Keeping up with the latest and greatest in home tech gear can be a daunting (and expensive) task. For the nearly mid-point of 2022, we prioritized practicality: what are Canadians purchasing and putting on their wish lists?
A few superstar products emerged: like a very powerful new Apple console and a Dyson Airwrap that's coming soon. There’s also smaller and super practical stuff like smart watch wristbands, a neckband speaker for those suffering from ear bud fatigue and a practical surge powerbar with USB ports.
Below are eight innovative tech products that make life a little smarter.
Mac Studio
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who wants to be a super powerful home computer.
Why we're endorsing it: This super-charged Mac Pro is customizable and very powerful (ideal for those who edit, code and work in 3D), with 28 cores (the highest number yet for a Mac).
Where it could use improvements: Like the technology, the price point is top of the line.
Size/weight/dimensions: 3.5GHz 8‑core Intel Xeon W processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz and 512GB SSD storage.
Price (subject to change): Tower starts at $7,499 and rack starts at $8,129 at Apple.
Samsung Home Projector
Who it's ideal for: Home projectors suddenly became a must-have item in the early days of COVID as people wanted to stream TV and movies on their smart devices without losing the experience of a big screen. Unfortunately, a lot of the cheaper options turned out to be low quality or didn’t have the necessary outlets (like HDM1). The compact Samsung Home Projector is portable, easy to use and the picture quality is sharp.
Why we're endorsing it: The Samsung Home Project isn’t cheap but it works: 1080p, 360 sound, a cradle that rotates 180 degrees and HDR10-compatible, it can project up to 100 inches. Reviewers love the clear picture, voice command ability and 4K quality.
Where it could use improvements: High price point; works best with Samsung TVs.
Price (subject to change): $1,149 at Best Buy.
Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Speaker
Who it's ideal for: For those who find headphones and earbuds uncomfortable, the Sony neckband is great for listening to music and taking calls. It allows for multi-tasking but is not loud like a speakerphone or smart home device. It has a 20-hour battery life, it works with streaming devices (like watching TV without having the whole house hear it) and is splashproof.
Why we're endorsing it: Ingenuitive and a good option for those who work from home.
Where it could use improvements: This is the kind of device you won’t know you like until you try it.
Size/weight/dimensions: Weighs 4 oz.
Price (subject to change): $199 at Amazon and Sony.
Surge Protector Tower Bar
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who is constantly searching for space for their plugs and cords.
Why we're endorsing it: Protects devices from power surges; it has 13 outlets and four USB ports.
Where it could use improvements: Check recommended outlet capabilities for your space.
Size/weight/dimensions: 110 volts, 1875 watts.
Price (subject to change): $39.99 at Amazon.
Rowenta Turbo Silence 16” Fan
Who it's ideal for: Thinking of investing in a fan for when summer decides to show up in B.C.? This Rowenta Turbo Silence fan is quiet, powerful and comes with a remote control.
Why we're endorsing it: This fan came out in 2017 and is still one of the most powerful options on the market.
Where it could use improvements: There are multiple sizes/designs and prices vary widely.
Size/weight/dimensions: Depends on size/speeds/pedestal style.
Price (subject to change): $179 at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and $249.99 at Canadian Tire.
Braided Apple Watch bands
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who needs a new band for their Apple watch. The new braided bands are made from recycled polyester and the texture is soft and stretchable.
Why we're endorsing it: These woven bands are exclusive to Apple. They come in nine different sizes.
Where it could use improvements: Apple does not post customer reviews.
Size/weight/dimensions: 41 mm and 45 mm.
Price (subject to change): $119 at Apple.
Coming soon…
Dyson Airwrap Multistyler
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who loves a new beauty product drop, the Dyson Airwrap Multistyler is coming soon. Users who already own an Airwrap don’t need to purchase a new unit and can instead just upgrade the attachments.
Why we're endorsing it: Dyson pushes innovation in everyday products and has created tools to dry, straighten, curl and smoothen hair.
Where it could use improvements: Canadian launch date hasn’t been announced yet. The exact number of attachments is not clear.
Size/weight/dimensions: TBD.
Price (subject to change): The current Airwrap styler is $749.99 at Dyson.
Therabody TheraFace PRO
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who adores their Theragun might like this next-level face massager, which will have LED RED and infrared light therapy, cold ring for under-eye puffiness with multiple attachments for headaches, jaw tension and a cleansing ring.
Why we're endorsing it: While the Canadian debut hasn’t been announced, we are eager to try it.
Where it could use improvements: So far the price is only listed in pounds and there is no release date.
Size/weight/dimensions: 4.2 lb.
Price (subject to change): 399€.
