After producing a string of successful security cameras--including some of our top picks--Netgear spun Arlo Technologies off as an independent, publicly traded company in 2018. The company pulled the high-res security camera from Best Buy shelves for a time and delayed its general release after a series of firmware updates failed to resolve a raft of customer complaints. Based on my time with the Arlo Ultra, it would seem that Arlo has resolved the most commonly registered problems: inconsistent wireless connectivity, short battery life, and an inability to stream 4K video. None of those issues surfaced while I was evaluating the camera. As such, the Arlo Ultra is another strong security camera from a brand that has topped itself with each new product introduction.

Judging by what we witnessed--and awarded--at CES this year, there's some incredible tech coming in 2019. From flying taxis to room-sized TV screens to robotic puppies, there's a lot to be excited about. But how many of these products will you really find in your home in 2019? Though everyone wants that robotic dog, these are the smart home products I can actually imagine using in real life (mostly). Not only will these assimilate well in an existing smart home--they'll do nicely even if you keep your abode a low-tech space.