Ellen PhillipsI love Consumer Reports. In fact, it’s tied for No. 1 of my resources as well as the tool which I most use when shopping for most everything. One of the best articles I’ve seen in a long while concerns new technology to make our lives easier and, while I don’t know about you, Consumer Watch is for as much ease as possible, particularly at this stage of life. Columns for today and next week feature apps and gadgets that will help us to enjoy safer, easier and less expensive digital living.
1. If you’re like me, you’d lose your proverbial head if you’re not really careful. And this is where the Tile Tracker app gallops in to save the day. (I’ve used Tile to find my keys several times in the last couple of months. It works!) Purchase tiles for around $25 (multiples discounted); after installing the app on your smartphone, attach the wireless Tile to wallet, phone, laptop, iPad, bikes, keys – almost anything movable. If and when an item is misplaced/lost/stolen, use the app (even on someone else’s phone) and the Tile beeps. Furthermore, anyone else who uses the Tile app and is in the proximity of the absent item also hears a traceable beep. Users may return the Tile for replacement when the battery gives out. On the other hand, consumers who prefer a do-it-yourselfer can buy TrackR instead, a similar system that allows the user to replace batteries at home rather than mailing in for repair/replacement.
2. Speaking of tracking devices, Trakdot Luggage Tracker operates on a similar premise. Using cellular networks to find your luggage, it’s well worth the $50 expense (plus, an additional $20 for the first year of service) for travelers.
3. Amazon Echo/Alexa sounds like a first cousin of Apple’s Siri, a personal assistant app. Ask for information related to the weather, a sports score, music, whatever. She even saves grocery lists and sets alarms. (Note: Perhaps because this app is brand new and Amazon needs to iron out kinks, many of its reviews are negative, plus it isn’t cheap at $180.)
4. EcoBee 3 Wi-Fi Thermostat is a modern wonder that senses when someone is in a room and adjusts the temperature to a more comfortable level. When the room is vacant, the EcoBee reduces heating or cooling to conserve energy – and money. While not low-cost ($249), the app/device pays for itself in the long run.