Final answer:
The phrase 'My gadget sat there gloating' uses personification to suggest that the gadget appears to be bragging about its capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "My gadget sat there gloating" is a personification, which is a figure of speech where non-human things are given human characteristics. In this context, the phrase means that the gadget seems to be bragging about its capabilities, as though it were proud of its advanced features or functionality. This is not to be taken literally, as gadgets do not have emotions or the ability to brag; it is simply a creative way of expressing that the gadget is performing well or has features that might make it seem superior to others.