Gadgets
Most people recognise a gadget as a new technology, often a small device, and usually new to the market. Gadgets are often branded a novelty because of the nature of the market; if a new gadget is invented and brought out, it isn’t long before a replacement or alternative takes its place. Gadgets are sometimes sold purposely as novel items rather than for practical use.
Gadgets can be considered quite fashionable due to their innovative design; some gadgets selling points are the clever designs which make them unique to previous devices or appliances. As a result, gadgets are considered as good gifts or presents for friends and family. There are many websites and businesses devoted to the sale of gadgets and gizmos (another word for gadgets).
Etymologically speaking, the word gadget can be traced back several centuries; there is much dispute as to where the word does actually come from; some agree that it was first used around 1850 by sailors, as a slang word for a part on the ship which they had forgotten the name for. Nevertheless it is much older than most would presume; as many would acknowledge the wide use of the word to have come about in the last few decades.
There is however, a more industry-specific type of gadget. In regards to computer software, ‘gadget’ refers to a computer program which can provide services without needing an application of its own, it can instead run in an environment of multiple gadgets.