From smart speakers to smart lights, tech has finally come home. Here are some of the best devices we’ve found to make your home work for you.
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Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/fisher-price-deluxe-newborn-auto-rock-n-play-sleeper-with-smartconnect/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Fisher-Price’s SmartConnect Sleeper makes calming your baby easy and hands-free. The movement patterns work well, the cradle itself is soft and comfortable, and the sound quality is great for this type of product.
The bad: You can’t play your own music through the speakers with either an auxiliary cable or via Bluetooth.
The cost: $99.99
The bottom line: Every parent should consider buying the SmartConnect Sleeper. It’s a device you’ll probably use for at least a few hours every day, and one that calmed my baby better than any other I’ve tested yet. At only $100, it’s a steal. The app connection and flexible settings are just an added bonus.
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Nest Cam Indoor
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/nest-cam/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Nest Cam’s high-resolution video (1080p), magnetic base, pivoting stand and updated app make this DIY device an improvement over Dropcam Pro — and many other DIY cameras.
The bad: Like Dropcam Pro, Nest Cam is still just a webcam at heart. While it does offer security features like opt-in motion and sound alerts, they aren’t especially useful since you can only receive one notification every 30 minutes.
The cost: $160.95 TO $199.00
The bottom line: Given that Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro are pretty similar, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for existing users to replace their Pro. But, budding DIYers searching for a high-res live streaming camera really can’t beat Nest Cam.
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Lifx Color 1000
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/lifx-color-1000-smart-bulb/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Lifx Color 1000 is brighter and more efficient than the first generation of Lifx bulbs, and the colors are just as true. The easy-to-use app offers a good number of features, and integrations with IFTTT, SmartThings, Nest, Windows, and Amazon Echo make the bulb a good choice for a wide range of users and homes.
The bad: Lifx is still an awfully expensive smart light. It also won’t work with Apple HomeKit (or with Siri) like Philips Hue bulbs will.
The cost: $94.00
The bottom line: This flat-topped smart bulb is the most well-rounded color-changer money can buy — and a superior option to Philips Hue.
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Amazon Echo
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/amazon-echo-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Amazon’s voice-activated smart home speaker is undeniably futuristic, but it’s also practical and accessible. With a rapidly growing slate of features and integrations, it’s easy to get excited about the Echo’s potential.
The bad: The Echo’s sound quality is uneven at times, with weak bass at high volumes. The growing list of “Skills” in the Alexa app could also benefit from better organization.
The cost: $179.99
The bottom line: More than a year after its debut, the Echo is smarter than ever, and one of the best connected home products money can currently buy.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Associate Editor Ry Crist, Executive Editor David Carnoy, Associate Editor David Priest, Associate Editor Megan Wollerton and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
