The “blackout” backup isn’t about surviving the apocalypse; it’s about making a Tuesday night power outage annoying rather than disastrous. The goal is a system that keeps your Wi-Fi on, your laptop charged, and your fridge cold without you having to drag a gas generator out of the garage in the rain.
Here is the hardware loadout to build a modern, silent, and reliable energy safety net.
Old power stations were heavy and took hours to charge. The Anker SOLIX C1000 changes the math. It charges from 0-100% in just 58 minutes via a wall outlet, meaning you can top it up quickly if you suspect a storm is coming. It pushes 2400W of AC output, which is enough to run a full-sized refrigerator, a CPAP machine, or even a microwave. Best of all, it uses LFP (LiFePO4) batteries that last for 3,000+ cycles, so you can use it daily for 10 years without degrading the battery. It is currently 52% off, bringing the price down to $617.99.
If you own a home and want to back up everything, this is the unit. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is a 4kWh beast that can be expanded up to 48kWh. It outputs 120V/240V natively, meaning it can power high-voltage appliances like your dryer or well pump. It sits on wheels because it’s heavy, but it’s the closest thing to a Tesla Powerwall that you can buy at a store. You can grab it now for $1,999.00, which is 46% off the list price.
Plug-in power stations are great, but extension cords are messy. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 replaces your manual transfer switch. It connects your portable power station (like the DELTA Pro) directly to your home’s breaker box. When the grid goes down, it automatically switches to battery power in 20ms—fast enough that your clocks won’t even reset. It also lets you monitor your energy usage circuit-by-circuit via an app.
Your “big” battery will run the fridge, but you don’t want to waste its power on your router. The Eaton 3S Mini UPS is a tiny, silent battery backup designed specifically for low-power network gear. It replaces your router’s wall wart power supply. When the power cuts, it keeps your internet gear running for up to 5 hours, keeping your smart home online without you lifting a finger.
For most people living in apartments or wanting a “grab-and-go” solution, the Anker SOLIX C1000 is the winner due to its higher power output and current 52% discount. However, if you are looking to build a permanent home backup system, start with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and plan to add the Smart Home Panel later.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.