During the summer of 2015, I found myself contemplating the purchase of a wireless speaker. As someone who listens to music every day, the idea of having a convenient, cable-free setup was quite appealing. My search led me to the Logitech UE Boom, which quickly became my top contender.
However, with a price tag of approximately Rs. 15,000 in India, I realized I needed to evaluate my desire more carefully. Would I really use the Boom enough to justify the cost? Most of my music listening occurred on the move, with headphones. I considered whether I should opt for a smart speaker like the Echo, but most models weren’t compatible in India, and I would lose out on portability. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that my interest in a Bluetooth speaker was rooted in a very specific context.
Fast forward to early 2017, and I still do not own the Boom. After extensive consideration, I could not rationalize the investment in such an experience. Although the concept fascinated me, it seemed likely to become one of those gadgets that would only be exciting for the first week before fading into the background.
This sentiment reflects my overall impressions of the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an event that showcased a myriad of technology innovations. A gaming laptop equipped with three expansive fold-out screens? Intriguing, but ultimately impractical. Ultra-thin, flexible 4K HDR TVs? Sounds exceptional, but at a minimum cost of Rs. 2 lakhs, no thanks. Pricing for mesh Wi-Fi systems begins around Rs. 13,000 for a single unit, which seems excessive. However, the introduction of Google Assistant to Android TVs appears to be a genuinely useful advancement.
Over the past decade, rapid technological advancements have led to an explosion of personal technology categories. Beyond smartphones, we now have tablets, drones, virtual reality headsets, eBook readers, OLED screens, and QLED TVs, as well as action cameras, robotic vacuums, and various smart devices—ranging from watches to speakers, refrigerators, lights, and thermostats. The variety is almost limitless.
Manufacturers are eager for consumers to explore new product categories and to upgrade their devices annually. With each new gadget launch comes extensive marketing campaigns touting improvements—slimmer bezels on phones and laptops, thinner TVs with superior color accuracy, and more immersive entertainment experiences. These companies often cast their products in a glamorous light, selling an aspirational lifestyle alongside the gadgets themselves.
This fits into a wider culture of consumerism that celebrates material purchases while transforming the concept of payment. Where cash once reigned, plastic cards and online purchases have become the norm. This shift has further distanced consumers from the tangible value of their expenditures. Services like Amazon Prime, which promise swift, next-day delivery, have further entrenched this consumption-driven lifestyle.
As a technology journalist, these developments present exciting opportunities. With numerous brands competing for attention, it is essential to critically assess their offerings and cut through the marketing narratives to provide clear, accurate information to readers.
Ultimately, it’s vital to remember that technology does not progress at the pace often suggested in marketing campaigns. While 4K televisions have been available since 2013, those with the best quality remain prohibitively expensive. Virtual reality devices from 2016—like Oculus, Vive, and PS VR—are early generation products, carrying high price points due to limited demand. Even the iPhone has maintained the same design for three consecutive years, including its IPS LCD display, suggesting a saturation point in smartphone innovation.
In the end, this highlights a crucial point for consumers—chasing after the latest trends is unnecessary, as much of it lacks genuine innovation. In the past year, I purchased only two gadgets, neither of which debuted in 2016. While this may not apply to everyone, the overarching lesson is that being prudent and sensible with technology purchases is a commendable practice.
That being said, I still find myself yearning for that Boom.
