May 2024

5 Tech Gadgets that Solve Real World Problems

By Dr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC

In a (veterinary) world grappling with multifaceted challenges including under-staffing, overwhelming caseloads, and way too many consolation prize pizza parties…technology emerges as a beacon of hope, offering ingenious solutions to real-world problems.

Here are five technology gadgets that stand out in their mission to make a tangible difference in people’s lives:

1) The Ember Mug

Think about your normal routine…you wake up way too early…grab a coffee…run to the hospital…only to set down the coffee to see 71223 waiting cases. When you finally have a second to breathe…you return to your desk to find your liquid life (aka coffee) cold (and therefore gross). The Ember mug solves the daily problem – keeping our coffee perfectly hot! The Ember Mug has many amazing features including temperature control – the ability to precisely control and maintain the temperature of your beverage. Using the Ember app on your smartphone, you can set your preferred temperature, ensuring that your coffee or tea stays at the perfect warmth throughout your enjoyment. You can also customize temperature settings based on personal preferences. Whether you like your coffee piping hot or prefer a slightly lower temperature for sipping, the mug can be adjusted to suit your taste.

2)Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Ever been on an airplane and want to watch a movie on the TV screen on the seat in front of you…only to remember you stopped carrying wired headphones in 2014??? Who carries wired headphones?!?! We all now carry bluetooth headphones!!! This makes the Twelve South AirFly Pro as your perfect solution! This amazing device is a Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter. It allows you to use your headphones with devices that don’t have a headphone jack or to share audio between two sets of headphones. It doesn’t only work on airplanes…this wireless audio transmission will be useful on an airplane seat, with fitness equipment, or even your TV at home!

3) ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

Having 3 kids myself…my car is typically filled with sports equipment (as we drive from sport to sport)…and crumbs. Who doesn’t love a car full of Cheez-It crumbs! Years ago I would lug my heavy vacuum from the house into the garage and fumble with all the excessively large attachments. That’s a thing of the past! This small but mighty car vacuum and car cleaning kit includes 3 attachments (flathead, extendable, or brush nozzle) for detailing, carry bag, and a filter cleaning brush. This gadget will keep the interior tidy and crumb-light (because who in their right mind thinks my car will ever be crumb free?!?!

4) Some form of Bluetooth Tracker / Key Finder / Item Locator

Seriously – how many times each and every day will I misplace my keys or my wallet? The unfortunate answer is…more than you think! BUT – rather than run around like a crazy, hypertensive, angry person wasting a seemingly inappropriate amount of time looking for these items…I now use a tracker!

My two favorite options are either the Apple Airtag or Tile tracking devices. Both of these devices have bluetooth connectivity, mobile App integration, a companion mobile app, and provide additional features like geofencing. water resistance and durability against the elements.

Save yourself minutes and hours hunting…

5) Wemo Smart Plug

Don’t lie…how many times do you get into bed only to realize you left the lamp on in another room? Or you want to turn on the dehumidifier in the basement but you are cozy under the covers? That’s where smart plugs come into play! The Wemo Smart Plug works w/Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit) allowing you to remotely control connected devices using a smartphone app. Whether you’re at home or away, you can turn devices on or off with a tap on your mobile device. You can create schedules for your devices – meaning you can automate when lights, fans, or other appliances turn on and off. This not only adds convenience but can also contribute to energy savings.

Gadgets such as these provide convenience, energy efficiency, and added functionality to your everyday life. Whether you want to control your home remotely, save energy, or automate your routines, smart gadgets can be a versatile and valuable addition to your every day life!

Do you have any of your own favories? Comment below!!!

Dr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC
Co-Founder, Director of Operations, VETgirl


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