The 30 best last-minute Father’s Day gifts
What are the features of the Echo Pop smart speaker and where is it currently available for purchase?
The Echo Pop smart speaker is a compact and affordable Alexa-powered device, designed for smaller rooms and bedrooms. It features a unique semi-spherical design and is available in four colors: Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Midnight Teal, and Charcoal. Some of the key features of the Echo Pop include:
- Alexa voice assistant: The Echo Pop is equipped with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, allowing users to control smart home devices, set reminders, ask questions, and more.
- Full sound: Despite its small size, the Echo Pop is designed to deliver full sound, making it ideal for listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts.
- Mesh Wi-Fi extender: The Echo Pop can also function as an extender for Amazon's Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, helping to improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
- Matter compatibility: The Echo Pop supports the Matter smart home standard, making it compatible with a wide range of smart home devices.
The Echo Pop is currently available for purchase at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target for $19.99 ($20 off its original price).
How does the Blink Mini 2 camera differ from its predecessor and what is the monthly cost for its subscription plan?
The Blink Mini 2 camera, priced at $39.99, is an upgraded version of the Blink Mini, which costs $29.99. The key differences between the two models are:
- Field of View: The Blink Mini 2 offers a wider field of view at 143 degrees diagonal, compared to the Blink Mini's 110-degree diagonal view5.
- Night Vision: The Blink Mini 2 includes a built-in LED spotlight for color night vision, while the Blink Mini has infrared night vision6.
- Person Detection: The Blink Mini 2 features on-device computer vision for person detection, which helps minimize false alarms triggered by pets or other movements6. The Blink Mini relies solely on motion detection.
- Outdoor Use: The Blink Mini 2 is weather-resistant and can be used outdoors with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately). The original Blink Mini is not designed for outdoor use.
As for the subscription plan, the Blink Mini 2 requires a Blink Subscription Plan to access certain features such as cloud storage, person detection, and the ability to save and share clips6. The subscription plan starts at $3/£2.50 per month.
What are some traditional Father's Day gifts mentioned in the article that are considered campy and played-out?
Some traditional Father's Day gifts mentioned in the article that are considered campy and played-out include ties, socks, and overtly macho power tools.