Tech gifts for dads and grads with Marc Saltzman
Marc Saltzman has been writing about technology for 27 years.
That’s long before he was a dad or the 'Dad of grads.'
When he first started to turn "geek speak" into "street speak" (that’s the theme of his tech talk radio show on Newstalk 580 CFRA) innovations weren’t hitting the market at gigahertz speed.
Saltzman is busier by the day, testing and researching technology as it hits the market.
So these suggestions are about the tech that makes a dad’s, or grads, downtime that much more enjoyable and more relaxing.
With this technology, Saltzman can spend his Father’s Day gaming outside while dinner cooks itself and he can see when his family arrives without moving a muscle.
He’s a motivated guy but it’s nice to have a day off.
Isn’t that what technology is supposed to do?
Marc Saltzman’s dads and grads tech picks and why he likes them:
Nintendo Switch($399)
Versatile gaming system to play at home or on the go, with new titles like Game Builder Garage ($39) and Mario Golf: Super Rush ($79)
"Nintendo’s 'secret sauce' is that their games are easy to pick up, yet impossible to put down. These two are no different. Game Builder Garage is great because it blurs the lines between game player and game creator – even if you have no experience in game programming. Mario Golf: Super Rush is great for dads who wish they were on the fairway," said Saltzman.
Nintendo Switch
LG C1 OLED TV (from $2,099)
Whether Dad is into sports, games, TV shows or movies, this is a super-thin Smart 4K television, ideal for the latest consoles (fast frame rates), clear and loud audio, and sizes go up to 83 inches.
"In case you haven’t yet laid your eyes on an OLED TV, they’re ridiculously thin because no backlighting is required – each pixel (dot) is self-lit – which can also delivery 'perfect blacks' as the pixel can just turn off its light (exceptional contrast ratio)," said Saltzman.
"Premium televisions like the LG C1 Series OLED TVs are also energy efficient, as they sip rather than gulp electricity (we all know what we pay for hydro in Ontario!)."
HP OMEN 15 laptop: (from $1,699)
For the dad and grad who likes to work hard and play hard, the HP OMEN 15 is the perfect work/life laptop.
"Ideal for dad’s 9 to 5 work life, as well as his 5 to 9 downtime. A versatile laptop like the HP OMEN 15 has enough power to handle the most demanding work-related applications, as well as the umph needed for gaming, streaming 4K video, and more. This laptop also works with the Omen Gaming Hub, which is software that let you customize what the hardware does (like RGB lighting on the keyboard), you can earn rewards, and more," said Saltzman.
HP OMEN 15
D-Link Wi-Fi 6 Solutions
Get the speed you need, as well as support for more simultaneous devices on the network with the D-Link AX3260 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router ($179) and the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 USB Wireless Adapter ($79).
"All of these gadget gift ideas require strong WiFi. The latest standard is WiFi 6, offering up to three times the speed as the previous generation (called 802.11ac). More importantly, perhaps, this router is MESH-compatible, which means you can add 'access points' to various rooms to broaden the range of your WiFi signal (even to the outdoors)," said Saltzman.
"As a world's first, the WiFi 6 USB adaptor can plug into a laptop or desktop, for it to be compatible with the WiFi 6 platform."
Amazon’s Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 ($324.99)
This is Ring’s premium wired video doorbell with advanced features including 3D Motion Detection, Bird’s Eye View, improved HD+ video, Quick Replies and Head to Toe video.
"As with its predecessors, this video doorbell lets you see who’s at your door, and speak with them in realtime – even if you’re not inside – but this premium wired doorbell has features like 'head to toe' video (see more), HD audio (hear more), support for your Alexa smart speaker (have your assistant talk to the courier, for example, by saying something like, 'Please leave the package behind the railing' and bird’s-eye video, which uses radar to see the person’s movement on your property for extra peace of mind."
Amazon’s Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grills (from $1599)
These high-tech grills are barbeques and smokers in one, powered by wood pellets and proprietary WiFIRE Technology that wirelessly lets you control it all on the Traeger app, smart home devices, and your Apple Watch.
"Both the Traeger Ironwood 650, with its 649-square feet cooking area, or larger Traeger Ironwood 885, with 885 square feet of cooking space, allow you to grill a steak and veggies, smoke a brisket or bake an apple pie – all in the same unit – and using 100 per cent real hardwood pellets as the fuel source," said Saltzman.
"When it comes to its smarts, Traeger’s WiFIRE technology lets you monitor or control the temperature (even from inside your home) through a companion app, which includes access to more than 1,600 recipes, Apple Watch support on your wrist, or by using voice commands through a Google or Amazon smart speaker. With the latter, you can say something like, 'Alexa, set the probe temperature to 200 degrees,' 'OK Google, how hot is the food on the grill?” or, 'Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes on <grill name>.' Essentially, WiFIRE connects sensors in the grill to the companion app, plus there’s also an included meat probe to monitor the exact temp inside your meal."
Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grills
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.