Technology

The Best Smart Technology for Your Socially Distanced Summer

From a sleek electric bike to a theater-quality projector, these new products will make staying home this summer that much more enjoyable

By Nick Mafi

July 10, 2020

Due to the severe complications of COVID-19, the summer of 2020 will present many new experiences for us. But one thing we can be certain of is that we’ll be spending more time at our homes than perhaps any other time in our lives. Responsible social distancing means that we will have to find creative ways to keep ourselves entertained through the summer months into the Labor Day weekend (and potentially beyond). As such, we have compiled a list of new smart technologies that will help you get through the near future. Bose’s all-new noise-canceling headphones, for example, will go far when you’ve been around your housemates for too long and need a brief respite. Anker’s latest projector screen is perfect for outdoor movies when you are once more feeling social. And of course, Dyson’s newest purifying fan will be crucial in circulating indoor air during a time when scientific evidence suggests contracting the novel virus is exceedingly more likely within four walls of a room.

Photo: Courtesy of Anker Mars
1/11
Anker Nebula Mars II Pro
Just because we’re doing our best to remain socially distant doesn’t mean we have to totally forgo our movie nights. Embrace the balmy summer evenings with an outdoor viewing courtesy of the highest quality portable projector on the market. The Nebula Mars II Pro by Anker is small and lightweight, making it very easy to travel with (for camping trips, for example). But don’t let the size fool you, this device comes pre-equipped with Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and an App store for you to download any other platforms (such as Hulu) that you prefer. And since there’s a smartphone application that replaces a remote control, you can browse the movie selections from the comfort of your chair, all while remaining six feet apart from everyone else. seenebula.com/ ($580)
Photo: Courtesy of Propella
2/11
Propella Seven-Speed E-bike
For those city dwellers, the thought of commuting anywhere on a subway or bus seems cringeworthy this summer. Which is why the rise of the electric bike is finally having its big moment. E-bikes (as they’re more commonly referred to) aren’t anything new. But in the past, the high prices they garnered meant that typically only the super-rich could be seen zipping around town in them. And while Propella’s all-new seven-speed, 250-watt road bike isn’t cheap, it’s a far cry from previous e-bike iterations. And the design is pretty easy on the eyes as well. propella.bike ($1,300)

Photo: Courtesy of Overade
3/11
Overade Plixi Fit Helmet
Of course, no bike ride would be safe without a proper helmet. And while bike helmets are necessary safety measures, hauling them around can be quite annoying. Luckily, Overade’s Plixi Fit helmet folds down into a compact shape roughly one third the size of the original helmet. This makes it easy to fold and fit into a book bag, gym bag, or larger purse. The helmet includes 14 air vents and has passed all the safety inspections necessary in Europe and the U.S. overade.com/ ($112)
Photo: Courtesy of Sonos
4/11
Sonos Arc
Sonos currently has the problem of any newer company that has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of their industry. Their consumers not only expect but demand that the company continues to produce innovative products that are worth their attention (and money). And Sonos’s answer? Their newly debuted Arc speaker. The sleek design makes it appealing for those who don’t want an eyesore speaker system in their TV room. But for those who love anything tech-y, the shockingly powerful speakers provide such a clear sound that it’s evident to anyone who listens; this is Sonos’s best product to date. sonos.com/ ($799)

Photo: Courtesy of Bose
5/11
Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones 700
As much as this pandemic has allowed us to spend time at home with our loved ones, we all need a little space sometimes. Enter the Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones 700. This is Bose’s latest nose-canceling device, and it stands out from all the rest in terms of comfort, ability to actually block out noise, and ease of use. Noise-canceling headphones have been around for more than two decades, but Bose’s new 700 series is by far the best one yet. bose.com/ ($380)
Photo: Courtesy of HUMU
6/11
HUMU Augmented Audio Cushion
No one should feel any guilt in lounging these days. Now, perhaps more than ever, we need those little blocks of time to escape into a great book or movie. Finding a relaxing way to lounge is another issue made easier by the Finnish start-up Humu. Their bluetooth-enabled audio cushion is made from a fabric mesh and plays audio loud enough for you to enjoy, but not distracting to those around you. It can even be set up to gaming devices, and add simulated action through vibrations. There’s a handle on one side for ease of travel, and it can be purchased in multiple colors. humu.fi/ ($280)

Photo: Courtesy of Dyson
7/11
Dyson Pure Cool TP04 Purifying Fan
Scientific evidence continues to point to trends that COVID-19 is exponentially more contagious indoors versus outdoors. But it’s unrealistic to think everyone can always remain outdoors when seeing friends and family. Which makes circulating air indoors all the more important. Along with screen doors and windows, strong fans such as the Dyson Pure Cool TP04 will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe. Best of all, the fan includes a filter that extracts bacteria from any room it’s placed in, purifying the air around it. dyson.com/ ($550)
Photo: Courtesy of Radius
8/11
Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent 2.0
Suddenly our parks and backyards have turned into vital spaces to safely entertain with friends and family. But just because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic doesn’t mean the mosquitoes are going to let us off the hook. To help keep the pesky insects away, Thermacell has a new bug repellent that, with the touch of a button, helps keep your outdoor space bug free. No longer will we need to spray ourselves from DEET-filled cans. Instead, Radius’s scent-free technology keeps us safe for nearly seven hours of use on a single charge. thermacell.com/ ($49.99)

Photo: Courtesy of Bolleke
9/11
Bolleke Hanging Lamp
Improvising when and where we responsibly gather will also be important this summer. Which means having proper lighting around us at any moment will be paramount. Enter Bolleke’s new hanging lamps. Their rechargeable batteries allow for three distinct brightness levels, and the durable handles allow for the light to be hung from multiple vantage points. fatboyusa.com/ ($119)
Photo: Courtesy of Emile Henry
10/11
Emile Henry Italian Bread Loaf / Pullman Baker
2020 will likely go down in our gastrological history as the year of baking homemade bread. It's the perfect way to safely pass the time in the comfort of ones home. It's also a great was to busy ourselves in the mid-day heat of the summer, as well as when the temperatures drop the closer we get to fall weather. Emilie Henry has been making baking ceramics in Burgundy since the 1850's, and features products in a variety of shapes and sizes. Best of all, perhaps, is that their ceramic exteriors hold up against extreme temperature changes and color changes. A big plus for the longevity of a brand that's been around for more than 150 years. emiliehenry.com ($135)

Photo: Courtesy of GE
11/11
GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Since most of us are trying to make fewer trips to the grocery store, we're now storing more food in our freezers. Which leads to less space to store ice during those hot summer days spent socially distanced in the outdoors. GE's Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker will go a long way to ensure your family has cold drinks throughout the season. Best of all, the technology is easy to set up, and fits nicely under most traditional cabinets. And unlike most other home ice-makers, this one is well-designed. geappliances.com/ ($599)