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Let’s be clear, some of us need a phone storage unit like this, and others of us don’t. However, all of us would most likely benefit from the idea behind this particular wool felt pocket thingamajig.
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You’d be forgiven for thinking this glass cylinder is some sort of lantern, for it certainly looks like a sleek little light. However, it packs a punch in sound quality. Crystal-clear sound is reverberated through the glass cylinder, the vibration giving a unique “lifelike sound experience.” Lightweight and portable, the Glass Sound Speaker is ideal for use both indoors and out. And, yes, of course, it connects to your device via Bluetooth.
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It’s here. The Samsung Serif TV by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec is available to purchase. Are you going to put your name on the waitlist? I’m sure some of us are tempted, for the Bouroullec brothers have chosen to increase the depth of their flatscreen by adding a bottom and top shelf, thus creating more of an object at home amongst our things than a boring, thin, run-of-the-mill black box.
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It’s a little sad when an air quality monitor is considered a useful tool to have in the home. However, for those of us that live urban areas or have annoying allergies, we can’t ignore the fact that air quality directly affects our health. So, meet the Awair Air Quality Monitor. It reads five data points in the air: temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and dust. After analyzing aggregate levels, the air quality is determined and an Awair Score (0 to 100 color-coded scale) is assigned. Tell it what concerns you the most (allergies, sleep, etc.) and it will give you recommendations (via the app) on certain changes you might make based on daily air quality levels in specific rooms.
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We all know you’ll be making the most of the warm weather evenings (once they arrive), so let’s prepare and consider the UMA Sound Lantern. It’s both speaker and lantern, made for portable use.

There’s a touch sensitive volume control and full-range light control dial, so it’s easy to operate, and it connects to your device via Bluetooth. A durable (impact resistant) polycarbonate shade will withstand a few bumps and bruises and a couple of interchangeable handles will make it a breeze to carry around wherever you go. Set one or two on the table (or next to a sitting area) for a warm glow and just enough music for a conversational atmosphere. You’ll be all set for a enjoyable evening.
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The YOUMO is such a simple solution to all our charging woes. It’s a modular power strip that you can customize depending on your needs. What do you get? Wireless charging, IoT capabilities, multi-USB ports, US and EU sockets all in one set, ready for you to arrange according to you preference. And, of course, there’s an app to receive power updates and suggestions for turning off certain lamps or gadgets that you’ve left on. Smart! Check out more features over at Kickstarter.
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A floating record? What is this, a magic show? Nope, it’s just a simple rethinking of the record player. This turntable plays records vertically- allowing you to enjoy and showcase your records “as both art and a medium to produce analog sound.” If you’re thinking that sounds gimmicky, you’ll be reassured hearing about the dynamic, full-range stereo speakers (two Tymphany 2″ neodymium speakers, to be exact) and a choice between 33-1/3 or 45 RPM (record clamps for both included). More info over at Gramovox.
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Finally, there’s a security camera that’s wireless! And it only records when sound or movement is detected! Yes and yes! The Butterfleye is currently an Indiegogo project, and it looks like one worth backing. Don’t you want to know when your kid/pet wakes up and starts crying/barking or tearing up the crib/room? Don’t you want to know if some reprobate breaks into your house and tries to steal your stuff? The Butterfleye will record as soon as something sounds or moves, and it’ll save energy when nothing does.
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Another monitoring gadget is here, and you just might want to try it out. The Notion Sensor can do a whole bunch of things. Place it on a door or window to know who’s coming and going, put it in a room that requires a certain temperature, or get an alert the moment there’s a water leak or smoke alarm. Stick a sensor at the place of concern, pair to the included Bridge, and then use the App to see the current status and receive alerts. You may need several sensors if you have lots of things you want monitored, but that may be worthwhile for your own peace of mind.
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Here’s another sort of motion alarm, but this time it will bleep loudly if it’s moved. Stick the Sammy Screamer Motion Alarm on something you don’t want moved or touched, and as soon as someone puts their filthy paws on it, it will bleep and send a notification to your phone (via the free app). The Sammy measures around 2″x2″x1″, so it’s small enough to fit in or on the many things that should stay put just as you left them (handbag, bike, liquor cabinet, etc.).
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Note: We’ve received an email from a reader that pointed out several concerns regarding this Indiegogo project. We suggest you read through the comments on the project page and check out the owners/manufacturers at the very least before contributing.

This security camera is a small, wearable camera equipped with motion sensor & tracker. While some of the finer details still seem to be in development, there are enough uses that make backing the project very tempting. Mount it outside your front door to be alerted to movement or sound or mount it inside the home to keep an eye on the kids. Put it in your luggage to track your bags or maybe clip it on your shirt to record possible pictures on a hike. You can even use it to park your car when it’s in the parking mode. Lots of options, aren’t there? Take a look at the video below, or go to Joggy’s Indiegogo page for more info.
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Celebrate handcrafted noise with this Voice Recorder by Richard Upchurch. No, there’s no fanciness involved, it’s just a box with a voice recorder in it. However, the fun to be had is in the playback button and the control knob where you adjust the speed and pitch. Maybe think about filling up break time with a little bit of silly sound business? Or, better yet, it might be a good Mother’s Day gift if you record a heartfelt-yet-funny message?
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A small, unobtrusive humidifier is just the thing to combat dry air. You won’t trip over it, nor will it disturb your perfectly calibrated interior setting. The 11+ Bottle Humidifier does its job without causing any fuss; a small dimming LED shows its operating status and it automatically shuts off when the water runs out. It’s also easy to clean and powered by USB.
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What, you think you know all about the normcore trend last year? Well, I challenge you to a duel. I present the Extō Extension Cord, which is my answer to what normcore looks like in the home furnishings/accessories arena. Can you come up with a better example of an unpretentious-on-purpose-yet-still-sort-of-attractive, functional product? Hmm, we’ll see.
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If the dry air is getting on your nerves, get yourself a humidifier. And, as we’re in the business of selecting well made items that have a pleasing appearance, you should probably take my advice* and buy the Chimney Humidifier designed by Takeshi Ishiguro. The slim profile and tall chimney blend in with a room’s furnishings easier than other large humidifiers, and, using a silent, ultra-sonic system, the mist is emitted at a height that humidifies the whole room instead of one particular area.
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