The term “Modern Professional” takes on a whole new meaning in the year 2021. The rapid growth of new technology means that not only do you have to pay attention to what the latest and greatest new trends are, but you actually have to do some research and see what the TRULY best options are so you can be ahead of the game. Luckily, I’ve done all for that for you, and I’ve chosen what I think are the top 10 tech items for the Modern Professional.
1. Amazon Echo
Hitting the ground running is key to having a successful and progressive 2021. One device (or type of device) that is essential to every man’s daily routine is the Amazon Echo. Amazon echo turns your regular old home into a Smart Home. Not only can it wake you up in the morning and set an appointment in your calendar, it can also call you an Uber and turn on your TV. Your new virtual assistant is there for your 24/7 with only your best interests in mind.
2. Apple TV
It seems like a distant memory when to watch your favorite show you had to check out the guide and stand idly by your TV at its scheduled time. These days are long gone, thanks to the invention of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Now you can watch almost anything you want, whenever you want to. But if you want to use one of these platforms on something other than your computer, you’ll need something that allows you the capability to stream on your television. That’s where a casting device like the Apple TV comes in. And now with their new upgraded remote, watching your favorite movie as seamless as saying “Play The Great Gatsby” into your voice controlled remote.
3. Phillips Hue
Running around the house to turn off all of the lights before bed is just too much work for someone who lives in the era of technology. With the Phillips Hue system, you can go straight from brushing your teeth to slipping under your sheets and control all of your lights from your smart phone. Not only can you control your lights remotely from wherever you are via the Phillips Hue app, but you can even set different moods in your house by using an endless number of possible light combinations. From bright yellows and blues in the morning, to deep oranges and reds in the evening, you will always be at your most comfortable. And did I mention that you can tell your Smart Home to turn your lights on and off as well? Well, you can. “Alexa, it’s time for bed”.
4. Nest
Call me Goldilocks if you must, but I don’t want to come home after a long day of work to a house that is either too hot or too cold, I want it to be just right. That’s where the Nest comes in. Nest is your digital and Wi-Fi enabled thermostat, controlled either by the device installed on your wall like a traditional thermostat, or, you guessed it, by your smart phone or Smart Home. Don’t want to get up from under the warm covers to turn the heat up? Don’t fret, Google Home can take care of that for you. Want your home to be nice and cool when you get home? Turn the air conditioning on remotely from your phone before you leave work. That way you’re not paying to cool your house while you aren’t there.
5. Kwikset Wi-Fi Enabled Door Lock
If you’re anything like me, a daily thought that goes through your mind 30 minutes after leaving home is, “did I forget to lock the door on my way out”? Whether you actually did or not is now irrelevant. Thanks to a Wi-Fi enabled Door Lock, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world. Never worry about hiding a key so your housekeeper can get inside, you can unlock it for them when they get there, and lock it again (or make sure they remembered to lock it) once they leave. Now you may be noticing a trend, so I probably don’t need to tell you that yes, you can also tell Alexa to unlock your door for you so you don’t have to get up and let the pizza guy in. A Wi-Fi enabled door lock is really a lazy person’s dream gadget.
6. Touch Screen Gloves
I can’t decide what is worse: Having frozen fingers, or not being able to use your mobile device. Luckily, we won’t ever have to imagine such a dreadful scenario thanks to touch screen compatible gloves. The fingertips of the gloves are made to imitate the same “enveloping” feeling that your actual fingers create when they come in contact with a touch screen. This way you can sip your latte and respond to emails while keeping your fingers nice and toasty.
7. Minipresso NS Portable Espresso Maker
If you’re in LA or New York there may be a Starbucks on every corner, but for those who aren’t on one of the coasts (or who need that extra boost between blocks) Wacaco has you covered. Their handheld espresso maker uses Nespresso and Caffitaly brand espresso pods to brew a shot of delicious espresso anytime, anywhere. Simply preload some water into the reservoir, have a pod handy and you are ready to brew.
8. The decapitator
Although not actually as brutal as it sounds, The Decapitator is a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure you’ve heard the sound of your girlfriend’s automatic wine bottle un-corker hard at work around dinner time. Well now you have one to use right alongside her, for your bottles of beer. The Decapitator fits over the neck of a capped bottle, and with just one firm push pops the cap off of your bottle. It also has a magnetic feature to hold the cap in place, ensuring a quick and easy disposal.
9. Irobot Roomba
There really is no hope for the poor unfortunate floor. Not since the invention of the paper towel has there been anything that gets so dirty, so quickly. To keep your floors nice and shiny, the Irobot Roomba will really do the trick. With sensors on all sides, it won’t fall down stairs, and they can even maneuver itself around your furniture and under your couch to get all the places that you couldn’t get on your own. Plus if you’re like me, it makes a great back-up alarm, if you set its cleaning cycle for 6:30 in the morning.
10. Smart Outlet
The 21st Century has seen a lot of progress with the Nest, Phillips Hue, and Smart Home devices, but we’re still not to the point where everything in our homes are smart. That’s where a Smart Outlet comes in handy. Just plug the Smart Outlet into any regular outlet, then you can plug any device you’d like, from fans, desk lamps, computers, or even your tooth brush into a smart outlet and control if from your smart device, or a Bluetooth switch that can be installed anywhere. While the geniuses of the world work on making everything we interact with smart capable, a smart outlet will hold us off until that day comes.