Seattle Tech Gifts for Father’s Day

Bezos: “Alexa, buy me a Father’s Day gift from Whole Foods.”

Alexa: “Now buying Whole Foods for $13.7 billion.”

You: “Alexa, what should I get my ‘Dear Old Dad’ for Father’s Day?”

Alexa: “Father’s Day is a popular time for car shows. See if there’s one happening nearby. Your Dad can show you some of the vintage rides that were around when he first learned how to drive.”

I like Alexa’s thinking, but let’s turn that car around. Instead of going retro, you could introduce Dad to some of the cool, tech vehicles that are driving you in 2017.

Here are six, spiffy gifts that originate right in your own backyard, provided that backyard is in the Puget Sound.

 The home-and-away game “switch-hitter,” The Switch goes everywhere you do with games like Mario Kart, Zelda, Pokemon and Pikmin. Fun for the whole family.
Price: $419 Link.

 

Vezzo Mirror

The 24”x32”x2,” anti-fog Vezzo Mirror from Port Orchard-based Go To Research, Inc. installs easily and features Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, quality dual speaker sound, embedded LED lighting, and hands-free telephony when paired with your smartphone. Hang it landscape or portrait — no wiring necessary. 

Price: $395  Link. 

Pico C “Futures”
While you could pick up the Fremont-built  PicoBrew Home Brewing System from BestBuy for $699 and save $100. (Tasty PicoPaks sold separately), why not make Dad an early round investor in the new Pico Model C?

Now making its debut on indiegogo, the new countertop beer maker is billed as the most affordable. easier to use, smart craft beer brewing appliance ever. The Pico C will also include the new Pico C Brew Keg, which features a simplified hose connection and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. So far, $1,982,205 US dollars have been raised for 551% of the total ask.  Price: TBD.  Link

 

PillsyCap Bluetooth Pill Botttle

If you’d like to remind Dad to take his vitamins and any other health-affirming medications, Pillsy’s bluetooth bottle “Cap and App” solution may keep Dad dosing instead of dozing on time. The PillsyCap automatically tracks doses, beeping and blinking to remind him. Works with iOS and Android. One-year battery life.

Price: $45.00 for the 1-pack amber vial (now 40% off) or $45 for the larger vitamin Bottle (now 40% off).  Link. Seattle-born.

Dad’s old pegboard workbench and clanky toolbox are so analog. Besides, the Phillip’s head screwdriver and monkey wrench won’t mean a thing to most laptop or hand held electronics.  At just $14.95 the NewerTech 14-Piece Portable Toolkit features hardened, magnetic screwdriver blades and a non-marring, destructible nylon “Spudger,” a pry tool and black nylon probe for opening iDevices. A rugged, zippered, woven-nylon case keeps everything in place.