What the Tech: Google Hot 100
If millions of people are searching for the same gift, that’s a good sign it might be hard to find this holiday season. Google’s annual Hot 100 list offers a sneak peek at the products everyone’s looking for right now, and it’s a good guide for what could sell out before Black Friday even arrives.
One of the biggest surprises this year is portable movie projectors. Google says searches for these have jumped more than 900%. You can still find plenty of inexpensive options, but if you’re after a top brand like Viewsonic, Anker, or Samsung, you might want to shop sooner rather than later.
Another hot item is fitness rings. These Oura-style smart rings track health data like steps, sleep, and heart rate. Searches for them have reached new highs this year, and they cost about $350.
Red light therapy masks are also generating buzz. These futuristic-looking devices are designed for skincare and wellness, with prices ranging anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
Wireless gaming headsets are trending too, and so are mini photo printers that turn your digital shots into real photos. Both are among the top-searched items this season.
And for the eighth year running, the Nintendo Switch is on Google’s Hot 100 list. The Switch 2 has already sold more than 10 million units this year. While it might not completely sell out, expect local shortages. Prices are holding at around $450 everywhere and $499 when bundled with a fresh game. Few will be discounted during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, though typically, many retailers offer savings by bundlingdling a few extra games. A few listings on eBay are already topping $800, which is never a good sign if you’re hoping for a bargain.
If one of these is on someone’s wish list, it’s best to grab it now while you still can.
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