GoKawiilYou don't need a ton of space or cash to give a dorm room powerful smart capabilities with the latest devices. In the past year of testing, I've tried out all kinds of interesting products ideal for adding extra flair and features on move-in day. That includes an AI table lamp that interprets your mood, an all-purpose security sensor you can stick anywhere, and the newest smart speakers with surprisingly large sound.
Don't worry, none of these devices are high-budget, none of them require subscriptions to work, and you can find plenty of uses for them when you're done with the dorm or college apartment. Take a look to find what's right for you.
Lepro A1 table lamp
Lepro can come up with so many interesting color cycles for this lamp. Tyler Lacoma/CNET
When I tested this spiraling table lamp, I found its use of AI prompts fun and incredibly versatile. The lamp can use voice or text ideas to suggest all kinds of light schemes, including colors, patterns, movement and much more. You can say anything from "Star Wars" to "workout mode" to get several interesting ideas. It can also sync to music if you prefer.
The light patterns can create soothing glows, dancing party swirls and everything in between. From studying to cozy vibes, all you have to do is describe the mood and pick your favorite option from what AI comes up with. Check out more of my experiments with this foot-high light in my full review.
Google Home speaker
This new speaker is larger than past Nest versions but smaller than the Nest Audio. Tyler Lacoma/CNET
I recently tried out the Google Home Speaker, and found it has some of the best sound in the $100 dollar range, with a surprisingly strong bass level, easily enough to fill a dorm room. It's also easy to set up with the Google Home app. The speaker can connect to a variety of music streaming services, including Spotify and Tidal, as well as apps like Netflix and Google Plus.
In addition to playing music, the Gemini for Home features a speaker that allows you to set timers, reminders and calendar events with a "Hey, Google." It can also answer any question from what info it pulls from the internet. And the speaker can control many of the other smart devices listed here with the right voice commands. That's all for free -- the subscription versions of Gemini aren't really necessary in a dorm.
... continue reading