Six unusual but practical smart home products you need to try

The best smart home devices can make your home more automated, safer and cleaner. There’s a wide array of smart home devices on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming to know what. brands to trust. To help us narrow it down to best of the best, tech expert Amber Mac highlights six unusual but extremely practical smart home products that just might make you say "I need that!" 

Livlab Hoomband Wireless Audio Sleep Headband

Settle your mind and ease into a restful night's sleep with the help of the Livlab Hoomband Wireless Audio Sleep Headband. It features more than 100 hours of sleep-inducing audio content such as stories, meditations, and ambient sounds. It boasts a comfortable design and a 10-hour battery life so it keeps going all night long.

SHOP: Livlab Hooband Wireless Audio Sleep Headband, $99 at Best Buy

Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds II Truly Wireless Earbuds

Everyday stress. Snoring. Noisy neighbours. The news of the day. There’s plenty that keeps you awake. These earbuds from Bose work with the Bose Sleep app to deliver relaxing sounds to help you fall asleep, and use noise-masking technology so you stay asleep all night. Unlike headphones, Sleepbuds don’t stream music or podcasts. They play content only from the Bose Sleep app. Get up to 10 hours on a single charge and three additional charges from the case. 

SHOP: Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds II Truly Wireless Earbuds, $329 at Best Buy

Dodow Metronome Sleep Aid Device - White

Dodow is a metronome with a light system that teaches you how to fall asleep naturally, without taking any medicine. Tap the touch-sensitive surface once for the eight-minute mode and twice for the 20-minute mode. At the end of the exercise, Dodow switches itself off. With this product, someone who normally takes 60 minutes to fall asleep will take no more than 25!.

SHOP: Dodow Metronome Sleep Aid Device, $79 at Best Buy

Ember 355ml (12 oz.) Smart Heated Travel Mug 2

Designed to be used on the go, Ember Travel Mug 2 does more than simply keep your coffee hot. This smart mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature and keeps it there for up to three hours, so your coffee is never too hot, or too cold.

SHOP: Ember Smart Heated Travel Mug 2, $229.99 at Best Buy

Belkin Face Tracking Magnetic Phone Mount for iPhone 12

Enjoy the freedom to move while creating content with this magnetic face-tracking mount from Belkin that turns 360 degrees and shoots from 15º to 30º angles. Featuring built-in MagSafe compatible magnetic technology, this mount snaps securely onto the iPhone 12 with easy, one-handed placement. An accompanying iOS app can be personalized to recognize your face, will follow your movements while you shoot, and links directly to your social media. 

SHOP: Belkin Face Tracking Magnetic Phone Mount for iPhone 12, $79.99 at Best Buy

Owlet Smart Sock 3 Heart Rate/Oxygen Baby Monitor

The award-winning Smart Sock tracks the most important indicators of your baby’s well-being so while they rest easy you can, too. Use the Sock to track your child’s heart rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends from the first night you bring them home to their first day of school and enjoy peace of mind through every milestone. View your child’s readings in real-time with the free Owlet App and receive notifications if readings leave preset zones, so you know when your child really needs you.

SHOP: Owlet Smart Sock 3 Heart Rate/Oxygen Baby Monitor, $398.99 at Best Buy