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The 2017 holiday tech gift guide for aspiring couch potatoes

Have a pal who just won't get off the couch? We've got the best gift guide for you


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We all have that friend who can recite every catch phrase from "30 Rock," and binge-watches a Netflix series before you even heard the new season dropped. For them, we have the best gift ideas sure to impress your aspiring couch potato pal with tech devices that also work for media hounds and TV watchers alike. We're sure these ideas will be better received than a gift card to Pizza Hut. (Really.)

(Visit our 2018 version Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes to see the most updated list of devices.)

Apple TV: Let Siri switch channels — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

product shot of apple tvApple TVApple

There's nothing more luxe than telling someone to change channels for you. And that's exactly what Siri can do, bringing up Netflix, Hulu and even Sling just by speaking into the remote. Apple's latest Apple TV 4K also has gaming — for free. At $179, the newest entertainment box from Apple even supports Dolby Vision. For the holiday gift giver hoping to score points with the lazy-at-heart, the Apple TV 4K is a win.


iRobot Roomba 980 — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

product shot of iRobot Roomba 980iRobot Roomba 980 — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch PotatoesGearBrain

This latest upgrade from iRobot will cost you $900, but the Roomba 980 is one of the smartest robot vacuum cleaners on the market today. For example, if its path is blocked, the Roomba will search for and remember another way to clean up that mess in the corner. You can set up virtual walls to instruct the Roomba on where it shouldn't go, and you can control the device using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Yes, it's expensive — but the company is currently offering $100 off and providing free ground shipping. So that should help balance your budget, at least.




Dojo by BullGuard: Lock down security — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes


product shot of Dojo by BullGuardDojo by BullGuardBullGuard

BullGuard

As you're settling in with popcorn and a movie, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is someone hacking into their Wi-Fi. That's where Dojo comes in, a device that imparts zen-like peace both in the way it looks and works. Dojo sends alerts when it detects unwelcome visitors on your Wi-Fi, even sending them to your smartphone via an app. The $199 price includes a full-year of service — a small price, perhaps, so you can catch up on "Game of Thrones" in peace. (Available on Amazon.)




Anova Precision Cooker: Dinner readies itself — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

Anova

A sous vide device for someone who never leaves the couch? Let us explain. Sous vide is a method of cooking over long periods — like a slow cooker that uses water. The Anova Precision Cooker allows you to set dinner and forget it while keeping tabs on your lamb chops right from your smartphone. Who says binge-watching can't be accompanied by some gourmet food? The device starts at $149 for a version that connects via Bluetooth, and $199 if you also want Wi-Fi connectivity. (Available on Amazon.)


Oculus Rift: Travel from home — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

Product shot of Oculus Rift HeadstOculus Rift HeadstOculus

Oculus Rift is not the newest VR headset on the block, but it's easily still one of the best. The top reason is that content available from Oculus Experiences includes movies, documentaries, and even a virtual mountain climb, all done from the comfort of your home. Sure, Oculus costs $499 (and you'll need a PC to run the device), but this is one gift you can be sure won't be returned. (It's Available on Amazon.)


Samsung Family Hub Fridge: Order food from home — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

a photo of a smartphone showing video from inside the Samsung Family Hub refridgeratorSamsung appSamsung

Snacks are a required accessory for any couch potato with clout. That's where the Samsung Family Hub Fridge comes in — a refrigerator that does its job and keeps itself stocked. How so? The appliance can order groceries right from the touch screen on its door. Plus, you can see what's inside from your smartphone — a couch potato's dream come true. This hefty gift starts at $2,400. (Available on Amazon.)





Botvac D7: Clean up from the couch – Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

Neato

Who has time to vacuum when you're trying to binge watch this season of "Ballers?" We get that — and you should understand that's why your pal with the sheepdog and HBO GO subscription hasn't tidied up in awhile. Here's how to fix that: a robot vacuum. Yes, we know this is the second on our list: but that's how much we think robot vacuums will be appreciated by any pal this year. The Botvac D7 is the latest smart vacuum from Neato, using laser technology to clean anything (really) from the floor. Priced at $799, the D7 model isn't yet released but its cheaper cousin, the $599 D5, can be purchased now. Neither is a small investment — but we think your friendship is probably worth it. (Botvac D5 available on Amazon.)


EasyFeed: Kibble orders itself — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

EasyFeed

Marathon sessions of "The Office" are great — but Fido needs to be fed. How great is it to have someone — or something — make sure your pet has dinner taken care of? The $250 EasyFeed not only portions out meals automatically for cats and dogs, but can re-order kibble from Amazon when the device detects it's almost out. Just think: the EasyFeed is not a holiday gift for a TV viewing fan in your life, but also one who is a pet lover too. (For even more gifts for pet lovers, check out our High-Tech Holiday Gifts for Cats and Dogs) (Available on Amazon.)

Google Home Mini: Google Assistant baked in — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

Google

Google's upgrade of its smart home line will likely appeal to those who spend a lot of time in their homes. The latest includes the Google Home Mini, an almost pocket-sized version of the regular Google Home. Talk to Google Assistant, lock up an August smart lock, call a buddy—the options are endless. Best of all, the Mini is just $49 — a holiday tech gift that will fit in almost any budget. (It is Available at Best Buy.)


aiFi Bluetooth Speaker: Music anywhere — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

AiFi

Not all couch potatoes are glued to the tube—some are listening to their favorite tunes as they lounge. aiFi speakers connect to Bluetooth, letting you send music from other devices to the aiFi. If you want more depth of sound, you can stack them up to build a wall of chords and tones. The speaker, which is also portable, starts at $299.

Harmony Hub: Runs it all — Holiday Tech Gift Ideas for Aspiring Couch Potatoes

Logitech

A universal remote could be the ultimate gift for someone who enjoys lounging on their couch. The Harmony Hub comes close: it connects to various devices, allowing control from a tablet or smartphone. Priced at $100, the Harmony Hub also works with Alexa, and shipping is free. (That's a holiday gift just for you.) (Available on Amazon.)

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