The hot list: The future is now

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Five stylish gadgets for the tech-obsessed.

1 Charged up

Due for launch in the next few weeks, the Charge Tray could be the answer to many of your tech-related troubles. Initially unveiled at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan, the Charge Tray was designed by Benjamin Hubert’s Layer studio for Italian ceramics brand Bitossi Ceramiche. The slip-cast ceramic trays feature an integrated induction charging system for wireless-charging-compatible phones and tablets, and in their stark and beautiful simplicity, they’re the very antidote to our technology-infused lives. There’s also extra space for you to display or store other essential knick-knacks.

• Charge Tray, price to be announced, www.layerdesign.com

2 Going for bust

Get some of the most powerful people in the world to play music for you, with Sound of Power’s tongue-in-cheek speaker systems. Handcrafted busts depicting the likes of Maggie Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un and Pablo Escobar double as high-quality, limited-edition desktop speakers that stand about 40 centimetres high.

• Maggie, price on request, www.sound-of-power.com

3 Bloom and boom

If you believe that plants grow better when you talk to them, you will want to invest in the Bloombox by Boris X Greenworks. A planter table fitted with an integrated wireless speaker system, the Bloombox will help you improve both the aesthetics and air quality of your home. The stain-resistant Corian planter is easy to maintain and has an integrated self-watering system, with room for 12 plants.

• Bloombox, price on request, www.borisdesignstudio.com

4 Solar flair

Available from DIFC’s Intersect by Lexus, the Crafted for Lexus collection features the work of world-renowned designers. The nifty Sphelar Power hand-held light is the perfect gift for outdoorsy types. Available in silver, navy, green and copper versions, the lamp features unique, sphere-shaped solar batteries, which are able to absorb more light than flat batteries.

• Sphelar Power hand-held light, Dh370, Intersect by Lexus, DIFC, Dubai

5 Tasty tunes

Shaped like a gingerbread man, this speaker from Virgin Megastore will make a charming addition to your living room or bedside table. Its neutral colour scheme means it will fit into any interior, while its adorable shape is bound to make you smile.

• Mr & Mrs speaker, Dh439, Virgin Megastores across the UAE