Back to school tech: 17 treats for your connected technology fix

Back to school season is all about kitting the kids out for the school year ahead, but there’s no reason you should miss out on the treats. Whether you want to upgrade your home entertainment, boost your productivity, or simply have some fun, there are plenty of tech gadgets you can treat yourself to. And with a fast and reliable broadband connection from Zen, you can make the most of your new devices and enjoy the best online experience. Here are some of the top tech picks for 2023 that you should check out.

TVs

If you’re looking for a new TV to binge-watch your favourite shows, stream movies, or play games, you have plenty of options to choose from. One of the latest trends is OLED TVs, which offer stunning picture quality, vibrant colours and perfect deep blacks. There are plenty of new models to choose from, but one example is the LG OLED C1. It features Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, and even HDMI 2.1 ports for super smooth gaming.

Like any good modern TV, it’s also smart, powered by webOS which gives access to popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube. With a good broadband connection, you’ll never be short of something to watch.

Another option is QLED TVs, which use quantum dots to enhance the brightness and colour range of LED TVs. For example, the Samsung QN95A is a 4K QLED TV that features Neo QLED technology, HDR10+, and a near-invisible cable. It also has a smart platform powered by Samsung’s Tizen OS, which gives access to a wide range of apps and services like Apple TV, Spotify and Samsung TV Plus.

There are plenty more examples of modern TVs that give great picture and sound quality, and thousands of connected apps for your viewing pleasure. And remember, if you’re looking for a bargain, you should consider looking at last year’s model instead of the very latest versions. Tech that came out a year or more ago can often be had for a lot less than its original retail price.

Streaming services

Of course, a new TV isn’t complete without some streaming services to watch. There are many options available, depending on your preference and budget, but some of the most popular include:

• Netflix: The king of streaming services, Netflix offers a huge library of original and licensed content including movies, shows, documentaries and anime. You can watch Netflix on almost any device, in up to 4K resolution, with plans starting at £4.99 (with adverts).
• Disney + is the home of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and much, much more, so you’ll never be short of something to watch. As well as classic movies and TV shows, newer fare includes the likes of the Mandalorian and WandaVision. Plans cost £7.99 per month with a discount for a 12-month subscription.
• Amazon Prime Video: If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll also get access to Prime Video, which offers a mix of content including movies, TV shows and even live Premier League football.
• BritBox: This home-grown service offers access to thousands of hours of classic and new British TV. And while there are sound arguments to say we should have already have free access to much of this content, for £5.99 per month, the choice on offer is huge.

Connected gadgets

If you want to make your home smarter and more convenient, you can treat yourself to some connected gadgets that work with your home broadband connection and voice assistant. Here are some examples:

• Smart speakers: Smart speakers let you control your smart home devices, play music, ask questions, set reminders and more, just with your voice. You can choose from different models and brands, including those from Amazon, Google and Apple.
• Smart plugs: Smart plugs let you turn any appliance or device into a smart on by plugging it into a socket that you can then control with your phone or voice. You can use them to turn on/off lights, fans, heaters, coffee makers and more. You can also set schedules or routines to automate your daily tasks.
• Smart cameras: Smart cameras let you monitor your home from anywhere with your phone or tablet. They can be used to check on your kids, pets or visitors, or to deter intruders. You can also get alerts when motion or sound is detected, or talk to people through the camera’s speaker and microphone.

Smartphones and Tablets

If you’re looking for a new smartphone to keep in touch with your friends and family, browse the web, take photos, or play games, you should consider the latest releases from Apple and Google. Almost like clockwork, this time of year usually sees the release of new iPhones and Google Pixel phones, which are some of the most popular and advanced devices on the market. Whether you prefer iOS or Android, there’s likely to be something new and exciting for you. The iPhone 15 has already arrived as of publication and the next round of improved Android phones isn't likely to be too far away - they may even be here by the time you're reading this!

If you’re happy with the phone you have, have you considered the extra benefit to browsing, streaming and gaming that a larger screen tablet device can bring?

For many years, the tablet market has been dominated by the iPad, and that is for good reason. They are often the perfect device for portable computing and media consumption, but there are other alternatives available.

Samsung has recently released a number of models, threatening to challenge Apple’s dominance with their leading display technology and innovative Dex functionality. While for those that can’t quite choose between a traditional laptop or tablet, Microsoft’s Surface line might help to make that decision a little easier.

Unusual tech

If you’re looking for something more unusual or quirky, you can treat yourself to some of the most innovative or fun tech gadgets around. Examples include:

• Ember Mug: The Ember Mug is a smart mug that keeps your drink at the perfect temperature for up to an hour and a half. You can adjust the temperature with your phone or by tapping the mug. You can also customise the LED colour and set presets for different drinks.
• Nanoleaf Shapes: These smart LED panels can be arranged in any shape or pattern on your wall. You can control them with your phone, voice assistant or touch gestures, and they can also be synced with your music, games or movies to create dynamic lighting effects.
• DJI Mini SE: The DJI Mini SE is a compact and lightweight drone that lets you capture stunning aerial photos and videos. It has a 12-megapixel camera that can shoot high resolution video, and a 3-axis gimbal that helps to keep footage steady. It also has a flight time of up to 30 minutes, and a range of up to 4KM. You can control it with your phone or the included remote controller, and use features like QuickShots, Smart Return to Home and Find My Drone.
• Muse S: The Muse S is a smart headband that helps you meditate, sleep and relax. It uses sensors to measure you brain activity, heart rate, breathing and body movements, and provides real-time feedback through sounds and vibrations. You can use it with the Muse app, which offers guided meditations, sleep journeys and relaxation exercises.

Are you interested in any of the above connected technology? Whatever you want from your tech, a great broadband connection often helps it to perform at its best. For more on great broadband from Zen, visit our site here.