LAST UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 25, 2017
I think it is better to be picky and focus on what works. Here are some of the latest and greatest recommendations on smart gear that I use everyday.
I have bought and tested all the recommended items on this guide. When you choose to buy my picks, I earn affiliate commissions that support my work.
I would strongly recommend signing up for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial, if you are not already a member (free Amazon Prime 30-day trial link).
Prime Members receive free two-day shipping on most orders, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Members also receive exclusive early access to the best holiday offers.
It’s also a good idea to check out the dedicated Black Friday page to find the latest sale items.
HTPC and/or Streamer to Play Your Media
Custom HTPC
Your computer as the media hub
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If you enjoy tinkering with technology and like to customize the front-end and back-end according to your needs, then HTPC is the right choice for you.
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NVIDIA SHIELD TV
NVIDIA SHIELD TV as the smart home hub
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If you are looking for a powerful media streamer that is very easy to set up and “just works”, then NVIDIA SHIELD TV is perfect choice for you.
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NAS to Store Your Media
Synology DS918+
Network Attached Storage
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I use Synology’s 4-bay NAS to store all my media files. It is powerful enough to act as a Plex media server. I can also sync NAS with Google Photos and Dropbox.
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WD Red 2-6TB
Hard Disks for Your NAS
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WD Red hard drives are great choice if you want to record live TV and store media files such as photos inside the NAS. Get as many as your NAS server can fit.
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Control Your Media
Flirc USB
Remote control receiver
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The Flirc is a USB IR receiver (new version) that outputs presses on a remote control button as keyboard input to any application.
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Logitech Harmony Hub
The best universal remote control
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Achieve the best user experience with Logitech Harmony Smart Control. You can control all your devices with one remote control or an app.
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Control Your Lights
Philips Hue Kit
Smart lighting system
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Imagine starting a Watch Movie activity with Logitech Harmony Hub and your Philips Hue lights automatically dim to your favorite accent lighting.
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Philips Hue LightStrip
Build your own ambilight TV
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Use Philips Hue Light Strip as an accent behind your TV. You can set the color for any mood or use it as an ambilight to enhance your TV experience.
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Awesome Gadgets and Gift Ideas
Finally, here are my favorite gadgets that I use and recommend as gift ideas.
Muse
The brain sensing headband
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I’ve been doing some meditation in the past year. The Muse headband and app is a great way to get more out of my meditation sessions.
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Bose Revolve+ SoundLink
360 Bluetooth speaker
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I bought this great-sounding Bose Revolve+ Bluetooth speaker to my bedroom. I use it to listen to music through my phone. I can take it with me outside as well.
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Nokia Steel
Smart analogue watch
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Nokia Steel is simply awesome smart watch. It tracks my steps and sleep and wakes me up with a gentle vibration. I can use it with one battery for 8 months.
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iPad Pro 10.5-inch
Laptop replacement
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Apple iPad Pro is my latest entertainment and productivity tool. I would strongly recommend getting the smart keyboard and Apple Pencil as well.
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