February 26, 2024
A selection of recommended home products. We’d be delighted to receive any recommendations you may have or comments on our selections.
Alexa
Capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information, such as news.
Alexa can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation system.
There are those who are suspicious of Alexa devices believing that as Alexa products are primarily voice controlled, your conversations are being recorded and monitored. Equally because you can use Alexa to control devices in your home, can it be accessed by others? The short answer is yes because any device that is connected to Wi-Fi can be hacked.
As there are numerous Alexa devices with a variety of different functions, if you are considering buying one or already have one, it’s worth finding out how you can safeguard the device.
Here are descriptions of the various Alexa devices.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
There are pros and cons to robot vacuum cleaners.
The obvious pro is you just set them off and they vacuum the required area and can get to difficult areas such as under sofas and furniture. Then when they get tired, they return to their docking station to recharge.
The disadvantage is that they do struggle to get into corners and whilst they are programmed to spend more time on hard to clean areas, they do sometimes struggle. We’ve used one for a couple of years and it’s not one of those gadgets that gets used a few times and then collects dust. To find out more here are some reviews.
Filtered Water Bottles
There’s no doubt that filtered water tastes far better than water from the tap as it removes impurities. Some rely on replacement filters, others are self-cleaning on a recharge.
Body Scales
Tracking your health via bathroom scales is becoming increasingly popular.
You can now track your body composition, heart health, nerve health, track nutrition and a variety of other functions. This is towards the top end of the market at around £350+.
There are less expensive scales that monitor body fat, body composition and weight. If you subscribe to the App (£8.95 a month) you can check on your progress. £89-£349 Withings
Digital Notebook
These are increasingly popular because you can write notes or draw, convert what you have done to digital text or send emails in your own handwriting.
Notes can be backed up and organised on the App. If you are someone who is constantly writing notes and then forgetting where you put them, this could be the answer. £229 Moleskin.com
Philips PerfectDraft Beer Machine
You buy a mini keg and this machine refrigerates them to the right temperature and then simply pull the handle to pour the pint or whatever quantity.
It also tells you how much is left. There are a variety of kegs to chose from and when you’ve finished one PerfectDraft will collect. £215 PerfectDraft
Toilet Night Light
Couldn’t be simpler and saves you turning on the main light.
Just attach to your toilet rim and it has a motion sensor that detects your body heat and turns the light on and then shuts down when you leave. In fact, you can use it in the house wherever you want.
You can change the colour or have a carousel of colours.
This is the one we have.
Glowstone Smart Mug 2
This keeps your coffee or any drink warm.
There is no switch, no charging cable, no need to turn it on or off and a lightband indicates the drink is at the ideal temperature.. It switches off when the coffee is gone and charges wirelessly. Now that’s smart.
Plus, it’s fine bone china and dishwasher proof. From £99 glowstone.tech
Read our guide to products that simplify life in the kitchen.
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