Reviewer's Choice Gift Guide: Home Technology

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

When deciding to create a series of gift guides for the Holiday and Christmas Season, we decided to focus on technology and products that we have tested and used ourselves, products that have made our lives easier in 2016 and which we would happily purchase after having tested. Here's the first of a series focusing on technology and devices for the home.

Reviewer's Choice Winner 2016: Dyson 360 Eye Robot Vacuum

While initially met with a healthy dose of skepticism, mostly because robot vacuums I've  tested have been poor robots and poorer vacuums, Dyson's first commercial attempt at merging their vacuum technology with robotics has been a complete game changer.

The Dyson 360 Eye isn't cheap, but it does deliver on the promise that appliances can be somewhat smart and autonomous. As a busy stay-at-home-dad with two furry shedding cats, this vaccum's set-it and forget it ease of use has given me great flexibility, as well as bought me valuable time by doing an amazing job cleaning specific areas of my home. With a good mobile app, I can send the Dyson 360 to clean even when I'm away and when it is done, it simply rolls back into its dock and recharges, ready for its next cleaning task. 

The Dyson 360 Eye has allowed me to cook, write articles, spend more time at the gym and do other chores while sucking up cat fur, dust, food bits, debris from linoleum carpets and rugs and while it is a vacuum first and robot second, Dyson's focused on the features that count and, if you do clear its path of wires and other things that can get tangled, the 360 Eye can work like a charm.  

Roku Express +

Many of us subscribe to streaming video services and need a reliable way to convert older TVs into smarter devices. Roku Express + is an affordable yet powerful device that does just this.

This tiny set-top box can easily turn any HDTV into a streaming superstar accessing Netflix, YouTube and thousands of other services. It also comes with a remote control which really makes it easy to navigate and control the content. 

Don't like physical remotes? Roku's iOS or Android app is magical as it quickly allows you to use your smartphone to control any recent Roku device. Roku Express + simply makes getting streaming content on any HDTV quick, easy and fun.

TP Link AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router

With increasingly connected homes, the need for powerful and smart routers to evenly spread Wi-Fi coverage becomes a big consideration.

Most of us aren't aware at how many devices are really connected to our networks and each of these usually have different bandwith capabilities.

The Archer C3200 uses Tri-Band technology to run three separate Wi-Fi channels at once, creating a network that can connect to more devices without a trade-off in performance. TP Link's solution is Smart Connect helps devices run even faster by assigning them to the best available channel to balance network demand.

A powerful 1GHz dual-core CPU and three co-processors easily handle the demand made on the Archer C3200’s network when multiple users are browsing, streaming, and gaming all at the same time. And external hard drives can connect directly to the Archer C3200 via its USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, making it easy to share files, photos, music, and video across your network.

Piper NV all-in-one Security System

Most of us worry about our home while we're away and being able to monitor our property remotely or be alerted to any untoward intrusion is priceless.

This is something that Piper's all-in-one security system does well. With 180' video (as well as night vision), a motion detector and two-way audio plus a loud alarm, this is one device that covers all the bases. While the hardware is elegant, unobtrusive and easy to set-up it is the mobile app that really carries the experience.

The ability to run on wired Ethernet or wirelessly via Wi-Fi and having a backup battery in case of power outages, puts the Piper security system on par with most high end, installer required security systems.

Piper NV can also act as a hub for other IoT devices (Internet of Things) and can control door and window sensors, lightbulbs, smart switches and water sensors and integrate them into the app. The Piper NV all-in-one security system is also awesome because it does not require a monthly subscription but offers many benefits you would otherwise pay for with other services.

Sennheiser RS 175 Wireless Home Theatre Headphones

You have a nice HDTV or projector, a great surround sound speaker system and the best new movies on Blu-Ray or are watching the Raptors live and you want to hear the action loud, but the baby is sleeping in the next room, or the neighbour has complained you're too loud or there are too many vibrations.

The Sennheiser RS 175 wireless speakers are the best solution for these situation and are even sometimes better than using 7:1 surround speakers because you can tune the audio and volume to your precise needs.

The Bass Boost and Surround Sound listening modes will allow you to experience your home entertainment system like never before – the former increases the audio bass response while the two virtual surround modes offer a more spatial and livelier stereo sound.

What’s more, the innovative digital wireless technology ensures that signal transmission remains clear and accurate as you move from room to room. Additionally, the user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and enjoy the RS 175. The main controls are located on the headphones, so nothing will distract you from an exciting audio experience, and the comfortable fit is ideal for extended periods of use. These are comfortable, lightweight and offer great sound all the time without bothering anyone else.

Sonos Play:5 Wireless Speaker

Music is important and now with more streaming audio choices available the best way to really enjoy quality music is through a Sonos speaker. The Sonos Play:5 is powerful enough to fill a living room with great music from Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play or Microsoft Groove. Sonos is compatible with over 30 music streaming services.

With Six Class-D amplifiers with six dedicated speaker drivers deliver crystal clear, rich, deep, stereophonic sound with zero distortion. 

Sonos excels at providing crystal clear sound quality, stunning hi-fi experiences and the ability to add various speakers to a system for a multi-room, multi track sound. The Play:5 is pretty much the complete package, you can simply use one to provide audio for a room or get two to really extend the soundstage.

These are just some home technology products that make great gifts and will continue to provide delight and convenience for years to come.