Experience Hands-On Intel Technology Exclusively At @BestBuy #IntelatBestBuy

11/4/2014

***Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.***

With the Holidays coming up quickly, everyone's looking for the hottest gifts. In my home, this usually means technology-related gifts. With a teenage boy and a husband who loves anything "geek", electronics top our Christmas wish lists. Tablets, computers, cameras, and music players are pretty hot items for our family.

While most (79%) of Americans are excited about the chance to learn and try out new technologies, half are frustrated by the lack of access to them beyond what they read or see in the media, according to a new study by Intel and Toluna.

That’s the reason why Intel and Best Buy are now teaming up to bring new Intel Technology Experience zones to 50 Best Buy stores in major markets across the U.S. The Intel Technology Experience lets customers – from tech enthusiasts to technophobes – play, explore, and be inspired by the power of technology with hands-on activities like 3D printing and virtual reality games. For many, this is the first opportunity to see, touch, and play with exciting new technologies they’ve only heard about.

Averaging 240 square feet, the Intel Technology Experience will show customers the power of Intel: the technology behind these new, innovative activities is the same power behind the devices like tablets and laptops we love and rely on every day. Customers can build and print their own 3D robot, show off their racing skills on Mars in an augmented reality world, master beats and remix tracks by Ne-Yo as a digital DJ, and check out the latest PC and tablet devices powered by Intel processors.

The area will be staffed by specially trained Best Buy Blue Shirts to answer questions and help customers make the most of each area within the experience. Each season, Intel will refresh the venues with a new array of technology experiences.

I personally LOVE the idea of being able to try different technologies before committing to a purchase. After all, electronics are expensive, so you'll want to be sure that you choose the product that's right for your life.

I was thrilled to learn that our local Best Buy is one of the 50 locations that offers the Intel Technology Experience Zones. How cool is that?! Of course, Dan and I had to go and check it out.

When we arrived at Best Buy, this zone was very easy to find. It is located in the center area of the store, and is very clearly labeled. We had a wonderful time chatting with the specially trained associate manning the area, and of course, getting to play around with the hottest new technology was a blast, too.

While there were loads of fun activities to try, our favorite would have to be test-driving a Mars Rover. There is a special area that includes some rocky, Martian terrain, as well as some tablets to "drive" the spacecraft. Dan played around with this for a good 20 minutes, and asked the associate if we could bring the whole display home with us. Of course, they said no. Can't blame a guy for asking, though!

Another very cool feature at the Best Buy Intel Experience Zone is building and printing 3D robots. I was so sad that we didn't bring the kids with us. I know my teen would have loved to play around with this! However, I am pretty sure the employees at Best Buy wouldn't want a 3 year old and a 4 year old running loose throughout the store....Just because this section of the store is hands-on doesn't mean I'd want Sophie and Xander grabbing at everything in sight. Which they would. They definitely would.

In addition to these great activities, you can also remix a Ne-Yo song, and even include a fun light show. At the Best Buy Intel Technology Experience Zones, there's a lot of fun technology to get your hands on! And yes, touching is allowed and even encouraged!