12 of the Newest Tech Gadgets You Need to Have Around the House

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Let’s give a big pat on the back to technology for making our lives easier. Sure, it’s also taken over our lives—ahem, Facebook… and Twitter… and Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Foursquare, and the like.
Despite our obsessive tendencies (which are our own faults), at its core technology has the ability to make your day better, easier, and faster. And with the advent of mobile we can do these things from the palms of our hands from anywhere in the world—as long as there’s a signal.
I’ve gathered the must-have gadgets homeowners need in their lives. These purchases—and sometimes splurges—are surefire bets to change lives. They’ll make you feel pretty cool as well. Just imagine the look on your guests’ faces when the lights in your home pulse with different colors to the beat of your music. Do I have your attention now?

What Makes a Home Gadget Great?

I based my roundup of at-home technology around a few requirements:

Necessity
Functionality
Price
Wow factor
Genius factor (also known as the “Duh, why didn’t I think of that?” factor)

I’ll be the first to admit that not all home gadgets are must-haves. A 3D TV is a perfect example. It scores big on the “wow factor,” but not so big on “necessity” or “price.” But if it’s wi-fi enabled and interacts easily with your Netflix, it might get a couple brownie points for “functionality.”
Right now the biggest trends are integration and automation. That means technology that will send you a tweet when the laundry is done. Or a gadget that gives you the ability to unlock your door from your mobile device. Or a setting that allows the room temperature to automatically adjust when you come home from work. Part of leading a “better” life is living a life with more freedom. Is there some sort of robot out there that will do my laundry and then fold it for me? Not yet? Somebody get on that.

Do I Need These Gadgets?

Because so much focus is on interactivity and connectivity, it’s up to you to program many of these gadgets in the best way possible. It’s great because the technology is totally customizable. But it also means that you have to get comfortable with a little bit of tweaking, hacking, and experimenting.
Don’t just get a new gadget because you can. Get it because you’ll truly use it on a daily basis. Think of the problem areas in your life right now and decide if this technology can provide a solution. Maybe some of these gadgets provide a solution to a problem you didn’t even know you had – that’s OK, too. Just don’t get too caught up in the hype.

What If I Can’t Stand Technology?

You don’t want to be the last person to adapt. A lot of this at-home technology is fairly simple to use. You don’t have to go full-blown Tony Stark and automate your entire existence. Start small and work your way up. You can do it. And if you have a question about technology, just Google it.

1. Nest

Source: Nest
This “learning thermostat” will save you energy and money—once you recover from the $249.99 investment.

2. AT&T Digital Life

Source: AT&T
Automate your home security via your mobile device with AT&T’s new keyless entry system. Add-ons include water detection, video cameras, and an energy use manager.

3. Philips Hue

Source: Flickr user John Meyer
These wireless bulbs light up, dim down, or shut off whenever you want them to. Set the mood or keep your home safe all from a mobile app. The three-pack starter kit is $199.95.

4. FitBit Aria

Source: Flickr user Justin Grimes
This “smart” scale interacts wirelessly with your Fitbit activity trackers and dashboard for total fitness management. At $129.95, it’s a bit of a splurge.

5. Modern Lanterns

Source: Kickstarter
These battery-operated cordless lamps look like their traditional counterparts but can be moved with ease.

6. Belkin Kitchen Mount for iPad

Source: Belkin
Belkin has an array of mounts that will help you keep your iPad near while cooking dinner, including a kitchen cabinet mount for $49.99 and a fridge mount for $39.99.

7. U-Socket

Source: FastMac
The “outlet of the future” looks normal, but it includes two USB ports perfect for charging all of your iDevices. And it’s only $24.95.

8. iTouchless Sensor-Controlled Fully-Automated Toilet Seat

Source: iTouchLess
This $189 seat cover automatically opens when approached. With a wave of the hand the seat will rise as well.

9. Cube 3D Printer

Source: Cubify
Staples is the first big box retailer to bring 3D printing to the masses. For a cool $1,299.99, you can make just about anything you could possibly need.

10. Lockitron

Source: Lockitron
This $179 device slips over your deadbolt and can then be unlocked from your mobile device. It even has a built-in knock sensor that will notify you when someone’s at the door.

11. Ninja Blocks

Source: NinjaBlocks
This wifi-enabled mini computer costs $199 and can be “hacked” to detect things like motion and light, and then communicate that information to you via text, tweet, and more.