The smart home anticipated by generations of science fiction writers is finally becoming a reality, and some of the new devices available satisfy even the most ambitious fantasies. While many of these useful gadgets are still considered luxury items, others are perfectly affordable and can start making your life easier right away. This guide covers smart devices for every budget and lifestyle, whether you're looking for simple items like remotes that track lost house keys or want to start a lifestyle with the most advanced technology there is. Look no further for futuristic gifts for yourself or someone you care about!
Wi-Fi Smart Lock August
To upgrade your deadbolt or other existing lock, the Smart Lock Wi-Fi August comes with a retrofit August lock and a DoorSense open/close sensor. This smart lock model includes Wi-Fi, so you won't need to purchase a Connect module to enable remote access via a smartphone app.
The Wi-Fi Smart Lock August is 45% smaller than previous models. You'll have unlimited user access and keyless access codes, plus a log of all activity at your front door.
When you're not home, Wi-Fi allows you to lock and unlock your door from your Android or iOS device. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a capable, easy-to-install smart lock that won our CNET Editors' Choice award, easily making it one of the best smart lock options on the market.
Apple HomePod mini
The Apple HomePod mini is a scaled-down version of the original HomePod. The Siri smart assistant is used by this smart speaker to perform voice commands. Siri can answer questions, set reminders, send messages, and read the news for you. It can also control your smart home and execute commands to control your home's thermostat.
This advanced technological ball is also a speaker. It can play music and other audio media directly from your iPhone or from services like Apple Music. If you have multiple Apple HomePod devices, you can connect them for stereo playback or multi-room audio to fill your home with synchronized sound. It's also perfect if you want to have a better experience while playing games like those on your phone casino online, adventure or many others.
Once you've established a HomePod ecosystem between rooms in your home, you can use speakers or your iPhone to send intercom messages to specific rooms, all rooms, or a subset of rooms. The size, shape and weight of the Apple HomePod mini are similar to that of a softball. Except for the base and the touchpad, it is covered in mesh fabric.
Nanoleaf set
Nanoleaf is a household name in the world of decorative smart lights. Nanoleaf lights are color changing sets that can be assembled into a variety of shapes. You start with a starter kit, which includes a controller and a set number of panels.
Lines, Elements, Shapes and Canvas are the four main types of sets available on Nanoleaf. Some are touch controlled, allowing you to play touch games and change their colors with a single tap. You can also get music display panels that react and respond to the music you listen to. Others will change color to match the action on your television or monitor. Another feature is layout detection. Depending on the shape of your panel layout, it will allow for intelligent animation.
Nanoleaf Lines is the newest kit available and offers something unique compared to other Nanoleaf sets, which are all tiles of one type or another. Lines are thin strips of light that connect in a variety of shapes. If you're a gamer or streamer looking for the best Nanoleaf product, the Limited Edition Shapes Sonic Starter Kit might be just what you're looking for. Nanoleaf has created a series of lights that look good both on and off, which is key in decorative lights.
Tile Pro
Tile it is a Bluetooth device that connects to your smartphone as well as your keychain, bag or other items. The Tile app can then be used to locate an item if you misplace it.
The pro is available in black or white, with the only distinguishing design feature being the Tile logo on the front, which doubles as a button. It's used to connect the Tile to your smartphone during the initial setup process, and a double press can be used to play a phone alert, helping you find it.
The Tile pro has three phases of operation. First, it uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone and the free Tile app. If the app is within range it can display the approximate location of the tile using a concentric circle indicator. You can also instruct the tile to play a loud tune to help you find it.
If your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you'll need to enlist the help of the larger community of Tile owners. Mark your Tile as lost in the app and you'll be notified when another Tile user is within Bluetooth range of it.
