Home Tech

Withings Announces Big Updates for the Activité, Activité Pop, and Home

Withings has just made two big announcements about three of their marquee products.  First, they announced that their gorgeous Activité and Activité Pop activity tracking watches will be compatible with Android starting tomorrow, March 2nd.  And second, they announced that their Withings Home monitoring device will soon offer the option to save 30 days of video footage in the cloud.


Saffron LED Lighting is the Enlightened Choice for Homeowners

Saffron is a new company that’s bringing beautiful and intelligent LED lighting to the consumer.  They have LED light bulbs that look exactly like traditional incandescent bulbs, “Smart” LED bulbs that automatically turn on when it gets dark or dim over time to simulate a sunset.  These energy efficient and long-lasting bulbs are available now and start at $12.



Oort LED Review: Connected Mood Lighting with Benefits

While some parts of the “connected home” idea are natural fits for new technology (like smart thermostats and locks), I have been a huge skeptic of the idea that EVERYTHING should become smarter. Does a lightbulb really need Bluetooth? To overcome my skepticism, I volunteered to review the Oort LED Lightbulb, and now my household is in love.



ZEROHOUR RELIC XR Tactical LED Flashlight is a Kickstarter Superstar

Reaching its Kickstarter goal in 16 hours, ZEROHOUR‘s RELIC XR Tactical LED Flashlight was quite literally, an overnight success.  This kickass-looking device is a USB rechargeable flashlight and waterproof battery backup in one.  Not only is this flashlight waterproof, it’s constructed with aircraft aluminum.  There’s still time to pledge at least $120 to secure your own at their Kickstarter campaign.


Goal Zero Yeti Generators Are Ready for Your Next Disaster!

We’ve covered some of Goal Zero’s smaller hand-cranked solar devices, which are great in emergencies, but there are times when you need stronger power generation that can possibly even keep your fridge running! Goal Zero Yeti generators come in multiple sizes, and they can be left plugged in until needed — or they can be recharged from solar when TSHTF!




Misfit Introduces Connected, Color-Changing Bolt Light Bulb

The way we choose to illuminate our spaces has changed dramatically in our lifetime. As a young adult my life seemed divided between the harsh fluorescent office lights and warm incandescent lights of home. The last couple of decades have seen rapid changes in the type, efficiency and flexibility of lighting, getting ‘smart’ lighting solutions such as Bolt light bulb from Misfit.


TRENDnet Announces Two Home Automation Products

The flood of new technologies for the home is exciting. I currently have one smart plug in my den and want to expand my home control technology options. TRENDnet has just introduced two new products to their home automation line, the Smart Switch Powerline Kit and the Smart Switch Powerline Kit with Wifi Extender which retail for $104.99 and $79.99. The THA-102PLK retails for $104.99 and is quick app based setup. Includes the base unit and powerline adapter. Turn any device on and off with the free app or set a daily timer from any mobile internet connection. Requires a…



ZVOX SoundBase 670 Offers Huge Home Theater Sound in a Slim Package

Some time ago, I reviewed one of the SoundBase products from ZVOX. I was impressed by the relatively inexpensive device, but I did wish it had integrated Bluetooth and even better sound than it did. Well, the ZVOX SoundBase 670 does have Bluetooth along with bigger and better sound, and I’m a huge fan. Let’s take a look.



Sony Xperia Z2 Waterproof Tablet Review

The Sony Xperia Z2 waterproof tablet only weighs one pound, making it the lightest 4G LTE tablet. The Xperia Z2 is also the slimmest 4G LTE tablet with a quarter-inch (6.4 mm) width. This Verizon XLTE-ready device has strong durability in the material construction and great battery life, plus extra features with PlayStation game consoles.


Inateck BP-2001 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

This portable Bluetooth speaker from Inateck functions with various devices as well as PC and Mac computers. The BP-2001 portable bluetooth speaker also boasts quality sound in most applications and has a convenient device placement option on top that puts it a step above the average sound speaker.


Liquid Plastic Welder Bondic Is an Incredible Do-It-Yourself Tool

If you need a last minute Christmas gift for a do-it-yourselfer, you’ve got to check out Bondic. It’s the world’s first Liquid Plastic Welder. The full system fits in a package the size of a pen case and can quickly and easily fix, bond, and fill anything and cures within four seconds. The Bondic Complete Starter Kit sells for $21.99.


Guardian Angel Outlet Review: Protect Your Children

Make electricity safe this holiday season. The Guardian Angel Outlet protects users, particularly young ones, by going beyond simply putting plastic plugs in regular electrical outlets for safety. This easy-to-install outlet temporarily shutting down the electricity using “smart”, “capacitive sensing” technology when potential danger is near while still supplying electricity through the outlet.



The AKiTio Thunder2 Quad Is a Powerhouse Thunderbolt Hard Drive Enclosure

The AKiTio Thunder2 Quad is a 4-bay external hard drive enclosure with dual Thunderbolt ports that is able to transfer data up to 20 Gbps or 1,375 MB/s.   It has a large handle on top as well as a carrying bag for easy transport. This sturdy hard drive enclosure, perfect for professionals, retails for $499 with no storage included.