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Smart Home Guides

Apple HomePod 2023

Echo Pop vs. HomePod (Gen 2): is the HomePod worth its added cost?

Is the expensive Apple HomePod worth your money, or should you stick with the affordable Echo Pop? Here's a look at these two smart speakers to help you decide.
The Echo Dot Kids Owl and Dragon designs on a table.

Which Amazon Echo should you buy?

Not sure which Amazon Echo to buy? There are several excellent models to choose from, depending on what you are looking for. Here are the latest and greatest.
The Ring Outdoor Smart Plug installed outside.

Can smart plugs be used outside?

Smart plugs are a great way to control exterior lights and decorations, but not all of them can be used outside. Here's what to know before using them outdoors.
iRobot Roomba j7 plus 7550 robot vacuum in charging dock by entryway.

How often should you replace your robot vacuum?

Robot vacuums are designed to last for several years, though their longevity relies on regular maintenance. Here's how often you should think about upgrading.
Blueair Blue Pure 211 plus HEPA air purifier in living room.

Do air purifiers work?

Since you won't want to open doors and windows in the winter, air purifiers are a great way to keep your air fresh. But are they worth the investment?
Apple HomePod 2023

Alexa vs. HomeKit: Which smart home platform is best?

Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit are two of the best smart home platforms available, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
The Numi 2.0 Smart Toilet

The 5 weirdest smart home gadgets of 2023

From smart toilets to smart toasters, here's a look at five of the weirdest smart home gadgets you can purchase in 2023.
The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni cleaning hardwood floors.

How to fix a robot vacuum that stops moving

There are several reasons your robot vacuum might not be moving. From checking its wheels to updating its software, here are all the ways to fix the problem.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni vs. iRobot Roomba Combo j9+: Which premium robot vacuum is best?

If you're looking for a premium robot vacuum and mop combo, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ fit the bill. But which is best?
spooky halloween lighting haunted house

How to create spooky Halloween effects with smart home lighting and sound

Up your Halloween decorating game this year by using smart home lighting and sounds to spook your neighbors and trick-or-treaters.
A person opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 with their Apple Watch.

Are keyless smart locks safe?

Keyless smart locks are incredibly safe, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a closer look at these smart home gadgets.
Controlling smart blinds with a remote.

Are smart blinds worth it?

Smart blinds give you remote access to your window coverings, allowing you to schedule their performance and save money on your bills. But are they worth it?
Lockly lock installed on a door and person uses the smartphone app.

What is a smart lock and how does it work?

A smart lock brings added versatility to your door, letting you open it using a keypad or smartphone app. Here's everything you need to know about smart locks.
Blink Mini Indoor 1080p wireless security camera on a counter showing video capture on an Echo Show display.

How to save Blink videos to USB

If you don't want to pay for a Blink Plan, you can save videos locally to a USB drive. Here's how to get the cool feature working.
The Blink Outdoor Floodlight camera.

How to set Activity Zones on Blink cameras

Using Activity Zones on Blink cameras allows you to choose which areas of your property trigger motion alerts. Here's how to set them up.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to fix the Google Home ‘Auth check failure on device’ error

Running into the Auth check failure on device error when using Google Home? Here's how to fix the error and get your system working properly.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roomba Combo j7+: which is the best robot vacuum?

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is remarkably similar to the old Combo j7+, but are its minor changes worth the extra cash? Here's a closer look.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen.

8 Google Assistant settings you should disable or adjust

Google Assistant is a powerful tool, but it also comes with some privacy concerns. Here are a few settings you should adjust on your Google device right away.
Amazon Astro following a person through a door.

Amazon Astro: everything you need to know about this home robot

This is everything you need to know about Amazon's home robot, Astro, including its capabilities, price, and more.
The Blink Outdoor 4 installed on a fence

How to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras

Only a few Blink cameras support Privacy Zones, but setting them up is surprisingly easy. Here's how to get Privacy Zones working on your camera.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Google TV vs. Roku TV: which is the better streaming OS?

In the war of streaming platforms, Google TV and Roku TV are top of the pack, but which operating system is truly best? Let us weigh in to help you decide.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

What is Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is one of many smart home platforms available today, and it allows you to communicate with all the equipment in your house. Here's a closer look.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro on wall.

How much does it cost to install security cameras?

If you're thinking about a home security cam, you may be wondering about extra installation costs, too. Let's break down what related expenses you could see.
A person holding the Apple TV remote infront of a screen.

How to set up Apple TV as a HomeKit hub

Apple TV makes a great HomeKit hub. Here's how to get it working with your smart home in just a few minutes.
Blink Mini camera on table.

How to use Live View on Blink cameras

Live View on Blink cameras allows you to access a live feed of your property. Here's how to access the feature, along with tips on why it might not be working.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: which is the better robot vacuum?

Is the ultra-expensive Dyson 360 Vis Nav a better robot vacuum for your smart home than the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to turn off Eco Mode on the Nest Thermostat

Once you know where to look, turning off Eco Mode on your Nest Thermostat is simple. Here's how to get it done in just a few steps.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to get a rebate for your smart thermostat

Getting a rebate for your smart thermostat is a neasy way to save a bundle of cash. Here's what you need to know.
Apple HomePod 2023

How to update your HomePod or HomePod mini

Keeping your HomePod or HomePod mini updated is the best way to ensure it performs as expected. Here's how to manually update your smart speakers.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

How to add a device to HomeKit

If you want to use Apple HomeKit to control a compatible smart home gadget, you'll first need to add it to to the platform. Here's what you need to know.
Apple HomePod mini touch controls

How to set up a HomePod mini

Apple's new HomePod mini is a great personal smart speaker, but setting it up takes the right steps. Here's everything you need to do to get it up and running.
A person rings a Google Nest Doorbell.

Do video doorbells work in extreme heat?

While video doorbells can work in warm weather, they start to shut down if the temperature gets too high. Here's a look at the thresholds for popular brands.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 installed on the outside of a door.

How to improve Yale Assure Lock 2 battery life

Looking to improve your Yale Assure Lock 2's battery life? Here's a look at what you can do, from modifying your strikeplate to improving your Wi-Fi connection.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

How to improve Ring video doorbell battery life

Looking to get a bit more juice out of your Ring video doorbell before recharging its battery? Here's how to improve battery life in just a few minutes.