand because of whats said to be a more secure network and an actual keyboard. With the new retro trend in phones, the Blackberry KEYone honors its business intensive past, while still providing a marvel of both konzept and function. It runs on Android, so theres no need for a separate plan or network. The KEYone also has a powerhouse, all day battery, both a physical keyboard and touch screen functionality, and a gorgeous, sleek look that wont make users seem out of touch.If creating video has become a large part of your personal or professional life, a phone that allows you to shoot, edit and share should be part of your toolbox. The LG V30 dazzles with its video and photo capabilities. The camera has an F/1.6 glass lens which allows for more light to seep into each shot, so low-light is less of an issue and colors really pop. There a re also 16 video presets which means that instead of using a filter that can distort your work, quality is preserved. Theres also a nifty zoom feature which zeroes in anywhere in the frame, something I havent seen often in smartphones.A more sophisticated laptopIts entirely possible that youll stick with your workhorse computer for another five years, but if you look at some of the new offerings, youll notice upgrades include everything from a speedier experience, to a more comfortable keyboard and overall usage experience. Ive been testing out the Microsoft Surface Pro laptop for a few months now and its fast become my go-to computer for on-the-go/presentations and any place I need a mobile (stylish) workstation. One thing to note though, it can blip out when you put it to sleep, so dont panic if you think youre facing the black screen of (computer) death either shut if off after each use, or press and hold the volume-up button and the power button at the same time for at least 15 seconds and then release both and youll be back in business.Affordable VRWhat if I told you that the newest and best VR option was also incredibly affordable? Google Daydream View isnt awkwardly heavy, so you wont be so distracted by the weight that you lose track of the coolness of ostensibly experiencing what youre only seeing. Its designed so that glasses wearers can find a comfortable fit and is dummy proof - even for absolute beginners.Clean up your actWhat once may have seemed like an excessive luxury, can now be a tool to save you time and stress.The LG Hom-Bot Turbo+ is one of the most beautifully designed robot vacuums out there, its also one of the priciest, but it does have numerous features and extras. There are several cleaning directions available along with a spot cleaning function. It also remembers your last 20 cleans, so youll know if youve missed anything. Theres also an app, so if you want, you can set the vac to clean up while youre still at work. Theres also a mobile security camera, so you can keep an eye on Fido or the nanny.Meanwhile, at the other end of the spendy spectrum, Monoprice has an excellent contender Strata Home Smartvac 2.0 on the market that costs a fraction of the price. There are fewer bells and whistles, and the voice reminders are decidedly robotic, but its a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank.Better than a screenInstead of buying a smart TV, consider an investment in a smarter visual presentation and entertainment experience.Epson Home Cinema 1060 1080p 3LCD Projector is fairly portable and extremely easy to connect, set up and use. Use it at home and you have more of a movie theater experience with images that seem more clear and brighter. Connect Blu-Ray, gaming, streaming and pretty much anything else that provides at-home entertainment, but you can also use it for your next meeting. So instead of painfully struggling to set up your laptop and PowerPoint setup, you can create a better experience . Bonus - the speakers are built in, so sound wont lag, but if youre screening a movie, you might want to set up your own sound system.A newer kid on the block is PIQS Projector by Butterfly Technology which has a smaller footprint and is easier to travel with. Connect with your mobile phone or tabletcomputer while making a presentation.Shine some lightWorking long hours means you can sometimes come home to a pitch-black apartment. Im not quite sure how I lived before setting up my Philips Hue Smarter Lighting which can also act as a dimmer and mood setter. Also notable are Lutrons Caseta Wireless and Hive home smarter lighting packages which also let you control the A/C and monitor your doors and windows for movement while youre out burning the midnight oil.Almost Instant GratificationWhile its not technically a tech toy, the newest generation of Instant Pot can be operated via app and Wi-Fi. This 6-quart version of the cult speedy pressure cooker and six in one cooker (It makes y ogurt And rice Even chili) allows you to become part of the national Instant Pot obsession, eat smarter and healthier, and set things from your phone - so you can walk in to a hot and healthy meal.