The latest tech for your home

Devices that do more

The camera/cell phone/music player all-in-one devices were just the beginning. These multi-tasking items serve a practical function around the house:

All-in-one radio: Wireless radios are essential in an emergency (or a convenience at the cottage) and they're becoming more sophisticated. Etón's latest offering, the Solarlink FR600, is more than just a radio: plug in your iPod to play your favourite songs, or use it to charge your cell phone. In addition to your favourite stations, you can dial up weather information and alerts. Plus, you don't have to worry about batteries if you don't want to -- the radio gives you addition charging options like a winding crank, solar panel and AC adaptor. Eton's other lines include two-way radios, sirens and flashlights. (See Etoncorp.com for more information).

Charge it all: What if you could keep all your devices in one place -- including your laptop, cell phone, handheld games, music player, camera and batteries -- and charge them all without the clutter? The Powermat aims to provide that solution. These mat and receiver combos come in a variety of sizes for travel, the office and home use, and they wirelessly charge three to six devices at one time. The Powermat won't debut until later this year in the U.S. so there's no telling how soon Canadians will be able to buy them.