1. Do you know anything about the things in the photos? Read the descriptions and match them with the following new and noteworthy inventions:

a) Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard b) Fellowes Memory Foam Mouse Pad/Wrist Rest

c) Staples Universal Touch Screen Stylus d) SYNC by 50™ Over-Ear Wireless Headphone

Text 1

1) This universal device works with all tablet and smartphone displays, gliding smoothly across the screen to make note-taking and drawing easier than ever before. A stylish thing, silver in color and with a convenient pocket clip, the device features a durable silicone rubber tip that will last for years. Use this invention to help keep your screen free of those messy fingerprints.

2) How about adding a little comfort to your computing setup? This device, with its non-slip base, helps ensure correct (but comfortable) hand position while typing and mousing. The soft foam responds to your body weight and warmth, but never loses its shape.

3) It’s thin, it’s sleek, it’s light. You can use it on your desk, your lap, or just about anywhere within range. Although it’s small, it has a “big feeling”. Oh, and there’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone, OK? You don’t really have to use it with a Mac! Yep, it’s a standard Bluetooth device, so you can use it with your iPad or iPad mini, your Windows desktop or laptop, or whatever. As long as your smartphone, tablet, or computer supports Bluetooth, you can use this device with it.

4) When you care enough (about yourself) to listen to the very best. This device provides lossless audio for crystal-clear wireless sound (up to 50 feet away) and the ability to sync up to 4 pairs of headphones to a single audio source. It includes a wired mic, bass boost, volume control and mute switch, and passive noise cancellation. The earpieces feature soft memory foam cushions for hours of comfort.

2. Work in pairs and answer the questions. Do you find any of these gadgets useful in your life? Would you like to have them? Why? Say how your life would be different if you had these devices? Is the invention of such modern things important for people?

3. Look at the pictures and name the following devices. What do you know about them?

4. Read Text 2 and answer the following questions:

1) What will barcodes be replaced with? 2) How can a fridge help you with the choice of the dishes for dinner? 3) Why are the new fridges from Electrolux called Screenfridges? 4) What functions does the Screenfridge possess?

Text 2. Licence to chill

Barcodes in the packaging of groceries will soon be replaced with radio-frequency tags that can be read at a distance and with greater reliability. As well as indicating what the product is, the data in the tags will include additional information such as the 'best before' date and even nutritional data. Now, imagine that a fridge could read these tags and keep track of the items placed there. If an item is about to exceed its 'use by' date, the fridge tells you, and you can either use it or throw it out. Fancy something different for dinner? No problem, ask the fridge to suggest some menus based on the ingredients it knows you have in stock. Or tell the fridge the menu you require and it will provide you with a shopping list of the items you don't have or order the items via email. This is the Screenfridge from Electrolux. For many households, life revolves around the kitchen. This is the assumption Electrolux made in designing the Screenfridge. Since the fridge is equipped with a microphone, speaker and video-camera, you're not limited to textual information. The fridge is connected to the Internet, so it can be used to send and receive email. Many people have a TV in the kitchen, but if you already have a screen on the fridge, why clutter up the work surface with a TV? The Screenfridge can be interfaced to a surveillance camera to check out visitors or to keep an eye on the children.