The Best Tech Gadgets of 2018

I'm calling it right now: 2018 is the year when we finally got the virtual reality device of our dreams – and it lives up to every single second of the hype. The Oculus Go ($199) is portable, comfortable, and makes you feel like you're in the future. (But really, it does in the best possible way!) What more could you ask for? For a full rundown of what the Oculus Go can do, check out our review.

I absolutely adore the Canon Ivy Photo Printer ($129) for a whole host of reasons: First, it's insanely portable (Seriously, it fits in the palm of my hand.) Second, it prints out some of the highest-quality photos I've ever seen from a portable printer. And finally, the ease of buying paper (it's a snap with Amazon) and the lack of an ink cartridge means I'm never caught off-guard and always able to give a friend a copy of that photo right away – and that's just a feeling that can't be beat.

The G-RO Carry-On ($399) is the suitcase I've been waiting for all my life. From USB chargers on the top (yes, the battery *is* removable for easy travel) to the suitcase tracking system powered by Tile (!), all the way through to the extremely convenient compartments and TSA-approved locking mechanism . . . traveling has never been so easy, or so stress-free.

For anyone who has ever wished that they could take back time and embrace the digital camera: Boy, have we got a treat for you. The unparalleled ease and beauty of the Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera ($496) cannot be beat – it has this digital-savvy writer carrying it around everywhere, and loving every single shot it takes. The best part is the Snapbridge technology makes it so that your photos instantly upload to your phone – so you can get professional quality photos, every single time. Suffice it to say, even if you love your phone's camera – you probably should invest in one of these babies ASAP.

I will admit that at first, I was very skeptical that a smart-umbrella would change my day-to-day routine. Enter the Weatherman Smart Umbrella ($59) – not only does it have an app that alerts me as to whether I need to bring an umbrella on my commute (both ways!) but also has a convenient flap with a tracker, which ensures that I never leave it behind for too long.

And now, for something a little different: the Kenyon City Grill ($475). It may not immediately appear to be the conventional tech product you're used to, but it's got some of the most high-tech power that we've damn well ever seen. This grill doesn't run on fire or gas; instead, it plugs right into the wall and brings grilling right to any home or apartment, without the hassle of finding an outdoor space (or, in many cases, trying to avoid breaking the terms of your lease by getting caught while grilling out.) It's the tech that powers some of the most savvy cuisine – think of any place that makes food outdoors, and that's exactly where this came from – and now, if you're anything like me, it can be an invaluable part of your home kitchen, too.

For a full run-down of what Google Clips ($249) can do, check out our full review. But if you're looking to supplement your current snapping skills (and get yourself back in the frame) there's no better tool than this nifty little camera.

Whether you're looking to get into the smart home game or just trying to get the best speaker on the market, the Apple HomePod ($349) will completely change everything you thought you knew about sound. For more on what the HomePod can do, check out our full review.