6 Cool High-Tech Devices that Turn Your Apartment into a "Smart" Home

(October 17, 2017)

Smart-Home

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

Technology's ultimate goal is to make life easier, and that includes managing your Springs luxury apartment home. Here are some of our favorite finds among the latest high-tech devices that adapt to any lifestyle.

1. LIFX

The days of three-way light bulbs are over. LIFX eco-friendly and energy-efficient LED bulbs provide a full range of dimmable shades from cool to warm that are controlled from your smart phone. For more flexibility, try the color bulbs that include 16 million shades to choose from. Prices start at $29.99.

2. Amazon Echo

You don't need to be a celebrity to have a personal assistant. Amazon Echo is an omni-directional system that serves as a Bluetooth speaker and voice command center. Check football scores, listen to audiobooks or play the latest Adele album from anywhere in the room. Echo also integrates with other smart devices such as LIFX, and features such as Uber are being added continually. Current price is $179 with free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime customers.

3. Full Circle Countertop Compost Collector

Food odors can quickly dispel the good intentions of composting. Full Circle's containers are made from recycled materials and feature a patented design that lets air flow through, reducing odors. The circular .85-gallon Breeze model sells for $19.99, while the rectangular 1.5-gallon Fresh Air model sells for $29.99.

4. IKEA Wireless Charging Furniture

Tired of looking for free outlets or dealing with power cords that don't quite reach far enough? IKEA has a whole line of multitasking furniture that doubles as wireless charging stations. Imagine the ease of simply setting your phone on your nightstand and having it fully charged when you awake. Prices start at $29.99.

5. Quirky Pivot Power Strip

As your home integrates more and more high-tech devices, power strips have become a requirement rather than an option. The unique pivoting outlets of Quirky's power strip allow it to fit into even the most awkward spaces and stay discreetly out of sight. Individual outlets can also be adjusted to accommodate large power bricks. The six-outlet model retails for $29.99 and the four-outlet Junior model is $16.99.

6. Nespresso Coffee and Espresso Maker

Premium espresso drinks are as close as the countertop of your Springs gourmet kitchen with the Nespresso beverage machine. Small capsules take the guesswork and mess out of coffee-making, resulting in a perfectly brewed cup each time. Coffee and espresso varieties include regular and decaf as well as luscious flavors like caramel, vanilla and hazelnut. List price is $199, but Amazon generally sells it for approximately $50 less.

Have you recently discovered a smart gadget you can't live without? Tell us about it in the comments!

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