Creating a smart home used to require a lot of trial and error, countless cables, and countless apps. But these days, it's much simpler. Products like robot vacuums, voice-activated speakers, and automatic pool cleaners are changing the game by handling the chores without you lifting a finger. The trick is to find the right smart gadgets that match your lifestyle and needs.
If you're a pool owner, you probably already know that skimming the surface for debris is a weekly chore that eats up valuable time. The Beatbot iSkim is specifically designed for this task. With a massive 9-liter debris basket, it can collect up to 800 leaves in one go. This means you won’t have to empty it as often as with typical pool skimmers.
A pool cleaner that works without working
The iSkim uses a combination of a 10,000mAh battery and a 24W solar panel, allowing it to operate continuously without needing to be plugged in. Even in the absence of direct sunlight, it can last up to 28 hours. Its 270mm inlet is wider than most skimmers, meaning it can collect more debris with each pass. Additionally, SonicSense ultrasonic sensors help it avoid obstacles in the pool. The robot is equipped with guided wheels to prevent it from damaging the pool’s surface as it moves along the edges and corners.
The iSkim is also designed to avoid spilling debris back into the water. Its anti-spill feature closes the inlet whenever it reverses or turns. When the battery runs low, or you manually send it back, the device returns to the pool edge on its own. You can monitor the robot's performance in the Beatbot app, which provides real-time updates, cleaning history, remote navigation, and manual speed control.
A speaker that fits your space and sound
The Amazon Echo Studio is a compact, second-generation smart speaker that’s 40% smaller than the original but delivers no compromise in sound quality. It supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, giving you an immersive listening experience. The speaker’s room-adaptation technology listens to the acoustics of your space and adjusts playback to suit it.
Voice control is central to the Echo Studio. You can use it to manage your smart lights, outlets, sensors, and any Alexa-compatible devices in your home. You can also pair two Echo Studio units with a Fire TV for a full stereo experience. The speaker is available in Graphite or Glacier White and comes at a price point of $220.
A TV that looks like art and plays like a pro
The Hisense S7 CanvasTV doubles as a piece of art when it’s not in use. Its Hi-Matte anti-glare coating gives it the look and feel of a real painting. When powered off, the TV uses Art Mode to display over 1,000 free digital artworks or your own photos. A built-in presence sensor ensures it only turns on when you're in the room, saving energy and making it feel even more like a real artwork.
Under the hood, the S7 CanvasTV is a powerhouse. It features a 4K QLED panel enhanced with Quantum Dot color for vibrant, accurate visuals. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced dynamic range and a 144Hz variable refresh rate. And with a magnetic frame that you can swap out, you can make the TV match your home décor perfectly.
