One Gadget, Multiple Uses

The Swiss Army knife, conditioning shampoo, the universal remote – what they have in common is the fact that they are all able to serve more than one function. In this age of expedience, efficiency and economy, multi-purpose gadgets are all the more sought after. Here are some tech gadgets that can do double (and even triple) duty while reducing yours.

Play in One

What:Xbox One

What it can do:Game box, TV, Skype, YouTube, virtual fitness instructor

The Xbox is synonymous with video games but its newest incarnation, the Xbox One, is more than just a game machine; it is an entire entertainment hub in a single sleek, black box. Games, television, movies, music, sports, Skype – the Xbox One offers you all of them, all at once.

The device is activated by your voice with a simple command: ‘Xbox On’. With the Snap function, you can watch your favourite television show, movie, YouTube video and even Skype with your friends while enjoying the latest multi-player game. The split screen promises you the ability to multi-task as you play.

The Xbox One also gives you access to popular apps so that you are in the touch with the world beyond your game. To make sure you do not turn into a couch potato or game zombie, you can work out with the world’s best fitness gurus through Xbox Fitness. You can even get instant, personalised feedback.

Work Out in One

What:Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker

What it can do:Track steps, distance, calories burnt, amount and quality of sleep; function as an alarm clock

If there is one exercise companion you should get, it would be the Fitbit Flex. This wireless tracker in a slim, stylish design tracks your steps, distance covered and calories burned during the day. At night, it tracks the amount of sleep you get and the quality of your sleep. In the morning, it vibrates to wakes you up silently.

Your progress is presented in real time via easy-to-read graphs, charts and tools. All your stats are automatically synced to your computer and smartphone so you have your data on hand at all times. The device even sets you daily goals. Its LED indicators show you how close you are to achieving the targets with two taps of the band, and vibrates and lights up when you have met your mark. It also hands out badges to encourage you and allows you to challenge your friends. It is your personal trainer on your wrist.

Fashion and Function in One

What:Samsung Gear S and Samsung Circle

What it can do:Mobile phone, watch, camera, fitness tracker with ear phones

It’s wearable technology at its very best. The Samsung Gear S complete with 3G, Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity is a smartphone you can wear on your wrist. All that a smartphone can do – make and take calls, send and receive messages, connect to the Internet, accommodate apps, tell time, organise activities, listen to music – this device can do as well. Plus, it has a fitness tracking function that makes it a perfect health and fitness companion.

Pair the watch with the Samsung Circle ear phones that enables users to receive calls, listen to music and make voice commands easily and in style through a Bluetooth connection. Waterproof and protected against corrosion, the nine-hour playback time ensures durability.

Cooking in One

What:Philips Viva Collection Food Processor

What it can do:Cut, slice, dice, shred, blend, granulate, knead and grind

The Philips Viva Collection Food Processor (S$169) makes hassle-free food preparation an easy push of a button away. It is also a great space-saver because instead of different cutting tools, you need only one kitchen accessory.

As technology advances, we will increasingly have technology that allows us to collapse several functions into one, neat device. Now, that is what is called the power of one.

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