Gadgets: Lounge

The living room is the focal point of the home, Matthew Mallinson shows you the best gadgets to make your lounge as functional as possible, from universal remote controls to compact speakers.

Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control

Amazon - £50.98

For the massive Doctor Who fan this Sonic Screwdriver is a must have. Using gesture-based technology this universal remote control can control entertainment systems including TVs, iPod docks and DVD/Blu-ray players. With advanced gesture recognition and spoken prompts, up to thirty-nine remote control codes can be stored in the Sonic Screwdriver allowing you to control many devices. A spectacular replica that doubles as a fantastic remote.

Pros: Looks great and works well

Cons: Can be hard to create distinctive gestures

Recommended for: The Doctor Who nerd who wants to feel like the Doctor

Tetris Light

Red5 - £25

For retro lovers Tetris is the ultimate video game, providing hours of entertainment. Coming in seven individual brightly coloured shapes, they magically illuminate when they come in contact with each. The blocks can be configured in to a wide variety of poses, the possibilities being almost endless. Its colourful and unique design will make it a hit with even non game fans, brightening up any room.

Pros: Totally customisable and bright.

Cons: Does use up a lot of power

Recommended for: The retro game nerd 

Thumps Up Wireless Touch Speaker

Menkind - £29.99

Warning, Impromptu party may happen. All you need is this Wireless Touch Speaker, your phone and some good tunes. Most speakers for phones are unreliable, generally underpowered and underwhelming when it comes to sound. Plus you have to grapple with irritating wires. Touch Speaker allows you to connect your device without even connecting it. All you need to do is just touch your phone to the speaker and select a song. You don't even have to download any apps or configure you phone - unleashing all your best party songs is as simple as putting one thing on top of another!

Pros: Works simply and effectively

Cons: Not the most powerful speakers

Recommended for: The party animal that wants a simple speaker

Ice-Phones

Amazon - £25

Ever get home and wonder where to put your mobile phone? With this handy dock you can put your phone on charge, while leaving it still available for calls. Available in many vibrant colours (we particularly love the Union Jack style), this dock will fit nicely in to your living room. You can access all the contacts on your phone or check your calendar, even while making a call, and with the free app you can give your phone rotary dialler to help it blend in with the nostalgic dock.  

Pros: Easy to use 

Cons: Only works with Apple and Android phones so far

Recommended for: The retro lover looking for a practical phone dock

Gin and Titonic Ice Cube Tray

gadgets.co.uk - £4.95

To liven up your drinks when entertaining try this finely detailed ice cube tray, to provide a hilarious touch to a gin and tonic - or any drink. Each tray makes 4 icebergs and 4 Titanics, allowing it be used in several glasses. Fun looking and refreshing. 

Pros: Makes fantastic looking ice cubes

Cons: It doesn’t float quite like it does in the image

Recommended for: Novelty lovers and fans of the film

[Originally published by Vine Magazine]