Tech Tools

AnyGlove, Microsoft Surface RT, Sony Xperia Tablet Z and Wii Pro Controller U

AnyGlove €24

Gloves are a necessity for much of the year in Ireland. But with touch-screen devices becoming ever more popular, there is certainly a bit of a clash between the two.

The obvious solution is to buy a pair of gloves that can be used with touch screens – or, indeed, a phone that has a more sensitive screen. But if you have enough already, AnyGlove will help you turn your regular gloves into touch-screen compatible versions. The small bottle of liquid has enough for 550 drops, which will do several pairs of gloves, and will last for a few weeks.

[ Firebox.com ]

Microsoft Surface RT From €480

While North American shoppers are getting to grips with the Surface, Irish tablet fans are getting their hands on the Surface RT.

The Windows 8 tablet is ideal for two things: working, and watching movies. The former is due mainly to its keyboard cover and the inclusion of a version of Office; the latter is down to its 16:9 aspect ratio and a set of pretty good speakers for the size of the tablet.

It also has a full-size USB port – so you can attach USB sticks – a kickstand for propping it up, and a microSD card slot.

[ Microsoft.com ]

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Price not available yet

Hot on the heels of its smartphone predecessor, the Xperia Tablet Z will soon be hitting the shelves in a bid to rival other premium tablets out there.

It’s been slimmed down and suited up – it’s water resistant and dustproof, but still remains thin and very light. Plus it has a 10-inch screen, with the weight of Sony’s technology behind it, including its mobile Bravia Engine and its Reality Display technology.

What it boils down to is that the Android-powered device is aimed at a premium market, challenging for the big spenders.

[ Sony.ie ]

Wii Pro Controller U $40

Take your classic controller for the Wii and cram in some gesture controllers, and you have the Wii Pro Controller U. Not just a regular controller, and not just a Wiimote, the pro Controller U gives you another option for controlling your Wii U.

A bit of an all-rounder, it gives you the classic D pad and at the flick of a switch, it turns into a Wiimote. It will even hook up to your Android devices through Bluetooth.

[ Thinkgeek.com ]