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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Dynamic Effects Neon-Shape Smart Lights glowing purple.

GE Lighting launches colorful, customizable rope lights with a built-in microphone

The Dynamic Effects Neon-Shape Smart Lights are compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, and can adjust their performance in real time based on nearby sound.
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home adds support for garage door controls

The features are only available to select users, but Google Home now allows you to remotely open and close your garage door.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T1 OMNI with nearby dock

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni: which is the better robot vacuum?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni are two popular robot vacuums, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
A robot lawn mower in a backyard while a family relaxes.

How do robot lawn mowers work?

Robot lawn mowers are one of the most intriguing smart home items available in 2023, but how exactly do they work? Here's what to know before making a purchase.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

Here’s why you need a robot vacuum that empties itself

Robot vacuums that can't empty themselves are less than ideal. Here's why you should consider upping your budget and snagging a self-emptying robot vacuum.
The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni docked.

Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni review: impressive cleaning, almost automated

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni is a powerful robot vacuum that's held back by its lack of automation. Still, it might be a great option for certain households.
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring’s new indoor camera features a built-in privacy shutter

The new Ring Indoor Cam features a built-in privacy shutter that disables both audio and video recording. The device goes on sale May 24 and retails for $60.
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Alexa vs. Google Home: which smart home platform is best?

Alexa and Google Home are two of the best smart home platforms around, but which one is better for you? Here's a comparison to help you decide.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

How to enable Sound Recognition on your HomePod and receive smoke alarm alerts

The HomePod and HomePod mini can now send alerts to your smartphone to let you know when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is going off. Here's how it works.
A person standing in a living room while looking at a Google device.

Your Google smart home devices just got a lot less talkative

Google is expanding its chime alert feature to a variety of new devices, which should streamline the process of giving voice commands to your smart home.
A person controlling the Nest Thermostat.

The Nest Thermostat is the first smart thermostat with Matter support

The Nest Thermostat now supports Matter, making it the first smart thermostat to work with the interoperability standard.
The Nanoleaf Essential lineup installed in a home theater.

How to fix the Nanoleaf unreachable error

If your Nanoleaf product is showing up as "unreachable," you'll be glad to know there are several ways to fix the issue. Here's a look at what you need to do.
iRobot Roomba j7 plus 7550 robot vacuum in charging dock by entryway.

Your Roomba robot vacuum now doubles as a security guard

Select users can now activate the Remote Check-In feature on their Roomba j7, which lets the device function as a makeshift security camera.
The Roborock Q7 Max+ in action cleaning crumbs off of carpet.

How to clean a Roborock robot vacuum

While your Roborock robot vacuum can help keep your home clean, it's up to you to maintain the robot itself. Here's how to clean your Roborock robot vacuum.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra review: set it and forget it

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a remarkable robot that automates all your floor-cleaning needs. It's expensive, but there is no doubt that it's worth every penny.
The Lenovo Smart Display on a table.

Google stops updating third-party smart displays

Smart displays from LG, JBL, and Lenovo running Google Assistant will no longer see updates, as Google pivots to focus efforts on AI.
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

The future of Matter in 2023

Matter has big plans for the rest of 2023, but with no timetable for releases and Belkin stepping away, what can we realistically expect over the next months?
Apple HomePod 2023 next to a TV.

The smart home market might see big changes in 2023

With Apple making big moves in the smart home marketplace, it’s poised to put up a real fight for Amazon and Google.
Arlo camera installed outside.

Is a DIY smart home security system better than a professional one?

Trying to figure out if you should build a DIY smart home security system or opt for a professional one? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Best smart home gadgets for spring 2023

If you want to cut down on your list of chores this spring, consider adding one of these four smart home gadgets to your household.
ElliQ showing a workout while displayed on a white background.

ElliQ is a smart home companion designed for your grandparents

ElliQ is a standalone smart home companion that provides an easy way to check the news, listen to music, chat with friends, or play a few games.
Google and ADT collaboration.

Google partners with ADT to launch new smart home security system

Google and ADT have launched a DIY smart security plan that lets you piece together your perfect system and is available at a variety of price points.
Amaaon Sidewalk graphic showing connected devices and households.

The underappreciated Amazon Sidewalk network is bigger than you think

Amazon Sidewalk is a low-power network that helps keep your smart home devices online, and Amazon has officially revealed its gigantic coverage map.
A Wyze camera placed outside in the snow.

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: which is best?

The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount and Wyze Cam Pan v3 can both rotate to cover all corners of your home. But which indoor camera is best? Here's a closer look.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

Is the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount worth it?

Trying to figure out if the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount is worth adding to your smart home? Here's a closer look at the product, along with its competitors.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera privacy shutter

Blink Mini Indoor Camera vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Cam

The Blink Mini and Arlo Essential Indoor Cam are two of the best indoor cameras. But which one is best? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Blink Mini on a countertop.

How to remove a Blink Mini from its stand

Trying to remove the Blink Mini from its stand without damaging any components? It's an easy process, although it requires some muscle. Here's how it works.
A close-up of Gollum.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum: release date, trailers, gameplay, and more

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is set to arrive in the near future, offering a unique take on the Tolkien universe. Here's what we know about the stealth game.
The Nanoleaf Essential lineup installed in a home theater.

Nanoleaf opens preorders for its first-ever Matter smart lights

The Nanoleaf Essentials lineup is now available for preorder, offering full support for Matter and making it easy to light up your home.
hades best builds key art new cropped hed 1244036

The best indie games on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has plenty of great AAA games, but it has slowly become a powerhouse platform for indies. Here are the best indie games currently available.
The new ECOVACS products on a kitchen floor.

Ecovacs introduces three new robot vacuums for homes of all sizes

ECOVACS is launching a trio of new robot vacuums, all of which offer premium features such as advanced navigation abilities and enhanced suction.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf with dishes.

How to fix an Echo Dot with clock display that isn’t working

If you're trying to fix an Echo Dot with clock display that isn't working or is unresponsive, there are a few things you can try.
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

How to turn off the alarm on Hatch Restore 2

There are several ways to turn off the alarm on your Hatch Restore 2, such as using the physical button on the device or through a companion app on your phone.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

How to reset an Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

If you want to restore your device to its factory settings, here's how to reset the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera and remove it from your Arlo Secure app.