In today’s digital age, it seems like almost everything is connected to WiFi. While some pieces of connected technology are decidedly useful – thermostats, wireless speakers, and door locks – other “smart devices” are slightly less useful (maybe a connected belt buckle takes it a step too far). And still, other devices fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum of Sonos and Belty. Here are ten of the quirkiest WiFi-connected products on the market.
Exercise equipment – Peloton
Image from: CNX Soft
Love spin classes but can’t find the motivation to leave your living room? Try Peloton’s smart bike. It’s an indoor exercise bike that allows riders to access studio cycling classes in real time. It’s a hefty upfront investment, but you pay for the studio to come to you (and hey, you’re not really using that gym membership right?).
Jewelry – Ringly
While the design of fitness trackers has evolved over the past decade, finding one that you could actually wear every day with any outfit was challenging. Enter Ringly. With a variety of bracelets, rings, and other accessories, you can mix and match which activity tracker works best for your outfit and activity.
Mirror – Griffin
For those who are in a rush to get out the door in the mornings, Griffin’s Smart Mirror will help you catch up on news, weather, and other important notifications while you brush and floss. The only downside is that that convenience is going to cost you – nearly $1,000 to be exact. So, you might be better off setting your alarm a few minutes earlier.
Sous vide cooker – Anova
For the uninitiated, sous vide is the method, nay art, of cooking food in sealed bags immersed in hot, circulating water. Until recently, those interested in the process often used lab grade tools to precisely control the temperature of the water, but a new wave of “stick” devices allow home cooks to get similar results. Even better, these tools are now WiFi-enabled so you can set temperatures and cooking times for different meals via a smartphone app.
Mattress – Eight
Squarely at the intersection of sleep and fitness, Eight is a startup that produces a “smart mattress.” Use their connected app to set the perfect bed temperature, understand your sleep patterns or, most importantly, have the coffee maker turn on when you wake up in the morning.
Garage door opener – Garageio
Garageio took the humble, unloved garage opener and reinvented it. An array of integrations allow you to set timers, grant secure access, and answer the timeless question “Did I remember to close the garage door?”
Lights – LIFX
Many smart light companies promise a long bulb life, easy ecosystem integration, and custom schedules. LIFX does it all, but also in color. Setting up via the LIFX app just takes a few moments and with a range of pre-set lighting themes like “Energizing,” you’ll feel like your Dorthy being transported to the Land of Oz.
Holiday decorations – Lumenplay
Just in time for the holiday season, Lumenplay takes WiFi-connected lights outside. Their app allows you to design a personalized light show by selecting color combinations, effects, speed, direction, and brightness. Best of all, once the holidays are over, no need to the take them down. Just change the color theme to pink and tell all your neighbors you’re ready for Valentine’s Day.
Pet toys – Furbo
Furbo is a camera that allows you to see and interact with your pet when you’re out of the house. Keep an eye on Fluffy or Fido and reward good behavior with the ability to shoot them treats throughout the day. It’s the cat’s meow.
For those who are disappointed that their great idea for a WiFi connected device hasn’t yet made it to market, check out a Raspberry Pi. Its technology makes it possible to hack together your own connected device.
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