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Gear Diary's Best of CES 2022

Events January 7, 2022

Gear Diary’s Best of CES 2022 Awards

After spending countless hours scouring the latest press releases, sitting through virtual embargoed showcases on new products, planning to be in Vegas, and once again having to attend virtually, we’ve found that the best-laid plans don’t always work out. Even so, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most innovative and exciting tech that came out of CES while trying to stay away from products that won’t ship or become available in 2022. So, without further ado, we present Gear Diary’s Best of CES 2022 Awards!

Bring Smarts and Style to your Home's Water Usage with the Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control and the Moen Smart Water Network

News & Features, Events January 5, 2022

Bring Smarts and Style to your Home’s Water Usage with the Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control and the Moen Smart Water Network

Smart home technology is everywhere these days, and Moen is making it clear that they are the leaders in smart water technology. The Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control has new touchless technology to control the water’s temperature and flow with simple hand motions or voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Moen Smart Water Network is a whole-home ecosystem of products that, when working together, provide complete control over the water in one’s home.

Hisense

Events, News & Features January 4, 2022

Hisense Has Sharp New Televisions, Projectors, and Soundbars in Store for 2022

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after a prolonged pandemic, it’s the increased importance of a good television in our everyday lives. Well, hopefully, we’ve also learned the importance of washing hands regularly, but two years of binge-watching has definitely led to a new love for the glowing box that streams the world to our living rooms. If you think it’s time to improve your setup, Hisense has you covered with some amazing new announcements at CES 2022.

Pozio

Gear Bits November 11, 2021

Pozio Offers an Expensive Solution to Your Smart Speaker Privacy Concerns

The amazing thing about modern technology is that we literally have devices that we can ask to lock doors, turn off and on lights, look up recipes, and even change channels for us, all with a verbal command. The scary thing about modern technology is that we’ve also invited always-listening microphones into our homes to meet that convenience. Pozio aims to solve the privacy issue without taking away our digital butlers using listening blockers that double as cradles!

Lovesac Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge System

News & Features October 18, 2021

Lovesac Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge System Brings Invisible and Immersive Harman Kardon Sound to Your Home Theater

When you think of home theater set-ups, you usually picture a soundbar under the TV with speakers and a subwoofer set up around the room. That all changes with the Lovesac Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge System, which puts the home theater audio components inside your sofa, for a deep and immersive Harman Kardon sound experience that you can feel and hear but don’t see.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Rich Sound for Less

Reviews July 14, 2021

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Rich Sound for Less

As an avid Pixel phone user, I was excited that Google developed its own earbuds. I sat out on their first iteration of the true wireless version but jumped in with the Google Pixel Buds A-Series. The idea of wireless buds designed to work with my phone is an exciting idea for a non-iPhone user. The last week, both my son and I have put them through their paces.

Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug

Gear Bits April 15, 2021

Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug Makes Your Outdoor Lights Smart

So many of the things in your home are smart, but wouldn’t it be cool if the exterior of your home was smart, too? Imagine if you could control your backyard landscaping lights, the lights you have hanging under your patio, your pond, holiday inflatables, up to 1000′ of holiday lights, or other outdoor items with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Homekit. With the new Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug, you can.

Google Pixel 5

Reviews January 25, 2021

Google Pixel 5 Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Google Pixel 5 was released last October as the follow-up to the Pixel 4. Rather than offering an XL version as Google had done with previous Pixel flagship models, the Pixel 5 was more of a “take it or leave it” proposition. It came in one size, a choice of two colors, and only one user memory option. There are some upgrades and some compromises, but overall it’s solid. Even so, I can admit that I wasn’t as enthused with it from the start as I had been with the Pixel 3 XL and the Pixel 4 XL.

Vizio V-Series Delivers Smart Affordable Entertainment #ad

Reviews December 1, 2020

Vizio V-Series Delivers Smart Affordable Entertainment #ad

This is a sponsored post; we received compensation from Vizio, but all opinions are the author’s. Vizio currently offers several television lines; their OLED line starts at $1299.99, the P-Series starts at $1199.99 for a 65” television, and a 40″ M-Series starts at $399.99. By contrast, you can get a 40” V-Series television for just $229.99. The V705x-H1, which I was sent for review, has an MSRP of $659.99 and is currently available for $549.99.

Lenovo Smart Tab M8 and Smart Tab M10 Are 2-in-1 Smart Home Hubs That Can Also Be Stand-Alone Tablets

Reviews October 21, 2020

Lenovo Smart Tab M8 and Smart Tab M10 Are 2-in-1 Smart Home Hubs That Can Also Be Stand-Alone Tablets

Having a Smart Display in your living space makes for a great central hub where you and other family members can check schedules, play music or Youtube video, make video calls, control your Google or Alexa integrated home, and display favorite photos. Having that display also function as a family tablet when it’s not docked adds extra convenience and value. The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 and Smart Tab M10 are 2-in-1 devices that can serve as smart displays or as stand-alone tablets.

Arlo Adds Essential XL Spotlight Camera and Essential Camera to Round Out Your Home Security System

News & Features September 24, 2020

Arlo Adds Essential XL Spotlight Camera and Essential Camera to Round Out Your Home Security System

Arlo makes one of the best DIY home security systems that you can buy, and I’m excited that they’ve just announced two new wire-free devices in their Essential Series, the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight and the Arlo Essential. What sets the Essential Series apart from their Pro series is that these devices connect directly to your home’s WiFi, with no need for a SmartHub, and they can act as a standalone security solution or complement your existing Arlo home security system.

Reader Beware, You're in for a Scare Thanks to Philips Hue

News & Features September 21, 2020

Reader Beware, You’re in for a Scare Thanks to Philips Hue

Even though Pumpkin Spice might be the best part of October for us adults, Halloween is still one of the best traditions for families and children alike. And who’s to say you can’t find a creative way to give a fright on the 31st in a creative way? Well, this year, you can with Philips Hue.

The Google Pixel 4a Is Now Available, and It's a Spectacular Value at Just $349

Reviews August 24, 2020

The Google Pixel 4a Is Now Available, and It’s a Spectacular Value at Just $349

It’s no secret that I love my Google Pixel phones. I converted from an iPhone to the Google Pixel 3 XL, then to the Google Pixel 4 XL. One thing both Pixels in common was their amazing cameras and solid builds paired with Pixel-exclusive apps and a true, stock Android experience (which I prefer). Google has just released its budget-priced Google Pixel 4a, and there is so much to like — including its excellent camera.

Head Back-to-School with Our Big Lenovo Giveaway

News & Features August 14, 2020

Head Back-to-School with Our Big Lenovo Giveaway

Need a little something to perk up your back to school experience? We’ve got you! Lenovo has sent us a huge box of giveaway items that are looking for new homes, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Entry is easy, and if you are one of our lucky winners, one of these prizes will soon be in your hands.