This “SmartMat” Means You May Never Use a Doorbell Again

So you planned a WFH day so you could be around for that super special delivery, but regardless of your prep work, the elusive delivery guy didn’t call and didn’t ring. He left only a “will return” slip. This WTF-moment will never happen again with SmartMat, a WiFi-enabled mat that alerts your smartphone when someone or something is at your door.

The SmartMat doesn’t look like a traditional welcome mat. It’s a thin, flexible sensor made from five heat-sealed layers of plastic film that is designed to sit neatly (and discretely) under your front door floor mat. Since SmartMat is force-sensitive, it’s triggered by weight. So when any friendly, pie-bearing neighbor is standing on the mat, a wifi-enabled micro controller records the spike in pressure and alerts you that you have company in real-time via text, email, or twitter. It can even be programmed to recognize frequent visitors/users so that you can keep an eye on your family’s activities without getting security cameras involved. Now you can be notified of the exact moment when an elderly relative leaves the house, when your dog is ready to come inside, or when your kids actually get home from school.

But the device isn’t just useful at your front door. When it’s paired indoors with its wifi-connected power strip, SmartMat turns into a programmable hands-free trigger for your electronics. Set it inside your entryway to turn the lights on and off with just a single step, or even place it under a couch cushion so that a plop on the sofa powers on your TV and stereo system. It’s about time you gave your smartphone wand a rest anyway.

While the simple sensor system is stealthy, it’s not as refined as we’d like it to be. For one thing, its basic features could definitely be bulked up: SmartMat can’t recognize specific people, only the weights assigned to specific people (or pets!), which are represented by spikes on a bare bones line graph. We’d like to see some sort of personalization technology brought to the party, perhaps WiFi-connected tags for keychains or dog collars that link to user profiles — something smarter to distinguish who is actually coming and going. We’re also begging for an update of its dated webpage interface. How ’bout something more intuitive, more feature-focused, more… like an app? We’d love for these elements incorporated into the design before WE throw down for SmartMat. Though if you’re not a product of hyper-designed, drag-and-drop culture (Dad?), then $75 for an as-is SmartMat seems in line. Maybe bookmark this item for Father’s Day.

Would SmartMat fit in with the rest of your home-related tech? What other devices do you use to monitor your house or family? Tell us in the comments below.

Unlike Ariel, true techies can never have enough gadgets and gizmos, whozits and whatzits galore. It's like an itch we just have to scratch. Technology continues to surprise us with new and innovative devices that help us live our best life — or just have fun. Looking to turn your home into a smart home? Trying to find the perfect gadget the entire family can benefit from? Need something cool to surprise your kids with that will keep them busy for hours? Well, stop looking! There's sure to be something right here for everyone on your list (including yourself). Check out these techie-loved products to charge up your gift-giving this holiday season.

Lenovo Smart Clock with Google Assistant ($80): Go beyond the traditional alarm clock with this Google assisted smart clock. Control the lights in your home, see the weather, check your calendar and get traffic updates before you leave your bed.

LifeFuels ($179): Get the nutrients you need when you need them with this smart water bottle. Inside the bottle are three pods that dispense vitamins and nutrients throughout the day with the touch of a button or swipe in the app.

Nintendo Switch ($300): Gaming is for all ages and the Nintendo Switch is a great system for hours of family fun.

VTech KidiBuzz G2 ($90): Your little doesn't have to play on your phone anymore, they can play 40+ learning games, listen to music and take photos on this interactive kid-friendly device.

Stash Portable Battery Bank ($30): Don't let the activities of the day drain you. Stay charged with this stylish portable battery bank.

Cinemood ($400): Experience movie magic wherever you go with Cinemood, a portable smart mini-projector. Tiny but mighty, this projector is kid-friendly and an investment in nights of family fun. It's also on Mariah Carey's must-have list so obviously, we must-have, too.

Echo Dot Kids Edition ($70): Designed with kids in mind, children can ask Alexa to call Grandma, tell them a story, play music and other kid-friendly actions.

Lockly Secure Pro ($299-$329): Upgrade your home security with this smart lock. Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa, this lock can be operated by voice, mobile app, access code, fingerprint, or traditional key.

PlayShifu Orboot ($50): Make screen time educational with one of Shifu's interactive toys that mix education and entertainment together like this one that teaches children about different countries and cultures around the world.

Acu Palm ($85): After typing, texting and holding things all day, your hands could use a little TLC. Acu Palm offers a heated compression massage that ranges from your fingers to your wrist to help your hands recover after working them to the bone.

House of Marley Exodus Anc ($250): These eco-friendly noise cancelling headphones carry a 28-hour battery life with active noise cancellation and 80 hours without. You'll be able to enjoy hours of music and entertainment without having to charge.

Luigi's Mansion 3 ($60): Kids will have fun zapping ghosts and beef up their problem-solving skills in the process.

Singing Machine Official Carpool Karaoke ($60): Turn road trips into concert tours with carpool karaoke.

Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer W/ Zink Zero Ink Technology & Built-In Bluetooth ($140): One of the biggest problems with some instant cameras is that the picture never comes out exactly the way you planned. With Polaroid's pocket printer, you can get instant prints of your fave photos from your cell phone; problem solved.

Scuf Vantage 2 ($170): Create your own unique gaming experience by using this fully customizable controller. The Vantage 2 can not only be customized visually by choosing one of the 60 designs available, but you can customize the weight, thumbstick sensitivity, and more.

Moodo Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Bundle ($100): Load up four scents at a time to mix and match the aroma you need, when you need it, for your bedroom, living room, or office.

Boolean Box ($170): Watch as your child builds their very own computer.

Bluetooth Shower Speaker ($30): Shower karaoke anyone?

Tanoshi 2-in-1 Kids Computer ($190): This child's laptop/tablet combo comes with preloaded educational games and apps and parental controls so kids can have fun and parents don't have to worry about their cyber safety.

LED Fitness Data Smart Rope ($80): Track your jump count, calories burned and workout times with this smart rope. Stay motivated with training sessions and compete with your friends to stay motivated.

Pictionary Air ($20): Game night just got elevated. Pictionary Air is classic game with a tech upgrade. Draw in the air and see it on the TV, your phone, or both.

Indy($85): Zone out in these water-resistant earbuds by Skull Candy that are great for music and calls.

Schatzii Smart Cloth 10pk ($50): May your picture always be pristine with these smart cloths. You can use them on your glasses too.

C by GE Full Color Bulbs ($30): Make daily chores and homework fun by scheduling each with a different color using these smart light bulbs.

Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit ($80): Use your child's love for Disney to get them started with coding.

Universal Grip Band Metallic Rose Gold ($15): Tired of your phone falling on your face? Use this multi-functional phone grip & stand. It's easy to apply and doesn't leave a sticky residue.

UBTECH JIMU Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit ($130): Your little builder will love spending hours building their own robot.

Network Case ($28): Use MyTagalongs' signature pink pouch to keep your chords in one place.

Adjustable Neck Smartphone Mount ($12): Go hands free while catching up on all your latest shows with this phone mount.

Wally Dual USB Wall Charger + Standard AC Outlet ($40): We all know the struggle of too many devices and not enough outlets. Charge all your devices at once with this dual wall charger that comes with two USB ports so you don't have to play the switching game anymore.

Legacybox ($60 and up): Transfer retro to digital with Legacybox. Send in your VHS tapes, film reels and photo prints, and have them digitized for a sentimental gift you can share with the whole family.

Upright GO 2 Posture Trainer ($100): This wearable reminder will train you to have better posture in no time.

GE Lighting 93100352 LED + Speaker ($43): Make your home sing with GE's bluetooth enabled smart bulbs with built in speakers.

Jammy Guitar + Detachable Frame ($450): Rock out wherever you happen to be with this digital guitar.

Lovebox Messenger ($100): Send a digital love note to your S.O. through an app and they display in this beech wood box. Watch your loved one light up when they receive a new message alert.

Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit ($180): This ain't the same Hot Wheels you once knew. With the smart track, you can build, race, and beat in-app challenges. You can also build and beat more than 20 layout designs with 16 assorted track pieces.

InstaShiatsu Foot Massager with Air Compression & Heat ($200): Your piggies will get a kick out of this foot massager.

Tovala Gen 2 Smart Steam WiFi Countertop Oven ($300): The scan-to-cook technology on this countertop oven not only saves time but takes a lot of guess work out of cooking.

Tap Strap 2 Wearable Keyboard ($200): Control your smart devices with this single-handed all in one wearable keyboard.

Pocketalk ($300): Communicate with anyone with this two-way translator, great for everyday use and travel.

WS1 Immersive Wearable Speaker ($300): This wireless speaker rests on top of your shoulders and packs the same vibrations and full sounds of other bluetooth speakers to make you feel like you're actually inside the movie or front row at the concert.

Smoko Boba Tea AirPods Case ($15): Store your AirPods in a compact reminder of your fave drinks.

Wynd Plus Smart Portable Personal Air Purifier ($200): This compact purifier is great for night stands, desks or your suitcase to carry with you wherever you travel.

Arlo Video Doorbell ($149): Keep track of who comes and goes at your front door with this video doorbell that notifies you when motion is detected in front and receive a call when your doorbell is pressed. You can also keep watch over all of those Amazon packages that are left on your porch during the day.

Sony Digital Paper ($448): Go paperless by taking notes on this low glare screen with a texture that feels just like real paper.

Retractable Stay Positive Charging Cord ($30): Cute keychain + charging cord = winning.

Courant Catch 2 ($80): Charge all your devices at once with this multi-device wireless charging pad.

Adonit Note+ ($70): An alternative to the Apple pen, the Adonit Note+ allows for up to 10 hours of continuous note-taking or artistry along with programmable short cuts.

Sunpak Ultimate Vlogging Kit ($150): For the friend who has always wanted to start a vlog, gift them with a quality filming setup.

Side Trak ($300): Busy bees will appreciate this attachable portable dual screen that works with your laptop.

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

Oprah Winfrey's book club is known for having exquisite reading picks, and the book she's chosen for the first month of 2025 is no different. The first week of January has already been challenging to say the least, ushering in loss and despair for some of us. While it's not a total fix, self-improvementbooks can help us get more in tune with ourselves during times like this — and Oprah Winfrey's January book club pick, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle, is perfect for that.

We think it's an excellent choice since more of us are looking for ways to tap into our inner humanity so we can see a little more patience and empathy.

Here's all the details about Oprah Winfrey's book club pick for January, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.

Harpo, Inc / Chris Frawley

In collaboration with Starbucks, Oprah Winfrey shared her January pick, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose on The Oprah Podcast January 7. She and Eckhart Tolle shared a conversation about the concepts in his book while onstage at the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building. A live audience was in attendance and shared a few laughs as the renowned host and author talked about how we can transform our lives.

You can watch the full podcast episode here!

Amazon

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is expounding on his teachings in The Power of Now to help us finally stop making "ego-based" decisions. He feels it's time for us to live a life that's not governed by flighty definitions of happiness while also sharing ways we don't have to experience as much as mental or emotional pain.

In a world that feels more divided than ever over every little thing, we think it's a great read for those who are anxious to see a change. As this book proves, the work starts within ourselves.

Looking for more to read? Add Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick to your TBR list next!

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

Keeping your home nice and tidy is always high up there on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But just because you’re motivated and ready to make this year your tidiest yet, it can still be a struggle to get to the hard-to-reach places and conjure up the energy to clean after a long day of work. You won’t have to worry ever again with these near-magical cleaning gadgets you’ll wish you had gotten ages ago.

Awair

What if you could know what’s in the air around you? Awair tracks the elements that will have an impact on your health and how you feel, including temperature and humidity, and connects with your other appliances on a smart network for convenience. It even promises that you’ll sleep better too!

Joseph Joseph Totem Intelligent Waste System

Get ready for a new kind of waste management, one that outsmarts the rest. This trash bin’s compact design allows for it to take up the same space as a regular kitchen bin, but it comes with a removable divider to encourage and organize recycling different materials. Plus, it features a removable inner lining and breather vents to make taking out the trash a cinch.

Mocoro Robotic Fur Ball Vacuum Cleaner

Believe it or not, this adorably colorful furball is actually a robotic vacuum. All you have to do is clean the cover, sit back, and watch the fluffy ball do all the work. Its internal timer starts up every 15 minutes, ensuring your wood and vinyl floors are as spotless as they can be.

Okki Nokki Record Cleaning Machine

If you’re a fan of vinyl, you know how important it is to keep your records clean to maintain their best sound. This cool running turntable vacuums forward and backward for deep cleaning while its quiet motor gives you peace of mind.

CleanWave Portable Sanitizing Wand

This sanitizer and sterilizer in one kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and allergens that surround you — and it does it without using any chemicals or irritants. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to take with you from home to work, or even on your travels.

Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum

The versatile motorized, cordless tool can be used on all floor types, which makes the stressful act of cleaning way less stressful. Even better? Its detachable wand helps you get all those hard-to-reach places. No more allergen-filled dusty corners!

iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop

This compact robotic floor mop self-navigates to clean your floor using microfiber cloths or your preferred brand of disposable cloths. You won’t have to worry about the noise a vacuum makes, because this baby operates at “whisper-quiet.” And did we mention it runs up to three hours on a single charge?

Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum

Here’s a vacuum that not only clears the mess but also helps to reduce germs, deodorize, and sanitize. It relies on safe UV-C light to sanitize surfaces without the worry of harmful chemicals and other difficult-to-clean liquids.

OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush

This home essential gently sweeps away dust with soft bristles while its silicone wiper grabs dirt from even the hard-to-reach places. Use on your keyboard, computer monitor, camera lens, or cell phone for the best clean tech you’ve ever had.

Winbot W730 Window Cleaning Robot

With the touch of a button, the robot, which comes with two pads and a squeegee, automatically cleans both framed and frameless windows effortlessly.

Winix FresHome Model P300 True HEPA Air Cleaner With PlasmaWave

This unique air purifier features three-stage air cleaning that includes an activated carbon pre-filter, HEPA filtration, and PlasmaWave technology. These three stages work to capture offensive household odors, 99.9 percent of airborne pollutants and allergens, and even neutralize bacteria in the air without producing a harmful ozone.

Now widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most optimistic and compassionate figures due to her recent career shift as a talk show host, Drew Barrymore is also a veteran actress who’s made her mark behind the camera. Above all else, she’s truly iconic, at just 49 years young, she’s achieved more than most do in a lifetime.

From being catapulted to global fame at the age of 4 to becoming one of the most recognizable movie stars in the world, Barrymore has had a career that’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s safe to say Barrymore has solidified her spot in Hollywood and continues to be an influential figure. Now for the fun part — with a lengthy resume chalk full of incredible films, you may be wondering where to start.

So, to make it easier, here’s a list of the Drew Barrymore movies everyone should see in their lifetime.

1. E.T.

Universal Pictures

This remains one of Barrymore’s most iconic roles, and at 6 years old no less. Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. continues to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made since its release in 1982, and comes in with a 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb and a whopping 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no wonder why as the film beautifully portrays two children befriending an alien and keeping his existence a secret to protect him. If you want to cry, this is a must-see. If you don’t, well, you still have to watch this, just have the tissues ready. Not to mention, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore is so cute in this.

2. ​Ever After

20th Century Fox

A retelling of the fairytale Cinderella with Drew Barrymore? Say less. There have been a handful of Cinderella adaptations, to say the least, but this may be one of the best, and Barrymore is to thank for that. Her effervescent innocence shines through in this role and she offers a wit and independence that was not seen in preceding versions – Barrymore’s Cinderella is resourceful and isn’t the archetypal damsel in distress, which is why this is a refreshing must-watch. Plus, its 7.1 out of 10 score on IMDb and 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Scream

Dimension Films/Paramount

Yes, I know Barrymore is only in Scream for all of 10 minutes, but in my humble opinion, it may be the best 10 minutes of the film. Her incredible performance and blood-curdling scream open the film, and thrust you into the most prolific horror film franchise of our time. So yeah, I think this deserves a spot on the list. And even though it's rated 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb and 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it's arguably one of Barrymore's most iconic moments ever.

4. Donnie Darko

Newmarket Films

This thought-provoking, and might I add haunting, film has still been top of mind for me since my first watch. While Barrymore’s screen time is certainly limited in Donnie Darko, there’s no questioning the impact her role and character offered the film. Her character, high-school teacher Karen Pomeroy, is a relatable anchor in a film that is otherwise unsettling. And that, friends, should be enough reasoning to get you to watch this movie. Plus its 8 out of 10 on IMDb and 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

5. Whip It

Searchlight Pictures

It’s only fitting Whip It follows a performance like Ever After – two very different settings, yet two very similar roles for Barrymore in that she plays a strong, independent woman in both. Even more so, Barrymore not only starred and directed this film, she co-wrote the screenplay as well. What can’t she do?! I love this movie (about a roller derby league) so much that it ~magically~ appears on my TV screen every year. It comes in with a 6.9 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 86 percent RT rating.

6. ​Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind

Miramax

If anyone ever needed proof that Barrymore has range — I don’t know who would, but that’s beside the point — I’d show them George Clooney’s directorial debut Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. Barrymore plays a supporting role that seemingly morphs into one of her most memorable as she plays the typical supporting woman alongside Sam Rockwell’s game show host & undercover assassin. Because what man can simply exist without a woman behind him? The movie has a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 79 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

7. ​The Wedding Singer

New Line Cinema

I didn’t mean to intentionally put two Adam Sandler movies on this list, but here we are. What can I say? The Barrymore and Sandler duo cannot be stopped! It’s another early 2000s film (that decade has the best rom-coms, and I won’t debate this fact), where Barrymore and Sandler slowly fall in love…despite the fact she’s engaged to someone else. What’s not to love? The movie has a 6.9 on IMDb and 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

8. ​Never Been Kissed

20th Century Pictures

If She’s All That and Mean Girls had a movie child together, (with maybe a hint of step-parenting from 21 Jump Street) it would be Never Been Kissed. This movie (which as a 6 out of 10 on IMDb and only 55 percent on RT) is quintessential early 20's Barrymore entering her rom-com phase, and for that, I’m forever thankful. Barrymore stars as an undercover journalist who breaks into the most popular clique at school…and then falls for her English teacher.

9. ​Charlie's Angels

Columbia Pictures

I remember my first time watching Charlie’s Angels – it’s one of those films everyone’s dad calls a classic – and after watching it, I thought ‘dang, rightfully so.’ Beneath all of the visible hairspray, sexy innuendos, and revealing outfits, this film is really about strong female relationships and camaraderie. If anything, it’s a fun time filled with action and drama, and, I hate to admit it, it’s a classic (despite the fact it has a 5.6 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Don't even get me started on the 45 percent audience score!).

10. 50 First Dates

Columbia Pictures

It’s no secret that Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have insane screen chemistry, and this movie proves it. 50 First Dates is a witty romance that Barrymore shines in. She portrays a woman who has amnesia after an accident, meaning she basically relives the same day over and over. Her portrayal is truly unforgettable and she commands the screen — sorry Adam. The movie scored a 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb but somehow only got a 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes!

What's your favorite Drew Barrymore movie? Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments and read up on A Definitive Ranking Of Emma Stone's Best Movies for more!

To All The Boys will always be a comfort movie, and when Netflix announced we were getting a spinoff about our favorite little sister Kitty Song Covey (who's now a teenage matchmaker), I was over the moon! Well, fans of XO, Kitty are in for a treat because season 2 drops on January 16 — and it's one of our most-anticipated January TV shows. Not only are we reuniting with one of our favorite Coveys, but another cast member from the movie cast is making an appearance too!

Here's everything we know about XO, Kitty season 2.

Who's joining the cast this season?

Netflix

XO, Kitty season 2 stars Anna Cathcart, Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, Joshua Lee, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah.

And the best news of all is that Noah Centineo is returning as Peter Kavinsky!! This was not on my 2025 bingo card and I'm THRILLED.

What is XO Kitty season 2 about?

Netflix

Kitty's back for her second semester at KISS, and she's hoping to scale things way back. What can we say? She's in her casual dating era! That is, until a letter from her mom's past sends her on a whole new journey. "There are so many new people now,” Anna Cathcart told Tudum. “To see her world expand is a huge, huge difference and will be a really fun thing to follow.”

It sounds like XO Kitty season 2 will be a continuation of that coming of age!

Where can I watch XO, Kitty season 2?

Netflix

XO, Kitty season 2 hits Netflix January 16, 2025.

What are you excited to see in XO, Kitty season 2? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for even more pop culture news! Don't forget to check out this year's January Movies too.

This post has been updated.