I never really considered myself to be much of a techie — at least, until I started writing for Bustle. Now, I spend all day sifting through products for round-ups, and I get really psyched when I hit on an impossibly clever new product. But while 2016 might've looked pretty dull as far as politics and celebrity deaths, but as far as the best new products of 2017 that are guaranteed to go viral with consumers, we've got plenty to choose from.
What with new crowdfunding platforms, social media entrepreneurs, and online retailers, it's never been easier to act on that genius problem-solving idea that came to you in the midst of a hot shower. That's why 2017 is going to be a huge year as far as viral and life-changing products — because now, everyday people-turned-inventors actually have a reliable platform and supportive consumers to turn their ideas into a reality.
In fact, my favorite online store, the all-powerful Amazon, even has a subcategory with the most unique and genius products from new startups. It's called the Amazon Launchpad, and it's a great place to find some of the most innovative products that'll effortlessly make their way into your home, your routine, and your heart this upcoming year. If you're interested in seeing those, as well as other genius products, keep reading below.
1The Ultimate Mood Lighting — And It's Voice-Controlled
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus, $82, Amazon
In my opinion, the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is the coolest things since sliced bread, if sliced bread could also prevent you from stubbing your toe in the middle of the night. It's a six foot strip that you can bend and extend for awesome, subtle lighting in any color, anywhere in your house. It looks epic underneath beds, cabinets, and behind TVs, is voice-controlled with an Amazon Alexa hub, and can be synced up to music for the ultimate mood lighting.
2Drink More Water, Play More Tunes, Get More Charge
HYDRA SmartBottle, $60, Amazon
If your new year's resolution is to drink more water, the HYDRA SmartBottle ensures that you're never caught without your source of hydration — or phone juice, light, and music. In addition to its BPA-free 20 ounce container to hold water, it also acts as an emergency light, Bluetooth speaker, hands-free calling device, and a back-up phone charger. Best of all, it comes in five trendy colors to suit any style.
3Zero Wires And An Amazing Noise-Canceling Sound
T-TOPER V4.1 Bluetooth Earbuds, $70, Amazon
With absolutely zero wires whatsoever, these T-TOPER V4.1 Bluetooth earbuds have people flipping out. The sound quality is crystal clear and they're phenomenal when it comes to noise canceling. They're also ergonomically designed to comfortably fit the ear canal without slipping out, no matter what you're doing, and they come in a small and convenient charging case, which is why people are insisting, "This is a must-buy."
4Vacuum Brewing For Cafe-Quality Coffee
Gourmia Digital Siphon Artisanal Coffee Machine, $100, Amazon
Vacuum-brewing your coffee isn't exactly new. It was invented in the 1830s, but this Gourmia Digital Siphon artisanal coffee machine brings a sleek and modern twist to an age-old art. Because it uses two vapor pressure chambers, it creates a bold, clear taste like you've never experienced before, and it looks epic on your counter. "I’m not going to lie. I feel like a mad scientist every time I use this siphon coffee machine," says one reviewer. "But in all seriousness, it makes the kind of gourmet coffee you only find in a café."
5This Genius Hoodie For Literally All Your Traveling Needs
Baubax Travel Jacket (Sizes XS-XXL), $149, Amazon
If you've got a bad case of wanderlust, the Baubax travel jacket will easily become your number one clothing staple. It's got 15 genius features, including an eye mask, inflatable neck pillow, gloves, earphone holders, drink pocket, pen, and spots for your devices, passport, and sunglasses. On top of all that, it's just downright warm and comfortable. "I was able to put my entire purse contents into this jacket," says one reviewer. "SO convenient to go through security!"
6Keep Tabs On All Your Essentials Anywhere You Go
The O Smart Accessory, $71, Amazon
Created by a jewelry designer, so you know it's especially sleek and modern, the The O Smart Accessory hooks and sticks on to your most important possessions, like your phone, keys, and wallet. Then the app lets you check that you have everything before you walk out the door, and beeps if you're about to forget something while you're out.
7Ferment Your Own Food Right At Home
reCAP Mason Jars Fermentation, $15, Amazon
People are finally beginning to re-recognize the importance of eating fermented foods, because they help populate your immune system with health-giving bacteria. These reCAP mason jar fermentation stoppers are a number one new release because they clip right on to your reCAP mason jar lids, and only allow the outflow of gasses while stopping the inflow of oxygen. That means that creating your own fermented foods at home becomes a no-hassle, no-maintenance project that could potentially help your overall health.
8Your Newest Sleep Companion Comes Without Wires
LectroFan Wireless Sound Machine, $35, Amazon
People are really psyched about this LectroFan wireless sound machine — especially people who have trouble sleeping at night. It delivers ten unique sleep sounds, including fans, white noise, and the ocean. It also does so without wires, has an amazingly long charge life, doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, and the top pops up and pivots so you can direct the sound any which way.
9Feed Your Plants With The Toxins From Your Air
AIRY Natural Air Purifier, $80, Amazon
New and insanely innovative, this AIRY natural air purifier filters out particles from your air, turns them into nutrients, and then feeds your plants with it. It doesn't need any power source at all, and it adds a gorgeous, sleek accent as well as clean air to any home or office.
10No-Hassle Colored Lighting With Added Music
Texsens LED Light Bulb with Built-in Speaker, $18, Amazon
If you're looking for no-hassle mood lighting for your space, the Texsens LED light bulb is it. It uses Bluetooth to sync up to your phone, doubling as a speaker, and the remote control comes with several color options as well as light settings, like flashing in intervals or flickering to the sound of the music.
11Balance Your Scalp With Seaweed And Argan Oil
The Seaweed Bath Co. Balancing Shampoo, $12, Amazon
The natural beauty trend is in full swing, and this The Seaweed Bath Co. balancing shampoo has some people really excited. Instead of parabens and SLS, which strip your scalp of its natural oils, this stuff uses all natural ingredients like seaweed and argan oil to keep your hair clean, yet nourished and moisturized. " My hair feels so clean and soft. It looks amazing," says one reviewer. "Love it, love it, love it!"
12This Organic Way To Whiten Your Teeth
Active Wow Charcoal Powder Teeth Whitening, $25, Amazon
Another all natural product that's getting tons of recognition is this Active Wow charcoal teeth whitening powder. The activated charcoal pulls stains out from the surface of the tooth while whitening, cleaning, and polishing, and it's especially gentle on gums and enamel. If you're freaked out my peroxide whiteners and want to try something more gentle, give this treatment a go. Quite frankly, the before and after pictures from real reviewers are amazing.
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