The healthy choices app
Put off by confusing food labels? Get informed with Yuka, a scanner app that unveils the truth behind your groceries and cosmetics. With a simple scan of the product bar code, Yuka decodes complex ingredients labels, exposing hidden sugars, additives and other potential health concerns. Compare products instantly with Yuka’s clear rating system and discover healthier alternatives. Compatible with Apple or Android device. Free, yuka.io
Compact cold coffee brewer
Experience Barista-level cold brew without leaving your house with the OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This brewer streamlines the cold brew process, crafting smooth, refreshing coffee concentrate in 12 to 24 hours. Imagine waking up to a pitcher of rich, flavorful cold brew without the fuss of waiting in line to get it. The compact design saves precious counter space, while the BPA-free carafe ensures worry-free storage. OXO’s intuitive design makes cold brew brewing simple, even for beginners. $35, oxo.com
Sound concentration
Struggling to stay focused at work? Unleash your full potential with the LectroFan EVO Sleep Sound Machine. This scientifically proven tool goes beyond white noise, offering a range of non-looping fan sounds and brown noises, clinically shown to block distractions and enhance concentration by up to 50%. Want a work environment free from background noise? The LectroFan EVO creates a personalized soundscape that blocks out distractions and has a Bluetooth option for a headphone experience. The compact design fits on your desk, while the adjustable timer gives you the ability to set it and forget it. $50, soundofsleep.com
Tilted stand
Ditch the tangled wires and charging clutter. Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger offers a sleek solution for powering your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously. Leveraging Apple’s MagSafe technology, the charger effortlessly aligns your iPhone for secure and rapid 15W wireless charging. No more fumbling for charging ports; simply place your devices and power up effortlessly. This space-saving design boasts a modern aesthetic, transforming your nightstand or desk into a clutter-free charging haven. $150, belkin.com
Better meetings
Who wants to take notes at meetings? Read.ai can be your virtual assistant that records and transcribes your online conference and goes the extra mile by providing a summary of what was discussed, even breaking the discussion into chapters, topics, key questions asked during the presentation and action items. The app gives you feedback by grading your engagement in the conversation and, “It can tell me if I say too many ums during my presentation,” said Lisa Apolinski, CMC, digital strategist and founder of 3 Dog Write. (See her review on mdrt.org/ai-augments-the-advisor at the 9:30 mark.) “It’s the best virtual assistant investment I can possibly have right now.” The seven-day trial is free, and monthly subscriptions start at $15, read.ai
Compact powerhouse
Imagine charging your laptop and phone simultaneously from a single, lightweight charging block. The CMF Power 65W GaN Charger uses gallium nitride (GaN), allowing you to rapidly power your devices — the manufacturer claims the block can charge a phone to 50% in 25 minutes — with safeguards against short circuits and overheating. The charger has three charging ports — two USB-C ports and one USB-A — ensuring compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. $39, lenovo.com
Connectivity everywhere
Zoleo, the satellite communicator, goes beyond the limitations of cell service, keeping you connected and secure no matter where you are in the world. Zoleo uses Iridium, a network with 100% global coverage, and ensures reliable two-way messaging and SOS assistance, whether you are visiting the countryside, out in the wilderness or anywhere where your smartphone is beyond a cell signal. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, waterproof and has a battery life of more than 200 hours. $200, zoleo.com
