There were so many great gadgets through my tech test center this year. I picked just a few as some of my most favourite for 2016. Be sure to check out my longer “Top 10 tech gifts” list too.
To enter the Tech Talk contest, scroll down for instructions/rules.
iRobot Roomba 980 robot vacuum
I have a robot vacuum and I now can’t live without it. It keeps pet hair at bay easily, and it can be scheduled to sweep up when no one is home. The new 980 model has improved carpet cleaning abilities, a more powerful motor and can better navigate around your home, and it’s all controlled with your smartphone. Read my full test and review here.
Google Pixel XL phone
Normally a die-hard Apple user, I love love love how easy this phone is for me to adapt to. It’s slick and slim and fast, with a fantastic camera and an array of apps. The vibrating haptic touch feature is neat (I don’t have it on my iPhone 6+). Plus, Google probably hates me saying this, but this phone looks and feels similar to the iPhone so that makes the transition ultra easy. Read my full review and watch the video here.
Google Daydream View virtual reality headset
Before now, I haven’t felt as though virtual reality is for me. But I like to say the Google Daydream View virtual reality headset is for ‘real people,’ not just gamers.
Daydream View is Google’s virtual reality (VR) headset. It’s essentially a pair of goggles that fits over your head to immerse you in a virtual world.
It pairs with a hand-held controller that can be used as a wand, a baseball bat, or any object you might need in your new virtual world. The headset itself is not powered or electrified in any way, so it’s completely cord-free. The viewing images come from your phone, and there are a host of ‘real world’ applications for it, like virtual tourism (check out your vacation rental) or real estate.
I had lots to say about the Daydream View. How does it work and what can you do with it? Check out my review.
Google Live cases for Pixel phone
Google has teamed up with some cool Canadian artists on cases for the Pixel phones.
The collaboration with EN MASSE, a Montreal-based art collective has created these cool and vibrantly bold black and white cases for Pixel and Pixel XL.
The cases come with companion matching ‘live wallpaper’ which you can rotate between among the entire set of designs. Red more about the cases here or watch a quick video here.
Fitbit Alta with gold & silver bracelets
I love my Fitbit. It’s my number one preferred activity tracker by a longshot. It’s accurate, and can be configured to your stride. Plus the new Alta is much more like jewelry than like a traditional band.
I love that you can get the Alta in nice finishes and trick it out with either leather or metal bands that look chic. There’s a gold version or a silver one, and these would make great gifts for someone who’s already an Alta owner. Or you can pair the upgraded metal bangle with a new tracker.
I did extensive testing in my review with the Fitbit Alta which you can read here.
Google Chromecast video streamer
I can’t live without streaming TV. So much so, I have a streamer on every TV. Google’s Chromecast is a small dongle that has the power to stream Netflix, YouTube and dozens of other content channels. The easy to use interface makes finding and playing your favourite shows easy, and since you control the device using your cell phone as the remote control, you’ll probably never lose it in the sofa!
Foreo Luna Complete & Customizable Cleansing Collection Gift Pack
The Foreo Luna is a skin cleansing device, which uses ultrasonic waves to help clean your skin more thoroughly.
There are different styles of Luna from very smooth to a more obvious silicone bristle. The Luna mini 2 is the one included in our prize pack.
Foreo says the Luna with its “unique combination of T-sonic pulsations with silicone touch points will gently exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores of make up residue as well as 99.5% of dirt and oil, enhancing the absorption of your other skin care products”.
It also makes claims that using this device will reduce the signs of aging, by offering “lower frequency pulsations that when applied to wrinkle prone areas reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles”, and makes skin look firmer.
“The LUNA mini 2 is an enhanced T-Sonic™ facial-cleansing brush with eight adjustable intensities for a fully customizable cleansing experience, according to Foreo. “Pair it with the included Day and Night Cleansers and watch the cleansers’ textures change for the ultimate clean in one minute flat.”
I’ve been enjoying ultrasonic cleansing; read all about it on the blog here.
Winner Lindsey B with her prize!
*THE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! Congrats to winners: Rhonda Malinowski, Lindsay Bromley, Jackie Thomson & Marc Norberg
Today I’m giving away:
1 Google Chromecast Ultra
1 Foreo Luna Complete & Customizable Cleansing Kit gift pack
1 Rubik’s Spark toy
1 Google Live case (fits only Pixel XL)
How to enter:
The contest is now closedNOTE – You must be able to come to CTV Calgary studios to claim your prize.
Post a comment below (hopefully a nice one!) and don’t forget to use today’s keyword provided on TV (Hint: tell me which item you’d MOST like to win) .
You may enter once per day for the next THREE days. (Yes, you can pick a different item by entering on different days) Contest closes at 11:59pm MT Thursday DECEMBER 15th, 2016. One entry per person, per day. Duplicate/additional entries on the same day will be discarded.
The Fine Print:
I’ll pick one winner for each available prize at random from among all the website entries. Only 1 entry per person, per day please; duplicate entries will be discarded. Winners must be able to come to CTV Calgary studios to claim their prize within 30 days from today.
I’ll get in touch with the winner via email address, which is supplied on login or signup in order to post a comment. Winner must respond to my email within 24 hours. If I do not receive a response/acknowledgement of the win, your entry is forfeited/discarded and I’ll redraw under same 24 hour timeframe until I get a winner to acknowledge.
Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Not valid in Quebec. Contest is open only to residents of Calgary and area, as winners must be able to come to CTV Calgary studios to claim their prize.
Erinlyyc.Com bears no responsibility for prizes not delivered, delayed or misdirected, or not claimed after 30 days. Prize has no cash value. Both the manufacturers and the public relations agencies have the right to substitute a similar prize in the event one or more items becomes unavailable, so the prizes may not be exactly as shown.
Winner’s name(s) Will be posted to this website and/or social media after the drawing.
If for any reason the internet portion of the contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of this website which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this contest, erinlyyc reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest. Prize may not be exactly as show in accompanying photographs. Prizes are supplied to erinlyyc.com by a third party, as such erinlyyc.com bears no responsibility for prizes delayed, misdirected, adjusted, substituted, or otherwise not supplied.
By entering this contest, you must supply an email address to erinlyyc.com. You may receive future content emails from us, and you may opt out of these emails at any time by following the unsubscribe procedures contained within. By entering this contest you agree you have read and accept the rules and are to abide by them.
117 Comments
Amazing gift ideas. Thank you so much. Would be nice to get win the Google chromecast ultra for Xmas.
Hope that I could win the Google Chromecast Ultra
Love your segments! I would like to have a Google Chromecast Ultra, would be even better if it came from you!
Hi Erin, I’d love to win either the Foreo Luna gift pack or the google chromecast. Thanks!
Dec. 15 – Would like to try the Foreo Luna gift set
December 15: 1 Google Chromecast Ultra
Good day Erin,
I would like to win the Luna
Would love to try the Rubix ,Spark. Thank you for your Tech reviews.always informative.
Thanks for giving us cool tech ideas this season. Love the Fitbit customizable band selections.
I would love to win the Google Chromecast Ultra
December 14 entry: 1 Google Chromecast Ultra
Erin, great info. My Ol self could definitely use a Luna!
Hey Erin, Merry Christmas to you and thanks for your contest! I’m pretty sure the Google Chromecast Ultra would be most welcome at our house. 😀
H Erin! I wouldn’t mind winning the Foreo Luna gift set. Thanks!
Would love to try the com cast device,amazing products reviewed.Thanks
Foreo Luna Gift Pack,for a friend.Interesting show this morning.
Great list! Foreo Luna Gift Pack
Hi,
Google Chromecast will be the best gift for me from you
Thank you
Good Day,
I would like to win Rubik’s Cube ‘SPARK’
Thank you
You provide trusted reviews that are so helpful, thanks! The Google Chromecast would be the most useful for my lifestyle!
Google Chromecast Ultra is my perfect gift…thanks for keeping people updated on new technology.
Great segment! I would love the Chromecast video streamer as we do not currently have anything like this.
Oh wow so amazing, great gifts.
I am interested in the fore luna mini gift set.
Thanks for the opportunity. I am interested in the rubik’s cube ‘spark’
All of the tech products you feature are great but for this contest I think I’d like the Google Chromecast.
That Google Chromecast Ultra looks awesome!
Technology is a beautiful thing. Virtual reality, electric cars, science and design combined but I would need a Google Chromecast to order it all online. Happy holidays indeed
I’d love win the Rubik’s Spark toy – my nephew Jeremy and his wife Meg work in Kolkata and are bringing their 3 boys to visit Calgary in March. Their oldest son Zeke (9) is a wizard with his Rubik’s cube and I’d love to surprise him with this version of it! Jer and Meg and their boys pour their hearts out to the people they work with, it would be fun for them to have something cool.
It would be nice to win Google Chromecast. Thank you, Erin!
The chromecast would be an awesome gift for someone!
I would love the foreo Luna gift pack!!
Thanks and Merry Christmas 🎄
Love your tech updates. My daughter would love the Luna Mini 2. Thank you
I agree, Google Pixel is the right phone to transition from Iphone to a Google Phone. I would love to try Daydream!
I’m hoping to win Google Chromecast. Thanks!
Not sure if the fitbit is a prize but it would be a great Christmas gift. If not the Foreo Luna gift pack would be a great gift for my wife. Always enjoy your segments on CTV.
I have a Grandson who would love the Rubik’s Cube Spark!
Another great segment Erin. It would be great to win the Luna.
Finally trying to win the Chromecast thing for your TV. Just happened to turn on the news and saw all the new gadgets. Cool
The Rubik’s Spark Toy looks great. Would love to win it. Great segment. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Just love your segments. I always get new information that helps me stay on top of tech trends. Would love the Google Chromecast!
Great segment this morning on ctv morning live! I would love to win the Google Chromecast Ultra!
Would LOVE the Forco Luna mini gift set !
The Google pixel you demo’d looks amazing, I love to win the Chromecast.
I love this segment on ctv morning live. I hope to win the Google Chrome cast so that I can give it as a Christmas Present.
Erin, great segment. Would love to add the Rubik’s cube ‘SPARK’ to the you mountain and add the Google chrome cast to my media network. My vegan daughter would love the Foreo Luna mini.
Got to hate auto correct 🙂 toy mountain would be a better spot for the rubik’s cube!
I’d love to win the Foreo Luna Gift Pack. Since moving to Calgary, CTV is our favorite morning show. You always start our day with a smile:)
Would enjoy the Fitbit!
Good morning this is fantastic, I would love the fit bit for my son for Christmas. Thanks for the opportunity! Joy.
Amazing gift ideas Erin. Made myou gift selection lot easier now. I would love to win the Google chromecast ultra. Thanks
. Thankyou for the great ideas you gavw this morning. hoping to get the Pixel phone. Honestly though, who would not want everything on the show?
I would like the chrome cast
1 Foreo Luna gift pack
Merry Christmas 🙂 I would like to win a Rubik’s cube ‘spark’ please
My daughter would love the rubix. Great display of tech gadgets. Merry Christmas.
Great segment…..I would love the 1 Foreo Luna gift pack!
I would love to win the Rubik”s Spark toy!
The google pixel phone looks pretty awesome. That is What I would like the most
Would like to enter contest for the google chromecast ultra thank you
Thank you for such great tech gift ideas Erin! I would love to win the Google Chromecast for my husband 🙂 Happy Holidays!
Another fun segment to watch. I would love to win the Foreo Luna gift pack.
Hi Erin,
Great review of Christmas Items. Good to know that the Roomba does not work on tables, i would have considered using it after a Christmas dinner lol
I would love the Chromecast Ultra, to be able to project my cellphone screen for the holidays to share pictures with my family and friends.
Great review and i look forward to seeing more of your posts
You ve almost sold me on that Roomba…new baby=no time to clean! I would love to win the Foreo Luna Mini. Again…new baby=tired dull skin.
Great segment today. You helped me with ideas for the last two stocking stuffers on my list – Thank you! For myself, I would love the Foreo Luna gift pack.
Love seeing your Tech Talk segment Erin and learning about the coolest new gadgets! My family would love thr Google Chromecast Ultra to help escape our cold, chilly weather this winter and beat cabin fever!
Love wayching your segmeny! I would love the Forest Lunas mini gift set!😊 Merry Christmas 🎄
Hi Erin. Enjoyed your reviews today as always. Keep sharing! Speaking g of sharing how about sharing the Luma gift pack!
Awesome Google review the products. Love to have Google Chromecast Ultra Please
Love your segment always! I’d love to win the Luna gift pack! Merry Christmas!
The google chromecast will be very helful for me to stream videos of my family events to our tv this coming Christmas
I’d love to win the foreo Luna gift pack
Google chromecast ultra! As always, I enjoyed your Tech Talk segment on CTV news this morning. Very informative. Happy Holidays!
Love your segments on CTV morning. You make tech fun for the non-techie!
Key word: I would love to win the Google Chromecast Ultra
Best segment on ctv morning show!! Love to get a Fitbit Erin.
Enjoyed seeing the great giveaways today. What a treat it would be to have a Foreo Luna gift pack.
Foreo Luna Gift Pack – since I moved to Calgary I had to change my face/skin routine due to the climate and I feel like no matter what I do my skin still doesn’t feel the same and this would be perfect to use to get my skin back to how it used to feel!!
Foreo luna gift pack! Like to get a nice facial! 😃
Rubix Cube Spark please!
Good Morning Erin, I do enjoy your reviews of the tech products. The item I would love to have would be Google Chromecast.
So my 7 year old nephew dressed up as a Rubiks Cube for Halloween this year. I would love to win the Rubiks Spark toy for him for Christmas 🙂 Fingers-crossed 🙂 Thanks!
Awesome Christmas gift ideas! Google chromecast ultra.
Hi Erin, great info this morning on new tech options. I’d like to win the Foreo Luna gift pack please. Merry Christmas!
Another great set of techie items for anyone to enjoy. Would really like to get a Google Chromecast as I’m thinking of cutting the ‘cable TV’ cord.
Sweet gifts!! I woukd love a roomba but truthfully all of the gifts are amazing!
Foreign Luna mini gift set
I love the fitbit I have been trying to lose weight and doing well. This would help my progress.
I’d like to win the Fitbit Alta! But I know you’re giving away the Google Chromecast Ultra so that works too! I like them both!
My wife loved the Foreo Luna gift pack
My so loves Rubik’s Cube and is so interested in Rubik’s Spark.
Hello Erin:
I saw your segment on CTV this morning. I would love to win the Foreo Luna gift pack. It sounds like an excellent product.
thanks
Heather L Hurl
Love to win the Google Chrome Cast Ultra. Great spot again today.
Great segment and ideas! Would love to be entered to win the Google Chromecast Ultra 🙂
Love watching your segment. Would love to win the Foret Luna mini gift set!
I would love to win the rubix”s Spark Toy for one of my boys for Christmas. They would love it.
Super exciting…did not know that much about that phone! 😊 I would like to win the Foreo Luna mini gift set.
Love the segment! I’m sure anyone would adore any of the goodies you’re giving away. Thanks for checking out the Roomba: I have kats and have been thinking about getting one.
I would really like the fitbit. I have had triple bypass heart surgery & I am very conscious about exercise, I would like to have a way to monitor my daily activity.
1 Google Chromecast Ultra
Great 2016 list this morning. Foreo luna mini gift set for me !!!!
I would like to win the google chrome cast ultra Good luck to me!
I love your segments on CTV . (Note to self do not use the irobot to clean my table. LOL
I would love to win the Foreo Luna gift pack 😀
Great segment! I’d love to win the Google Chromecast!
Love the Google Chromecast
Hi Erin. Thanks for your gift ideas on ctv morning live this morning. That google chromecast looks pretty cool. That would be fun to get!
Google Chromecast video streamer!!!
Foreo Luna Gift Pack! Would love to start the new year with clean, glowing skin!! 🙂
Great ideas for Christmas gifts! I’d love to win a Google Chromecast 😄
Would love to win the foreo luna mini g5idt set. Been swooning over one of these
great segment on the show today!! showed me lots of great things on there. I would really enjoy the Luna gift pack. always wanted to try that!
I would absolutely love to win the google chromsecast video streamer
I would like the chrome cast
I’d love to win the Foreo Luna gift pack. Thanks for the blog, always great to read!
Google chrome-cast
I’d like to win the chromecast or the fitbit!
The Chromecast Ultra is pretty cool. Might be a good justification to update to that 4K set this year.
Great spot this morning. I’d love to win that Google Chromecast Ultra. Keep up the good work.
Google Chromecast Ultra!
So awesome you’ve finally picked up a real phone. Google4lifeeee