10 Really Smart Gadgets to Increase Productivity

Lately, more and more technologically advanced innovations are taking shape in handheld or mobile gadgets. Smartphones aren’t the only smart gadgets we use these days. We have the smartwatch, smart TV, smart cars, and more. But not all gadgets that carry the label "smart", is actually smart, it just means that it is connected to the smartphone via an app or via Bluetooth.

Keeping that at the back of our heads, we dug around for gadgets with above-average smarts, the kind that helps make our life easier. We found a few items that can help you keep track of your things, a very smart lock that can also help save your life, as well as a pen that will change the way you work online. Let’s take a look.

1. Bolt

Bolt is a smart bulb which illuminates your room with a variety of colors — with only a single bulb. Yes, no more lightbulb changing with this smart lamp. Its efficient LED technology allows for a 20-year use (3 hours a day, 7 days a week). Bolt also comes with a two-year warranty.

With the Misfit HomeApp on your Android / iPhone as a control panel, you can dim the lights or adjust the colors according to your mood. Bolt also uses dynamic Lightscapes, but you can create your own Lightscape or use your own photos. Bolt also can be set as an alarm to wake you sleep with a beautiful sunrise shades.

Get it: .99

2. Bttn

When many smart devices can be controlled via the phone or computer, bttn does this in a different way. It is a physical button that you allows you access to a service, or to control an internet-enabled device by simply pressing it. Think of it as an IFTTT with you "pushing the button" as the trigger, for instance, a bttn can be configured to let you know when your kid is home from school.

You can set bttn as a trigger to services such as Zapier, OpenHome, SmartThings, Twitter, Facebook, email, or SMS messaging. Bttn connects to the internet using WiFi or mobile data with a micro SIM card, powered by couple of AA batteries.

Get it: €69

3. TrackR Stickers

TrackR is a piece of coin-sized sticker which is easy to affix to your keys, smartphone or pet. It comes in three variations: the coin-sized TrackR Stickers, the flat and rectangular TrackR Wallet (for keys), and the waterproof, engrave-able TrackR bravo (for pets).

All are capable of ringing at 85 dB if triggered with the smartphone app. The app also can use Distance Indicator and Crowd GPS that give you accurate coordinates to your missing valuables. TrackR also works in 2-ways, that means you can find your phone simply by pressing TrackR’s button.

Get it: .95

4. Keen Home

Keen Home is a vent that will help keep the temperature of your rooms uniform and balanced. You can manually open or close the vent via the application on your mobile phone, or let it work to automatically based on settings that you prefer. Keen Home will open and close to adjust the hot and cold temperatures into a comfortable range, allowing you to save energy and save on the electric bill.

The vent designs are available in Herringbone, Arbor and Wave (coming soon), and it can run for years on just 4 AA batteries. There are four measurements available: 4" by 10", 4" by 12", 6" by 10" and 6" by 12". Just remove to present vent installation in your home and plug Keen Home faceplates in.

Get it: (pre-order)

See More Smart Home Devices here.

5. Smokio

Smokio is a smart vaporizer, with a system embedded in it to keep track of your smoking activity. The beauty of this is, it is designed to help you quit. It monitors your smoking activity based on the number of puffs you take as well as your nicotine levels on a day-by-day progress.

You will receive statistics on your smoking habit, as well as a report on the financial savings you are getting from smoking less. A full charge of the Li-ion battery requires 90 minutes, which can then last for 750 puffs.

Get it: €59.90

6. The Pocket Printer

The Pocket Printer by ZUtALabs is a small yet fully functioning printer that prints the content you need on any piece of paper you place it on. No more feeding the paper only to get it jamming up the insides of a printer, or wasting time figuring out how to setup the correct paper size.

With a working WiFi connection, the Pocket Printer can print documents you send to it from your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop, no matter where you are. It measures 10.2 cm in diameter, 7.5 cm in height and weights only 350 g.

Get it: 9 (pre-order)

7. Fever Smart

Fever Smart is a patch thermometer that connected to your iPhone, allowing you to monitor a patient’s body temperature, taken under the armpit. This tool is useful for parents who want to monitor a sick child but cannot be physically there with them, or for women who are tracking their ovulation via basal temperature (to conceive a child).

Fever Smart is also good for healthcare professionals to keep watch of their post-operative patients or to monitor critical patients with possibility of sudden high fevers, so treatments can be administered quickly. The team is releasing an Android app for this soon.

Get it: 9.99

More Smart Health Gadgets here.

8. Equil Smartpen 2

Some of us prefer to work with pen and paper, but find it hard to transfer that onto the digital platform. With the Equil Smartpen 2, you can use sketch, doodle and draw, write notes or plot novels on a piece of paper, then have all your scribbles transferred into digital form via Bluetooth or via the pen (and its receiver’s) built-in memory.

You can also share your writing through social networks, sync your files with Dropbox or Evernote across multiple platforms. The software will convert your handwriting to editable text, enhancing readability. The pen is good for use for 8 hours between charging, which is done via its charging case. Equil Smartpen also works with multiple languages like traditional Chinese, Japanese, Koren and more.

Get it: 9.95

9. Skylock

Skylock is a bluetooth-enabled lock that is locked and unlocked with the Sky Lock smartphone app. You can even choose to unlock it by proximity (via Signal Strength Indicator). Apart from that, Skylock also can send crash alerts to people in your trusted network, in case it detects that you were involved in an accident. It will also alert you if it is being tampered with by a theft attempt.

The beauty of Skylock is that a fully charged battery can last 6 months without a recharge, and it is powered by sunlight. This means that if you take your bike out for a ride, Skylock is continuously charging. Alternatively, it can be charged with the micro-USB port.

Get it: 9 (pre-order)

10. Arlo

If you have to install security cameras, you might fuss with wires, receivers, and settings. With Arlo, installing surveillance cameras is as easy as putting it where you want it, connecting it to your WiFi and doing all your monitoring from your mobile phone with the app. It is equipped with a fully magnetic mount, as well as waterproof container so as not to protect from rain and heat.

It is capable of recording 720p video with angles up to 110 degrees giving you high detail output. The camera starts recording once it detects any movement with its motion alert feature. Connect up to 15 cameras and monitor up to 4 cameras simultaneously.

Get it: 9.99

Bonus

Ringly

Ringly is made of 18K gold with beautiful precious stones but we’re not here to talk about jewelry, right? Ringly has the ability to notify you when someone calls you on your mobile phone. It uses 4 vibration patterns and 5 blinking colored LEDs to give you different types of configurable notifications.

The configurations can be done on the Ringly smartphone app. With the app, you can set how you want Ringly to notify you on calls, texts, emails, calendar alerts and various social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others.

Get it: 5 (preorder)

Now Read:
15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets

10 Really Smart Gadgets to Increase Productivity

10 Really Smart Gadgets to Increase Productivity

Lately, more and more technologically advanced innovations are taking shape in handheld or mobile gadgets. Smartphones aren’t the only smart gadgets we use these days. We have the smartwatch, smart TV, smart cars, and more. But not all gadgets that carry the label "smart", is actually smart, it just means that it is connected to the smartphone via an app or via Bluetooth.

Keeping that at the back of our heads, we dug around for gadgets with above-average smarts, the kind that helps make our life easier. We found a few items that can help you keep track of your things, a very smart lock that can also help save your life, as well as a pen that will change the way you work online. Let’s take a look.

1. Bolt

Bolt is a smart bulb which illuminates your room with a variety of colors — with only a single bulb. Yes, no more lightbulb changing with this smart lamp. Its efficient LED technology allows for a 20-year use (3 hours a day, 7 days a week). Bolt also comes with a two-year warranty.

With the Misfit HomeApp on your Android / iPhone as a control panel, you can dim the lights or adjust the colors according to your mood. Bolt also uses dynamic Lightscapes, but you can create your own Lightscape or use your own photos. Bolt also can be set as an alarm to wake you sleep with a beautiful sunrise shades.

Get it: .99

2. Bttn

When many smart devices can be controlled via the phone or computer, bttn does this in a different way. It is a physical button that you allows you access to a service, or to control an internet-enabled device by simply pressing it. Think of it as an IFTTT with you "pushing the button" as the trigger, for instance, a bttn can be configured to let you know when your kid is home from school.

You can set bttn as a trigger to services such as Zapier, OpenHome, SmartThings, Twitter, Facebook, email, or SMS messaging. Bttn connects to the internet using WiFi or mobile data with a micro SIM card, powered by couple of AA batteries.

Get it: €69

3. TrackR Stickers

TrackR is a piece of coin-sized sticker which is easy to affix to your keys, smartphone or pet. It comes in three variations: the coin-sized TrackR Stickers, the flat and rectangular TrackR Wallet (for keys), and the waterproof, engrave-able TrackR bravo (for pets).

All are capable of ringing at 85 dB if triggered with the smartphone app. The app also can use Distance Indicator and Crowd GPS that give you accurate coordinates to your missing valuables. TrackR also works in 2-ways, that means you can find your phone simply by pressing TrackR’s button.

Get it: .95

4. Keen Home

Keen Home is a vent that will help keep the temperature of your rooms uniform and balanced. You can manually open or close the vent via the application on your mobile phone, or let it work to automatically based on settings that you prefer. Keen Home will open and close to adjust the hot and cold temperatures into a comfortable range, allowing you to save energy and save on the electric bill.

The vent designs are available in Herringbone, Arbor and Wave (coming soon), and it can run for years on just 4 AA batteries. There are four measurements available: 4" by 10", 4" by 12", 6" by 10" and 6" by 12". Just remove to present vent installation in your home and plug Keen Home faceplates in.

Get it: (pre-order)

See More Smart Home Devices here.

5. Smokio

Smokio is a smart vaporizer, with a system embedded in it to keep track of your smoking activity. The beauty of this is, it is designed to help you quit. It monitors your smoking activity based on the number of puffs you take as well as your nicotine levels on a day-by-day progress.

You will receive statistics on your smoking habit, as well as a report on the financial savings you are getting from smoking less. A full charge of the Li-ion battery requires 90 minutes, which can then last for 750 puffs.

Get it: €59.90

6. The Pocket Printer

The Pocket Printer by ZUtALabs is a small yet fully functioning printer that prints the content you need on any piece of paper you place it on. No more feeding the paper only to get it jamming up the insides of a printer, or wasting time figuring out how to setup the correct paper size.

With a working WiFi connection, the Pocket Printer can print documents you send to it from your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop, no matter where you are. It measures 10.2 cm in diameter, 7.5 cm in height and weights only 350 g.

Get it: 9 (pre-order)

7. Fever Smart

Fever Smart is a patch thermometer that connected to your iPhone, allowing you to monitor a patient’s body temperature, taken under the armpit. This tool is useful for parents who want to monitor a sick child but cannot be physically there with them, or for women who are tracking their ovulation via basal temperature (to conceive a child).

Fever Smart is also good for healthcare professionals to keep watch of their post-operative patients or to monitor critical patients with possibility of sudden high fevers, so treatments can be administered quickly. The team is releasing an Android app for this soon.

Get it: 9.99

More Smart Health Gadgets here.

8. Equil Smartpen 2

Some of us prefer to work with pen and paper, but find it hard to transfer that onto the digital platform. With the Equil Smartpen 2, you can use sketch, doodle and draw, write notes or plot novels on a piece of paper, then have all your scribbles transferred into digital form via Bluetooth or via the pen (and its receiver’s) built-in memory.

You can also share your writing through social networks, sync your files with Dropbox or Evernote across multiple platforms. The software will convert your handwriting to editable text, enhancing readability. The pen is good for use for 8 hours between charging, which is done via its charging case. Equil Smartpen also works with multiple languages like traditional Chinese, Japanese, Koren and more.

Get it: 9.95

9. Skylock

Skylock is a bluetooth-enabled lock that is locked and unlocked with the Sky Lock smartphone app. You can even choose to unlock it by proximity (via Signal Strength Indicator). Apart from that, Skylock also can send crash alerts to people in your trusted network, in case it detects that you were involved in an accident. It will also alert you if it is being tampered with by a theft attempt.

The beauty of Skylock is that a fully charged battery can last 6 months without a recharge, and it is powered by sunlight. This means that if you take your bike out for a ride, Skylock is continuously charging. Alternatively, it can be charged with the micro-USB port.

Get it: 9 (pre-order)

10. Arlo

If you have to install security cameras, you might fuss with wires, receivers, and settings. With Arlo, installing surveillance cameras is as easy as putting it where you want it, connecting it to your WiFi and doing all your monitoring from your mobile phone with the app. It is equipped with a fully magnetic mount, as well as waterproof container so as not to protect from rain and heat.

It is capable of recording 720p video with angles up to 110 degrees giving you high detail output. The camera starts recording once it detects any movement with its motion alert feature. Connect up to 15 cameras and monitor up to 4 cameras simultaneously.

Get it: 9.99

Bonus

Ringly

Ringly is made of 18K gold with beautiful precious stones but we’re not here to talk about jewelry, right? Ringly has the ability to notify you when someone calls you on your mobile phone. It uses 4 vibration patterns and 5 blinking colored LEDs to give you different types of configurable notifications.

The configurations can be done on the Ringly smartphone app. With the app, you can set how you want Ringly to notify you on calls, texts, emails, calendar alerts and various social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others.

Get it: 5 (preorder)

Now Read:
15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets

10 Really Smart Gadgets to Increase Productivity

15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets

As modern technologies become more intuitive, manufacturers create devices which can be activated and controlled by touch, specific gestures, and even your own voice. Today we decided to share with you a list of innovative tech gadgets which can be activated by the sound of your voice.

These voice-activated gadgets range from voice-commanded light fixtures that make traditional switches a thing of the past to voice-controlled smart watches and a listening personal assistant that talks back! So, scroll down and enjoy these gadgets that will have you tongue-tied.

Read Also: 20 Gadgets That Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

1. Skully Smart Helmet

From smartphones, smartwatches to smart TVs, we are now seeing smart helmets! The Skully Smart Helmet is aimed to make motorcycle riding safer. The helmet is equipped with a heads-up display system with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a full 180-degree rear view camera, and it’s all voice-controlled. [Pre-order at 99]

You can see how the helmet works in real life in this video.

2. Homey

The Homey glowing orb is a product that will connect all your devices so you can manage them with the sound of your voice. With Homey you can adjust things like your Facebook statuses, light switches, thermostats, and more from one console. You can even give commands a few rooms away from the orb. [€299]

Watch the video to see Homey in action.

3. Ivee

Have you ever asked your morning alarm to shut up? And of course it never listens. Ivee is a smart alarm clock that does. You can turn it on or off with your voice. It also provides you with all your needed morning info, like news, weather, stocks, and more. [9]

You can see how this voice-activated alarm smart works in the video below.

4. Sony SmartWatch 3

This smartwatch from Sony is all about voice control. It can assist you with details about weather, making hotel reservations, directions and more. What it can’t help you with the look of faces on the passers-by as they stare at you talking to your watch a lot. [9]

I managed to find an in-depth review of this watch, so you can see how it works.

5. Samsung Smart TV

No more searching for the remote contorl, this should be how all TVs of the future function. You can operate your TV without pushing a button. Turn it on or off, change channels, access apps, and navigate the web on your TV using your voice. [9-3499]

See the video below to discover more features.

6. Listnr: Your Listening Assistant

Listnr is your listening assistant. It reacts to claps, music, knocks, and even your voice. It will analyze what your baby said, recognize 4 types of expressions, and send notifications to your phone. This was a Kickstarter project until it was suspended in early March. The creators have since decided to produce Listnr without Kickstarter funding. The first shipment will arrive in fall. [not available to buy yet]

In this quite funny video you can see how Listnr works, in images.

7. Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo is something like Siri for your home. Echo can be activated with a special password, after which, you can dictate shopping lists, ask about the weather, stocks, news, or anything else that you might normally turn to Google for. [9]

This item is my favourite in this collection. The Amazon Echo can play music, read your cooking recipes, check weather and time, answer questions, and a lot more things! See yourself!

8. Vocca Light

Vocca is a light switch that can turn any old lightbulb into a voice-activated one. No more fumbling in the dark to turn on the lights. It comes with a mobile app for managing your light bulbs, so you can schedule your lights on and off, or control them with your own voice. [.70]

Don’t argue about whose turn it is to turn of the lights. Vocca is here to solve this issue for good!

9. Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control

You can use your voice to control your home temperature via this Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat. Alternatively, you can also use your smartphone, tablet or computer to make things warm and cozy. [5]

See how to install and use this smart thermostat in the video below.

10. Moto Hint

Moto Hint is an accessory from Motorola which allows you to control your phone through a voice-activated earbud. You can keep the phone in your bag or pocket and let your voice do the rest. [9.99]

The video review below is really detailed and helpful. You can see the voice-command features in action.

11. Plantronics K100 Bluetooth Speakerphone

This Bluetooth speaker is designed to be clipped onto your car’s visor. It has echo cancellation, making calls clearer on both ends. Also, the in-car speakerphone allows you to stream music and podcasts through its A2DP-enabled phones. Its hands-free feature also means safer driving. [.19]

This review shows it in action.

12. Cubic Robotics

Cubic works just like Amazon Echo, except it has a personality that you can converse with. It can manage your devices and apps, search the information you asked through the web, and emotionally support any interaction. Its Indiegogo fundraiser was a success and the first batch will be delivered end of 2015. [not available to buy yet]

The Cubic is similar to Amazon Echo, just differently designed. See for yourself in the video below.

13. LG Vacuum Cleaner

This is a cool vacuum cleaner for your home, one which can be activated and controlled by your voice! It has virtual walls and works quietly while you rest. Just order it to clean and it rids your hard surfaces and carpets of dirt dust and pet hair. You can run a few patterns of cleaning including spot cleaning for lifting dirt from filthy areas.[9]

14. Dragon Drive

You can write emails while you drive — using your voice, I mean! Dragon Drive lets you dictate messages and emails while you drive with both hands on the wheel. BMW not included though. [9.99]

The video below shows how the Dragon Drive works.

15. Girl Tech Password Journal 8

Finally, here’s one for tech savvy girls looking for a safe outlet to vent their thoughts and opinions. This modern girly diary keep secrets better than any other diaries made before. It’s activated by the owner’s voice. You need to say your password out loud to open the diary. [£17.99]

Here’s a review done by a little girl.

15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets

15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets

As modern technologies become more intuitive, manufacturers create devices which can be activated and controlled by touch, specific gestures, and even your own voice. Today we decided to share with you a list of innovative tech gadgets which can be activated by the sound of your voice.

These voice-activated gadgets range from voice-commanded light fixtures that make traditional switches a thing of the past to voice-controlled smart watches and a listening personal assistant that talks back! So, scroll down and enjoy these gadgets that will have you tongue-tied.

Read Also: 20 Gadgets That Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter

1. Skully Smart Helmet

From smartphones, smartwatches to smart TVs, we are now seeing smart helmets! The Skully Smart Helmet is aimed to make motorcycle riding safer. The helmet is equipped with a heads-up display system with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a full 180-degree rear view camera, and it’s all voice-controlled. [Pre-order at 99]

You can see how the helmet works in real life in this video.

2. Homey

The Homey glowing orb is a product that will connect all your devices so you can manage them with the sound of your voice. With Homey you can adjust things like your Facebook statuses, light switches, thermostats, and more from one console. You can even give commands a few rooms away from the orb. [€299]

Watch the video to see Homey in action.

3. Ivee

Have you ever asked your morning alarm to shut up? And of course it never listens. Ivee is a smart alarm clock that does. You can turn it on or off with your voice. It also provides you with all your needed morning info, like news, weather, stocks, and more. [9]

You can see how this voice-activated alarm smart works in the video below.

4. Sony SmartWatch 3

This smartwatch from Sony is all about voice control. It can assist you with details about weather, making hotel reservations, directions and more. What it can’t help you with the look of faces on the passers-by as they stare at you talking to your watch a lot. [9]

I managed to find an in-depth review of this watch, so you can see how it works.

5. Samsung Smart TV

No more searching for the remote contorl, this should be how all TVs of the future function. You can operate your TV without pushing a button. Turn it on or off, change channels, access apps, and navigate the web on your TV using your voice. [9-3499]

See the video below to discover more features.

6. Listnr: Your Listening Assistant

Listnr is your listening assistant. It reacts to claps, music, knocks, and even your voice. It will analyze what your baby said, recognize 4 types of expressions, and send notifications to your phone. This was a Kickstarter project until it was suspended in early March. The creators have since decided to produce Listnr without Kickstarter funding. The first shipment will arrive in fall. [not available to buy yet]

In this quite funny video you can see how Listnr works, in images.

7. Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo is something like Siri for your home. Echo can be activated with a special password, after which, you can dictate shopping lists, ask about the weather, stocks, news, or anything else that you might normally turn to Google for. [9]

This item is my favourite in this collection. The Amazon Echo can play music, read your cooking recipes, check weather and time, answer questions, and a lot more things! See yourself!

8. Vocca Light

Vocca is a light switch that can turn any old lightbulb into a voice-activated one. No more fumbling in the dark to turn on the lights. It comes with a mobile app for managing your light bulbs, so you can schedule your lights on and off, or control them with your own voice. [.70]

Don’t argue about whose turn it is to turn of the lights. Vocca is here to solve this issue for good!

9. Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control

You can use your voice to control your home temperature via this Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat. Alternatively, you can also use your smartphone, tablet or computer to make things warm and cozy. [5]

See how to install and use this smart thermostat in the video below.

10. Moto Hint

Moto Hint is an accessory from Motorola which allows you to control your phone through a voice-activated earbud. You can keep the phone in your bag or pocket and let your voice do the rest. [9.99]

The video review below is really detailed and helpful. You can see the voice-command features in action.

11. Plantronics K100 Bluetooth Speakerphone

This Bluetooth speaker is designed to be clipped onto your car’s visor. It has echo cancellation, making calls clearer on both ends. Also, the in-car speakerphone allows you to stream music and podcasts through its A2DP-enabled phones. Its hands-free feature also means safer driving. [.19]

This review shows it in action.

12. Cubic Robotics

Cubic works just like Amazon Echo, except it has a personality that you can converse with. It can manage your devices and apps, search the information you asked through the web, and emotionally support any interaction. Its Indiegogo fundraiser was a success and the first batch will be delivered end of 2015. [not available to buy yet]

The Cubic is similar to Amazon Echo, just differently designed. See for yourself in the video below.

13. LG Vacuum Cleaner

This is a cool vacuum cleaner for your home, one which can be activated and controlled by your voice! It has virtual walls and works quietly while you rest. Just order it to clean and it rids your hard surfaces and carpets of dirt dust and pet hair. You can run a few patterns of cleaning including spot cleaning for lifting dirt from filthy areas.[9]

14. Dragon Drive

You can write emails while you drive — using your voice, I mean! Dragon Drive lets you dictate messages and emails while you drive with both hands on the wheel. BMW not included though. [9.99]

The video below shows how the Dragon Drive works.

15. Girl Tech Password Journal 8

Finally, here’s one for tech savvy girls looking for a safe outlet to vent their thoughts and opinions. This modern girly diary keep secrets better than any other diaries made before. It’s activated by the owner’s voice. You need to say your password out loud to open the diary. [£17.99]

Here’s a review done by a little girl.

15 Voice-Controlled Gadgets