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The term ‘gadgets’ covers a huge range of technology including software, hardware and electrical devices, and is a competitive and fast moving industry. Consequently there are a many new releases each month, and although most of them are seem quite cool and exciting at first, it can be difficult to sort out which gadgets really are innovative and worth investing in. I am a Gizmo freak and always try & test various gadgets.

There are plenty of websites that cover all the latest gadget releases, and provide you with reviews and pricing information, but all this information can be a little overwhelming. To help guide you through the huge variety of gadgets on offer I have listed below ten of the best latest gadgets set for release in 2008.

1. Wireless Memory for Digital Cameras – this cool little gadget was featured at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year and impressed critics and punters alike with it simple yet smart format. The wireless memory for cameras was developed by a company called Eye-Fi, and is basically a memory card with integrated wi-fi that can automatically convert the current digital camera you own into a wireless device. This is so simple, and means you can share photos quickly and easily without having to buy a new, upgraded digital camera. Currently they are only retailing in the US, with a European release date sometime later this year and prices start in at around $80 for a basic 2GB card.

2. Wimax for the Eee PC – The Eee PC from the manufacturer Asus has been the big gadget hit in recent times, because of its 4GB drive, small and compact shape and low price, but new models are being released that also have Wimax (wireless) capabilities. Over 350,000 of the original machines were sold in just a three-month period last year and the new models are set to be the next big thing in wireless network devices. The basic model is set to come in at around $900, with a release date towards the end of the year.

3. Ad Remover for DVDs – this little gadget has had some great responses at technological shows this year, and is from a company called VideoReDo. When you record a programme the Ad Remover recognising the adverts automatically and strips them out of the recording. The original technology for VCRs is a few years old now, but new versions of the gadget to be released in 2008 will be enable you to record edited programmes to DVD and also recode formats suitable for viewing on MP3 players and iPods.

4. DViCo (M-6500A) Network Media Player – this network media player is one of the best to hit the market so far, with Sigma’s latest SMP8635 processor and increased main memory. It also offers music playback and image display, and supports high definition display formats and has a smart, trendy black aluminium outer casing. Current pricing is at around £500 – £600.

5. Robot toys – the market is always flooded with robot gadgets, but a couple of new releases have stood out. Woowee have produced a range of ‘alive’ animal robots that instead of having ultra modern plastic exteriors are actually quite cute and covered with fur. These little robots include tigers, lion cubs and pandas and all have animated faces and make realistic noises, for example if you leave them alone they will curl up and go to sleep (and the felines will purr). They have only been released in the US so far, and retail at around $60.

6. Advanced Universal Remote Control from Logitech – with so many electrical devices around the home you can end up with a huge pile of remote controls, which all look similar and things can get very confusing. A universal remote control can fix this problem, and the most impressive one currently on the market is the Harmony Universal Remote Control from the manufacturer Logitech. The main benefit of this controller is its impressive compatibility functions, as it can support over 15 devices at one time, including televisions, satellite boxes, DVD player, digital media players and games consoles and will interact with almost all the electrical brand names on the market. Prices start in at around $100 for a basic model, and $500 for the upgraded touch screen LCD version.

7. SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus USB Drive – Pen drives are hot among computer users and it’s use is increasing with the increasing use of laptops. You will find USB drives from 100s of different manufacturers, but what create attention at the beginning of year 2008 is ScanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus USB drive with automatic online backup services. This online backup service will be provided by BeInSync – will encrypt the files during transmission and will store the date on Amazon.com servers. A 4GB drive costs only $60 with other storage options too.

8. Mobile Home – the P2P Universal Computing Consortium are releasing software later this year which will allow mobile phone companies to develop applications to adapt mobile technology so that you can link your home to your mobile phone. The demonstration at the CES show earlier in the year showed an iPhone that was connect to a flat in Tokyo, and the owner was able to control the lighting, air conditioning and even turn on electrical devices such as the washing machine all remotely from their phone.

9. Gaming Wardrobe – gaming technology is always advancing and this year sees the release of the gaming vest from TN Games, which is connected to the PC by USB and uses light weight compressors to pump up parts of the vest to simulate G-forces for fighter plane and car racing games. Also the vest can inflate in specific areas to gently replicate the impact of a bullet for first person shooter games, and later in the year more of the wardrobe including leg covers and a helmet will be released to provide a fully immersed gaming experience.

10. Super Smart GPS – In-car GPS devices are also constantly evolving and the recent Dash Express model from the company Dash Navigation can now help you avoid congestion by providing real time traffic data not just from regular sources but also from active Dash Navigation systems belonging to other owners. It also has a web function so that users can look online for more information about locations and also where the cheapest/nearest fuel stations are.

If you have 8-10 out of them, you are a super geek ; if 4-7 then you are a gizmo freak and if 0-3 then you are heading in a right direction. If you know more which should make in this list, let us know via your comments. Thanks.

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