An article published by Livemint on January 1, 2026, shares the author's personal experience with five gadgets that significantly improved productivity in the past year, advocating their adoption for 2026. The recommended devices are an e-reader, an air purifier, a smartwatch, noise-cancelling headphones, and a wireless charging hub. The author emphasizes the utility of an e-reader for cultivating a reading habit, often a popular New Year's resolution. Smartwatches, like the OnePlus Watch 2R mentioned, are highlighted for tracking fitness and monitoring vital signs, supporting an active lifestyle. Noise-cancelling headphones are presented as essential for maintaining focus and blocking distractions in loud environments, such as Indian gyms or during intense study/work sessions. For improving indoor air quality, particularly in regions like North India, an air purifier with a True HEPA filter is strongly recommended, with advice on selecting one appropriate for room size and checking filter replacement costs. Lastly, a wireless charging hub is suggested for decluttering desks and conveniently powering multiple devices. While these claims are based on personal experience, the types of gadgets mentioned resonate with broader technology trends focused on productivity, health, and streamlined living in 2026. Other sources corroborate the increasing importance of personal tech for productivity, ranging from AI assistants and task management apps to smart home devices and ergonomic office setups. Specifically, compact air purifiers are noted as popular tech gadgets for the year. Livemint, as an Indian financial news and business publication, frequently covers such lifestyle and technology topics, making it a credible source for this kind of feature. The article provides practical and actionable advice for an Indian audience looking to leverage technology for enhanced personal efficiency in the new year.