2016 home tech trends that will change how you live

Stylish, wireless sound system

Forget boxy and boring designs, not to mention wires. The latest portable Bluetooth speakers are attractive in design, and let you listen to tunes from anywhere in the home, effortlessly streaming from a mobile device or computer. With the Bose SoundTouch 10, guests can easily connect and play back songs from their own device playlists as well. If you use Spotify, station control will soon be integrated into the Bose SoundTouch app providing instant connection between the music service to your home. The unit is minimalist in design, with playback and six preset buttons on the top for one-touch access to your favourite tunes, from soothing jazz to upbeat pop. Bose SoundTouch 10, Bose, $219.99.

Smart watches and activity trackers

While they’re personal devices by definition, tracking activity and delivering smartphone notifications, did you know that many smartwatches can control tech gear in the home as well? For example, you can use the sleek Samsung Gear S2 to control music playback on your smartphone. The company is even developing integrations that allow your watch to connect to other home gear and even cars. Through a partnership with BMW, you may soon be able to check your vehicle’s battery status and control its navigation system through the watch, and then some. Samsung Gear S2, Best Buy, $399.

Remote security monitoring

Believe it or not, security cameras can be sexy. Well, their functionality is certainly appealing – being able to monitor your home while you’re away and alert you if anything is amiss. Looking at it, you’d never know the Canary wireless indoor HD IP camera is such a device. But it can stealthily keep watch of the home, and record motion detection. It can even learn to discern between an active pet and an actual intruder. Canary All-in-One Security Wireless Indoor DH IP Camera, Best Buy, $270.79.

Smart thermostats

When it comes to heating and cooling, there are arguably two main concerns: regulating the temperature (especially when you’re away) and saving money in your home. With the Nest Smart Thermostat, you can remotely control temperature, set an “away” temperature that kicks in when it senses you aren’t home, and have it learn your daily habits over time to adjust accordingly. Maybe you leave for work every morning at 9 a.m. and it will drop the heat a few degrees until about 4 p.m., when it kicks it up a degree or two in anticipation of your arrival back home. And is there anything better than being greeted by a warm and cozy home? Nest Smart Thermostat, Nest, $249.

Outfitting the outdoors

Winter may have only just begun, but we’re already longingly anticipating the return of the warm weather months. And there’s a growing trend toward bringing your tech outdoors. Luckily, there are lots of neat ways to do it, like with Mipow’s Playbulb Garden, a solar and battery-powered light that hides surreptitiously in your garden, secured in the ground through the included stake. Control it from your smartphone, and customize it by choosing from 16.7 million colours to suit your mood or occasion. Since it’s water and weatherproof, there’s no need to wait for summer – you can create a winter wonderland of lights while you build a snowman, too! Playbulb Garden light, Mipow, $39.99.

Small and smart appliances

Imagine a device that will make the coffee for you in the morning or slow cook a meal on your behalf. Yes, it actually exists. Among many items compatible with the Belkin WeMo smart device system is a selection of small appliances, like the Mr. Coffee 10-cup Smart Optimal Brew Coffeemaker. Plug it in, download the app, then set a schedule and monitor your brew status right from a smartphone. WeMo Home Automation small appliances, Belkin, prices vary.

Streaming TV

Who watches a TV show when it’s actually on anymore? Binge-watching is all the rage and made possible thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Shomi and CraveTV. Plus, devices like the Apple TV or Google Chromecast make it easy to push the content to the big screen if you don’t have a smart TV. With the latest version of the Apple TV, you can even use Siri voice commands to call up programs. Ask it to “find The Mindy Project,” or to search for any movie with actor Chris Hemsworth – all without lifting a finger! Apple TV, Apple Store, starting at $149.

TVs that are works of art

TVs are now welcome focal points in the living room rather than an eyesore. We can thank the latest in sleek flat-screen TVs for their gorgeously detailed display, from television shows to sports, along with photo slideshows, or even works of art. In 2016, we’re going to see more televisions with amped up design characteristics, including sexy, curved bezels. Plus, technologies like 4K and OLED, which promise brighter, bolder, more detailed pictures with higher resolution, like LG’s 65” 65EG9600 OLED TV. LG 65” OLED TV, Best Buy, $4,999.98.

Super-fast Internet

Facilitating the devices and technologies noted on this list requires a super-fast router. Google aims not only to provide lightning speed service with its OnHub router, but also make it ultra-easy for technophobes to set up. Settings and status can be managed from an Android or iOS app. But the best part? You can grant someone remote access (maybe your tech-savvy son or friend) to help troubleshoot connectivity issues. OnHub, OnHub, $199.99 - $219.99.

Smart lighting

Not only can you control home lighting from your smartphone, but you can also set the mood through a number of shades and colours: a subtle red for a romantic dinner, or soft blue for late-night quiet reading time. With Philips Hue wireless LED bulbs, you can even take a photo of a piece of furniture in your home, like your couch or kitchen table, and match the bulb’s colour to it. Up to 50 bulbs can be connected to a single bridge and grouped together (build-your-own chandelier, anyone?), or place single bulbs throughout the home. Philips Hue White Starter Kit, Philips Hue, $199.