best tech gadget gifts 2016
The holiday season is upon us once again, which means it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas for your loved ones. And what better way to show your appreciation than by giving them the latest and greatest in technology? From smartphones to smart home devices, there are so many options to choose from. To make your search a little easier, we have compiled a list of the best tech gadget gifts for 2016. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired.
1. iPhone 7
No list of tech gadgets would be complete without the latest iPhone. The iPhone 7 was released in September 2016 and has been making waves ever since. With its sleek design, improved camera, and water-resistant feature, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most sought-after gadgets of the year. The iPhone 7 also boasts a faster processor and longer battery life, making it the perfect gift for any tech lover.
2. Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo has been around for a few years now, but it’s still one of the hottest gadgets on the market. This voice-controlled speaker uses Amazon’s AI assistant, Alexa, to play music, answer questions, and even control your smart home devices. The Echo has been constantly improving and now comes in a smaller, more affordable version called the Echo Dot. This makes it the perfect gift for anyone looking to add some smart technology to their home.
3. Google Home
Not to be outdone by Amazon, Google released their own smart home device, Google Home, in 2016. This sleek speaker also uses voice commands to play music, set reminders, and answer questions. What sets Google Home apart is its integration with Google’s vast knowledge base, making it better at answering questions and providing information. It also has the ability to connect to other smart home devices, giving it an edge over the competition.
4. Fitbit Charge 2
Fitness trackers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the Fitbit Charge 2 is a top contender in this market. This gadget not only tracks your steps and activity levels but also monitors your heart rate, tracks your sleep, and even has guided breathing exercises. With its sleek design and long battery life, the Fitbit Charge 2 is the perfect gift for anyone looking to stay on top of their fitness goals.
5. Nintendo NES Classic Edition
For the gamers in your life, the Nintendo NES Classic Edition is a must-have. This mini version of the iconic gaming system comes pre-loaded with 30 classic games, including Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many, and a fun new experience for younger generations. With its affordable price point and compact size, this is a great gift for anyone who loves gaming.
6. Oculus Rift
Virtual reality has been a buzzword for a few years now, and the Oculus Rift is leading the charge in this technology. This headset allows users to fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds, making it a dream come true for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. With a growing library of games and experiences, the Oculus Rift is a gift that will keep on giving long after the holiday season.
7. Amazon Kindle Oasis
For the avid reader in your life, the Amazon Kindle Oasis is the perfect gift. This e-reader boasts a sleek design, long battery life, and a high-resolution display. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for reading by the pool or in the bathtub. With access to Amazon’s vast library of e-books and the ability to adjust font size and style, the Kindle Oasis is a game-changer for book lovers.
8. DJI Phantom 4 Drone
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the DJI Phantom 4 is one of the best on the market. With its 4K camera, long battery life, and obstacle avoidance feature, this drone is perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage. It’s also easy to fly, making it a great gift for beginners and experienced drone pilots alike.
9. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
For the music lover in your life, the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones are a no-brainer. These headphones not only provide top-notch sound quality, but also feature noise-cancellation technology, making them perfect for blocking out distractions while working or traveling. They also have a long battery life and a comfortable, lightweight design, making them great for everyday use.
10. Samsung Gear VR
Another virtual reality option, the Samsung Gear VR, is a more affordable alternative to the Oculus Rift. It’s compatible with select Samsung smartphones and allows users to experience virtual reality on a budget. With a growing library of games and experiences, the Samsung Gear VR is a gift that will provide endless entertainment.
11. Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is a perfect gift for anyone looking to save money on their energy bills. This smart thermostat learns your heating and cooling habits and adjusts accordingly, making it more efficient and cost-effective. It can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone or through voice commands with Amazon’s Alexa. The sleek design and energy-saving features make it a great addition to any home.
12. GoPro HERO5 Black
GoPro has been a go-to brand for action cameras for years, and the HERO5 Black is their latest and greatest offering. With 4K video capabilities, voice control, and a waterproof design, this camera is perfect for capturing all of life’s adventures. It also has built-in image stabilization, making it great for capturing smooth footage while on the go.
13. Tile Mate
For the forgetful person in your life, the Tile Mate is a lifesaver. This small tracking device can be attached to keys, wallets, or any other item that tends to get misplaced. Using a smartphone app, you can ring the Tile to locate your lost item or see its last known location on a map. It’s a practical and affordable gift that will save your loved one from many moments of frustration.
14. Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Portable Charger
In a world where we are constantly on our phones and devices, a portable charger is a must-have. The Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C portable charger is one of the best on the market. With its high-speed charging capabilities and large battery capacity, it can charge a smartphone multiple times before needing to be recharged itself. Its compact size also makes it perfect for traveling.
15. Sonos Play:1 Wireless Speaker
For the music lover who wants to fill their home with high-quality sound, the Sonos Play:1 wireless speaker is a perfect gift. This compact speaker can be connected to other Sonos speakers for a multi-room experience, and it can also be controlled wirelessly through a smartphone app. With its sleek design and impressive sound quality, the Sonos Play:1 is a gift that will keep on giving.
In conclusion, there are so many amazing tech gadgets to choose from this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a gift for the tech-savvy person in your life or for someone who could use a little help in the organization department, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why wait? Start your holiday shopping now and give the gift of technology to your loved ones.
pinterest data breach
In April 2019, Pinterest, the popular image sharing platform, suffered a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of its users. The breach was first reported by an independent security researcher, who discovered a database containing user information on the dark web. This incident raised concerns about the security practices of the company and left its users vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Pinterest data breach, its impact on users, and the steps taken by the company to address the issue.
The data breach involved the exposure of around 250 million user records, which included names, email addresses, and login credentials. The database also contained other sensitive information such as account creation dates, profile URLs, and account summaries. The exposed data was discovered by the security researcher, who then reported it to Pinterest. However, the company did not respond to the report, and the data remained accessible on the dark web for several months before being taken down.
The news of the Pinterest data breach came as a shock to its users, who were concerned about the safety of their personal information. Many users took to social media to express their frustration and demand answers from the company. In response, Pinterest released a statement acknowledging the breach and assuring its users that it was taking necessary steps to investigate and address the issue. The company also urged its users to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
The impact of the data breach was not limited to the exposure of personal information. It also had financial implications for Pinterest, as the company’s stock price dropped by 15% following the news. This was a significant blow to the company, which had just gone public the previous year and was already struggling to turn a profit. The data breach also raised concerns about the company’s security practices and its ability to protect its users’ data in the future.
The investigation into the data breach revealed that the root cause was a third-party service used by Pinterest. The company had partnered with an external marketing firm that had access to user data. The firm’s security practices were found to be inadequate, and hackers were able to exploit vulnerabilities in their systems to gain access to the Pinterest data. This raised questions about the due diligence done by Pinterest in selecting and vetting its partners.
In response to the breach, Pinterest took several steps to address the issue and reassure its users. The company first disabled the affected third-party service and launched an investigation into the incident. It also reset the passwords of all affected accounts and sent out email notifications to its users. Additionally, the company implemented new security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These measures included strengthening its password requirements, implementing stricter access controls, and increasing its security team’s resources.
The Pinterest data breach also highlighted the importance of data privacy and the need for stricter regulations. The incident came just a year after the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. However, the breach exposed the limitations of the GDPR, as it only applies to companies based in the European Union or those that have users in the EU. Pinterest, being a US-based company, was not subject to the GDPR, and therefore, did not face any legal consequences for the breach.
The incident also sparked a conversation about the responsibility of companies in safeguarding user data. Pinterest, like many other social media platforms, collects a vast amount of user data, which is used for targeted advertising and other purposes. However, this incident raised concerns about the security of this data and whether companies are doing enough to protect it. It also highlighted the need for more transparency and accountability from companies when it comes to handling user data.
The aftermath of the data breach also saw a number of lawsuits filed against Pinterest. The company faced a class-action lawsuit in Illinois, where the plaintiffs claimed that the breach violated the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The Act requires companies to obtain consent before collecting biometric data, such as facial recognition data, and to have proper security measures in place to protect it. The lawsuit also accused Pinterest of not informing its users about the breach in a timely manner, as required by BIPA.
In addition to the lawsuits, the Pinterest data breach also prompted government agencies to take action. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is responsible for enforcing the GDPR in Europe, launched an investigation into the incident. The DPC has the power to impose fines of up to 4% of a company’s global revenue for GDPR violations, which could amount to millions of dollars for Pinterest. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also launched an investigation and is reportedly looking into whether Pinterest violated any consumer protection laws.
In conclusion, the Pinterest data breach was a wake-up call for the company and its users. It exposed the vulnerabilities in the company’s security practices and highlighted the need for stricter regulations and accountability. The incident also showed the potential consequences of not properly safeguarding user data and the impact it can have on a company’s reputation and finances. It serves as a reminder for companies to prioritize data privacy and take all necessary measures to protect their users’ information.