
<p><strong>The ultimate year-end gift ideas for luxury lovers and gadget geeks.</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="574" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-1024x574.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60681 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-1024x574.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-300x168.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-768x431.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-1536x861.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RayBan-x-Meta-2048x1148.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ray-ban-x-meta-wayfarer">Ray-Ban x Meta Wayfarer</h4>



<p>Ray-Ban’s next-generation retro smart glasses in partnership with Meta lets you livestream to Instagram or Facebook. While privacy should be paramount, it offers other conveniences you can enjoy while protecting your eyes. These include taking pictures and videos with a unique perspective from its 12MP ultra-wide camera in full HD for up to 60 seconds; the ability to take calls or listen to audio; and voice recording through built-in microphones. The glasses are integrated with Meta AI to act as a personal assistant or get information through voice commands using the trigger “hey Meta”, which also sends photos. Its unique battery case offers up to 36 hours of usage, and it is now IPX4-rated for water resistance.<br><strong><em>Price: $329</em></strong></p>
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-montblanc-extreme-2-0-wallet">Montblanc Extreme 2.0 Wallet</h4>



<p>For understated elegance and luxury, check out Montblanc’s new Extreme 2.0 Wallet in black leather with a carbon-fiber print on the outside and plain black on the inside. It features slots for eight cards, two compartments for cash and four additional pockets. It uses Montblanc’s Shield technology with RFID blocking in the lining. This ensures your cards are blocked from hackers who try to wireless skim data using radio frequencies. A must for travelers.<br><strong><em>Price: $420</em></strong></p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="915" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-1024x915.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60677 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-1024x915.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-300x268.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-768x686.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-1536x1373.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montblanc-Wallet-2048x1830.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="790" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-1024x790.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60676" style="width:550px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-1024x790.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-300x231.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-768x592.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-1536x1184.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HP-Spectre-Fold-2048x1579.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-hp-spectre-fold">HP Spectre Fold</h4>



<p>Folding smartphones may have been all the rage these last few years, but there’s a new type that’s trending – the foldable PC. HP came out with the Spectre Fold in September 2023, and it’s quite the marvel: it’s a 3-in-1 that transforms between laptop, desktop, and tablet. Dubbed the world’s thinnest foldable at 17-inches, it can be accessed in tablet mode with a stylus; as a 12.3-inch laptop with wireless magnetic keyboard; and as a desktop through its built-in kickstand. The main drawcard here is portability, which you can set-up while on the move or working from anywhere. Using a desktop in a coffee shop? Sold!<br><strong><em>Price: $4,999</em></strong></p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="884" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-884x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60678" style="width:328px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-884x1024.png 884w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-259x300.png 259w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-768x890.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-1326x1536.png 1326w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nespresso-Creatista-copy-1768x2048.png 1768w" sizes="(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" /></figure></div>


<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Nespresso Creatista Plus </strong></p>



<p>Nothing beats starting the day with a good cup of coffee, and the Nespresso Creatista Plus offers just that with its café- style options thanks to its fully automatic steam wand. As its name suggests, the creativity kicks in through its ability to create latte art using Breville’s milk texturing technology. Its stylish, sleek design with a high- gloss finish would suit most homes, taking up minimal counter space. The Creatista Plus has a three second heat-up time and offers eight coffee selections, four frothing levels, and 11 milk temperature settings using its 19-bar pressure system. It has an assisted cleaning system and automatically switches off after nine minutes. <br><strong><em>Price: $649</em></strong></p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="938" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-1024x938.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60675" style="width:408px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-1024x938.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-300x275.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-768x704.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-1536x1407.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FOM-Duffle-2048x1876.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-freedom-of-movement-franklin-dufle">Freedom of Movement Franklin dufle</h4>



<p>Freedom of Movement is a South African lifestyle brand that offers stylish leather accessories, and its Franklin du-ffe bag has caught our eye. The Franklin, crafted from premium pecan leather is the perfect weekend bag, also suited for quick business trips. Apart from its main large interior, it has an outside back pocket, and two lined zipped ones on the inside for valuables. It is finished off with antique brass fittings, an embossed logo that makes it look understated, and a removable adjustable shoulder strap. The duffel fits in an overhead compartment on a flight.<br><strong><em>Price: $290</em></strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60673 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AppleWatch-Ultra2-2048x2048.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apple-watch-ultra-2"><strong>Apple Watch Ultra 2</strong></h4>



<p>When it comes to smartwatches, Apple is leading in the space, and for good reason – it’s intuitive with a familiar interface. The latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the first carbon- neutral Apple product  when paired with the Trail or Alpine Loop interchangeable band. Its new S9 chip enables gestures by pinching your thumb and index finger, offers its brightest display of 3000 nits for the outdoors, and advancements for altitude ranges, on-device Siri, and water adventures, which is essentially a diving computer on your wrist. Paired with the new WatchOS10 update, its redesigned interface offers Smart Stack, new cycling experiences and features for the outdoors, plus unique watch faces. It promises 36 hours of battery in regular use and 72 hours in low power mode.<br><strong><em>Price: $799</em></strong></p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sennheiser-momentum-4">Sennheiser Momentum 4</h3>



<p>Being productive while working from anywhere or traveling requires a solid pair of noise cancellation headphones. Available in black or white, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 promises a whopping 60 hours of battery life from a single charge. Its lightweight design, complete with touch controls, lends toward comfort for hours on end, without your ears taking the strain. It offers adaptive noise cancellation, transparency mode, and customized sound, which can be accessed on its smartphone app. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, an audio jack or USB-C. A quick five-minute charge yields four hours of playback. It comes with a carry case, 1.2-meter charging cable, auxiliary cable, and airplane seat adaptor.<br><em><strong>Price: $380</strong></em></p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="989" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-989x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60682 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-989x1024.png 989w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-290x300.png 290w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-768x795.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-1484x1536.png 1484w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sennheiser-Momentum-1978x2048.png 1978w" sizes="(max-width: 989px) 100vw, 989px" /></figure></div>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="940" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-940x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60680" style="width:324px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-940x1024.png 940w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-275x300.png 275w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-768x836.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-1411x1536.png 1411w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OneWorld135-1881x2048.png 1881w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></figure></div>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-oneadaptr-oneworld135">OneAdaptr OneWorld135 </h4>



<p>For the frequent business traveler and power user looking for convenience, check out OneAdaptr’s brand new OneWorld135 universal plug that works in over 200 countries. Between its three USB-C ports, two are powerful 100W ports that can power a Macbook Pro or notebook equivalent, alongside a USB-A port and a 2-pin AC outlet. It has some of the highest safety certifications available that protects the voltage, current, temperature with fuse protection. The OneWorld 135 features Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology that ensures the highest efficiency in a small package that’s the size of a credit card. It ships with a travel bag.<br><strong><em>Price: $129</em></strong></p>


The family is happily exchanging gifts at Christmas.

Luxe Is More: African Gift Guide

<p>The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been the pinnacle of luxurious motoring and the latest incarnation is no different. This car has leapt forward and completely redefined the future of motoring.</p>
<p>The S-Class is an engineering masterpiece loaded with technology that is so well infused into the design of the car that it seems completely natural. The beauty of great tech is that one doesn’t think it is necessary until it is presented to you.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_3002" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3002" class="size-medium wp-image-3002" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/241153_Full_HiRes-347726-1024x768-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /><p id="caption-attachment-3002" class="wp-caption-text">Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse, 2013</p></div></p>
<p>The contours of the S-Class strike the perfect balance of elegance and subtle sportiness. It certainly looks like an S-Class but the 5.24-metre length is suitably disguised to make it seem like a smaller car from the outside. Step inside and you will be completely blown away.</p>
<p>The cabin is a state-of-the-art master class in interior design. There is nothing I have had the pleasure of driving that brings together top-quality metal, leather and wood in such a perfect blend of comfort, luxury and ease of use. Every function is performed by a button, switch or swivel that has been crafted to the highest level of quality. All driver information is displayed with two 31.2-inch TFT screens which present incredible graphic layouts.</p>
<p>From the pilot seat you will experience redefined refinement. It exudes comfort beyond what you thought possible through the car’s Magic Body Control. This system constantly scans the roads ahead and adjusts the damping systems to best deal with the road surfaces. The cabin has been impeccably insulated thanks to double glazed windows and enhanced door seals. It’s a cabin in which you could conduct business meetings without any interruptions from the outside world flashing by.</p>
<p>From the driver’s seat one can also experience the pleasures of being able to afford an S-Class: seat heating and cooling; seven massage functions, including hot-stone treatments; seat support that can be tailored to suit any shaped body, including active side support that hugs you when cornering; an impressive Burmester sound system; an easy to use COMAND online system that includes the operating manual in electronic form, something that is absolutely necessary in a car that is as complex as this.</p>
<p>At this level and price, safety need not be mentioned, but in the S-Class these features have shifted the paradigms of what I thought was possibly another 10 years away. The latest generation Mercedes Intelligent Drive system ensures the safest way to travel. The Distronic Plus cruise control reduces the need for driver inputs by braking and accelerating to maintain a pre-determined speed and distance from the car in front. It will even go as far stopping the vehicle if the car in front of you comes to a halt.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3001" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/241152_Full_HiRes-347725-1024x683-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>The Night View Assist system is another intelligent safety feature that alerts the driver of any animals or pedestrians before they can be seen with the naked eye. The beauty of this system is that it will automatically warn the driver of impending danger which could not always be said with some of the previous systems like this. An incredible array of parking assistance systems is also included. Part of this is the 360-degree camera that superimposes the car graphically into the surroundings by employing the views of the various cameras around the car. The result is an accurate bird’s eye view of the car as you manoeuvre in tight spaces.</p>
<p>The S-Class will be bought by distinguished gentleman, even presidents, and as such the rear passenger compartment is just as important, if not more important, than the front seats. In this area, the magic continues. The rear seats are soft, supple and comfortable, which have electrical adjustment to find the perfect position. As optional extras, rear passengers can also enjoy an electrically operated footrest as well as a business console that includes two AUX and USB ports, two 12V sockets and heated/cooled cup holders, folding tables as well as fridges and phones. You can also enjoy all forms of media on the screens. Thankfully, these screens can be operated from either the occupants themselves or by the driver, which when traveling with children can become a necessity.</p>
<p>The entry-level S-Class is the diesel powered S350 BlueTEC that is powered by a 190kW engine. The petrol powered cars are the S400 Hybrid, the S500 that is powered by a V8 4.7-liter bi-turbo motor, and the range-topping S63 AMG and S65 AMG derivatives. All these motors are amply suited to provide the thrust for this spectacular car and ultimately, the choice will most probably be swayed by a budget rather than a preference.</p>
<p>If looking at an executive, luxurious grand saloon, then you also have the option of the recently face-lifted Audi A8. Having spent some time in this car as well, I can vouch for the fact that it is superbly built, very comfortable and amply spaced in its long wheelbase guise. The 4.2-liter TDI Quattro is the pick of the bunch in my opinion but at the end of the day, it is still an older car with cosmetic and aesthetic revisions. The most talked about new feature of the Audi A8 is the introduction of Matrix LED headlights. Composed of 50 individual LEDs, the lighting system sets new standards in night time driving. The system works automatically and dims the light that shines on oncoming vehicles, while still keeping a full beam on the areas next to the car. So, as a driver you are able to see more of the road without fellow drivers being blinded. This fascinating technology extends to the indicator lights by allowing them to flash in the direction you are turning.</p>
<p>That said, the Audi A8 L 4.2 TDI Quattro is the same price as the Mercedes-Benz S500. Although the Audi is a good car, it is nowhere near the S-Class in terms of safety, comfort, innovation, technology and most importantly desirability. At this price, the S-Class is, dare I say it, fantastic value for money.</p>
<p>The Mercedes Benz S-Class has not just redefined its segment, it has redefined the future. Nothing else comes close.</p>


Tag: Luxurious

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Luxe Is More: African Gift Guide

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