MacBook Pro
Hardware
Apple has outdone itself with the new MacBook Pro. A significant step up from the 2012 version, not only has it been given a slick facelift compared to its predecessor, but the tech giant has also given the laptop’s sound, video and processor a serious upgrade. But perhaps the biggest update is the context-dependent touch bar replacing the function keys atop the keyboard that changes depending on the program you’re using, for instance allowing users to quickly navigate to a certain part of the film they’re editing or giving them a selection of emojis when using Messages. However, impressive as these changes may be, Apple’s decision to do away with USB, HDMI and MagSafe ports and its hefty £1,749 price tag may give some potential buyers pause. Still, the new MacBook Pro is sure to prove itself a useful aide for founders on the go.
Surface Studio
Hardware
Clearly aiming to give the iMac a run for its money, Microsoft has packed the Surface Studio with features that would tempt even the biggest Apple devotee to seriously reassess their loyalties. Not only does it double up as full-size desktop, users can also tilt the screen to turn the Surface Studio into a tablet and doodle with the Surface Pen or make fine adjustments with the Surface Dial device. When you take into account the fact that it can also accommodate a massive 32GB of RAM, this is an immensely powerful piece of kit. The only downsides to the Surface Studio are that it’s only available to pre-order in the US and that the price is set at a wallet-sapping $3,000. However, if you’re running a creative startup, this may be the desktop-tablet hybrid for you.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Hardware
Given that GoPro recalled its Karma drone earlier this month, DJI couldn’t have wished for better timing to release Phantom 4 Pro. With one of its major competitors out of the way, DJI’s latest flying device is set to swoop in and take centre stage. Its 60 frames-per-second video is a serious update from the 30 FPS seen on the Phantom 4, as are the updated sensor size, resolution and image processing system, making this DJI’s most powerful drone camera to date. The Phantom 4 Pro also benefits from a longer flight times than its predecessors, going from 28 to 30 minutes. While drone enthusiasts may be hesitant to splash out £1,589.00, the Phantom 4 Pro will certainly help startups shoot some impressive aerial footage.
Snapchat Spectacles
Hardware
You don’t often see a new piece of tech that would fit in perfectly on the set of Mad Men. However, the new Snapchat Spectacles would fit as perfectly on Betty Draper as they would on millennials strolling around Soho. By simply pressing a button, the high-tech sunglasses allow users to film ten-second videos of what they see. So far the glasses are only available through Snapchat’s sporadic pop-up vending machines in the US, which is certainly helping to create a buzz about the gadget ahead of Snapchat’s rumoured floatation next year. We don’t know about you but we’re ready to bet there will be some great footage of the IPO party.
Playstation VR
Hardware
Given the release of Oculus Rift, Google Daydream and HTC Vive, VR has certainly been the talk of techie town this past year. And with both established giants and new startups taking advantage of the new innovations, you can’t fault Sony for throwing its hat in the ring with the release of Playstation VR. The device isn’t just for gaming: not only can users roam around in Xing: The Land Beyond and take to the clouds in Wayward Sky but they can also use it to watch 360 videos and photos. And while the Playstation VR requires you to already own a PS4, with an asking price of £349 compared to the Rift’s £549 it certainly seems like an affordable and fun introduction to the world of VR. 
