With several gadgets launching left and right each year, it’s hard to keep track and stay updated with every release. Of course, there are those we tend to favor for making our daily tasks (and life in general) easier and faster. These include smart home devices that, when paired with your PLDT Home Fiber Plus plan, help you accomplish so much more.
As we wrap up 2022, the Next Upgrade staff came up with a list of the most helpful gadgets we utilized this year. These changed our lives (no matter how big or small that may be), and we hope that it can be the same for you!
Ergonomic mouse
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From Delux Official Store
I never realized that it’d be a game-changer for me. Since my work requires me to be in front of my laptop and process documents most of the time, I need to have a mouse that can keep my hands comfortable when moving for an extended period. After experiencing an ergonomic mouse, I’m never going back to my old mouse! — Matthew Balicudiong, Editor-in-Chief
Smart power strip
From CrabTek Official Store
My CrabTek WiFi Smart Power Strip has been a godsend for my work setup at home. I’m able to turn my entire desk on and off with just one button! — Elaine Carag, Managing Editor
Smart clock
From Xiaomi Official Store
My favorite smart purchase this year is the Xiaomi Smart Clock. It serves as a clock, a speaker, a smart assistant, and a smart hub in one! With the help of Google, waking up and getting ready for bed has been a lot easier. Aside from making my desk look more aesthetic, I also appreciate how it has helped boost my productivity. All I have to do is talk to Google for hands-free help! — Gracey Maala, Associate Editor
Smart air fryer
From Xiaomi Official Store
The air fryer was a lockdown staple, but I’ve used it more and more during the past few months. It allows me to continue working or do other chores while cooking my lunch. The device has also been a big help, so I can consume more protein with less oil, just like how my trainer advised me. — Angela Arcega, Art Director
Desk riser
From Karess Rubrico
I am absolutely thankful for my desk riser. It’s been a game-changer—I find that I sometimes think better on my feet (literally), and using it encourages me to work on my posture and breathing while working. And my WFH setup looks so much nicer! — Karess Rubrico, Senior Content Writer
Mechanical keyboard
From Kitty Elicay-Carpena
Upgrading from a Keychron K1 to a K10 this year has been the best decision. Apart from ramping up my productivity — I can type faster and switch from one device to another seamlessly — I can easily change keycaps, so my mechanical keyboard matches my desk aesthetic.
The hot-swappable feature also allows me to customize my typing experience. I went from Gateron Browns to Akko Lavender Purple switches, and I just love how it’s more tactile and “thocky.” It definitely makes working from home enjoyable! — Kitty Elicay-Carpena, Content Writer
Smart speaker
From Google Official Store
The smart device that helped me the most is my Google Nest. It It quickly responds to updates, questions, and even math calculations. I usually start my morning either by hearing the news or listening to my jazz playlist. — Louigi Balao, Content Writer
Smart TV
From LG Official Website
Having a Smart TV is very convenient. I can surf the Internet even without my laptop! It has a host of apps that I can use, too. — Excel Dyquiangco
Smartphone
From Samsung Official Website
The smart device that helped me the most this year is my Samsung A32 smartphone. Like most people nowadays, I use my phone for everything. From maintaining social connections to entertainment to gaming to organizing and planning a work schedule, my smartphone has been able to do it for me. — JR Carag, Contributing Writer
EDITOR'S NOTE
This article is part of our social experiment on nextupgrade.ph. We call it: "So I Tried It" (stylized via hashtag as #SoITriedIt).
#SoITriedIt is a special series featuring the personal experiences of the Next Upgrade Editorial Team as we embrace the smart home lifestyle ourselves. As we take that first step to do things better and smarter, we hope we will inspire all of you to jumpstart your smart home journey.