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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Lockly Smart Safe in a drawer.

The best smart safes of 2023

The best smart safes of 2023 make it easy to secure your valuables, while also giving you the option to access them with a fingerprint, keypad, or smartphone.
simplisafe home security system deals the haven 14 piece by

How to add a family member to SimpliSafe profile

SimpliSafe doesn't let you add multiple users to your account, but there's a simple workaround for the oversight. Here's what you need to know.
The Hearth package by SimpliSafe.

How to add a new sensor to an existing SimpliSafe system

You can easily add new sensors to an existing SimpliSafe system. In fact, the process can be done using a phone or the SimpliSafe Keypad. Here's how it works.
SimpliSafe review

How to reset the SimpliSafe Base Station

You might need to reset your SimpliSafe Base Station if you're running into connection errors. Thankfully, the process is easy. Here's what you need to do.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat: Which should you buy?

The Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Thermostat are two of the best smart thermostats available. But which is best? Here's what you need to know.
The SimpliSafe Smart Alarm Indoor Camera.

SimpliSafe now offers live home monitoring with new Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

The Smart Alarm Indoor Camera lets SimpliSafe agents access a live feed of your home when specific alarms are triggered, offering an immediate response.
The Google Nest Mini on a table next to a glass of water.

Echo Pop vs. Nest Mini: which is the better smart speaker?

If you're in the market for an affordable smart speaker, the Echo Pop and Nest Mini should be at the top of your list. Here's a look at which is best.
The Harth Sleep-Shift Light Bulb running next to a bed.

Are smart lights bulbs worth it?

Smart light bulbs give you several ways to control their performance or alter their appearance. But are they worth the inflated price tag?
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: Is the T20 worth it?

The Deebot T20 Omni is the latest robot vacuum to join Ecovacs' lineup, but is it a big enough improvement over the Deebot T10 Omni? Here's a closer look.
The Ring Video Doorbell in Satin Nickel, installed beside a doorway.

How long do video doorbells last?

Video doorbells are great smart home gadgets, but they won't last forever. Here's a look at how long they'll be supported and when they should be replaced.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: which is best?

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra and the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni share a lot of similarities, but which is the better robot vacuum?
A blue Echo Pop sitting on a table.

How to factory reset an Echo Pop

Performing a factory reset on the Echo Pop is simple, but there's a way to reset the smart speaker that isn't as permanent. Here's what to know.
The Roborock S7 Max Ultra on carpet.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra review: what’s in a name?

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra is a robot vacuum with incredible automation chops. Not only does it vacuum and mop floors, but it also cleans itself after each run.
An Anker Solix device installed on a balcony.

Anker reveals new solar-powered Solix batteries, powerful Anker Prime series

Anker announced several new products during its recent live stream, including the Anker Prime series and solar-powered Solix. Here's a closer look.
The Eufy X9 Pro moving from carpet to hardwood.

Eufy’s new X9 Pro Robovac offers automated mopping and vacuuming for less than $1,000

The Eufy X9 Pro Robovac offers many of the features of its rivals, including the ability to raise its mop while vacuuming, but clocks in at a much lower price.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni review: bringing the heat

With the ability to clean your floors and then clean itself, the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is one step closer to the dream of a fully automated robot vacuum.
The S7 Max Ultra heading to its dock.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra vs. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Similar names, very different products

Their names might only differ by a single letter, but the Roborock S7 Max Ultra and Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra are shockingly different. Here's which is best.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra cleaning up pet fur.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Roborock S7 Max Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and S7 Max Ultra are two of the best robot vacuums on the market. But which is best? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Is the latest robot vacuum worth it?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a powerful device, but would you be better off snagging the cheaper Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra instead? Here's a closer look.
A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

Aqara launches U100 smart lock with full Apple HomeKit support

The Aqara U100 smart lock can be controlled with a passcode, fingerprint, or with Apple home keys, making it a versatile upgrade for your front door.
A blue Echo Pop sitting on a table.

How to set up the Echo Pop

The Echo Pop is an affordable smart speaker that offers full support for Amazon Alexa. Here's how to set up your new Echo Pop, along with tips for using it.
Amazon Echo Pop in four colors.

Echo Pop vs. Echo Dot: which is the better smart speaker?

The Echo Pop is the newest member of the Echo family. But is it better than the Echo Dot? Here's a closer look at these two smart speakers to help you decide.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni brings hot water washin, mop-lifting skills to Deebot lineup

The Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is making some big changes compared to the T10 Omni, offering a retractable mophead and the ability to wash its mops with hot water.
Two Roborock S7 Max Ultra models on a stylized background.

New Roborock S7 Max Ultra boasts maintenance-free dock, impressive mopping skills

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra hits the market on June 11, and it'll offer a versatile dock that automatically handles most of your maintenance tasks.
The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro installed on a wall.

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is a premium outdoor camera with tons of AI features

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is now available for $150, and it offers some unique features despite its affordable price tag.
ecoflow's delta max portable power station on a table

EcoFlow launches Delta 2 Max solar generator for home emergencies and outdoor adventures

The Delta 2 Max is a powerful solar generator that can power more than a dozen appliances and connects to a solar panel for increased longevity.
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav cleaning near a wall.

Dyson is gearing up to launch the most powerful robot vacuum in the world

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is said to be twice as powerful as any robot vacuum currently on the market, and it boasts a bold, colorful design.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T1 OMNI with nearby dock

How to create a map with Ecovacs robot vacuums

Mapping your home with an Ecovacs robot vacuum is easy, although there's a bit of a trick to getting it to work properly. Here's what you need to know.
Google Nest Protect

The best smart carbon monoxide detectors of 2023

Smart carbon monoxide detectors make it easy to safeguard your home from these odorless gas. Here's a look at the three best models available in 2023.
The Govee Light Strip installed on a shelf.

Govee jumps on the Matter bandwagon with new LED Strip Light

The Govee LED Strip Light M1 is the first product from the company to offer full Matter support, and more Matter-enabled products are expected to arrive soon.
digs home renovation cloud based platform

Digs takes home renovation projects to the cloud, partners with Thumbtack

Digs lets you take your home renovation projects to the cloud, and it's now partnering with Thumbtack to make the process even more streamlined.
A person opening a Latch lock with their smartphone.

The founder of Ring is leaving Amazon to join Latch

After a few years serving as Chief Inventor, Jamie Siminoff is leaving Amazon to serve as CEO of Latch -- a smart home company involved with smart locks.
Amazon Astro following a person through a door.

Amazon might be bringing AI smarts to its Astro household robot

Internal documents indicate Amazon is bringing AI smarts to Astro, although it's unclear when the project will roll out to the public. Here's what we know.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

The new Google Home app officially launches on May 11

The long-awaited update is making it easier than ever to control your smart devices with the Google Home app.