New Tech of 2022: Theragun Prime Massage Gun and more

Theragun Prime Massage Gun

Slow-mo videos of people slapping their legs with massage guns abound on social media, but what exactly is happening? Massage guns, like the Theragun, are like having a private masseur on hand for a quick post-workout session.

The Theragun Prime appears to be a cross between a weapon and a power tool. But it is actually a percussive therapy device designed to massage your muscles by rapidly 40 times per second.

It claims to penetrate your muscles 60% deeper than other massagers, increasing blood flow. And reducing inflammation, and muscle tension, and working out any knots that have formed.

You can pick out problem areas without having to bend at odd angles because of the handle’s triangular shape. Which makes it comfortable to hold from any angle. It’s far from silent, but it’s certainly not loud as something beating at 2,400 percussions per minute in your hand.

The documentation for using the Theragun could use some work, and the app isn’t particularly helpful. It offers only a few routines and a guide to how much pressure you’re applying. In fact, it took me two weeks to figure out that you could turn it on without even opening the app. But once I did, it became a very obvious feature.

It was a revelation to be able to pick it up and work on knotted muscles I had no idea existed. As massage specific parts of my body that were feeling sorry for themselves after a long day of working out.

I’ve mostly used it in the morning to get the blood flowing and at night before bed. And it definitely relieves some of the muscle tension that has built up throughout the day. I’m no medical expert, so it’s worth doing some research online to find out exactly how to use it safely.

Yoto Player Interactive Audio Player

Cassettes were fantastic, weren’t they? The sound was terrible, you couldn’t skip tracks, and they never lasted long before being devoured by the tape monster. But I used to love listening to stories on them as a kid.

There was something deeply satisfying for me about inserting the tapes, pressing play, and getting lost in a ripping yarn. And the Yoto Player is a modern-day equivalent that is just as tactile and exciting. Except that it sounds nice.

Instead of tapes, this cool little audio player works by inserting cards, each with a story to listen to. There are numerous classic stories to choose from, including The Gruffalo and Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Instead of a screen, it has a cutesy pixelated display, making the entire device kid-friendly. Keeping kids entertained without resorting to a tablet can be difficult under any circumstances. So the Yoto Player is one of the better ways to keep their little minds whirring and imagination sparked.

You now offer a monthly subscription package for £12.99, which includes two new cards to listen to each month, a postcard. And an ever-growing coloring art piece to keep those creative juices flowing.

HyperX Wireless Gaming Setup

HyperX is a big name in gaming peripherals (they even have their own esports arena in Las Vegas). So it’s no surprise that their gear is top-notch in terms of quality and features. Their wireless gear does not disappoint.

First, you’ll require 7.1 headphones, and the HyperX Cloud Fight S ­headset has some seriously good surround sound. The headset’s swiveling ear cups allow them to sit comfortably around your neck when you need a breather. And you can control chat/audio balance from the headset itself, ideal for those vital mission strategy briefings without interrupting play.

The butter-like softness of the leatherette and memory foam innards makes them plush and extremely comfortable to wear. Even for all-day and night gaming marathons, it’s weighted enough to be stable when sitting on the charging pad. But not so heavy that it becomes uncomfortable after a few hours of continuous wear.

The HyperX Pulsefire Dart mouse has a reassuringly familiar design and comfortable leatherette side grips. It’s weighty and feels solid in your hand, but it glides effortlessly across your desk surface. And the best part is that you can customize the RGB lighting with the INGENUITY software.

Both the headset and mouse have far more battery life than a PS4 controller. And it can be charged wirelessly at the same time on the sleek Chargeplay Base. As an added bonus, while you’re slaying zombies, you can charge any Qi-enabled device.

Ember Mug2 and Travel Mug²

Nothing makes a Brit’s heart sing like the thought of a steaming cup of tea. A cold and forgotten cuppa, on the other hand, is practically an insult to Queen and country. The Ember Mug2 is a very elegant (if pricey) solution to this very British problem.

When you connect the Ember mug to your smartphone via the accompanying app. And you’ll receive a notification when your brew has reached the ideal temperature. And a heating element in the bottom of the mug will keep it toasty warm until you’ve finished every last drop.

When we tested it, we discovered that you needed two teabags to get a good strong brew. And we were a little disappointed that it can’t be charged via USB. But that is a small price for a sizable 414ml mug of perfectly temperate tea. Please, milk, no sugar.