Steve Greenberg, gadget junkie and author of “Gadget Nation” is back with some of his favorites.
Steve’s Ugly Holiday Sweater— Be a sure-“fire” winner with this Knit Crackling Fireplace Ugly Christmas Sweater Adult, available at BuyCostumes.com. See it in action at http://www.buycostumes.com/p/806027/knit-crackling-fireplace-ugly-christmas-sweater-adult Not only will you look spiffy and festive, but you’ll be as close to an open flame as possible without actually igniting on fire. Best of all, you can walk into any party and ask the predictable question, “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” This exceptionally ugly sweater has a small pouch in the front that allows you to slide in your iTouch, iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S3. With a knitted brick fireplace pattern, simply set your phone to any crackling fireplace video or app, slide it in and watch people around you get cozy. $54.99
Seek Compact Thermal Image Camera –This holiday, give someone super powers with the Seek Compact thermal image camera. Plug it directly into your iOS or Android device and transform your smartphone into a powerful thermal imager that lets you see and read heat EVEN in complete darkness. Identify energy loss, water damage, electrical hazards, plumbing problems and more. The camera is also a personal safety tool for seeing people or animals in the night. The Seek Compact ($249) is available at Amazon and Home Depot stores nationwide. www.thermal.com @SeekThermal
Revell SnapTite Model Kits – 26 new snap-together plastic scale model kits ranging from sports cars and fire trucks to four vehicles from the upcoming “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” movie simplify modeling for kids 6 to 12 – and make it fun, too. A new design approach provides play value for the youngest modelers (including battle action lights and sounds on some of the Star Wars kits), and reduces piece counts and build times to keep kids engaged. The collection includes SnapTite Build & Play kits for ages 6-8 (10 to 20 pieces), SnapTite kits for ages 8-10 (20-45 pieces), and SnapTite Max kits for ages 8-12 (25-60 pieces). No glue or paint is needed. The result: a fun hands-on activity that also helps build fine motor skills, the ability to follow instructions, and a sense of accomplishment as kids assemble a replica of a real-world car or truck, historical aircraft, pirate ship or space ship from a favorite movie. Available at all Michael’s stores. $12.99 to $24.99.
