{"id":41491,"date":"2021-05-27T20:19:42","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T00:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/?p=41491"},"modified":"2021-05-27T20:19:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T00:19:44","slug":"cool-home-installations-for-any-tech-geek-dad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/2021\/cool-home-installations-for-any-tech-geek-dad\/","title":{"rendered":"Cool Home Installations For Any Tech Geek Dad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a reason so many Dads are tech geeks – fiddling around with tech, installing functionality into your home, and perhaps increasing your entertainment options can be very enjoyable to tinker with, and there\u2019s nothing quite like seeing the best of the best in terms of entertainment or convenience thanks to your wise and shrewd investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s important not to be frivolous in your spending and to make sure you always review the products that are worth buying (our website can help you with this!) sometimes, you just want to have a cool time, and invest in a product that provides you joy, and helps your family unwind with a sense of entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what cool home installations could any tech geek Dad appreciate? Well, it depends on what kind of tech lover you are. For some, creating a media centre is the ultimate good, for others, a gaming haven is something that we\u2019ve been dreaming about for years. In this fun post, we\u2019ll try to encompass all of that and more. Let\u2019s get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilities That Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before you get started, sometimes you just have to focus on the basics and what potential they provide. This might mean taking the time to compare internet bundles<\/a> so that you can feel as though you have the speeds you need, or it may mean subscribing to services that give you certain functionalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, streaming content from your PC to your TV could be aided with an Nvidia Shield if you\u2019re after gaming, or maybe setting up a Plex server on your computer with a spare hard drive can help you easily stream your digital files on any television in the house. These efforts can of course serve as the installations that help you revolutionize your tech space, but as they are quite baseline and will serve a range of needs, it\u2019s best to consider them as utilities that help you achieve the best result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no need to purchase everything in this way, or there\u2019s no need to invest in the best of the best internet if you have a relatively small family with only a few devices used. Thankfully, many services allow you to mix and match your approach, which can be tremendously helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A VR Gaming Space<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Virtual Reality: The Future of Gaming<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A VR gaming space<\/a> can be a wonderful indulgence, something that can take your gaming experience to the next level. There are two headsets currently worth considering, either the Valve Index which is considered to be at the top of the market (but it\u2019s expensive and requires the installation of base stations) and the Oculus Rift 2, a much cheaper option that allows you both wired connectivity to your PC games and wireless setup as well as simple consuming of content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be amazed at how far VR has come, as refresh rates are to the point where motion sickness can be relatively easily overcome after exposure, and games, like Moss VR, Boneworks and Half-Life Alyx are absolutely incredible to see and enjoy. This isn\u2019t to mention interactive films, as well as being able to watch services like Netflix on a virtual big screen. As a fun indulgence, and with room to place base stations or other accessories you may deep appropriate (like the Oculus link that connects to your PC and uses GPU power to ensure high-quality gaming experiences), you can have a great time, and past a certain age, your children may enjoy this too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Assistants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It\u2019s Been a Few Years: Where Do We Stand With Smart Speakers?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Home assistants<\/a> are a convenience that many people believe it\u2019s easy to live without, but it\u2019s true that for remembering groceries, making reminders, keeping up on the news, asking for a weather update and even integrating with other smart features in your household (like a coffee maker or even curtains holder) home assistants can be tremendously useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the first place to start is your smartphone. If you wish to use this utility, look no further, as this will provide you the means to curate your settings and your privacy needs in relation to your usage of this platform. Then, it might be worth setting up little conveniences, such as curating your note list, or integrating with your music streaming platform, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED Lighting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sometimes, you don\u2019t need the biggest and best gadget to enjoy a cool tech environment. If you\u2019re interested in reading through tech review magazines or simply watching content of home setups on YouTube, you\u2019ve likely noticed that colored LED lighting is in, and it\u2019s hard to understand why this came into vogue all of a sudden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, perhaps it\u2019s not, because using cheap LED strips around the skirting boards of your home, behind the desk where your gaming computer is situated, or even behind your wall-mounted 4K TV can add an ambiance that you might not have experienced before. This kind of small detail can help futurize your living space, helping it feel more rewarding as a zone for your geeky hobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart Displays<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by Andy Sowards (@andysowards)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>