Mom’s and technology have come along way since the early 20s and the invention of the television. Commercials promoting their products were streaming into living rooms making it easier for Mom’s discovering new products.
Now Mom’s are getting product information in seconds. Smartphones and intelligent personal assistants technology like Alexa advancements stream content instantly and in any site in the house.
I have assembled a list of smart items and apps that are or will make my life as a Mom a lot easier.
Now I Can Find It
While I was researching for this article, I came across Tile. This cool gadget makes finding items a lot easier. I’ve had that moment when I’m running late and I can’t find my phone, keys or bag. I’m frustrated and now leaving for work, an event or appointment just became miserable. Not a great way to start the day.
The website states you can stick, hook or attach Tiles to anything you care about. It works by an App on your phone. You can see a map of the last place you had it. The Tile will ring as you get closer to the item. If you lose your phone, press the tile and your phone will ring.
Tile is great for busy Moms and kids who are constantly losing their favorite toy. I have ordered a few for my Mom and I. No more lost phones for us in our house!
I Now Talk To My Home
And I thought Siri was cool. I love asking it questions and getting funny responses back. One of my favorite commercials is Cookie Monster and Siri. I did not understand how the advancement of intelligent personal assistants would impact my life.
Here come Alexa and Echo. Amazon opened the door to the advancement of intelligent personal assistants. I can program this to run my entire house. Almost. It can turn on and off the lights just by voice command. It reorders all my subscription items. I can ask Alexa a cooking question. She does the searching and tells me the answer. No more washing off my hands and picking up my phone or tablet. I feel like I’m in the movie Back to the Future.
Everyone is getting into the game. Google’s Assistant and Microsoft’s Cortona are a few of many hitting the market.
I expect as these intelligent personal assistant advance, they will become a common household item and it will stop feeling weird talking to my house.
e-Readers Have Saved My Back
You might wonder why an e-reader is on this list. My pack was heavy as a Mom lugging books around to read as my kid play in the park. Hallelujah when this technology came on the market. My pack got lite! I can now take thousands of books with me.
What’s even better is when someone is talking about a cool book I no longer have to remember it. I immediately search for it and buy it.
There’s An App For That
I use that joke a lot. I’m sure 9 out of 10 times it’s true. Out of all the technology I have listed, Apps have exploded. I have well over 100 on my phone. From games to budgeting, this technology advancement helps me stay organized, on a budget and happy.
Here is a list of a few I use in my daily life.
Life Management App
Cozi helps me manage my jam-packed family life. I manage my entire families calendars with set reminders. We don’t overlap important events anymore. Everyone can add to my weekly shopping list. Even better, I can remove that item. You would think it’s the kids, but my husband has a horrible sweet tooth. Those are the main features I use this App for, but it can do a lot more.
Coupons and Rebates
I have to admit this is one area I’m terrible at. I have friends who constantly talk about these money-saving Apps. There is Receipt Hog, which I’m still on a waiting list it is so popular. Ibotta is the most popular rebate and coupon App going around.
I will try for a month or two and then lose interest. I’m finally using my local grocery store’s App. It is saving me some money. They also have a gas rewards programs I love.
Budget App
I have just downloaded this budget App. I want to stay on a weekly budget. I’m tired of getting to the end of the month to see I’ve gone over budget again. After reviewing budget Apps, I found mint.com. This App will sync my bank accounts, pays my bills and monitors my spending habits daily. I downloaded it today so I don’t have an opinion, but PC Magazine gives it an Outstanding review.
I’m a Mom who loves technology. It makes my life a lot easier and I hope it makes yours a lot easier too!
If you have a cool technology item, you think rocks your Mom life, please tell us in the comment box below. There’s a place for that!
