Nifty Gadgets That Would Impress Even 007
Not sure what to get the person who has everything? We've found some of the coolest gadgets and gizmos.
OPEN INVITE
As any host knows, air-kissing and canapé art leave little time for wrestling with wine bottles mid-Christmas drinks party. Luckily, Cuisinart’s automatic wine opener will have you uncorking in mere seconds, all at the push of a button.
LIGHT MY FIRE
As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, it’s time to think about lighting the fire and snuggling up. Set the mood this season with a sleek and slender fire lighter to light up those candles and get that fireplace roaring.Available in six colours (our favourite is this brushed gold),The Wand from S.T. Dupont has a powerful blue torch flame – and comes with a refill. The perfect decorative object for lighting any candle in an instant, both indoors and out, The Wandmakes a seriously stylish Christmas gift (or keep it for yourself – we won't judge).
BANG ON
It would be impossible to list just one cool credential ofBang & Olufsen’s Beosound Edge, but let’s start with the minimal coin-like frame, devised in partnership with lighting-whizz Michael Anastassiades. Then there’s our favourite feature: volume adjustment that requires justa gentle roll backwards or forwards. Sublime!
HEATING WARS
Nest’s Learning thermostat, from £219 or £279 with installation, programmes itself to save energy. It can be controlled from your phone, tablet or computer.
BEAUTY SLEEP
Drift away to music, monitor and manage snoring, or set a smart alarm to wake you up gently with this Bluetooth-connected Soundasleep pillow, £70.
SERIES BINGER
With the Apple TV 4K, you can use your iOS device to control your TV, access the App Store and stream your favourite films and shows. From £179 for 32GB, AO.com.
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EYE SPY
Watch what’s happening at home via your smartphone with Hive’s View indoor smart camera, £189. It will livestream or record when it detects motion or sound.
IN DISGUISE
TV when it’s on, art when it’s off, the Samsung The Frame Art Mode TV has 4K picture quality and online entertainment, £1,499, John Lewis & Partners.
TURN IT UP
This Citation One smart speaker features Google Assistant so its voice control can stream music, as well as create calendar reminders, £179.99, Harman Kardon.
FEET UP
Meet the app-controlled BotvacD6 robot vacuum, £649, Neato. Great for dealing with pet hair, it links to both Amazon Echo and Google Home to control its route.
MAN'S BEST FRIEND
Keep an eye on your pup, talk tothem and toss them a treat while you are out of the house, using this clever dog camera and app, £249, Furbo.
FRIDGE RAIDER
Eliminate waste with the FridgeCam, £149.99, Smarter. As well as its best-before tracker, it photographs the fridge’s contents every time you close the door.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
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