Today’s tech-connected kids live in a high-definition world. They are bombarded by sound from music players, game consoles, tablets and in-vehicle entertainment systems. Studies show that overexposure to loud sounds leads to hearing damage seen later in life. Parents can take steps to help their kids hear for a lifetime with Etymotic’s ETY·Kids™ Safe-Listening Earphones for Apple products. The ETY·Kids3 headset features three-button control and a mic designed for use with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Sound heard through ETY·Kids earphones will not exceed safe levels, so parents can rest easy. Even at the maximum volume setting on portable players, kids can listen safely for up to four hours per day. ETY·Kids earphones also block out background noise, and provide high-definition sound quality so kids will be able to hear every detail, and won’t complain that the volume is too low.

ETY∙Kids are available in two versions – the ETY·Kids3, a three-button control headset with mic designed to work with Apple products, and the ETY·Kids5 universal earphone that works with any portable device.

The ETY·Kids3 headset will feature AWARENESS! for Etymotic, an app that “listens” to users’ surroundings and mixes any noise louder than normal background sounds directly into the earphones, so kids can hear traffic, announcements or any other important sounds while they are listening. Both products provide clear, high-definition speech and music reproduction and come with kid-friendly eartips to ensure a seal that blocks outside sound.

Pricing and availability – ETY Kids 5 –  £59,  ETY Kids 3  - UK pricing and availability is to be confirmed.

Ford USB Music Box is an aftermarket accessory enabling drivers of vehicles not factory-fitted with a USB port to connect any USB mass storage device to their vehicle’s stereo. Songs and albums can be selected via the steering wheel-mounted controls. Devices such as phones and MP3 players recharge when connected.

Anyone who has spent a long journey endlessly flicking through radio stations knows that sometimes only your own music collection will do. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have a factory-fitted USB port, connecting your MP3 player can often result in a maze of wires, inferior sound quality, and no remote control function. Thankfully, Ford is now offering an aftermarket accessorythat provides the solution – the USB Music Box.

Offered through Ford dealers across Europe, the USB Music Box enables drivers and their passengers to plug their MP3 player, or any USB mass storage device, into the car and listen to their choice of music in razor sharp quality.

The USB Music Box consists of a USB socket, which can be placed out of sight in the glovecompartment, centre console or armrest. Any USB mass storage device, such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or USB stick, can be connected. Stored music can then be played through the AUX channel on the car’s stereo. Songs, albums and folders can be selected through the steering wheel-mounted controls, while devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and cameras will automatically recharge whenever they are connected. Simple Plug and Play wiring means the device can be fitted and ready to play your favourite tunes in less than an hour.

Price £82.99 Available New Years Day

Specifications:

The USB Music Box is compatible with all Ford audio and navigation systems with AUX button in these models:

· Fiesta 2006 – 2008

· Fusion from 2006

· Focus 2004 – 2011

· C-MAX 2003 – 2010

· Kuga

· Mondeo from 2004

· S-MAX

· Galaxy from 2006

· Transit Connect from 2006

· Transit from 2006

If you are thinking of buying your grandchild a scooter for Christmas then this is definitely the one to go for. It comes either as a mini for 3-5 year olds or a maxi for 6-12 year olds. As all children vary in height the handlebars (which can be either T bar or straight) are easily adjustable to suit. These scooters are well made from Swiss design, with a firm plastic platform. They have three wheels for good balance and come with a brake on the rear wheel to stop your grandchild wearing their shoes out when trying to stop.

There are six colours to choose from and also many accessories such as helmets, T shirts and bags. They are sturdy but still light enough to carry around but can corner very easily with a little foot pressure on either side of the platform. It couldn’t be easier to put together, the handlebars just slot into the base and all that is needed then is to tighten everything with the allen key provided and away you go. In the words of my 8 year old granddaughter who has loved using her pink maxi Micro Scooter – “It is such fun to use and I like the way it goes round corners“. “ I just love the pink colour and it is great to use around the house“. “ I always wear my helmet outside and I am very careful near the road”

The Micro Scooter is so easy to pack in the boot of the car if you are going out for the day with the family, a great way to keep the children occupied.

Just so the little ones aren’t left out there is also a scooter for toddlers 1 year plus that comes with a seat to keep them well balanced. If you are feeling adventurous there is also an adult scooter should you wish to join in the fun.

1+ starts from £29.95

3-5 from …….£49.95 – max user weight 20kg

6-12 from ……£99.95- max user weight 50kg

Adult model from £48.00

Available from www.micro-scooters.co.uk

Touchscreen technology is almost taken for granted when it comes to Tablet PCs and smartphones around the home, but the feature which makes these devices easy and enjoyable to use now finds a new outlet, arriving in the UK’s cordless home phone market courtesy of Gigaset. The Gigaset SL910A makes scrolling through phonebook entries, dialing numbers, or viewing photos simple and accessible.

The SL910A’s outstanding screen resolution delivers a crisp and clear user interface, complete with photo caller display, and slideshow in standby functions, thereby adding an extra element of fun to the conventional home telephone. Awarded a Red Dot Design Award for its high-gloss polished metal frame, piano black battery cover, and discreet chrome-plated charging cradle, this elegant phone is a must for any modern household.

The SL910A allows users to configure their personal preferences, just like a Smartphone, including the use of calendars, an analogue clock, important contacts and caller lists. These are just some of the useful functions that can be easily dragged and dropped onto the home screen, making for a truly personalised home phone experience.

Home optimised ringtones and contact picture clips are among some of the many practical features the SL910A provides as standard. During calls, users are also presented with useful icons enabling hands-free calling, call holding, volume control, mute and the phonebook feature to quickly locate family and friends’ contact details.

The 6.8cm x 4.5cm high-resolution colour display of the SL910A really comes in to its own when displaying photos, of which up to 240 can be stored on the phone. Photo slideshows can be created and the phone can be set to display these slideshows at times of inactivity, so you’re never left looking at a blank screen. Group calling and integrated handsfree usability are hassle free with the SL910A, as its powerful separate loudspeaker can be adapted to the needs of different household conditions using four different handsfree profiles.

The SL910A’s extensive phonebook feature can store up to 500 contact entries, each with as many as eight numbers. Loved ones details can be stored with an attached photo which is displayed when each contact calls, and important contacts can even be stored to the customisable home screen. To ensure the SL910A’s phonebook is always up to date users even have the option of syncing with their outlook directory of a Mac or PC.

Price £139.99

For more details checkout http://www.gigaset.com/uk

Finally headphones designed for women so even smaller ears can experience big sound. Many ear buds can be just too bulky and uncomfortable for girlie ears so you don’t always get the most enjoyable listening experience. With smaller earpieces, narrower barrels and petite sized eartips these headphones ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Great for listening on MP3 players, iPods, smart phones and tablets. The jewel-like detailing and stylish colors make a true fashion statement too. Available in various different colours.

Available from www.alteclansing.com Price £29.99