We all know we need to be aware of giving our smartphones too much of our attention, which is why I appreciate a few of the products demonstrated at CES that show how Androids can enhance real life, instead of creating a virtual life. One of my favorite products from this year's CES is a device from Parrot, called Flower Power.
Flower Power includes a physical device as well as an app. The device, which is subtle and attractive, is a wireless sensor, measuring levels of temperature, moisture, sunlight, and fertilizer. The two color choices are Wood and Emerald. (I am profoundly disappointed in my discovery that I visualize the color "emerald" quite incorrectly. It is not the deep, Celtic green it ought to be. Research reveals it to be, in fact, almost a minty green, reminiscent of retro kitchen tiles or pool walls.) You can use your phone to monitor the plant's conditions, and take advantage of push notifications to remind you of your plant's needs. There are a few questions -- such as how many plants or how broad an area of yard the device can monitor, what powers it, and what sort of price we're looking at -- that have not yet been answered, but I like this little thing; it's cool. I also think it would make a unique (in the good way, not the, "Oh, how... unique!" way) gift for the gardeners you know... though I recommend verifying that the recipient owns a smartphone.
Flower Power won two awards from CES: the Popular Science's Products of the Future Award, and the Hot Stuff Award. The release date is not yet announced more specifically than sometime in 2013, so keep an eye on the Parrot website to find out when you can get this very cool product.
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