If you're searching for that perfect technology gift that hits a home run with the gadget lover in your family, then hopefully I can help. I regularly stay up-to-date by reading reports or going to conventions where new inventions and technologies are showcased.
With that being said there's only a handful of all the items I see at these conventions that are really, in my opinion, worth showcasing. Here's my short list of 8 useful new gadgets and technologies you should know about in 2013.

When I think of devices that have made a big impact in 2013 one of the first ones that comes to mind is the Google Chromecast. This device allows you to stream video from your tablet, laptop, or smartphone on to your TV. In order to Function it connects to the same Wi-Fi network that your portable device is using.
Current Support for the Chromecast:
Right now it supports Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Music, but Google has promised to continue updating it in the future with more features and support for more applications. It appears that Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, and Hulu are still in the works. And while the device does support Android 2.3 and higher, iOS 6 and higher, Windows 7 and higher, Mac OS 10.7 and higher, and Chrome OS it does not support Kindle, Windows Phone and Microsoft Surface RT.
Potential Support for the Future:
It looks like Pandora, HBO GO, Redbox, Hulu, Vevo, Vimeo, Songza, TWit.TV, and Plex are all hinting that they plan on supporting this device. In my opinion support for most of these will come quickly.
How it's powered:
If you have HDMI v1.4 or higher, then it simply plugs into that HDMI port. For those who don't have HDMI V1.4 the Chromecast is powered by a USB connection.
Final Thoughts:
It's obvious that this device hasn't reached its full potential. That being said we're sure to see huge updates in the future and even with the support it has currently it's a great compliment to any TV. For $35 it's a perfect mid-range gift.

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The Chromecast keeps selling out. If you can find one, then grab it quickly.
Amazon Price: $29.99
List Price: $35.00

If you want a little more functionality with a bit of a higher price tag, then you could also consider the Roku 3 which as of right now has the highest number of channels available at more than 750.
Amazon Price: $83.00
List Price: $99.99

Amazon Price: $691.86
List Price: $499.99

The Wii U was a bit of a bust in 2012 because most were waiting for the release of the Xbox One from Microsoft and the PS4 from Sony.
It remains to be seen whether the PS4 or the Xbox One comes out the big dog in the console space.
E3 Ends In Disaster for Microsoft:
That being said Xbox One had a terrible showing at E3 because Microsoft initially said that it would require an internet connection and place limitations on how games could be rented, traded, and re-used.
Microsoft Retracts its Statements:
After fan backlash Microsoft retracted that statement and has regained some of its initial buzz. One thing is for sure and that is that the Xbox One and PS4 will sell in record numbers this Christmas. Some are estimating as much as twice as many as the previous generation consoles.
Release Date for Xbox One and PS4
We'll find out soon with the Playstation 4's release date coming up November 15th and Xbox One's on November 22 of 2013.

Amazon Price: $84.96
List Price: $99.95

Whether you're a fitness fanatic, trying to lose weight, or just want to manage your calories the Fitbit Flex will appeal to many.
This little device keeps track of steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes and displays LED lights throughout the day to show you how you're doing. One light lit means that you've reached about 20% of the goal you've set for the day on your customizable daily dashboard. At night it keeps track of how well you sleep.
Wireless Sync:
The fit syncs to select Bluetooth 4.0 devices without doing any work. This includes support for Android and iOS devices.
Final Thoughts:
This device still isn't perfect and may not be a perfect replacement for the Fitbit One. That being said what really turns me on to it is just how small it is. Its really a lot less invasive than a watch and still maintains a lot of really cool features that I enjoy. Overall it's a bit pricey, but will be well worth the cost for some.

Amazon Price: $209.99
List Price: $229.00

I think there will come a point in time when I feel that one year's cell phones and tablets don't feel significantly better than the previous years. I certainly haven't reached that point yet as some of this year's portable devices seem like a must-have upgrade for those who are on the go a lot.
This is especially true for *any devices which are able to incorporate Intel's new Haswell processors which provide a significant boost for both processing power and increase in battery life.
*A good example of this would be Apple's new MacBook Air which now gives you 9 to 12 hours of battery life.
Notable upgrades for 2013 include Google's Nexus 7 FHD tablet as well as the Galaxy S4. While I'm not sure that I'd upgrade to the S4 if I had the S3 I will tell you that it feels like a huge jump from the S2.
Other impressive devices have been released in 2013 which change the way we think about laptops and tablets and really at some level join everything together. Razer's Edge Pro Tablet is ideal for applications and PC gaming while a hybrid tablet like Asus' AiO allows you to transition from Desktop to Tablet and back again.

It's a bit pricey, but the AiO functions as a tablet and a desktop. It's the perfect device to incorporate Microsoft's new Windows 8.
Amazon Price: $1,199.00

Amazon Price: $238.00
List Price: $249.00

In 2013 it's time to have a smarter thermostat to go along with all of our other devices. While you could program your thermostat to certain temperatures each day, there are just a few people who truly do so.
This is especially true when you consider how many people actually pause to adjust their thermostat each time they leave the house.
With this thermostat it keeps track of your habits, learns, and then eventually reacts to how you would during the day.
It syncs to your Wi-Fi so you can control it from your portable device. That way you easily adjust it form any room in your house.
Nest Saves You Money While You're Away:
In addition, it has a Auto-Away feature which saves you money by going to an energy-saving temperature while you're away.
Considering that up to half of your energy bill each month is controlled through your furnace or AC, it's quite an upgrade.
Final Thoughts:
Overall this is a great product that my wife and I have had a lot of success with this year. It's cut our energy bills and honestly looks great in place of the old thermostat.

My wife and I love watching movies and TV at night. Overall I've been happy with my couple year old LED TV, until now. Having seen the Panasonic TC-P65VT60 I simply couldn't be more amazed. Don't just take my word for it as CNET recently named it the "best-performing TV they've ever seen".
Viera plasma TVs were designed to give you the deepest blacks available on any screen. This works well even when the lights are off.
In addition to all of this the Viera TC-P65VT60 also has a ton of features including Viera link, connect, E-help, Social networking TV and Skype, Voice guidance and interaction, Electronic Touch pen capability, a built in camera, 2d to 3D conversion, 2 pairs of 3D eye wear, and much more.
Final Thoughts:
It's pricey so this electronic gift certainly won't be for everyone. However, this particular model lives up to the hype for those who can afford it.

Amazon Price: Too low to display
List Price: $3,299.99

Amazon Price: $150.00
List Price: $431.00

In addition to making your home smarter with the Nest thermostat you should also consider adding a great device like the Schlage touchscreen Deadbolt to your home. It makes it easier when trying to enter and can be connected to Nexia home intelligence for a monthly fee.
Unfortunately, Not Compatible with Z-wave:
While I personally like Schlage's new touchscreen deadbolt, some of you may prefer a Z-wave compatible touchscreen deadbolt. If that's the case, then I highly recommend the Yale YRD220-ZW-619. It's a but more pricey upfront, but you'll most likely be able to avoid any fees.

Home projectors have been around for a long time. That being said the picture quality you'd get for the money you'd spend, in my opinion, had been somewhat lacking until the last couple of years.
Some of the reason for this is that basic home projectors simply could not provide good dark-room images. In addition black colors had previously left much to be desired for the money I was looking to spend (under $3000).
Enter the Epson 5020. With this projector you get most of the picture quality you get on higher-end models for a much more affordable price. In addition it produces a great dark room picture, something which ,as I mentioned, had been missing in the past.
Final Thoughts:
There are two versions of this particular projector, the standard 5020, and the UBe which has a wireless HD option for about $300 more. The 5020 also comes with two pairs of 3D glasses which adds value to what I already feel is a pretty good bang for your buck. If you're in the projector market or working on your Home Theater Room, then don't pass on this model.

Amazon Price: $2,899.00
List Price: $2,899.99

Overall there's a lot of great new technology and electronics that would make a great Christmas gift in 2013. Have something to add to this page? Feel free to use the open discussion area below.