Mother’s day conjures images of flowers, jewelry boxes, and elegant brunches.  As technology experts, we at HTE are adding a digital twist to the celebration with a list of gifts for the tech savvy mom. In an attempt to highlight the newest products combined with the fact that technology release dates often get pushed back, some of the items are pre-order only.  

Technology Enabled Jewelry

APPLE WATCH EDITION

At HTE, we have struggled to fully get behind the Apple Watch due to its appearance.  After all, watches are jewelry, a coveted accessory that conveys an individual’s style. Apple understands this and has created a more stylish version for high end consumers. The Apple Watch Edition, comes in 8 models including yellow and rose gold. 

If you gift this watch on Mother’s Day, don’t forget to tell your mom that she’ll be able to control her Savant, Lutron, and Sonos systems with it. 

TORY BURCH FOR FITBIT

The designer has teamed up with Fitbit to create chic covers for the Fitbit Flex.  Simply insert the Fitbit Flex into the accessory of choice.  Options include metal bracelets and necklaces as well as a silicon band. 

CUFF (PRE-ORDER)

This smart jewelry has been all over news and social media for months, but if you haven’t looked at it recently, it is worth a double take.  Originally designed as a stylish security device, Cuff has added features making the jewelry more versatile.

At the core of the concept is a small black module which is inserted into various bracelets, necklaces, and keychains.

The module

• Vibrates when "favorite" contacts call or text

• Rapidly vibrates if you are leaving a location without your phone

• Tracks your activity (and can compare it to your food intake via the app)

• Can be used to call for help in case of an emergency.

If you are ever in trouble, simply press the module and pre-selected contacts will receive your location as well as audio so they can hear what is happening. 

NFC Memento Pearl from Galatea (Pre-Order via Invitation)

This NFC (near field communication) device that is designed to resemble a pearl holds voice and video messages inside of it.  By downloading the accompanying app, hearing the recorded message is as simple as taping the pearl against a NFC enabled device, such as your phone or tablet.  The pearl, which comes in black or gold, can be incorporated into various pieces and styles of jewelry. 

The Memento Pearl which is currently in pre-sale via invitation (although you can request an invitation on their website) is being marketed as a locket-like keepsake.  It is unclear if the jewelry can double as a stylish way to create voice memos. 

Purses

RALPH LAUREN’S RICKY  BAG  WITH LIGHT AND LEOHT

It is no secret that women love their purses.  Ralph Lauren’s the Ricky Bag with Light and Leoht Purses both offer interior illumination and device charging powered by a built in battery.

While they have the same concept, there are a few differences between the two purses. While the base of the bags are virtually the same, the Ralph Lauren purse is a bit more stylish and comes with a designer price tag, costing $5,000.  The Leoht comes in multiple colors costing between $250-$375. The Ricky Bag’s battery lasts for five months with typical light use and must be brought to the store in order to be replaced (since it is sewn in).  Placing the Leoht on the accompanied charging plate refills the battery when needed.  The Leoht also has a discrete battery indicator light on the side. From all the reviews it appears that Ralph Lauren has the better fashion design, but Leoht has the better technology design. 

Security

hen setting up your home networks, we take additional precautions to ensure you have a safe connection.  When it comes to digital security, mobile devices are often the weakest link.  These items help protect your privacy and identity.

MOBILE CHARGES

If you don’t think your mom is ready for a phone charging purse, consider getting her one of the hundreds of mobile battery chargers on the market.  Hackers are using public charging stations to juice jack (stealing data through a charging cable).  Using a portal battery backup prevents the need to plug into a public charging station. 

BETABRAND WORK IT BLAZER PROTECTED BY NORTON (RFID BLOCKING)

RFID allows for wireless magnetic data transfer. Think of it as a barcode that doesn’t need to be visible.  This makes it easier for thieves to wirelessly steal data from passports, RFID credit cards, and NCF enabled devices.  The technology designed to make life easier can also put your security at risk.  Fortunately, using RFID blocking wallets and clothes can drastically reduce said risk

The Betabrand Work It Blazer Protected by Norton, is the first jacket to have pockets lined with RFID blocking material.  This prevents would be thieves from accessing data on documents, or devices stored in the pockets.   

Smart Closet

If your mom is one of those woman who already has it all: jewelry, clothes, shoes, bags; what is left to get her?  Woman with wonderful taste need closets to store their prized possessions.  Integrating technology into closets allows for:

• Automated Lighting and Lighting Control

• Custom Display Lighting

• Motorized Bars that Raise and Lower

• Motorized Rotating Clothing Racks

• Motorized Cases and Drawers Used for Accessories Such as Jewelry

• Temperature Controlled Cabinets for Furs

• Biometric Locks and Other Security Features to Protect Valuables

• Cameras and Monitors for Virtual Stylists