Back To School Checklist
Tech Edition
This is it. The end of August.
For us New Yorkers that means only one thing, Back to School.
The kids are home from camp, you've sorted through what was salvageable and what needed to be trashed immediately. Now it's time to move on to the next chapter.
You've received the lists from teachers: folders, a new graphing calculator, pencils and tissues. So many disinfecting wipes. But what on that list is going to help you keep your sanity?
This is the ultimate BTS checklist for everything you need to prep your home and your kids for the upcoming year!

1. Smart Power Outlets
What?
Smart Power Outlets. Seriously.
You want to let the kids have access to their computers, but no X-Box? No problem.
You want to leave the TV active and available but limit game time? Can do.
Control is at your fingertips with these smart power outlets. They are wi-fi controlled and can be hidden away and mounted in racks, just like your other tech. These outlets feature remote monitoring and mobile apps to leave the control at your fingertips.

2. WiFi Access Points
Think of this as the modern-day rendition of having your own phone line.
WiFi Access Points create separate WiFi Networks you can control through an app
Maybe you have the main home-network and the kids' gaming systems are connected to another. You can control when that turns on and off to ensure game time can't begin until after homework, or extend into the late hours.
These are not available with your standard routers you can pick up at Target or Best Buy, ask us about professional grade routers you can add to your home network!
Check Out This Article About Our Favorite Access Point

3. Voice Assistants
Amazon Echo, Google Assist or Josh.AI
If you haven't installed a voice assistant in your home yet, now is the time.
These are a GAME CHANGER for Back to School!
Set alarms in the morning or for homework, use them as an in-home intercom system, quickly check the weather before leaving, have the kids ask random homework questions. Having these assistants in your home make the day so much smoother. I can't even remember what it was like pre-voice assistant!
There are several options out there but these are the 3 systems I recommend, based on your preferences.

4. Motorized Scooter
I bet you didn't think this would be on my list.
I bet double you didn't think I already owned it.
As you can see, I do! And I love it!
With gridlock NYC traffic and Uber and Lyft being more unreliable than ever, I needed an easy way to get to appointments across the city.
I can get across town in under 15 minutes during rush hour on this thing!
I have the Fluid Free Ride, which offers about a 15 mile range and cruises at up to 22MPH. And at 30 pounds I can easily carry it to the subway or bring it up to my apartment.
I would buy this scooter again and again.

5. Control4 Universal Remote
This is another one I don't know how we ever lived without.
We've had 5 different Universal Remotes over the years as I have tested out different systems (and forced them on my family), and Control4 is by far the easiest to use, it's not intimidating at all. My wife even uses it! (And she wouldn't touch any of the old ones)
What's the big deal about a Universal Remote anyway?
It takes all of the remotes lined up on your coffee table (or couch, or stashed in drawers) and makes it simple. You want to watch TV? Apple TV? Netflix? Hulu? Amazon Prime? Just press "watch," make your selection, and it automatically turns everything on and sets them to the right input. No more fumbling for the right remote to mute the volume when your phone rings. You want to listen to music? Press "listen," and you can select where you want it to play!
There are a lot of Universal Remotes out there -- but Control4 is the one I will continue to use!
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Our 24/7/365 is a support program for clients who don't want to deal with any of the technical hassle of having a smart home system. This program will ensure your technology continues to work as well for you every day as it did when it was first installed. You'll enjoy access to knowledgeable techs, day or night, weekday or weekend, even on holidays. With the 24/7/365 you'll always have a technical wizard on your side.
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