Deepwater’s Gift Guide:
Our annual tradition continues! This year’s gift guide is part forecast, part wishlist, showcasing the best tech-forward and innovative holiday gifts for 2024. Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or yourself, this list is sure to delight. We’ve also included our predictions for the big launches and releases we’re expecting in 2025—along with a look at how last year’s forecasts played out.
Last year, we predicted a few items that won’t show up until 2025 and beyond, showing we were too hopeful on our wishlist:
- Redesigned, full-screen iPhone SE or Mini | Slated for 2025, the new SE should be another iPhone hit and help bolster our Justification for an iPhone Supercycle.
- Streaming service bundles | We saw an effort in streaming service bundles this year; Disney+, Hulu, and Max joined forces in May, but Venu Sports, a proposed joint venture between Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox aimed to create a comprehensive sports streaming service, was shot down in August over antitrust concerns.
- Apple Vision | The “more affordable” (~$2k) Vision Pro has been pushed back to 2026 after disappointing demand for the initial release. Apple needs to decide if they continue to pursue the current form factor or shift to ambient computing as we believe Smart Glasses Opportunity Bigger Than Spatial Computing.
Here’s a look at what made our team’s personal gifting wishlists:
- Meta Smart Glasses | $263 | Capture life hands-free with high-definition cameras and enjoy AI-powered audio commands.
- Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse | $100 | For the power user in your life, this ergonomic mouse delivers precision, speed, and comfort. Perfect for productivity pros and gamers alike.
- Freshpet Homestyle Creations Dog Food | $9 | Pets deserve holiday love too. This fresh dog food is sure to make tails wag.
- Apple Watch Series 10 | $399 | A perfect gift for anyone looking to stay active and informed.
- Lululemon x Disney Steady State Pullover Hoodie | $138 | Disney and Lululemon have teamed up to bring you a winter wardrobe that’s both cozy and chic.
- Anduril Flight Jacket | $160 | The ultimate travel companion. This premium flight jacket offers a sleek design and practical utility for frequent flyers and adventurers.
- 1-Month of Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) | $99 | We recently demoed FSD V12.3.6 and concluded that it is both mind-blowing and not yet quite a finished product. If you have not already, we highly recommend trying it out.
- SOL Reader Glasses | $399 | Designed for bookworms and screen lovers alike, these ultra-lightweight glasses make long reading sessions a breeze.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl | $9 | Dahl’s timeless classic is an inspiration to our imagination. Separately, Willy’s ending comment that “so shines a good deed in a weary world”, reminds us that even in a difficult world, a kind act stands out like a bright light.
Finally, here’s a look ahead to 2024 and some aggressive predictions about products we’re hoping for:
- AirPods with Cameras | $350 | Apple takes its wearable tech to the next level. Imagine capturing hands-free photos and videos directly from your earbuds – a blend of convenience and innovation.
- Stripped-Down Tesla Model 3 | $35k w/o savings or incentives | Tesla was rumored to have tested this concept earlier this year with no result. However, we believe stripping some features and details could save thousands.
- Google Glasses 2.0 | $300 | Project Astra demoed the return of a Google wearable, exemplifying ambient computing and a wearable AI assistant.
- Apple TV Stick | $49 | My dream of an Apple branding television will have to wait, with the company opting to go simple and affordable to drive Service revenue.
Happy Holidays from the Deepwater team!