Life-enhancing smart devices for a better home in 2016

1 Smanos UFO WiFI Panoramic Camera

As the name implies, this home security camera resembles a UFO, adding some X-Files-esque cool factor to your home. Plus, under the hood are savvy security features, including a fisheye lens for capturing surveillance video with night vision. It can detect motion and you can view the live footage remotely from your smartphone, or store it on-site or in the cloud. To keep the UFO out of the way, mount it on the ceiling then impress friends when they inquire about what’s hovering above their heads. Coming to Canada this May. For more information click here.

2 Sleep Number It Bed

The It bed (yes, that’s its name) is a smart bed/mattress that comes with built-in biometric sensors that will calculate data while you sleep, like your breathing and heart rate, and provide suggestions based on external factors and connection with third-party devices. For example, do you sleep better after you work out or when the room’s temperature is warmer? In addition to its tech-savvy functions, you can also adjust the entire bed’s firmness and elevation or for each side separately so both you and your partner can get the sleep you need. Coming later this summer. For more information click here.

3 Project Nursery Baby Monitor

Most baby monitors tend to sit on your tabletop so you can view live video of your little one from a partner camera. This savvy system, however, also adds a mini monitor you can wear around your wrist, neck, or clipped to your pocket. There’s no need to bring the 5” screen along with you from room-to-room or worry you’ll miss a coo or cry if you run downstairs to grab the laundry. Seeing when your baby is awake or distressed is as easy as a quick glance at your wrist. Available for purchase online in May. For more information click here.

4 LG 65” Signature Series Glass OLED TV

Use this gorgeous display to watch television from a service provider, as well as programming through streaming services like Netflix, thanks to LG’s webOS smart TV platform. The large 65” display uses Picture on Glass technology, which gives it a sophisticated edge, even when it’s turned off. Available for Canadians in May. For more information click here.

5 D-Link Smart Alarm Detector

Intruders aren’t the only concern when leaving the home for an extended period of time. There are other potential problems, like water leaks or even fire. This sensor plugs into the wall and detects sounds from a smoke or CO detector to notify you via smartphone if there's an issue. You can also program it to perform tasks for certain functions, such as turn on the lights when it detects the alarm, send you a video so you can contact emergency services if necessary, or have a neighbor go by to check on things. Coming to Canada in the second quarter of this year. For more information click here.

6 Withings Smart Body Analyzer Scale

Leverage the capabilities of technology to check in on your weight, as well as your Body Mass Index (BMI), fat mass, and heart rate. Data syncs with a smartphone app so you can see a history of progress and alter your behaviours accordingly (maybe cutting out those late-night snacks yields even better results than we realized). The device also displays the weather and even indoor air quality to help improve yourself and your home. Up to eight family members can connect and track their progress. For the competitive set, you can see the progress of others for some added motivation. Celebrity magician and actor Pen Jillette credits Withings gear with helping him lose over 100 lbs! Available now. Withings Wi-Fi Smart Scale & Body Analyzer in Black, Best Buy, $199.99.

7 Sengled Pulse Speaker Bulb

This smart light bulb from Sengled can plug into most standard sockets and has a built-in speaker that can play back music wirelessly from a Bluetooth-connected device. Control playback via your smartphone or tablet, including volume and activating streaming music services, like Spotify. Use one for soothing background tunes while you relax or connect up to eight for all-encompassing sound to fill the home. And, of course, control the light output from the app, too! Sengled Pulse BR30 Smart LED Light Bulb with Built-in Speaker, Best Buy, $169.99 (pack of 2).

8 House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable

Enjoy some music with a side of nostalgia with this gorgeous turntable that is stylish and sleek with a natural bamboo finish. Wrapped in sustainable REWIND fabric, it will also appeal to environmentally-conscious music lovers, too. For more information, click here.

9 Linksys RE6700 Wi-Fi Range Extender

Let’s face it: routers are boring. But a great router is the critical backbone of any connected home. And in order to support all of your Wi-Fi devices, you need a powerful one. Complementing that, this Linksys range extender can be plugged into a power outlet throughout in the house to help extend the signal, and avoid any pesky spotty coverage areas. Setup is simple using the mobile app, which will help you locate the perfect spot to place it, advising if you’re too close or too far to the router to optimize the signal. Linksys RE6700 AC1200 Amplify Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender, New Egg, $99.99.