Best Tech of 2014

It’s often said that you can’t know where you’re going without knowing where you have been. So with 2015 coming around the corner, we take a look back at some of the best gadgets of 2014 as we prepare for the new goodies that we will be comparing them to in the new year.

Best Phone

We were originally going to pick phones by operating system but since Android has a ton, iOS has no competitors and Windows… well is just Windows we decided to go with best overall phone and note some honorable mentions. With that said, best phone of 2014:

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HTC One M8

The original HTC One was an amazing device and the M8 has picked up the baton and carried it well. The tweaks include adding a Snapdragon processor that gets you zipping through tasks, improved battery efficiency, BoomSound front facing speakers and the Duo Camera that takes amazing pictures as well as a 3D function. But what stands out is the design, it just feels amazing in your hand and this perfect partnership between design, features and function is what gives it the nod.

Honorable mentions:

Galaxy Note 4

Galaxy’s Note 4 is the must have for the person who wants to get stuff done. The Note 4 packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, a 3.7 front and 16MP rear camera, a beautiful 5.7 inch screen an improved S Pen and the ability to manage multiple applications on a single screen. It’s size puts it in the phablet category and hence it was just edged out by the M8. But if you like large, then the Note 4 is the way to go.

HTC One M8 for Windows

While Nokia typically gets the nod in the Windows phone category the HTC One M8 for Windows stands out ad it gives you the beauty, speed, sound, and design of the original M8 but just runs on the Windows OS. Only drawback is that the camera isn’t as good as the Nokia’s have been known for and well even HTC can’t do anything about the lack of apps available for Windows.

Best Tablet

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

While it’s hard to classify the Surface Pro 3 as just a tablet, it’s almost equally hard to deny that it lives up to its moniker of laptop killer. The Pro 3 gives you the flexibility of a tablet, with the power of an Ultrabook. It tweaked the original hiccups of its predecessors, expanded the size of the screen and added a pen that gives even more functionality to the device. It is simply the best of both worlds.

Best Wearble

Pebble Steel

With wearables still looking a little too geek not enough chic, The Pebble Steel seems to have hit the right mix of fashion and function. While it is one of the first smartwatches released this year, it gets the nod because the screen quality is easily readable in varying lighting conditions, water proof, and has a pedometer for you fitness fanatics. What makes it the best right now, it works for both iOS and Android phones. Which is a pretty big deal if you have iOS and think the Moto 360 is a great watch, unless you are about to renew your cellular contract.

Best Streaming Device

Roku 3

For those who have been fostering their hate –hate relationship with their cable man we give you the Roku 3 video streaming device. The Roku 3 gives you access to Netflix, HBO go, Hulu Plus, finally YouTube and more than 1,000 other channels on the market making it the closest thing to a cable killer there is. It has a great interface, and a cool remote which allows you to listen on your headphones.