If you’re looking to give a smart holiday gift keep in mind that 58 percent of American adults have a smartphone and 42 percent own a tablet, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Although we may get bogged down by the frenzy that often accompanies the so-called “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” one way to simplify the season for the gift-giver and receiver alike is to give apps and accessories for mobile devices.

“As over half of adults have a smartphone, giving the gift of helpful accessories for the gamer, music lover or fitness fanatic in your life is an easy way to make holiday wishes come true,” said Matt Kasper, director of sales in New England. “Whether a friend or family is looking for the latest and greatest, we have all the season must-haves including the Samsung Galaxy S5, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and iPad Air. Their efficiency relies on the power of the 4G LTE network.”

Users may even consider their smartphones the tech equivalent of the Swiss Army knife, and the proof is in the numbers. According to a recent U.S. Cellular Better Moments Survey, 69 percent of users use their smartphones to take photos, and 48 percent watched videos. Gaming occupies more than 50 percent of users. Audiophiles rejoice, 45 percent of users listen to their favorite tunes. The number of activities and uses increases when you add tablets, like the 4G LTE iPad Air, into the mix.

The best gifts complement what people already love to do. Based on current trends in the industry, the experts at U.S. Cellular suggest the following apps and accessories to help your loved ones get the most out of their devices this holiday.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Moga Pro Power: Gamers attach their Android smartphone, like the Samsung Galaxy S5, to this handheld game console and use its precision controls to play games. The display is on the smartphone. The Mogas buttons, triggers and joysticks are highly responsive and maneuvers much better than a smartphone’s touchscreen controls. iPhone users won’t be left out of the game anymore with the Moga Ace. And both units charge your smart phone as you play.

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• Moto TC Rally App & Car: Working with the Griffin TC MOTO Rally Car, the app lets you race alone or compete against an opponent. Drive by using your mobile device’s touchscreen steering wheel, or by titling the device itself. The Rally Car is a USB-rechargeable device with impact/obstacle sensors that let players interact with their environment with unparalleled realism.

MUSIC

• Beats Solo HD 2 Headphones: Lightweight and compact, these colorful headphones are durable and comfortable. Updated and improved acoustics let you hear all your tunes with clarity and resonant bass. Go solo with confidence and bring your music with you anywhere.

HEALTH & FITNESS

• Jawbone UP24 Activity Tracker: This innovative wristband tracks your movement and sleep. The companion app lets you add data like meals and mood, and delivers nudges to you throughout your day to help you monitor your progress. Track your weight, access extensive food libraries and meet your fitness and health goals efficiently and sensibly.

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• Withings Wireless Scale: Get accurate and reliable weight and BMI in seconds. Sync the data with the app on your smartphone, so you can set weekly goals, and receive relevant tips and reminders to stay focused.

LIFESTYLE & HOME

• iGrill: Android and iOS users can modernize the primal experience of grilling with the iGrill family of apps. Bluetooth Smart Technology allows users to monitor their grillables with the compact iGrill Mini, original iGrill, or the 4-probe capacity iGrill. Easy to read displays and customizable alarms mean your steak is cooked perfectly every time.

• Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens System ($0.00): This much-acclaimed lens system attaches to your iPhone or iPad to provide superior optics and clearer images. The system includes two macro lenses (5x and 10x), a fisheye, and a wide-angle lens. The four-in-one design means changing between lenses is quick and easy.

“As busy as the holidays can be, they are really an opportunity to give and receive gifts that can empower people to simplify their To Do Lists, improve their lives, and have a little fun while they are at it.” added Kasper.

4G LTE service provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.


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