Every day, new gadgets and tools hit the consumer market, with promises to change your life for the better. Whether it’s the latest iPhone or smart TV, it can get quite overwhelming and even a bit gimmicky. However, there are actually some gadgets out there that can improve your daily life and productivity. Here are some of my favorite examples:
Fitness tracker
The basic things that wearables track are your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and respiratory rates. However, some have expanded to tracking what you eat and even detecting conditions like gout. With how convenient and useful fitness trackers are, it’s no surprise that sales are predicted to surge in the next few years. It’s even expected that 303 million of these devices will be shipped in 2024. Indeed, such a tiny device packs a lot of power — and all this is made possible by innovations in flex PCBs. In recent years, manufacturers have tailored traditional circuit boards to fit smaller devices — be it wristwatches or bracelets. All in all, fitness trackers can help you stay on track with your health goals and monitor your fitness.
Smart home system
Smart home systems can make your life more convenient — even if it’s just a simple command of “Alexa, turn on the living room lights” or “Google, play a song on Spotify.” To date, Amazon’s Alexa is one of the most comprehensive smart home ecosystems available, boasting thousands of compatible devices and apps. Google Assistant, on the other hand, also comes with complete commands. Plus, it can answer some questions that Alexa can’t, thanks to Google’s dominance of the search engine space. You’d be surprised how smart home systems can take care of little chores like switching off your appliances and streamlining home maintenance.
Wireless chargers
It may not seem like a big deal, but charging cables can be restrictive and just plain annoying when they get tangled up. As a solution, a wireless charger is a nifty gadget that can charge your iPhone or Android when you lay it down on top of it. There are various styles you can choose from, and they have faster charging speeds than your wired charger. The RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand, for example, can get your phone to 50% in only an hour. This should also lessen your desk clutter and distractions from work.
Smart coffee machine
Most people need coffee in the morning to function. However, getting up early to brew a cup can be a chore. Luckily, there are now smart coffee machines that can automatically prepare a cup before you even leave your bed. Some devices let you set automatic timers the night before, but there are also others that can be controlled via a smartphone app. Smart coffee machines can have different features as well. For one, the Philips Saeco GranBarista Avanti can make espresso-based drinks aside from regular coffee. Meanwhile, the Bonaverde Berlin can roast coffee beans on the spot before grinding and brewing. It will make waking up more enjoyable and cut down your tasks for the morning.
Smart alarm clock
Smart alarm clocks have all the basic functions of clocks and take them up a notch with their ability to pair with smartphone apps, and more. You can customize the alarm for different times on different days or weeks, and get other information like weather forecasts and traffic reports. Some clocks, like the iHome Compact Alarm Clock, even come with an auto-dimming feature that adjusts its light depending on the lighting in the room, and its L-shaped design also serves as a wireless charging phone dock. This way, you don’t have to keep relying on your smartphone or old alarm clock to wake you up.
There are still many more gadgets and apps that can help with productivity and convenience. It’s only a matter of time and exerting a little effort to find the ones that suit your lifestyle the best.