Photos: The best tech gifts for 2018

Samsung Galaxy Watch

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is one of the best smartwatches of the year. It's a do-it-all smartwatch, and it comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, in an array of colors. The watch tracks dozens of different exercises, and works seamlessly with your Samsung phone to take calls, check text messages and get calendar notifications. Prices start at $330.

SEE: Samsung Galaxy Watch: Business professionals will love these four features (TechRepublic)

Image: Samsung

Google Home Hub

The Google Home Hub is a new smart home device that you can use to control other connected devices. It features a 7-inch touchscreen, a fabric-encased full-range speaker, a light sensor and two far-field microphones. It has no camera, so it gives you privacy wherever you choose to use it. $149

SEE: Google Home Hub says no to smart-home cameras in your bedroom (CNET)

Image: Google

SimpliSafe home security system

SimpleSafe launched at CES 2018 as a home security option. The Essentials package includes a base station that sends out a loud siren if someone breaks into your home, and also alerts a monitoring center. It uses a wireless keypad and sensors around your home, so no drilling or wires are needed. Even better, the motion sensors only detect human heat signatures. Not pets. $259.95, plus $14.95 monthly for professional monitoring.

Image: SimpliSafe

Link AKC Smart Collar

Link AKC Smart Collar was the winner of the CES 2018 Best in Innovation Award; it features an LED light, GPS, and temperature monitoring. It helps you know your doggo's location and well-being. The location tracking uses advanced GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data, and it is easy to use. You can also use Bluetooth with the Link AKC's base station to create a "safe zone"--the app will send you alerts if your pup wanders out of the range of the designated safe area. $129 plus monitoring.

Image: Link

GoPro HERO7 Black

GoPro has an all-new lineup of products that includes the HERO7 Black. It captures smooth footage, is waterproof without a housing, and has stabilization, making a gimbal unnecessary. $399.99

Image: GoPro

Star Trek TOS Bluetooth Communicator

Okay, it's not a real Star Trek Communicator, but it sure looks like one. With the flick of a wrist, you can answer calls like Kirk and Spock. It looks just like the real thing because it was created using 3D scans of the Alpha Hero prop. It pairs with your smartphone to work like a wireless speaker or pair of headphones. When you tell Scotty to beam you up, he'll be able to hear you clearly. $149.99

Image: ThinkGeek

Soul Electronics AI earphones

The Run Free Pro Bio earphones from SOUL Electronics have artificial intelligence with gait analysis, the ability to monitor running form, and real-time coaching. $149.99

Image: Soul Electronics

Fitbit Charge 3

The Fitbit Charge 3 is the newest wearable from Fitbit. It features an advanced fitness tracker that uses 24/7 heart rate and personalized insights to reveal what's below the surface. $149.95

Image: Fitbit

Sony MP-CD1 Projector

The Sony MP-CD1 Projector is designed for gamers, business professionals, and movie lovers. It can be set up in just five seconds to allow for streaming movies on demand. Use it with media-streaming dongles, smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles. The MP-CD1 can also serve as a portable charger for your other mobile devices for when you are on the go. $359

Image: Sony

Olloclip Multi-Device Clip

The olloclip Multi-Device Clip is designed to quickly and easily enhance cameras on the most popular smartphones. In addition, its expanding clip design is now a screen protector and case-friendly (up to 12mm thick). Users can quickly attach the desired lens with this clip. Clip: $44.99; Connect X lens: $59.99

Image: Olloclip

UE Megaboom 3

The UE MEGABOOM 3 is a portable wireless speaker on steroids. Blast freakishly amazing 360-degree sound with deep, heart-pounding bass. This speaker is small, lightweight, and waterproof. $199.99 at T-Mobile.

Also see

• Gift Guides for Techies (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)
• Photos: STEM and STEAM holiday gift guide for kids (TechRepublic)
• Photos: Holiday tech gifts worth the splurge (TechRepublic)
• Photos: Holiday tech gifts under $100 (TechRepublic)
• The do's and don'ts of giving holiday gifts to your co-workers (TechRepublic)
• Best gifts: Top iPhone XS or XS Max accessories (ZDNet)

Image: T-Mobile

GoTenna Mesh

GoTenna Mesh lets you use your smartphone without cell service or Wi-Fi. You can use it to send texts, share GPS locations, do group chat, and more. It's waterproof, dirt-proof, and weighs only two ounces. $179 for two.

Image: Derek Poore/TechRepublic