The coolest-looking tech you can buy right now

Technology and fashion are two things that haven’t always gone together. For a long time, those that were interested in computers and other tech were often derided as being “geeks” or “nerds”.

But during the 1990s and 2000s, these two worlds came together, thanks in part to shows like The Big Bang Theory, New Girl and The IT Crowd making it cool to be different and to love technology. 

Steve Jobs and Apple also played a big role in this by making technology itself cool. The iMac G3 first went on sale in August 1998, showing the world that computers didn’t need to be beige boxes. They followed this up with the iPod, iPhone and iPad, helping to make tech products become fashion accessories and not just utilitarian machines. 

Throughout the 2000s, wearing white earphones was a statement that the wearer was keeping up with trends in tech and style and people began changing their smartphones as much as their outfits. Apple has continued this approach with its latest products, with collaborations with companies like Nike and Hermès to create fashionable tech devices. 

Other companies were quick to follow suit and suddenly everything from microwaves to TVs were designed to look great. 

Things move quickly in tech and fashion though, so what are the coolest looking tech products available to buy right now?

Microsoft Surface Duo

Apple has dominated the tablet market for a long time, but Microsoft has been trying hard to challenge it. Its latest attempt is the Surface Duo, a foldable device that runs on Android while also offering easy access to Microsoft products like Office and Outlook. 

When closed, the Surface Duo has a sleek white body with a matte finish. When open, it presents itself as two 5.6-inch displays (making 8.1-inches when combined) that can be used in a number of different ways. 

Lay the Surface Duo on its side and it becomes a tiny laptop, with one screen acting as the keyboard and the other displaying apps. Hold it like a book and it’s two screens that can display apps independently of each other or fold the screen all the way around and use just one display. 

The Duo’s two screens make it great for multitasking, reading and even gaming. For example, for those who enjoy playing cards, it’s possible to have the game open on one screen and a guide that shows blackjack card values and strategy on the other so one can quickly refer to it without having to close the game or use a second device. Alternatively, it’s possible to have a Minecraft walk-through on one screen while trying to complete build something complex in the game. 

The single-screen mode also means that the Surface Duo can double up as a smartphone, though its size may make it impractical for some. 

Transparent speaker

Audio technology has come a long way in recent years, making high-quality devices accessible to even entry-level hobbyists and the average consumer. But keeping a big bulky speaker at home doesn’t always create the best aesthetic, especially for those who have gone for a minimalist decor. 

That’s where the Transparent Speaker comes in. Replacing the black plastic for clear tempered glass, this see-through design with exposed wires is both modern and retro at the same time. 

Costing £775, it’s certainly not cheap, but it would certainly be a great conversation starter the next time you have guests round. 

Self cleaning UV water bottle

Using health and fitness products in everyday life is something that was once frowned upon but has become fashionable today. For example, 15 years ago, the thought of wearing gym wear or yoga pants to the shops would have had most people cringing. But today, it’s widely accepted. 

Another trend that’s become very common is to carry water bottles on the go. This has been driven by the need to reduce consumption of single-use plastics and the increased understanding of the need to stay hydrated. 

However, the big problem that comes from drinking from a reusable water bottle is that they can be difficult to keep clean. It’s possible to find plenty of guides online of people discussing the use of chemicals like bleach, which, while effective, can be dangerous if used incorrectly. 

That’s where the self cleaning UV water bottle from WAKEcup comes in. Using a built-in UV-C light, the bottle will blast the inner surfaces with rays that can kill all the nasty bugs that can build up on them. 

Not only is it practical, being able to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, but its matte black finish and fashionable shape also make it the perfect accessory for anyone who wants to look good, stay hydrated and protect the environment.

The editorial unit