Gadget Guru: Looking ahead to holiday shopping

With endless sales, endless websites, endless emails, endless retail sites, how do you choose while shopping for electronic gadgets this season?

I’ll tell you how: Choose among the following items and you can’t go wrong.

The ZVOX AccuVoice TV speaker fixes the problem of having a big, bulky sound system or sound bar by packing big technology into a small format.

Measuring 17-by-3.1-by-2.9-inches, it produces clear audio with the company’s innovation called AccuVoice, which is based on hearing-aid technology. The technology turns on and off on its own based on the broadcast audio. The audio helps the hearing-impaired while all others hear the same sound perfectly from the three full-range speakers inside the single aluminum cabinet.

As for getting it connected, all it takes is a single wire connection. It comes with a wireless remote, and it can easily be hung on a wall.

zvoxaudio.com; $249.99

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

Monster’s HotShot is a portable Bluetooth speaker that is small enough to use with the included carabiner clip on your belt.

Don’t be fooled by the size (3.5-by-3-by-1.875-inches), especially after you hear the powerful Pure Monster sound.

There’s also a built-in speaker phone for hands-free calls, a 3.5-milimeter stereo analog port and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery will run for about 5.5 hours.

monsterproducts.com; $49.99

WIRELESS EARBUDS

The iFrogz wireless earbuds have everyone covered at prices under $40.

The Plugz Bluetooth earbuds ($29.99) have powerful 9-milimeter neodymium drivers in each noise-isolating ear for great sound. A wireless hub magnetic storage secures the earbuds when not in use and an attached clip is great for securing it to your clothing. Inside is a 10-hour life rechargeable battery, a microphone for hands-free calls and buttons for controlling music and calls.

You get three tip sizes to ensure great comfort. Also, iFrogz will replace the tips for free if lost, damaged or worn.

The iFrogz Summit Bluetooth wireless earbuds have 8-milimeter drivers and are designed for active-lifestyle users.

They are ergonomically built with a secure-fit wing to sit in the curve of your ears, ensuring they stay in place no matter the activity. The wireless hub and ear tip guarantee are included.

zagg.com; Plugz earbuds cost $29.99 in silver or blue, Summit earbuds cost $34.99 in red or black.

SMARTPLUG

Smarthomes are not the future – they are here now.

The iHome Smartplug and remote are easy to set up to control lamps, appliances and air control systems with a smartphone.

The WiFi iSP6 smartplug fits into any standard AC plug and has a pass-through outlet for connecting any device you want controlled.

On your iOS or Android device, install the free iHome Control app; using your existing WiFi, the setup takes only a few minutes. The remote has buttons to control the smartplug up to 35 feet away.

The iHome smartphone system works with Apple HomeKit, Nest and Wink systems and software.

ihomeaudio.com; Smartplug remote $19.99, Smartplug $39.99.

ALL-IN-ONE DEVICE

Scosche’s new GoBat 2600 is as amazing all-in-one device.

The pocket-sized device connects to your car’s 12-volt charging port and accepts a USB cable for charging a device. When you remove the GoBat, it’s a 2600mAh portable battery for charging USB-powered devices.

The internal battery will charge itself while connected in your car or to an AC wall outlet with a microUSB cable, even if a device is connected for charging. A power-level LED alerts you to how much power is left before the internal battery needs a charge.

And finally there’s an LED flashlight, which you can mount for emergency roadside use with the included magnetic cap

scosche.com; $24.99.

MOBILE ACCESSORY

The Ventev wallport r430 is for anyone at home, work or play. With four USB ports (three standard USB and one USB-C), you can charge a variety of portable gadgets simultaneously. Folding AC prongs are handy to tuck away for portability.

mobileaccessories.ventev.com; $29.99.

This story was originally published November 9, 2016 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Gadget Guru: Looking ahead to holiday shopping."