The hottest and coolest products of the season.

By Gary M. Kaye, Richard Sherwin, Bob Plunkett, Susan Davis, and Amy Eller

Bissell’s irRam® cordless vacuum is designed to make heavy duty cleaning quick and easy.

Ditch the cord and keep the power with the upright BISSELL® AirRam® Cordless Vacuum. Equipped with a professional-grade, 22V lithium ion battery, this high-powered, cord-free vacuum delivers up to 30 minutes of powerful, fade-free suction across carpets, hard floors, and area rugs. Its ultra-light, agile design with swivel steering and lay-flat handle easily maneuvers around and under furniture for maximized cleaning versatility.

We liked its predecessor, but had a little trouble with placement of its strong battery. This design makes the unit easily handled by any member of the family.

And when it comes to disposing of the vacuumed-up debris, the dirt bin is not only removable, but features a built-in, Easy Empty™ slider that pushes dirt and debris out for a quick, mess-free empty. In addition, BISSELL® AirRam® is engineered with a Multi-Surface Brush Roll that delivers high performance cleaning across multiple surfaces. Plus, its power foot features bright, wide-range LED lights that illuminate dirt so you can see it and vacuum it up.

LG ADT CANOPY

LG Smart Security is the perfect solution for users looking for augmented security with simple setup and professional security service options with no long-term contract required. It also offers the flexibility of home automation control via a mobile device app (iOS or Android).*

The hardware and software unit, created, designed and managed by LG, was given an out-of-the-box test: Using both an Android Tablet and an iPad, on a local Wi-Fi network, using the free ADT Canopy App.

The documentation (one page with 3-steps, in a 4.5” by 5” booklet) is more than sufficient, for the basic uses.

It works well as a stand along monitor, with a Crystal clear, HD, full color, wide angle image, while the audio volume is low but adequate. It accurately displays both temperature and humidity, as well.

The “night vision” feature is quite impressive. Motion detection alerts and other notifications are provided in real time, directly the viewing device.

It is Enticing that additional (optional for a fee) features can expand the functionality by integrating with ADT’s monitoring and security options.

Using the unit as a basic, constant, monitoring system requires the tablets to be plugged in to a power source.

When working with a battery operated smartphone/tablet it consumes too much power for long-term constant use. These devices would be best used with and through the enhanced ADT home automation and security options. In January 2017, customers logged into their ADT Pulse app nearly 57 million times, adjusting their thermostat in 67 million instances, and capturing over 436 million video clips.

The LG Smart Security camera can capture virtually an entire room with minimal image distortion, as it features a 130-degree field-of-view. Users can even monitor their homes at night thanks to the device’s night vision capability with up to 15 feet of visibility.*

All these functions are housed in the device’s discreet, modern design that allows it to blend subtly into any room. LG Smart Security weighs less than a pound and is just five inches tall.** Its sleek black color gives the device a premium look and its strong polished-polycarbonate finished lens cover is able to withstand scratches. Further validating its design achievements, LG Smart Security received the coveted 2016 Red Dot Product Design Award.

“Professional installation is one of the biggest barriers for any consumer electronics product, which is why we took great care to ensure LG Smart Security provides professional functionality in a plug-and-play device,” said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. “With the incorporation of ADT Canopy, consumers now can enjoy best-in-class professional security monitoring and the convenience of a featured-filled, easy-to-use device.”

Electric Assist Bike – Okay, we know, we know, not everyone can afford to get this kind of gift but think about it. Here’s a gift that will really keep on giving. The Pedego Boomerang e-bike has an extremely low step through frame making it super easy to get on and off especially for short legged people. It can be used as a non-powered bike, just calling on throttle power when she encounters a tough hill or gets tired. While some of our reporters had some learning issues most anyone can use any of four power assist levels to make the going easier. Prices begin at $2295. You can buy online or at your local Pedego dealer.

Telephoto Digital Camera – If you travel but aren’t satisfied with the snapshots from a smartphone, you might be really happy with the Canon Powershot SX720 HS. The most outstanding feature of the camera is the telephoto lens, a 40x Optical Zoom (24-960mm) means We all can capture close-up portraits of family, landmarks in the distance and virtually everything in between. It has built-in Wi-Fi® and NFC connectivity. It is rated at 20.3 Megapixels, and will let her shoot video in 1080 Full HD video. Price is $349.

Photo-Scanning Package – In the days before digital photography, We all probably took dozens or even hundreds of memorable pictures. Here’s a great way for you to get them organized and into a digital format that she can easily share with the family. ScanMyPhotos will let you pack up to about 1800 standard size photos and ship them off in a pre-paid box. You gets back a DVD or thumb drive as well as the original photos. This is a great way to organize, protect, and share those irreplaceable memories. Price for the photo scanning service is $145 but they are offering Mother’s Day discounts. There are also packages to digitally convert slides and home movies.

Senior Smartphone –older techies want internet connectivity and data features of a smartphone with features especially for without the hassle of small icons or complicated financial plans. So these seniors might enjoy the Jitterbug Smart from GreatCall. It’s designed to be easy to use. A new, 35% bigger screen makes it even easier to stay connected. Everything seniors want to do, from texting and taking pictures, to emailing and browsing the Internet, is organized in a single list on one screen with large, legible letters. And with access to exclusive health and safety apps like 5Star®, she can turn her Jitterbug into a personal safety device. With a variety of data plans starting as low as $2.49 per month, you’ll be able to choose the one that works best for any task. Compared to other cell phone Jitterbug Smart phone plans may be the most affordable on the market.

One Cup Coffee Maker – If you like to get your day started with a fresh cup of coffee, the Keurig K55 Coffee Maker is fast and easy. Besides coffee, the K55 can make an assortment of other hot beverages with a universe of K-cup pod selections from which to choose. And if you like her own particular blend you can get a My K-Cup Reusable Filter.  That’s good for the wallet and the environment. This Keurig Coffee Maker will have her cup ready to go in just under a minute. It will accommodate tall travel mugs and comes in two colors, black, and rhubarb. It’s selling right now for just about $80 on Keurig.com.

Knife Set – When was the last time We all got a new set of knives? They make a huge difference in the kitchen. The right knife makes every culinary job easier. And sharp knives save time and effort. The Precision Chef Knife Series from Edge of Belgravia features futuristic design, advanced materials, and six knives that can handle almost every kitchen need. They are easy to sharpen. Best thing, the set is far more affordable than many we’ve seen, selling for $125.

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – why not make things easier for any of the people you are getting season gifts, the Dyson V7 Absolute will get the job done with a lot more convenience and a lot less weight. This is the newest cordless from Dyson and weighs in at about 5 1/3 pounds. A single charge will give about thirty minutes of running time. It features legendary Dyson suction power along with the ability to do almost any vacuum job depending on which attachments she’ll use.  That could be the deep cleaning motorized rug head, or the handheld configuration, or one to reach high places. Price is about $550 from Dyson….or about twice the cost of its competitors. But the Dyson product line is also always rated well.

Blue Light Protective Computer Glasses – We all spend too many hours in front of a computer screen, so here’s a solution that can protect you from the headaches and blurred vision that often go along with too much screen time, Blueberry Glasses. They are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles, most for $59.  If you require reading glasses to work at the computer, there are Blueberry Readers in varying strengths for up to $65.  All of the glasses help block out both blue light and UV radiation.  They are lightweight and the lenses are scratch resistant.

Fitness Tracker – If you are interested in staying in shape and monitoring daily activities, the new Garmin Vivosmart 3 has a host of features packed into a stylish device with a screen that only pops on when you need it.  It features wrist mounted heart rate monitoring, including HRV (heart rate variability). The Vívosmart 3 includes high-end fitness monitoring tools such as VO2 max and fitness age and wellness monitoring with all-day stress tracking. It automatically tracks activity including steps, floors climbed, calories burned, intensity minutes, sleep and more. It also features smart notifications to keep users connected while on the go. The Vívosmart 3 boasts a battery life of up to five days and can be worn while swimming or showering. Price is just about $140 and it’s available from Amazon, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a variety of other outlets as well as directly from Garmin.

Tracking Device – We all have a tendency to misplace important things like wallets or keys, the Pixie is a big step above most of the other trackers on the market. While other trackers just beep, the Pixie works with the camera on a iPhone (sorry not on Android yet) so you can actually see where your misplaced item is hiding. Certainly makes the seek part of hide and seek a lot easier. You plunk one Pixie into a case on your phone, while you attach another to the item you want to keep tabs on. Then if you misplace it, use the Pixie app to start looking for it. It will point you in the right direction and show you where it is. Pixie comes in a variety of colors and multiple unit packages starting at about $50. 

Desktop Charging Station – If your gift recipient has a bunch of gadgets and needs to keep them organized and charged, we found a complete line of desktop organizers and chargers from MobileVision. One we like is the stylish bamboo organizing station with a four port USB strip. This will let you store and charge four gadgets simultaneously and has room for cords and other accessories. Price is $50.95 and it’s available on Amazon and direct from MobileVision.

A super bright Projector: Epson is touting and we are endorsing the newest addition to its award-winning lineup, the ultra-bright Home Cinema 1450 projector – bringing immersive, Full HD 1080p entertainment to large, well-lit living spaces for creating memorable experiences with friends and family.

The Epson Home Cinema 1450 ($1,499 MSRP) boasts 4,200 lumens of color brightness and 4,200 lumens of white brightness – ideal for enjoying sports, video games, movies and favorite streaming content on the big-screen in almost any environment – even areas with ambient light. We can attest to its brightness and clarity and the 1450s’ easy to use system can be set up in minutes.

Alexa and Google Voice in one Package?

We don’t usually tout products that are not fully tested, but we’ve been asking manufacturers to produce a standalone device to provide access to both Alexa and Google voice services,. Clarity, which is also the first and only Alexa-enabled product to boast a fully-featured touchscreen, has also announced that it will offer access to both Google Now and Google Assistant when it ships in June, well ahead of the rumored Amazon Echo touchscreen.

From blasting out favorite Spotify playlists to watching blockbuster movies, the android-powered touchscreen speaker offers great entertainment capabilities and acts as the hub for smart home automation while offering the power and skills of both Alexa and Google voice assistants. Clarity fuses the convenience and functionality of a conventional tablet with the dynamic possibilities of a smart voice-activated, connected speaker. During the extended presale period, Clarity can be purchased for $149 ahead of its shipping price of $199. Similar to last year’s Triby, the Clarity is a powerful, super lightweight, super portable Bluetooth and WiFi connected speaker, ideal for listening to music, podcasts or audio books. Content can be played from connected personal devices, internet radio stations or streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora.

Its two 5-watt speakers and spacious sound chambers deliver exceptional sound performance, and at just 2lbs with a six hour playback battery life, Clarity can be enjoyed anywhere.

Oh no!  Where’s my key?

We (like many people) have a storage locker – which we visit infrequently and always on the spur of the moment.  So – we don’t carry the key for our padlock and often need to search for the key.

What we always have with us is our smartphone.  It holds all our contacts, calendar, important photos and our life-controlling text messages.  We have a pocket fob to open our community gate and, of course, our car.  No keys needed there!

Well, now we have no need for our storage padlock and key. Thanks to Master Lock we have a sturdy blue tooth activated padlock that only responds to our programmed cell phone Master app.  We were skeptical when I first learned about it. So I purchased one and kept locking and unlocking it around the house.  It never failed.

The free app is easy to install and the lock has a secure alphanumeric 12 character code that comes with the lock. The battery is long lasting and is easy to replace, should it run down.  No concern here.

There are two models:   4400 (for indoor use) and 4401 (for outdoor needs and pretty weather proof). Both performed well and easily and unlike some other locking systems, Master Locks are solidly built.