The best time-saving gadgets and apps of 2018

The best time-saving gadgets and apps of 2018

They're new and they're here to make your work life easier -- and more productive.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The just-unveiled phablet is earning raves not just as the best smartphone for business, but as a true productivity device. Much of the praise has gone to the smarter S Pen, which offers real-time text translation and allows the user to handwrite and animate messages.

Preorders are now being taken; the unlocked 64GB Note 8 in Midnight Black lists for $929.99 at Samsung. CNEThas a breakdown on the best deals.

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Token

Slip on biometric-identity ring and move toward a key-less, card-less, password-free life. The Token promises to handle the authentication for you.

Prices start at $249, but if you didn't buy in during the (now-sold-out) preorder phase, you'll have to wait until production ramps up in spring 2018. Reservations are being taken at Token's site

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ZEI°

This Bluetooth-equipped, eight-sided device from Timeular aims to save you time by letting you track your time efficiently. Assign a task to each side -- literally write "meeting" or "email" on it, if you wish -- and then flip the polygon to the appropriate side as you move from task to task.

Available via Timeular for $129.

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Mu Tag

This one's a twist on the help-you-find-your-missing-keys gadget: The attachable Mu Tag with Bluetooth-beacon technology promises to keep you from losing them in the first place.

The developer says it pulls off this trick with an app that sends alerts to your smart device. Preorders are being taken via Indiegogo; shipping is expected in December. Prices start at $25.

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Here One

The "special sauce" in these wireless, "smarter than the AirPods" ear buds are customizable noise filters that allow you to tune out the outside world. Available for $299.99 from Here One.

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Amazon Dash Wand

This Wi-Fi-enabled, Alexa-powered gadget is amazing. With a voice command or barcode scan, "it will add anything ... to your cart, as long its available on Amazon," CNET noted.

That should make ordering office supplies easier. Buy the Dash Wand at Amazon for $20 -- and get $20 off your next eligible purchase on the registered device.