Best devices for your smart home
Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: Fisher-Price’s SmartConnect Sleeper makes calming your baby easy and hands-free. The movement patterns work well, the cradle itself is soft and comfortable, and the sound quality is great for this type of product.
The bad: You can’t play your own music through the speakers with either an auxiliary cable or via Bluetooth.
The cost: $100 The bottom line: Every parent should consider buying the SmartConnect Sleeper. It’s a device you’ll probably use for at least a few hours every day. At only $100, it’s a steal. The app connection and flexible settings are just an added bonus.
Nest Cam Indoor
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: Nest Cam’s high-resolution video (1080p), magnetic base, pivoting stand and updated app make this device an improvement over Dropcam Pro — and many other cameras.
The bad: Like Dropcam Pro, Nest Cam is still just a webcam at heart. While it does offer security features like opt-in motion and sound alerts, they aren’t especially useful, because you can only receive one notification every 30 minutes.
The cost: $161 to $200
The bottom line: Given that Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro are pretty similar, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for existing users to replace their Pro. But anyone searching for a high-resolution live streaming camera really can’t beat Nest Cam.
Lifx Color 1000
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Lifx Color 1000 is brighter and more efficient than the first generation of Lifx bulbs, and the colors are just as true. The easy-to-use app offers a good number of features, and integrations with IFTTT, SmartThings, Nest, Windows and Amazon Echo make the bulb a good choice for a wide range of users and homes.
The bad: Lifx is still an awfully expensive smart light. It won’t work with Apple HomeKit (or with Siri) like Philips Hue bulbs will.
The cost: $94 The bottom line: This flat-top smart bulb is the most well-rounded color-changer money can buy — and a superior option to Philips Hue.
Amazon Echo
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: Amazon’s voice-activated smart-home speaker is undeniably futuristic, but it’s also practical and accessible. With a rapidly growing set of features and integrations, it’s easy to get excited about the Echo’s potential.
The bad: The sound quality is uneven at times, with weak bass at high volumes. The growing list of Skills in the Alexa app could also benefit from better organization.
The cost: $180
The bottom line: More than a year after its release, the Echo is smarter than ever, and one of the best connected-home products money can buy.