There are plenty of so-called “smart” devices out there these days that I consider completely unnecessary, starting with the Amazon Echo and other less-well-known smart speakers that have made people unable to do the simplest tasks without digital assistance.
I’ve said for years the best tech invention of my lifetime—and maybe ever—is the GPS, since I spent most of my younger days getting lost because of my inability to read a map, especially when I was driving on unfamiliar streets or in less-than-ideal conditions.
Even the advent of tools like MapQuest didn’t help me much since I still needed to read the paper list of directions while trying to keep my eyes on the road and my hands on the steering wheel. I’d put iTunes and other music collation services second on the list, but I don’t go anywhere without either one today.
There’s a new contender for third place on my list—and, like the GPS and iTunes, it’s one AV integrators might soon never leave home without if they’re anything like me. It’s a smart wallet dubbed the Cashew. It doesn’t hurt that it’s named after my favorite nut, but there’s more to it.
The Cashew Smart Wallet uses fingerprint authentication and integrated Bluetooth to protect you and your cash (remember that?), credit cards and other valuables in the event you lose it or get it stolen somehow.
Here’s more about the Cashew Smart Wallet from a recent Mental Floss article:
The Cashew Smart Wallet is the result of a Kickstarter campaign that was funded by 382 backers, sending it way past its original fundraising goal.
In addition to the fingerprint tech, the wallet itself uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone—this allows your phone to send you alerts if you ever accidentally leave your wallet behind.
You can even utilize the smart wallet’s crowdsourced GPS feature, which connects Cashew users and alerts them to be on the lookout for a locally misplaced wallet.
The wallet runs on a rechargeable battery that will hold a single charge for up to nine months to keep you connected for longer.
There are certainly plenty of other tools and accessories that are much more important for AV integrators to bring to the job site these days, with most of them centered around health and safety, but I think the Cashew smart wallet should find a place in everyone’s pocket soon.
And, for those who’ve always wondered what to get the executive editor who seems to have everything, I’ve just spent more than 400 words and even supplied you with a link to answer that question.
