The traditional wedding gift registry has been around since the 1920s (who knew?). But just because the tradition is old-school doesn't mean the items that actually go on your list need to be. Think: a powerful but compact vacuum, an app-controlled sprinkler system and even a keyless lock. Below, check out these and other tech-savvy items that'll help you live out your smart home dreams together.
Give your registry a high-tech boost with these smart products.
Finding the perfect home temperature seemed pretty much impossible—until now. This seriously smart thermostat from Nest knows your schedule as well as you (really!). All you have to do is use the thermostat for a week, turning the temperature up or down as you normally would when you leave for the office or head to bed. Next thing you know, Nest learns your patterns and then automatically adjusts your home's temperature. It even knows when you're away, using built-in sensors and your phone's location, to save energy (and money on your electric bill).
Nest learning thermostat, $249, Amazon.com Use this seriously smart thermostat for a week—it'll learn your patterns, then automatically adjust your home's temperature.
These days we expect to watch what we want, when we want it. Fortunately, the Apple TV can satisfy your need for instant television gratification. This sleek little box brings the entire iTunes app store to your living room, including subscription services Netflix, Hulu and HBO Now. And for you extra-lazy couch potatoes, there's a voice-command feature you'll really love: Just ask Siri to play Stranger Things and let the binge-watching begin.
Apple TV 32 GB, $149, Apple.com It brings the entire iTunes app store to your living room, including subscription services Netflix, Hulu and HBO Go.
Sure you probably already have a vacuum, but now's the perfect time for an upgrade. The Dyson cord-free vacuum is engineered to clean better, stronger and faster. With two different cleaning heads, the compact powerhouse can clean up messes large and small on every type of flooring in your home. The included tools make it even more multifunctional, helping you get into crevices or take on dust. Oh, and did we mention it converts to a handheld too? So you can deep clean furniture, take it on the stairs or out to your car. On top of that, it runs a whopping 40 minutes per charge, leaving your average cordless vacuum in the, er, dust.
Dyson V8 Absolute, $600, Dyson.com With two different cleaning heads, this cord-free powerhouse can handle messes large and small on every type of flooring.
For beginner cooks and pros alike, this smart scale is a serious must-have. It syncs with an iOS app that features interactive recipes with step-by-step instructions for foolproof results. And if you don't have quite enough of one ingredient, you don't have to make a grocery store run. Simply weigh what you have on the scale and the resizing feature will adapt the entire recipe. Another big plus? You can tap a button on the scale instead of the screen when you're ready to move on to the next step in the recipe, so you don't end up with a sticky mess on your iPad
Drop kitchen scale and interactive recipe app, $100, Amazon.com It syncs with an iOS app that features interactive recipes and step-by-step instructions for foolproof results.
Keeping your lawn well hydrated can be a major pain, but it doesn't have to be. Enter Rachio, a smart sprinkler controller that does all of the thinking for you—really. All you have to do is replace your existing controller with the Rachio system, connect it to your home's Wi-Fi and customize your settings based on sun exposure and soil and plant type and it'll automatically calculate the right watering cycles. It even syncs up with local weather reports to check for rain so you don't waste water. And if you're away from home, you can start, stop or change the sprinkler settings from your smartphone. Get ready for a lower water bill and lush green lawn.
Rachio smart sprinkler controller, 8 zones for $200, Rachio.com This genius system automatically calculates the ideal watering cycle based on sun exposure, soil and plant type.
Somehow, house keys always find their way deep into the bottom of your bag, or even worse, actually get lost. With this lock, that's never a problem so long as you have your smartphone in tow. The lock uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your phone and detect your location. When it recognizes you approaching your front door it will unlock once you touch the deadbolt. It also tracks user activity, so you can see who's coming in and out of your home. And if you have guests staying with you, you can give them temporary access instead of heading to the hardware store to make copies of your keys.
Kwikset Bluetooth smart lock, $229, Amazon.com Using Bluetooth technology that connects to your smartphone, it unlocks as you approach your front door—no key required.
Here's the thing: Air pollution can be worse inside than it is outside. That's where the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link comes in. It's an air purifier, fan and heater all in one. This compact multitasker monitors your home's air quality and purifies the air, removing 99.97 percent of allergens and even smells (an extra perk if you have pets) while also heating or cooling your place. There's a remote control included, but you can sync the product to your Dyson Link app and control it right from your phone.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, $600, Dyson.com This compact multitasker purifies the air, removing 99.97 percent of allergens while also heating or cooling your place. Read More
