Check The Tech: The Latest Tech And Gaming Trends You Need To Know About This Holiday Season

Check The Tech is back with another round of the hottest new tech you need to know about this holiday season. Host and tech venture capitalist Sara Lovestyle taps savvy industry leaders to get the scoop on the latest must-have tech products.

In this episode of Check The Tech, venture capitalist Brandon Hoffman highlights the newest tech on his radar that’s worthy of the hype. Hoffman is General Partner of Sunset Ventures, a firm that invests in cutting-edge technologies and founders who are shaping a better future. “Venture capital is a unique way to address the racial wealth gap in this country,” he tells Lovestyle.

Above, Hoffman dives into the latest tech trends that are making waves, from life-changing gadgets that help keep you organized to the newest blockbuster games.

1. PLAUD Note: $159

When it comes to taking notes, PLAUD Note is a game-changer. “It’s one that I’ve been using a lot lately,” Hoffman says. The sleek AI-powered voice recorder attaches neatly to the back of any smartphone. With its compact design and easy one-press recording, PLAUD Note can record, transcribe, and summarize every meeting, phone call, voice memo, and more, making it simple to stay organized.

2. Backseat AI: $4.99/month

Backseat AI gives dedicated gamers a chance to “play” with their favorite video game livestreamers (or “streamers”). The innovative app brings popular streamers to life as “AI companions” who commentate and give real-time feedback as you play. “(The streamers) join the party, essentially,” says Hoffman. “You’ll be able to hear them in real time as though you’re actually playing with them.” Currently, Backseat AI is in the early-access stage and is exclusively available for League of Legends, with plans to offer this experience for additional games in the future.

3. Gorilla Tag: $19.99

Gorilla Tag is the buzziest online multiplayer game since Fortnite and Roblox, according to Hoffman. “This year, everybody’s playing Gorilla Tag,” he says. Gorilla Tag is a virtual reality (VR) social gaming experience where players can explore a virtual jungle and interact with other players. Run, climb, and jump using your hand and arm movements and your VR headset. With multiple levels and game modes to explore, Hoffman says Gorilla Tag is “the game to play.”