Home technology firsts, award-winning products

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Innovation Insider Steve Greenberg shares several home technology products that are firsts of their kind and/or award winners.

• Ring Stick Up Cam is the world’s first and only battery operated outdoor security camera featuring two-way audio, motion detection, cloud HD video recording, and night vision and is totally wire-free. When used with Ring Video Doorbell, Stick Up Cam provides a full ring of security around customers’ homes.  Unlike traditional home security systems that only over video monitoring, the $199 Stick Up Cam also enables users to engage in two-way conversations with whoever is on their property in real time via their mobile devices. It is common for burglars to make sure no one is home before bringing it by simply ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door. Ring customers have seen burglars ring their doorbell and, if no one answers, break in through a back or side door in order to not be visible to the street. With the addition of Stick Up Cam, homeowners are provided another point of contact with visitors, and are better able to monitor, interact, and protect their entire home. With Ring, homeowners can give unwanted visitors the impression they’re home, even when they’re not, and prevent burglaries and crimes from ever occurring.  While Ring Video Doorbell creates a ring of security around users’ front doors, the wire-free Stick Up Cam, extend that ring around the entire home. Visit www.ring.com for more information and to purchase Stick Up Cam for $199.  With Ring, you’re #AlwaysHome
• The Water Pik Cordless Freedom water flosser is the easy and more effective way to floss giving you healthier gums and brighter teeth in just a minute a day.  The Cordless Freedom is the most convenient and versatile Waterpik Water Flosser to date.  The best feature about the new portable unit is that it delivers the same clinically proven benefits as advertised for a counter-top Water Flosser.  Due to its small size and because it doesn’t need to be plugged in, it is perfect for travel or small sinks.  The unit can easily be stored in a medicine cabinet at home.  And because it is fully waterproof, it is perfect for use in the shower. Plus it includes three AAA batteries and three Water Flossing tip accessories.  Also included is a microfiber travel bag and travel water plug, making the Cordless Freedom the perfect oral healthcare travel companion.  The Waterpik® Cordless Freedom Water Flosser is available at Amazon.com and Waterpik.com for $44.99.
• Bitdefender BOX — is the first cyber-security solution that can protect all you internet connected devices, from laptops, smartphones, tablets to smart locks, smart TV, thermostats, and more. These little smart devices (door locks, thermostats, etc.) add convenience to our lives, but are also the weak links in our home personal network. It’s way too easy for hackers to access your personal data. The Bitdefender BOX is the first and only solution available on the market that can truly protect your personal data.  The BOX scans traffic going in and out of your home’s router and blocks online attacks before they reach your devices.  Protecting your personal private information. On top of that, Bitdefender BOX is an easy way to manage all of your family’s devices. Through Bitdefender BOX you can see if the device is protected with a password, you can push updates, clean your hard disk, limit the access to the internet to a certain time frame, and more.  The BOX is currently free but requires a subscription of $99/year. For more info go to: http://www.bitdefender.com/box/
• Eve Room — monitors indoor air quality, temperature and humidity using sophisticated sensors that analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Eve Room goes beyond CO? by analyzing substances that directly affect your well-being, like alcohols and chemicals, molds, paints, smoke, and more to ensure users keep their home safe. Eve Room is now available in Apple stores worldwide and on www.Apple.com for $79.95. The Eve app is available as a free download from the App Store.
• Energizer EcoAdvanced – is the world’s first AA battery made with four percent recycled batteries – nearly 10 percent of a key active ingredient – and is Energizer’s longest-lasting alkaline battery. A battery made with any percentage of recycled batteries while maintaining high runtime was thought to be an impossibility for decades – and is now reality – thanks to Energizer scientists, breakthrough technology and exclusive partnerships. It is another step in Energizer’sjourney to bring performance and responsibility to the world. By using longer lasting & reliable batteries, including those made with some recycled content, consumers use fewer batteries, create less waste, and have less impact on the planet. Energizer’s future innovation will continue to reduce the impact Energizer batteries have on the environment. By 2025, the vision for Energizer EcoAdvanced is to increase the amount of recycled battery material ten-fold to 40 percent. Energizer EcoAdvanced is the perfect battery to have in your home or on-the-go, powering high-tech products with less impact on the planet. When you’re purchasing the latest battery-powered gadgets, for kids and adults alike, make sure you choose Energizer EcoAdvanced. Not only does Energizer EcoAdvanced contain 4 percent recycled battery content, but consumers have also recognized it as 100 percent awesome. With a vote from 40,000 consumers, Energizer EcoAdvanced was named a 2016 USA Product of the Year. In addition, it is the first-ever winner of the Sustainability category. AA/AAA 4-pack is just $4.99. Join Energizer’s journey of innovation and learn more about Energizer EcoAdvanced at www.energizer.com/ecoadvanced.
• PlusUs LifeLink --The LifeLink from PlusUs is a must-have accessory for your mobile device. The LifeLink is the world’s thinnest and most portable USB cable! Its patented design enables the cable to easily fit in wallets or clip onto a key ring to charge and sync devices. The LifeLink is made of durable, flexible Teflon with an inter-locking lock design and at only 3.5” long when folded, it’s perfect for compact storage. It is ideal for use at work, in the car, at home or on-the-go! It comes either as an Apple Lightning Cable or Micro USB cable and is available for $29.95 at www.plusus.co
• "Baby Animals, Mammals and More!" is your opportunity to meet the coolest, cutest critters. It’s like having a zoo, circus, aquarium, pet store and the Florida Everglades right in your own home… only without the mess. Baby Animals, Mammals and More! includes ponies and puppies, camels and calves, manatees and monkeys and so much more. This award winning video is filled with music, fun facts and lots of giggles. Baby Animals, Mammals and More! has been seen on PBS television and more than 50,000 copies have been sold nationwide. It’s a proven winner!  Available for purchase on Amazon at:  http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Animals-Mammals-More-DVD/dp/0965060330/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404483715&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+animals%2C+mammals+%26+more
• "Gators, Crocs and other Yucky Swamp Creatures" is your opportunity to meet the coolest, cutest critters. It’s like having a zoo, circus, aquarium, pet store and the Florida Everglades right in your own home… only without the mess. Kids will meet alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds, turtles, snakes, opossums, tree frogs and a lot more–all up close and very personal. This information packed video has won a Telly Award, a Communicator Crystal Award and an EMMY Award for best Children’s program. Available for purchase on Amazon at:  http://www.amazon.com/Gators-Crocs-Other-Yucky-Creatures/dp/0965060306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404483790&sr=8-1&keywords=gators%2C+crocs+%26+other