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Latest by Jon Bitner

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 Thermostat E

The 4 best smart thermostats that don’t require a C-wire

If your home doesn't have a C-wire, there are still some great smart thermostats to consider. Here are a few of our favorites.
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.
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

HomePod mini vs. Apple TV 4K: Which is the better HomeKit hub?

The Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are designed for two very different purposes, but they both serve as HomeKit hubs. Here's a look at which is best.
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav cleaning near a wall.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is an ultra-expensive robot vacuum. But how does it stack up to the popular Roborock S8 Pro Ultra? Here's a closer look at the two.
The GE Lighting Smart Hexagon Panels installed in a game room.

GE Lighting launches Smart Hexagon Panels with support for Alexa and Google Home

The Smart Hexagon Panels are pricey, but they include heaps of cool features like support for voice commands, six customizable zones, and music syncing skills.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?

The Nest Doorbell and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offer similar price tags and features, but which is better for your front door? Here's a closer look at both.
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.
Ring Video Doorbell 4

How to set up Ring motion zones

Ring video doorbells and security cameras allow you to customize their motion zones. Here's how to use the feature, along with tips to optimize performance.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to turn off Ring notifications

If you want to turn off Ring notifications, there are a few different options for you to consider. Here's a look at all the ways to modify your Ring alerts.
Unicorn Overlord large cast of characters.

The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has amassed a wealth of great role-playing games, from Pokémon to the Legend of Zelda series. Here are the best RPGs on Switch right now.
A blue Google Nest Mini mounted on blue/gray wall.

How to broadcast voice messages with Google Nest

Google lets you broadcast audio messages across all your Google Nest smart speakers and displays. Here's how to use the cool feature.
The US Cyber Trust Mark logo on an off-white background.

U.S. government to launch a new cybersecurity program for smart home devices in 2024

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program is intended to make it easier for consumers to find smart home devices that are safe and less vulnerable to attacks.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to save a video to Google Home

Google Home makes it easy to save videos captured by your doorbell or security cameras. Here's how to download the footage to your smartphone.
A gray Google Nest Mini sitting on a kitchen counter top.

How to create a room in Google Home

Creating rooms with Google Home is an easy way to organize all your smart home gadgets. Here's how it's done, along with tips on renaming or deleting rooms.
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the better indoor camera?

The Ring Indoor Cam and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera are both affordable indoor cameras, but which is a better fit for your smart home? Here's what to know.
The Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor sitting on a wooden stand.

Is an air quality monitor worth adding to your home?

Although they won't purify your home, indoor air quality monitors do an excellent job of tracking airborne particulates. But are they worth purchasing?
Fyrtur blackout blinds in a bedroom.

5 cool smart home gadgets for summer 2023

These five smart home products will keep your house cool, your yard watered, and reduce your energy bills with little manual effort.
Rachio 3 sprinkler controller mounted on wall.

Rachio 3 vs. Rachio Smart Hose Timer: which is better for your yard?

The Rachio 3 and Rachio Smart Hose Timer make it easy to automate your watering chores. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Google Home vs. Apple HomeKit: which is the best smart home platform?

Google Home and Apple HomeKit are two of the most popular smart home platforms in 2023. But which is best for you? Here's a closer look at both to help decide.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera: which is best?

Looking for an indoor camera for your smart home? Here's a look at the Ring Indoor Cam and Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to help you figure out which is best.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the best indoor camera?

Both the Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera offer HD footage and the ability to swivel to capture more of your home. But which is best?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs. Ring Video Doorbell 4: which is the best video doorbell?

Trying to figure out if you should upgrade your Ring Video Doorbell 4 to the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus? Here's a comparsion to help you decide.
Screenshot of a giant blocky volcano in Minecraft.

The best Minecraft mods

There are tons of mods available for Mojang's building title. We've sifted through the masses and found all of the best Minecraft mods compatible with v1.18.
discounted simplisafe security system with free camera 02

How to arm your SimpliSafe system at night

SimpliSafe doesn't offer a Night mode, so what's the best way to arm your system while sleeping? Here's a look at what works best for most homes.
roku is now in the home security business 3

Is a Roku Smart Home Subscription worth it?

Roku offers a few different Smart Home Subscriptions. Here's a look at both to see if they're a good fit for your home security needs.
The Roku Smart Home Monitoring System SE on a table.

How to set up Roku Home Monitoring System SE

Setting up the Roku Home Monitoring System SE isn't too difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you move through the process.
The Roku Indoor Camera SE with a red light.

How to set up Roku Indoor Camera SE

Trying to install the Roku Indoor Camera SE? Here's how to get it properly set up in your home, along with a few tips for troubleshooting common issues.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to fix dark footage on Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is producing images that are unusually dark, there are a few ways to fix the problem. Here's what you need to know.