20 Cool Gadgets for 2017
For a Safe and Comfy Home
En español | 1. Make beautiful music together — or apart. Using earbuds, listening to music can be a solitary affair. But wireless Sonos speakers ($200–$700) bring iTunes and other digital music into your living room; an app lets you play the speakers separately or in sync. sonos.com
2. Pick your artwork … every day. The $300 Electric Objects digital-art display sets a high-definition screen within a traditional frame and allows you to change the image at will. electricobjects.com
3. Get light where and when you need it. The Switchmate smart light switch ($40) clips directly over a standard wall switch. Use the accompanying smartphone app to, say, order the lights to turn on at dusk, indoors and out. myswitchmate.com
4. Tune in your TV again. A digital-age descendant of rabbit ears is catching on. If you cut the cable cord in favor of streaming services, try the Mohu Leaf Metro Indoor HDTV Antenna ($20) to pick up over-the-air broadcasts. gomohu.com
5. Relaxation science. The Perfect Chair (from $2,800), with a sleek look that sets it apart, provides a nice ergonomic function: Its "zero gravity" mode is designed to take pressure off your back in a way that's good for your spine and is undeniably comfy. humantouch.com
6. Spy on the deliveryman. The Ring Video Doorbell ($200) has a discreet camera and two-way intercom that connect to your smartphone, so you can tell the FedEx guy to leave that package on the porch. ring.com
7. Shine a light on it. Motion-detecting outdoor lights are great for security; now there are wireless options, thanks to solar power. I like Maxsa's Solar-Powered Dual Head LED Security Spotlight ($50), which you can adjust by time and motion sensitivity. maxsainnovations.com
Simple Boosts for Health and Fitness
8. Cook lighter. The Philips Airfryer ($250–$400) circulates hot air as an oil-free alternative to frying. My fried chicken was tasty, and it was much easier and less messy than traditional frying. usa.philips.com
9. Sleep deeper. Whether you have trouble nodding off or getting up, Brookstone's Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System ($200) can help. It has a range of restfulness technology, plus an alarm clock. brookstone.com
10. Turn up your personal volume. Want a little help hearing? Try loading the Jacoti ListenApp on your iPhone. Pop on earbuds and let the world in. jacoti.com
11. Quantify your workout. Here's an appealing new alternative to wrist-bound fitness trackers: Jabra Sports Pulse headphones ($160), which do the same thing. jabra.com
Organize and Make More Memories
12. Share your family's story online. This clever tool for documenting and sharing personal stories allows you to upload photos and even short video clips, or add audio and links to online material. The History Project lets you organize everything on a clickable timeline. thehistoryproject.com
13. Take vacation pics to die for. For digital shutter-bugs who want more than smartphone snapshots, the LG 360 CAM ($200) offers "360-degree" photos — very cool for nature shots.
14. Convert old photos to digital files. Dozens of services will now convert old media such as photos and slides for a fee. If you edit down what you really want to transfer, DigMyPics.com is a good deal. For larger orders, try ScanMyPhotos.com.
15. Give the most personal gifts ever. Always wanted a pillow with a design consisting of family photos? A calendar featuring vacation highlights? Collage.com makes it easy. Prices vary; a fleece blanket starts at $45, and a calendar starts at $16. collage.com
Make Travel a Breeze
16. Ride like the wind. Want to feel like a superhero? Hop on a Pedego Boomerang, and crank the pedals. The electric motor will amplify your strength by the power you choose: level 1 for a gentle assist; 5 to practically fly. Goose it further with a twist of the throttle. Starting at $2,295, the Boomerang isn't cheap, but it may earn its keep through gas savings on commutes and errands. pedegoelectricbikes.com
17. Be phone ready at all times. Tired of dying-phone emergencies? The $50 Fluxmob Bolt works as a standard wall charger, juicing your device through a USB port. But there's also a battery built in, so you can take the sleek three-ounce object along for on-the-go charging. fluxmob.com
18. Shut out that engine noise. What's better than a great set of noise-canceling headphones? A wireless version. Top reviewers give Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, which pair with your computer or mobile device via Bluetooth, the highest marks. At $350, they're a quiet steal. bose.com
19. Zip through customs. Nothing undermines a vacation abroad more than long customs delays. Mobile Passport, a free app for iOS and Android phones, eases that pain. Advance setup — scan your passport, take a selfie, type in flight details—takes about one minute. Plus, at 20 major airports (and counting), you can use a faster Mobile Passport lane. mobilepassport.us
20. Get a smarter, stickier phone. Stick the Style Ring ($25) to the back of your smartphone; the practical benefits outweigh the aesthetics. The metal loop makes it easier to hold the phone steady. Plus, the ring comes with a plastic doodad that functions as a car mount.