Sometimes you just want to push a button to make a problem go away. Increasingly, you can! Technology companies are moving past creating products that are "smart" and "leading edge" and focusing on what matters most: being "useful." We set out to find tech products that do just that—solve real problems. Here's a selection.
I can never wake up until I smell the coffee
How about this? Your alarm goes off. You roll over and press a button. And the brewing in the kitchen begins. Your house even starts to smell like a coffee shop.
The BrewGenie ($68) may look like a regular coffeemaker, but from inside your house, you can control it with your smartphone, turning it on remotely or setting your brew time in advance. The "Aroma release" setting provides extra wafting scent.
The Behmor Connected ($190) lets you practice some coffee chemistry. In addition to allowing you to program specific water temperatures and a presoaking time for grounds, it has automatic brewing features — all controllable from your phone.
I need to keep tabs on Mom and Dad
The TruSense ($200, plus $50 monthly) tracks room temps, visitors and other data. The Alarm.com Wellness (not pictured, $100-$200, plus $40-$60 monthly; includes security system) alerts you to inconsistencies, such as a lack of movement.
Click for full AARP tech guide.
I can never wake up until I smell the coffee
How about this? Your alarm goes off. You roll over and press a button. And the brewing in the kitchen begins. Your house even starts to smell like a coffee shop.
The BrewGenie ($68) may look like a regular coffeemaker, but from inside your house, you can control it with your smartphone, turning it on remotely or setting your brew time in advance. The "Aroma release" setting provides extra wafting scent.
The Behmor Connected ($190) lets you practice some coffee chemistry. In addition to allowing you to program specific water temperatures and a presoaking time for grounds, it has automatic brewing features — all controllable from your phone.
I need to keep tabs on Mom and Dad
The TruSense ($200, plus $50 monthly) tracks room temps, visitors and other data. The Alarm.com Wellness (not pictured, $100-$200, plus $40-$60 monthly; includes security system) alerts you to inconsistencies, such as a lack of movement.
Click for full AARP tech guide.