HSN Innovation Event: Tech Expert Katie Linendoll’s Top Electronic Picks

I’m excited to be taking part in the Innovation Weekend — a sensory overload tech marathon!
These days, we’re seeing a crazy influx of new technology. If it’s not your full-time job to stay on top of everything, it can be a little overwhelming. But just stick with me and I’ll introduce you to some sweet new items that can really upgrade your lifestyle. 

I’ll also be taking questions on our Facebook page all weekend — don’t hesitate to reach out!
Here’s a quick preview of some of the feature items you can snag over the next couple days. 

Item 125-316: NOOK Color™ 7" Reader's Wi-Fi Tablet with Apps

Nook Color
Get an e-reader in your hands and the “get it” factor sinks in — pretty soon, you start to wonder how you ever went without one. Reading becomes fun again, you rip through books faster than ever and can’t wait to start the next one. The Nook Color’s bright interface also just feels modern and cool. You can change the font size, spacing and background color, or switch back to black-and-white mode to reduce eye-strain. The Nook Color also weighs just 15.8oz and holds up to 6,000 books (plus additional storage if needed)! 

Here are some other cool features:
- Share books with friends digitally and instantly for up to 14 days.
- Share inspiring book quotes with others instantly via email, Twitter or Facebook.
- The Nook Color reads available kid’s books out loud with the touch of the button, so it’s great for the little ones, or as a gift for a new parent or grandparent.
- Take your Nook Color to any Barnes and Noble store and have access to most digital books free for one hour!  Plus you can get offers on bakery snacks and books. 

» shop all Tablets 

Item 125-451: Nintendo 3DS 3D Game System Bundle

Nintendo 3DS
I love the novelty of 3D. I also love the Nintendo DSi. For the ultimate combination of the two, check out the 3DS. 

It’s the perfect portable gadget — all the old DS games you love with the eye-popping new 3D experience. And you don’t even need to wear glasses! 

Many of the other features remain the same as the previous DS models — all of which have been on-air before and wildly popular pick-ups. But apart from the 3D, the second-biggest change is the analog slider control on the 3DS, aka the “Circle”. The Circle will give you greater comfort and precision while navigating those bright new 3D environments. Also, you can use it to revert your 3DS to “regular” 2D mode anytime.  

And to cover a few other new features here are some tips:
  

3DS Tip #1: Walk This Way!
Did you know that the more you walk with your 3DS the more you can earn coins that unlock new content? This is thanks to a built-in pedometer that keeps track as you go. Plus, every time you pass someone else with a 3DS, you’ll receive a new message from their Mii (avatar). Pretty cool! 

3DS Tip #2: Creating your own Mii (Avatar)
You can now build a Mii (avatar) from scratch using the front facing camera. Just snap a picture of yourself to get started!  You can make any wanted tweaks from there, i.e. hair length, eye color, etc. 

3DS Tip #3: Augmented Reality Games
The 3DS comes with a bunch of built-in augmented reality games including Face Raiders and AR Games.  AR Games comes with 6 cards in the box and they create mini games just from the camera recognizing them.  You have to see it to believe it! 

» Shop all Video Games 

Item 124-193: Virgin Mobile MiFi Mobile Hot Spot

Virgin MiFi Hotspot 

What good is the portability of a laptop if you don’t have the internet everywhere you go?
Having a mobile hotspot not only gives you wi-fi all over, it also saves you a ton of money when traveling. And let me tell you — I travel a lot, and I’ve found that having a hotspot is absolutely essential.  Hotels often offer wi-fi from $9.95 to $12.95 a day — at least — and the connections are usually slow and spotty. Save yourself the hassle and uncertainty. 

Plus, you can connect up to 5 devices on your MiFi hotspot, meaning that YOU become the coffee shop! Instant popularity! 

Item 123-893: Xbox 360 Kinect 4GB Game System Bundle with 3 Games

Kinect for XBox 

If you’re familiar with the Nintendo Wii, the Kinect operates on a similar premise — body-motion control. Except the Kinect attempts to immerse you even more fully into the experience, doing away with buttons altogether and relying solely on movements and voice commands. Motion sensors capture your every move while Microsoft’s powerful software parses through it for skeletal mapping and facial/voice recognition. 

When it comes to hot new gaming devices, Kinect is king. Previously a holiday sensation, the Kinect broke into The Guinness Book of World Records for being the fastest selling consumer electronic device since its launch last November!  

As for games — get ready to dive in. Various offerings allow you to raft down raging rivers, dance-off to Lady Gaga or The Commodores, pet tigers, play a bunch of sports, or even cast spells in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

For the health-conscious user, fitness programs and brain games abound. It can really be a great tool for re-invigorating your work-outs and getting in shape — physically and mentally. It’s also a great way to bring the family together around a positive entertainment experience! 

» Shop all XBox 360

 Our Innovation Weekend is 48 hours of the latest electronics plus great savings and expert advice. Tune in April 23-24!  And don’t forget to check out other great deals on electronics, from the Olympus SP815 to the Beats by Dre and Gateway Computers!

- Katie