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Forget the gimmicks: 5 essential smart home devices that truly simplify your life | Shopping Guide

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Over the years, I’ve evaluated countless smart devices, yet the few that have found a permanent spot in my home were not my initial selections. They often provide convoluted solutions for issues that barely existed initially. Ensure you’re not just acquiring a novelty that will end up in storage shortly after purchase.

While numerous smart home gadgets may not be the best investment, some can significantly enhance your home. From robot vacuums and smart bulbs to smart locks and video doorbells, I’ll spotlight five smart home devices that have genuinely simplified my life.

Smart Home Devices Overview

All prices are accurate as of publication.

Roborock Saros 10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

$1,599.99 from Robo Rock
$1,599.99 on Amazon

Photo: John Bitner

The Roborock Saros 10 takes care of all your floor cleaning needs. It’s not merely a vacuum and mop; it empties its own dust bin and cleans its mop, allowing for weeks of hassle-free operation. With a tangle-free brush, vibrating warm water mop, and unmatched suction power, your floors will be sparkling clean.

Setting it up goes beyond just plugging it in and connecting it to your phone. Initially, you’ll take it around your home to map the floor plan, and when it transitions onto carpet, you can keep the mopping pad docked or store it automatically.

The only manual tasks required are filling the clean water tank, emptying the dirty water tank, and replacing the large dock dust bin when necessary. Depending on your home’s size and dirtiness, you’ll typically need to address the aquarium weekly, while the dust bin can go months before needing a change.

Though it’s the priciest item on this list, for those with a busy lifestyle, it’s worth every cent.

Smart Color Light Bulbs

Home Depot $26.26
$26.26 on Amazon

Photo: John Bitner

Smart bulbs are a cost-effective (and fun) introduction to the world of automation. Wyze bulbs stand out due to their competitive pricing, dependable performance, and extensive color options.

They simulate a sunrise effect every morning, gently illuminating your space until it’s bright enough to wake you.

At night, you can turn off the lights via your phone—no need to navigate a dark bedroom or step on a wayward dog toy. I even use Wyze bulbs in my home theater to create the perfect ambiance for movie nights, whether cozy or creepy.

Yale Assure Smart Lock

$203 at Home Depot
$239 on Amazon

Photo: John Bitner

You may perceive smart locks as just a fad, but my experience over the years has turned me into a loyal enthusiast. The Yale Assure Lock 2 allows me to enter without a physical key. Simply enter a passcode on the keypad when stepping out for a jog. You can also generate temporary codes for guests that expire after their visit (just remember to keep the main code private).

If you ever forget whether you’ve locked the door, you can quickly check your phone for the door’s status. The app not only shows whether the door is open or closed, but it also indicates its lock status. There’s also a door history feature, letting you see when the door is locked or unlocked.

Various models of the Yale Assure Lock 2 are available (including key-free options and those compatible with Apple Wallet), making it straightforward to find one that fits your lifestyle. If remote access is essential, make sure to choose one with WiFi.

Ring Video Doorbell

$49.99 at Ring
$49.99 at Home Depot

Photo: John Bitner

It seems like everyone in the neighborhood has a Ring Video Doorbell— and with good reason. They offer utilities that you might not realize until you own one. Do you need to monitor package deliveries when away? Want to communicate with your pets while you’re out? Looking to capture amusing videos for social media? The Ring doorbell is versatile.

I personally have an older model (the Wired Doorbell Plus) that has treated me well for four years, and the newest models, like the Wired Doorbell Pro, appear even better. All of them provide motion alerts to your smartphone whenever movement is detected, notifying you of doorbell rings and allowing you to converse with guests via two-way audio without opening the door.

If you have existing doorbell wiring, the entry-level Video Doorbell Wired meets most needs; Battery Doorbell Pro and Wired Doorbell Pro offer additional wireless convenience and enhanced video quality.

If you’re hesitant about subscribing for video storage, consider Eufy C210, which stores video locally, eliminating subscription requirements.

Be cautious of becoming overly reliant on the video doorbell’s features.

Aera Smart Diffuser

$199 at Aera
$199 on Amazon

Photo: John Bitner

The Aera Smart Diffuser addresses a common issue: unpleasant odors. If you live in a compact area like I do, with the kitchen, gym, bathroom, and main living area all close together, it becomes essential.

Unlike candles that require constant oversight and often compromise air quality, the Aera operates discreetly and hypo-allergenically. After inserting a fragrance capsule, you can set a schedule for the diffuser, ensuring a delightful scent permeates your home throughout the day. It can also be controlled remotely so that when you come home from travel, a pleasing aroma welcomes you.

While the initial investment is steep (the diffuser retails for $199), the $60 fragrance capsules tend to last around three months, making it more economical than continually purchasing premium candles. This makes it one of my favorite smart home devices, solving a frustrating problem with minimal maintenance.

  • Jon Bitner is a writer covering travel, outdoor activities, and technology for publications like GameSpot, Digital Trends, and Islands. An avid hiker, he relishes exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nature from New Heights: 18 Aerial Photos You Won’t Forget

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From molten lava coursing through ice-covered landscapes to sharks gracefully swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, viewing nature from an aerial vantage point provides a breathtaking perspective on our planet’s terrain and wildlife.

Welcome to the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year Competition. This contest invited both professional and amateur photographers from around the globe to submit their entries, which were judged against high standards (yes, pun intended).

The first prize was awarded to Joanna Steidle, a professional drone pilot and artist. Her remarkable photograph, along with other prominent entries from the competition, can be explored below.

plane! plane! – David Mielowski

The airplane’s shadow dances over the vibrant waters of the Hat Lagoon in Western Australia. Photo: David Mielowski/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Flamingo and Pelican – David Swindler

A pelican wades through a sea of flamingos. Photo by David Swindler/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Smoking Skull – Daniel Binigarcia

The cooling lava of Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano created a skull-like formation, evoking a spooky scene. Photo: Daniel Bini Garcia/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Elephant of Flow – Murray Evans

A herd of elephants roaming the Basanga plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Photo: Murray Evans/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Austfonna Ice Cap – Thomas Vijayan

An aerial view showcasing the Bråsvellbreen glacier, part of the Austfonna ice cap in Svalbard, Norway. Photo: Thomas Vijayan/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Laguna Hedionda – Ignacio Palacios

Laguna Hedionda in Bolivia, notable for its diverse flamingo species, beautifully captured from the sky. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Salt Works IV Eye – Daniela Tonmar

A drone capture showing salt extraction operations along Australia’s coral coast. Daniela Tommasi/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

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Tahogait Volcano – Javier Garcia

The Tahogait Volcano (Montañarajada) in La Palma, Spain erupted on September 19, 2021, leading to widespread destruction. Photo: Javier Garcia/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

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Twisted Owl – Colin Leonhardt

An aerial perspective of the Alumina Mine Tapered Dam near Collie, Western Australia. Photo: Colin Leonhardt/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Tidal Flora – Peter Harrison

Joseph Bonaparte Bay Marine Park in Australia’s Northern Territory is sculpted by formidable tides that flow through shallow, muddy flats. Photo: Peter Harrison/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Recover – AelKermare

An aerial snapshot capturing a volcano’s energy as lava engulfs icy pathways in Iceland—documenting the nation’s sixth volcanic eruption in three years. Photo: Ael Kermare/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

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Celestimpur – Daniel Writer

The colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots of Yellowstone National Park, USA, create intriguing patterns. Photo: Daniel Reiter/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Eternal Harmony – Rositsa Dimitrova

The rugged terrains and rivers of Iceland are beautifully showcased in this stunning aerial capture. Photography by Rositsa Dimitrova/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Sunrise on Mars – Taylor Duncan

This image of Bentonite Hills in Utah, USA, unveils a landscape reminiscent of Mars, shaped by time and water. Photograph by Taylor Duncan

International Aerial Photos of the Year – Ignacio Palacio

The mesmerizing anti-crepuscular rays in Cono de Arita, Argentina created by the sun’s light converging due to atmospheric phenomena. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year

Winner of International Aerial Photographer of the Year – Joanna Steidle

A dynamic aerial shot of a spinner shark creating a gateway amidst a school of menhaden fish in the Atlantic Ocean near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Humpback whales gracefully submerge beneath the Atlantic’s surface after surfacing for air. Captured near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
A captivating aerial image of rays stirring the sand as they glide along the ocean floor near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Forget Terminator: Our Robotic Future Could Be Soft and Playful

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“When I think about the future of robots and society, I don’t see machine overlords.”

Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images

Are you concerned that AI-driven robots might take our jobs or even pose a threat? You’re not alone. Yet, this fear invites a critical examination of whether the opposite might be true.

In my upcoming novel, Automatic Noodles, set to release later this year, I introduce four robots battling to secure jobs in a country where laws prevent them from unionizing, securing bank accounts, voting, or owning businesses. Although it’s a work of science fiction, it’s grounded in existing technology and delves into our fundamental anxieties about robots.

For years, I have written non-fiction on actual robotics, interviewing engineers and industry professionals to understand future advancements. Recently, I visited Yale University’s groundbreaking lab, the Faboratory, led by Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio, where her team is developing soft robots. These include flexible, squishy creatures with circuits made of liquid metal. One such robot can swim like a turtle, aiding in environmental monitoring of wetlands. Another, named Tensegrity, resembles a cluster of plastic sticks connected by elastic bands, bouncing back when dropped to explore its surroundings.

Medha Goyal and researchers in the Faboratory showcased a tiny liquid ball that expands when warmed. These “Granular actuators” can be incorporated into robots to create varying rigidity and softness in their limbs. They also hold significant medical potential, enabling small robots to deliver medication or diagnose health issues.

Kramer-Bottiglio and her team are challenging traditional notions of robotics. Tomorrow’s bots may not resemble towering humanoids; instead, they could be softer, using air pressure instead of metal mechanics. Notably, one of my book’s characters is an octopus-like soft robot designed for underwater searches and rescues, aptly named Cayenne, equipped with sensors on its arms that allow it to interpret flavors.

Tomorrow’s bots probably won’t resemble gigantic humanoids; they might instead be soft little beings.

When you envision the future of robotics, you might picture something akin to Cayenne. All they and their robotic companions aspire to is to operate a noodle restaurant in San Francisco. Their crew includes Sweety, a three-legged wheeled bot, alongside a basic mixer with two arms and Staybehind, a humanoid soldier bot more interested in decorating the restaurant than fighting.

This makeshift family inhabits a remarkable era of human history. In the 2060s, California’s government decided that certain AI-powered robots should be regarded as individuals. However, officials worry that granting robots the same rights as humans could lead to an uncontrollable influx of robots dominating society. Thus, they have restricted essential rights “for their own good,” assuring the public that a vote could eventually expand robot rights.

Despite what their human counterparts fear, Cayenne and its companions do not seek dominance. They simply wish to pursue their passions. Rather than producing mediocre meals for distant human masters, they aspire to create what they genuinely care about. They symbolize immigrants in a new land, often viewed with skepticism, and at worst, they struggle to survive in a society that wishes them ill.

I’m intentionally drawing this parallel because it’s disconcerting how the fears surrounding immigration resonate with our anxieties about robots. We worry they will usurp our jobs, rise up against us, or disrupt cultural norms. Amazingly, those who voice such concerns about immigration often have never taken the time to understand the immigrants. Similarly, society projects those fears onto robots that do not yet exist. This reflects a troubling pattern: fearing those we don’t know or understand, and in the case of robots, not recognizing their potential.

This is why I do not envision a dystopian future dominated by machines when I think about robots and our society. Instead, I see a reality clouded by terrifying fantasies and restrictive laws. Rather than fearsome terminators, I imagine gentle, soft-bodied creatures like turtles and pneumatic arms. I’m observing Cayenne, apprehensive about human animosity and the vigilance against robot “threats.”

Humans craft narratives to brace for an unlikely future while often ignoring the realities unfolding right before us. Yet, we don’t have to follow this trend. We can develop our understanding based on empirical evidence and science, rather than indulging in surreal nightmares that will likely never materialize.

Annaly’s Week

What I’m reading

Torchon Ebuchi Racebook: A Personal History of the Internet, An engaging compilation of essays exploring cosplay, video games, and social media.

What I’m watching

Murder Bot, for sure.

What I’m working on

I’m wandering with an archaeologist through the Roman town of Talos in Sardinia, Italy. More details to come!

Annalee Newitz is a science journalist and author of the latest book, *Automatic Noodles*. They co-host the Hugo Award-winning podcast, *We Are Right*. Follow them @annaleen or visit their website at techsploitation.com.

The Arts and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Explore the realm of science fiction and discover the art of crafting your own captivating stories during this immersive weekend workshop.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Forget Super Intelligence – Let’s Address “Silly” AI First

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Should politicians prioritize AI to aid in galaxy colonization, or should they safeguard individuals from the excessive influence of powerful tech? While the former seems more appealing, it’s not the primary concern.

Among the Silicon Valley elite, the emergence of super-intelligent AI is viewed as an imminent reality, with tech CEOs enthusiastically anticipating a golden age of progress in the 2030s. This perspective has permeated both Westminster and Washington, as think tanks encourage politicians to prepare to leverage the approaching AI capabilities. The Trump administration even backed a $500 billion initiative for a super AI data center.

While this sounds thrilling, the so-called “silly intelligence” is already creating issues, akin to the lofty aspirations of super intelligence. A pressing question in the AI sector revolves around whether the vast array of online content essential for training AI constitutes copyright infringement.

Arguments exist on both sides. Proponents assert that AI is not infringing when learning from existing content. New Scientist highlights that simply reading these words should enable AI to learn in the same fashion. Conversely, industry giants like Disney and Universal are opposing this view. They are suing AI company Midjourney for generating replicas of copyrighted images, from Darth Vader to his minions. Ultimately, only the law can reconcile this issue.

We are approaching a world where machines can cause death with minimal human oversight.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents another pressing AI-related dilemma. Sam Altman from OpenAI warns about the potential dangers of advanced AI, noting that fatal, unintelligent AI already exists. The war has progressed towards a scenario where machines could effectively cause harm with minimal human oversight.

Politicians seem to have underestimated this threat. The United Nations convened its first meeting in 2014 to discuss the regulation of “killer robots.” If leaders expect time to resolve their challenges, they may be gravely mistaken.

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Source: www.newscientist.com