IoT Gift Guide for the Modern Family
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The Internet of Things (IoT) is constantly around us. These devices are becoming increasingly popular, combining the internet with everything you do. What could be better? Wearables and IoT devices with location-positioning capabilities are the perfect gift option for the modern, connected family.
While IoT devices are very popular gifts, the process can be overwhelming, and if all technology requirements are not included, the recipient might not enjoy using the gift.
As the holidays approach, it can we overwhelming to come up with the inspired gift and know where to begin. Following is a list of a variety of IoT gift ideas and what to look for when choosing a specific device for that perfect gift.
Location tracking is an essential aspect of any connected device. This is important for devices beyond wearables for measuring fitness, steps, or movement. Connected devices with location-tracking allow interactive appliances to provide localized and enhanced services (e.g., local weather, news, alerts, neighborhood activities and other localized and personalized offers) by using accurate location information.
When purchasing wearables and other battery-powered devices, long battery life is important when selecting a gift. A long battery life makes sure the device can be used for long periods of time and simplifies charging for the owner. Pro tip: charge it before wrapping it so they can use it right away. If it is a game, go ahead and set the high score and put your name on it, just to mess with the gift recipient — you know, that personalized touch.
WiFi-enabled devices ensure the precise location is shared with the network when the device is indoors, in an apartment building, in a basement or in a dense urban environment, or without a clear line for GPS tracking alone. This type of location flexibility requires hybrid positioning - leveraging WiFi, cellular and/or GPS to provide incredibly accurate location regardless of the environment. We all know how frustrating it is when you try to map something and it can’t find you — you want to avoid that experience when giving gifts as well.
A wearable fitness tracker and integrated app are the perfect tools to make sure everyone is achieving their heath goals. Many wearables make it easy to track sleep patterns, nutrition, and exercise, and they can be connected to their phone to get live updates and to set goals.
Wireless earbuds are portable, trendy, and wireless. Wireless earbuds are highly convenient for users looking to always have access to their music, but they are really annoying if you can’t find them.
Sports-focused devices can now provide professional sports player data and insights to the average person. Connected basketballs and soccer balls measure how far the ball travels, the force with which it was hit, and much more. Football players can wear connected helmets to gauge impact and to help protect from concussions. This data can help athletes gain the edge they need to take their skills to the next level and to provide critical health information at the same time.
IoT connected doorbells and smart locks can help nervous new homeowners feel at peace as they settle in. Remote lock functionality removes the need for a panicked drive home at lunch, and a video doorbell helps you know if (and who) is arriving at your home in your absence.
Smart clothing has officially entered our lives, and the options range from simply tracking how often you wear a piece of clothing to actually enhancing and measuring your workout performance. There are smart clothing options that can detect when your yoga form needs correcting and will vibrate in the area that needs to be adjusted, allowing you to improve your practice in real time.
Your family can feel confident the kids are safe while allowing your youngest to adventure on their own with the gift of a wearable or limited function version of a phone. With the ability to precisely locate and contact them, parents can reach their kids without providing them with a costly cellphone, or worrying about their screen time increasing.
There’s nothing better than a gift that helps you do what you love, and connected golf wearables can help your golf enthusiast navigate the course with maps, blind-shot assistance and swing improvement. Gloves that help coach swings can be a big help, and connected golf clubs can measure distance, force, and/or grip position.
There are multiple options for pet wearables that can track your pet’s location, health, and behavior. Varying models offer different insights. Some can even compare your pet’s behavior trends to his past levels, other pets of the same breed, and the data from your family’s fitness trackers.
When considering these gifts, make sure you choose devices that enable accurate location services so you can be sure family and friends know where their IoT device is and that they’re getting the data and insights they’re looking for.
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