These InvisOutlet Auras are "smart outlets" that provide decorative lighting without the need to add additional fixtures.

Developed by a startup called Intecular, they're not for the electrically timid; you do need to shut your breaker off and remove your old outlets to install these. Once they're in, you've got a range of dimmable RGB colors that you can program using an app.

Despite being a bit pricey--$70 for two outlets--they've been a hit on Kickstarter, garnering roughly $100,000 in pledges at press time with 24 days left to go.

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The design reminds us of a similar Kickstarter success from 2020. SnapPower ConnectLights (which we covered here) have a slightly different purpose. These replacement outlet and light switch covers excel at nighttime wayfinding, and are essentially nightlights that leave both sockets free.

The little racetrack-shaped hole at lower left isn't a USB-C port, it's a dusk-to-dawn sensor that automatically turns the light on.

SnapPower only offers white lighting, no colors; but the trade-off is they are both more affordable and far easier to install. Rather than replacing your entire outlet or light switch, you simply replace the outlet cover, and the units draw their own power through the outlet.

SnapPower offers both vertical and horizontal models.

They also have a model with a motion-activated sdensor, and can communicate with other nearby outlets.

Another benefit of the SnapPowers is that you don't need to connect them to WiFi. Though they can communicate with nearby units, they're standalone objects that don't require smart home integration.

The SnapPower units run $17 to $25.