A Home Security System for the Smartphone Generation

Tori Lewis
Jul 23, 2013

We’re huge fans of making our homes smarter, but what if we could make them safer? The newest player in the home automation game, Canary, promises to do just that. Looking for funding over on Indiegogo, the device is looking to position itself as an affordable home security system — that you control with an app!

The Canary is a small device that packs a big punch. It has a wide variety of sensors, including HD camera, motion detector, microphone, and air quality, all designed to measure and report the most essential aspects of your home safety.

Once you plug it in, you can operate it totally via your smartphone. You’ll get alerts when something’s amiss and then you can decide what to do — call the police or text your next door neighbor so they can go check things out. Whether there’s an intruder, an unexpected change in temperature that may indicate a fire, or simply a false alarm, you can respond in the way that makes most sense to you for your home.

Canary also learns as it works. If you have specific habits or routines, it will learn them over time — no more accidentally setting off the alarm because your kid forgets to disarm the system when he gets home from school!

I think one thing that sets this device apart from traditional home security systems is how mobile it is. Because the only thing you need to do to hook it up is plug it in, you can set it up anywhere you are. So if you’re renting an apartment or tend to move a lot, no worries: you can still have a home security system, without dealing with the headache of trying to install one several times. As people who just moved offices, we can totally appreciate that feature!

On top of all that, it’s well designed. The device itself is unobtrusive and with its simple white and black design will definitely fit in with all your other tech gadgets, especially if you’re an Apple geek like us. It’s just six inches tall and three inches wide, meaning that it takes up very little space even while offering you a lot of function. The app has a friendly user interface and is easy to understand and use.

It’s still available over on Indiegogo for a pledge of $199 – snag yours today if you’re interested!

Would you use Canary to secure your home? What kind of smart devices do you use around the house? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

This Battery Pack Is Basically an Upgrade for New MacBook Pros

If you waited for months — if not years! —for a new MacBook, you got what you were waiting for. However, is it everything you were hoping for? Probably not. Although the new smart touch bar and fingerprint ID are really rad new features, is that enough to make up for the loss of some of your ports? Well, turns out they could be, if you’re willing to shell out for this cool new add-on.

A new Indiegogo campaign, called Line Dock, is an aluminum base that sits at the bottom of your laptop. It not only adds 15 hours of battery life, it gives your computer back all of the ports that went away in the update (3 USB, HDMI, MiniDisplay Port and an SD Card Reader). And if you need any more storage for your computer, the Line Dock will provide that too — up to 1 terabyte of storage.

However, there’s just one setback to the dream machine: It won’t ship out until June 2017. If you can wait that long, the Indiegogo campaign is accepting orders until December 16. Prices start at $149 and go all the way up to $599 for a premium version.

Did you get one of the new MacBooks? Let us know how you feel @BritandCo!

(h/t 9-to-5 Mac; photos via Apple)

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20 Party Games Better Than Cards Against Humanity

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

 You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

 In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.
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10 Crowdfunds of the Week That’ll Make You Say “Take My Money”

Okay, guilty pleasure announcement: We LOVE browsing through Kickstarter and Indiegogo for the latest and greatest finds (don’t worry, even Taylor Swift does it). From girlboss films to multi-functional workout gear, there’s always something new to discover. Plus, supporting innovative small businesses is definitely a bonus. Here are 10 cool crowdfunds that we definitely can’t wait to support.

1. Toasteroid: Jazz up your morning routine with this cool toast tech (yes, that’s actually a thing). The Toasteroid allows you to burn designs, messages and drawings into your toast using their complementary smartphone app. Can you say best brunch plans ever?!

2. Pilot Smart Earpiece Language Translator: If you’ve ever met a cutie that doesn’t speak the same language as you, this new earpiece translator just might be the lifesaver you’re looking for. Say goodbye to awkward Google translate conversations — the Pilot Smart Earpiece will instantly translate your conversations for seamless small talk.

3. LVL: We’ll be the first to admit that there are tons of health wearables on the market, but this chic bracelet stands out for one major reason. LVL is a wearable hydration monitor that scientifically measures how much you need to drink to stay at peak capability (plus it tracks activity, sleep, mood and heart rate too).

4. MOTI: Everyone wants to be able to say that they actually stuck with their New Years resolutions this year, but breaking a bad habit can sometimes feel impossible. Meet MOTI, the habit breaker extraordinaire. Based on the latest insights from behavioral science and social robotics, MOTI sets reminders, celebrations and accountability all through the cute-sized device.

5. Hustle: There’s no question that we love a good planner (we even have adorable planner stickers to really get creative with it). Hustle takes everything we love about planners, but instead of using tons of traditional paper, it’s made entirely from stone paper (AKA no water, acid or airborne, water-borne or solid waste is used to make it).

6. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: Inspire the young lady in your life to live boldly with this awesome collection of 100 bedtimes stories about 100 extraordinary women, illustrated by 100 female artists.

7. Keep Pursuing Project Zero G Backpack: If you’ve ever gotten a backache from carrying around too much stuff in your bag, you have to check out this new product from Keep Pursuing, pronto. Claiming to be the first backpack designed to make 20 pounds feel like 10, it’s perfect for the over-packer and long-haul traveler.

8. OLO: There’s no question that 3D printing is the must-have tech of the future, but many designers can’t actually use it properly because it is just too darn expensive. OLO is the first ever smartphone 3D printer that costs just $99. It’s portable, multi-material… and definitely on our Christmas list.

9. BioRing: As much as we love our wearables, most of them are chunky and, to be honest, just plain ugly. BioRing is a simple wellness wearable that automatically measures everything you could ever want (calorie intake, calorie burn, heart rate, sleep) while looking cool on your finger.

10. BiCable: Although we still don’t know how we feel about Apple nixing the headphone jack, we do understand their point about cords being a pain. The BiCable is a cord hater’s dream, as it’s basically an all-in-one cord that can charge just about anything (Android, iPhone, Beats Headphones… you name it).

Are you currently supporting any crowdfunds? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

indiegogokickstartertech newscrowd funding

Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

pop cultureholidaysnetflixentertainment

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

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