News & Events

This is the last week for Christmas preparations and the Digital Media Zone (DMZ) recommends some gadget gift ideas and helpful apps to get ready for the holidays.

Ryerson’s DMZ is a multidisciplinary workspace for research and learning where entrepreneurs have the opportunity to launch their start-ups or develop industry solution services. Adrian Bulzacki, CEO of ARB Labs, an interactive digital video technology team, is always on the forefront of the latest tech items on the market. Bulzacki has compiled a list of the top buys of the moment that would be perfect for any gadget lover:

GoPro Hero 3: Black Edition
Photographers can take up to 30 photos per second in up to 60 metres (200 feet) of water with this Wi-Fi-enabled versatile camera. It may be expensive ($399.99), but it’s worth the money for camera aficionados who love adventure and travel photography.

Levitron Revolution
This magnetized device ($138.99) is the most high-tech way to display treasures by levitating and rotating small objects of up to 340 grams (12 ounces), allowing guests to get a good look at prized possessions.

Nike+ FuelBand
Fitness nuts can wear the Nike+ FuelBand ($149) around their wrist and watch it count the calories they burn. Set a daily fitness goal and the Nike+ FuelBand’s display light will change from red to green the closer it reaches it. The Nike+ FuelBand can also be synced to its corresponding mobile app so users can stay connected to friends.

iComfort Eye and Temple Massager
Stressed out worriers can relax this holiday season with the iComfort Eye and Temple Massager ($69.95). Simply place the mask over the head and sit back as its five-minute automatic eye massage erases any trace of a headache.

Sphero
Sphero ($129.99) will be sure to impress guests as the world’s first robotic gaming ball that is controlled using the touch screen on a smartphone or tablet. Sphero can be driven, played with multiple gamers and used as a controller for on-screen games. It’s versatile yet durable and is even waterproof.

In addition, digital technology expert and founder of DMZ-supported company HitSend Brennan McEachran has found the best apps and websites to keep people on track and stress-free this winter:

WayTwoGood
WayTwoGood is a free app designed by DMZ team Three Red Cubes that brings more than 25 daily deal websites together into one app, making it easy to access the best local deals all at once. The app also gives the option to receive notifications on favourite deals.

Ink Cards
Save the trip to the mailbox by creating and sending loved ones holiday cards using the Ink Cards app for iPhone, available at the App Store. Upload photos, add special messages and send out cards using this free app, which can personalize holiday greetings without the hassle of stamping and sending traditional mail.

NORAD Santa Tracker
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa’s Christmas Eve journey for several years, using its military sensors and technology to detect his movements on December 24th. Children can log onto www.noradsanta.org to track his toy deliveries around the world and play online holiday games before the big day.

Cookit
Cooking a holiday meal for several family members can be a hassle but free iPhone app Cookit will help sort out when to start preparing each meal item and send a reminder of when it’s time to start cooking each one.

El Gifto
The free El Gifto iPhone app, available at the App Store, helps givers shop for that impossible-to-buy person. List their personality traits and interests into El Gifto and it will provide several gift ideas that best suit them, cutting shopping time in half.

Canadian Red Cross – International Disaster Relief Fund
Christmas is also a time for charitable giving. Easily donate to the non-profit organization with this app and share fundraising updates with friends and family.

TripAdvisor
For those looking to get away, find the best airfare, hotel and restaurant details with just a click of a button by downloading the free TripAdvisor app.

These and more holiday tips can be found in the spotlight section of Ryerson’s media room at http://bit.ly/QTt7nf.  

-with files from Lisa Pires