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Smart Home Features

Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall in a kitchen.

5 reasons I still use the Echo Show 15 everyday

The Echo Show 15 came out six months ago, and I still use it on a daily basis to stay on top of tasks. Here's why I still love it.
philips hue outdoor range

How smart tech can improve your 4th of July BBQ

Want to one-up your family members' 4th of July barbecues? Let smart home tech help you show your patriotism.
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

I followed Alexa’s prompts for a day and this is what I learned

The Echo Show delivers prompts and news items during the day. Just how tailored are they to your preferences? We did everything it says for a day to find out.
Delta Leland

Is a smart faucet worth it?

On the surface, a smart faucet seems silly, but is it? Can an intelligent tap truly make a difference in the kitchen?
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

Cloud services are convenient, but they hurt smart home longevity

Relying on cloud servers for basic smart home functionality is a terrible idea.
weber genesis smart grill review

Is a smart grill worth it? We weigh the factors

Smart grills are now a thing. But do we really need to add technology to the most primal of human acts: Cooking over fire?
Roborock S7 cleaning while kids and pets play.

Is your smart home child-safe?

How friendly has the smart home become for kids? Let's take a look at the potential dangers around home automation and how to make sure your child is safe.
eufy by Anker Security Video Smart Lock installed on corner.

Why aren’t smart locks and video doorbells the same device?

Smart locks and video doorbells seem like two gadgets that would work well as a single product, but manufacturers aren't racing to produce them. Here's why.
Tim Cook at WWDC 2022.

All of Apple’s big no-shows from WWDC 2022

Unsurprisingly, the WWDC 2022 rumors weren't totally correct. Here's everything Apple didn't announce during its annual developer keynote.
a sapling grows in the forest

The most eco-friendly smart home companies

Upgrade your smart home responsibly with these eco-friendly manufacturers.
Multiple colored hue lights on inside a living room

Enhancing a vacation home with smart tech

Going away on vacation for the summer? Check out these products, from security to cleaning, that can help elevate your summer home to smart home status.
A Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar rests in the sand on a sunny day.

The benefits of solar-powered smart wearables

Imagine a life free from cables, power banks, and wall outlets. Solar wearables are here, but are they worth it?
An Amazon Echo in living room.

How loud is too loud for your smart devices?

Smart speakers are one of the most popular smart home accessories -- but can they be too loud? Here are the details about smart device volume and its limits.
Nest devices grouped together on a counter.

Can your smart home save you money on homeowners insurance?

We all know the smart home is supposed to make our lives easier, but can it save you money on insurance? Let's find out.
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall in a kitchen.

Are we becoming too dependent on the smart home?

Smart homes are convenient, but are we trading mental strength for that convenience?
Woman in bed looking toward Echo Dot.

For Get Caught Reading Month, let Alexa suggest a book

May is Get Caught Reading Month, and Alexa is more than up to the task of helping you participate. Here's how Alexa can help you find a good book or audiobook.
Hosting a Zoom conference through Nest Hub Max.

There’s no new Nest Hub, but that’s OK

Google didn't announce a new Nest Hub yesterday, but that's OK. Other areas need to be focused on first.
vivint doorbell outdoor camera pro updates  lifestyle 1

Vivint’s new updates make its smart home system even smarter

Vivint updated its product line to a new generation and added a few highly-desirable features to an already great lineup.
A person weraing the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro for sleep monitoring

The Sandman wars, or how accurate are sleep trackers?

I compared the results of three different sleep trackers to determine which one is the most accurate.
Kylo and Rey fighting in Rise of the Skywalker

Alexa, May the Fourth be with you

From trivia and jokes to Easter eggs and more, here are some fun commands to give Alexa in honor of Star Wars Day 2022.
Dog with Vava's mobile pet cam.

How smart is too smart for your pets?

Smart pet tech can do incredible things -- but is it actually healthy for our pets? Here's what we think about the relationships between tech, owners, and pets.
Upright go being worn using adhesive on the back.

Do smart posture-correcting devices really work?

We've all seen those smart posture trainers pop up in our feeds, but do they really work, and are they worth the money?
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall.

Smart homes without Wi-Fi: Huge possibilities or roadblocks?

Our wireless networks are the building blocks of our smart home ecosystems, but should every automation require an Internet connection? Here's what we think.
iRobot Roomba S9.

Can a robot vacuum work as an air purifier?

Is there a future where robot vacuums and air purifiers are the same device? Not likely, but they might be able to work together.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen on table.

The Google Nest lineup needs a redesigned plug

The Google Nest Hub is a great smart display, but its bulky plug is in dire need of a redesign. Here's why users are still frustrated years after its launch.
Person using the Wyze Lock Bolt finger scanner to open the door.

CBS is wrong. Hackers are unlikely to burglarize a smart home

Your smart home might have a few vulnerabilities, but it isn't likely to aid a burglar in gaining access to your property.
A bidet on a toilet seat.

How much toilet paper do bidets actually save?

Is the best option for a squeaky clean butt also the best option for the environment? Let's learn about bidets.
An old iPad being used as a picture frame.

5 creative ways to repurpose your old and unused tech

Rather than simply tossing out your old electronics, it's actually quite easy to find alternative uses for them. Here are some of our favorites!
A person weraing the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro for sleep monitoring

How does sleep tracking work?

Sleep trackers can help you improve the quality of your sleep, but do you understand how they work? We spoke with sleep scientists to find out.
WyzeCam hands-on review center

WyzeCam’s security flaw should not have been kept secret

The WyzeCam v1 has reportedly been vulnerable to hackers for three years, but Wyze never mentioned anything.
The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni cleaning hardwood floors.

How to use technology to make spring cleaning easier

Don't spend a Saturday scrubbing. Let technology and gadgets do the work. We've got ideas for how to use tech to tackle all your spring cleaning.
Samsung Family Hub fridge touchscreen.

Is a smart refrigerator worth it?

Smart fridges are pricey, but can having technology like cameras, Wi-Fi, and touchless access really make your kitchen better?
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

Can the M1 Ultra help improve Homekit and Siri?

The HomePod mini and Siri need an upgrade. Is the new M1 Ultra chip the key to HomeKit's future?
Control panel of Philips 4300 machine with drinks selected.

Is a smart coffee maker worth it?

Smart coffee machines can do barista-level brews at home. They're expensive, but are they truly worth it?