Though supermarkets and big box stores alike have been setting up their holiday displays since late October, with Thanksgiving now in our rearview mirror, the holiday season is officially here. For many of us, this time of year brings with it the chance to get something thoughtful for our friends, coworkers, and loved ones. It is currently Cyber Week and the barrage of advertisements for sales, deals, and steals has been nonstop, many of which are for different types of tech. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the common types of technology gifts that are out there as well as some security considerations that can be implemented to protect any smart devices received by you and your family as gifts during this holiday season.
Smart lights – Be they on the tree, lighting up your front porch, or used in your favorite lamps and light fixtures throughout your home, smart lights may be a gift on your or one of your loved ones’ lists this year! Though lights might not be one of the first features we would think to upgrade with smart technology or add to our wish lists, these items have grown in popularity because they offer benefits like the ability to increase the lifespan of light fixtures, track unnecessary use of lighting, and the ability to control lights remotely. With the early sunset in winter months, many of us find ourselves arriving home in the dark; having the opportunity to come home to see our Christmas lights on and front porch illuminated can make us feel more cheerful and safe navigating through the darkness. Though it might not be your first thought for a gift, smart lights may just be a stocking stuffer you consider giving this year.
Automated voice assistants – Amazon’s Echo, Google’s Nest, and Apple’s HomePod are all physical devices that can be bought which include a smart personal assistant in them. These are popular gifts due to the fact that you can call upon the automated voice assistant to answer any question you might have or to act as a DJ for your holiday playlist. Many families enjoy utilizing their smart assistants daily, making them an attractive gift idea for the more technologically-minded homes.
Smart lock/security system – Some of the items that find themselves on our holiday wish lists are born from a desire or a want, and some come from a need we may have. If you do not already have one, a smart lock and/or security system may likely be high up on your list, and these are among the popular sale items during this week of increased shopping! It is reasonable to state that the most important people for most of us are our family and friends we share our home with - so it makes sense that one of our top goals would be to protect them as best we can! Smart security systems can take away some of our worry and add a layer of protection to our homes that we would otherwise not have. These systems can notify you when there is movement outside of your external doors and often give you the ability to secure your home from anywhere! The peace of mind that comes with this gift lasts the whole year long and is definitely worth investing in if you have been considering it.
Bluetooth tracker devices – The Apple Airtag and Tile Bluetooth trackers are among the most popular tech gifted to others throughout the whole year. These small devices fit nicely in a stocking and are useful for finding anything you might struggle to locate on a regular basis. From keys to purses and wallets and even pets’ collars, finding a Bluetooth tracker on an item has become a more and more common occurrence today. If you’re looking for a good tech stocking stuffer, look no further than this useful IoT device.
Tech for kids – From video game systems to tablets to science toy kits, there are many different avenues for tech gifts for kids. Use of IoT or smart devices by children has increased significantly in recent years, with 88% of children between 13 and 18 years old having been reported in 2021 as having a smartphone, and 57% of kids between 8-12 having a phone or their own. If your family opts to allow the kiddos to use technology in their playtime, it is crucial that steps are taken to protect these devices. Let’s take a look at how to protect these and the other devices on the list below!
How to Protect
With so many elements of our lives being made smart in one way or another, it can be overwhelming trying to find effective ways to protect our devices. For this reason, many individuals abandon the idea of protecting devices altogether and just operate in a less-than-secure space. Don’t be one of these people! Take these steps to add additional layers of protection to you and your family’s use of smart items this holiday season and year round!