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Originally Posted On: https://helpoffthehook.com/top-five-gadgets-that-actually-help-our-lives/

Technology can be a blessing or a curse. In a sea of apps and gadgets galore, some really do make life better. Here are five examples of useful gadgets.

Do you remember late-night commercials that boasted the latest and greatest gadgets for a steal? You could always tell who was a night-owl by the number of “as shown on TV” products they had laying in a pile somewhere in their house. As a result, many gadgets have gotten a bad rap. However, especially with technology being what it is today, some gadgets can be incredibly helpful. To that end, here is a review of the top five useful gadgets that actually do impact our lives in a positive way. There is something for everyone on this list.

1. For Pets – Programmable Pet Feeder

Automatic pet feeders are a huge help for the busy pet owner as well as the parent whose kids were supposed to own the responsibility of feeding Fido but fell short. All you have to do is enter whether your pet is a cat or dog, the pet’s name (and photo), and the size of your pet. The program then uses that data to determine the amount of distribution per serving. Once you fill the food container, the feeder releases the necessary allotment of food however many times per day you designate. Certain models can send you a notification on your phone when the food gets low and some even have a camera so you can check in on your pet in your absence. There are two main options: automatic pet feeders or smart pet feeders. One of the most highly recommended brands of automatic pet feeders is Westlink. From their range, the Westlink 7L auotomatic pet feeder is a great choice. I can whole-heatedly recommend this one because it is the one I use to feed my own pets at home. For the smart feeder option, the Westlink 7L Automatic Smart Feeder would be my recommendation. If you’re looking for something a little more tech orientated and fun try the Skymee Owl Robot Treat Dispenser. Not only does it keep you in constant visual and voice contact with your pet from wherever you are, it dispenses treats, keeps them company, and can also act as an added level of home security.

2. For Kids – Night Light

Kids’ night lights have come a long way! No more plugging a simple, small bulb into an electrical outlet in their bedroom and hoping for the best. Today’s night lights are cool gadgets that act as projectors and cast a soothing scene onto the wall and/or ceiling. Many night lights also feature sleep music or relaxing sounds that can be chosen at will. The combination of light and sound helps children to feel safe and fall asleep quickly. My two recommendations here would be the Omeril Night Light (2 Pack) for your simple night-light requirements, and the smart option that you can control from your phone would be the Hatch Baby Smart Night Light.

3. For Friends, Family, and Contractors – Smart Lock Home Kit

A smart lock home kit lets you grant home access to contractors, cleaners, service people, and friends and family even when you are not there. You simply set a code and assign it to the people coming by for a designated period of time. This ensures they are permitted entry for a specific reason, which is revoked after the use. Many styles have corresponding apps that allow you to control the lock remotely as well as see the video. The 3rd Generation August Smart Lock Pro is a super stylish, easy to operate smart lock that is both key and mobile phone operated. Couple this with Wyze Cam Indoor Smart Home camera and there won’t be much going on in and around your home that you won’t know about in real-time!

4. For the Global Health Crisis – Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a small, battery-operated device that is placed on the index finger and measures heartbeat and oxygen saturation level. While these devices have been around for some time and are popular with fitness enthusiasts, they are extra helpful with the current health crisis. Sometimes people feel okay but actually have decreased oxygen supply due to pneumonia. Others know they are sick, but they are not sick enough to be admitted into the hospital. A pulse oximeter allows you to measure oxygen saturation levels from home and can be a useful indicator as to whether and when it is appropriate to seek medical help. A great example here is the SantaMedical Gen 2 Finger Pulse Oximeter for its accuracy and ease of use.

5. For You – Alexa

You didn’t think we’d forget about you, did you? Okay, this one might not be a surprise, but that should just be an indication of its utility. Having an Alexa is like having your own personal assistant who can keep track of your grocery list, remind you of dates and task deliverable’s, play music, tell you a joke, answer trivia questions, provide a news report, and sync with your smart TV to initiate streaming apps. Who could say no to that? The 3rd Generation Echo Dot plus Smart Plug would be the way to go. My children love it and I use mine in conjunction with my Smart TV.

The truth is that there are a lot of useful gadgets out there. These may be the top five for you, or you may have your own favourites. At Help off the Hook, explore more ways to to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.