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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Hatch Restore 2 review: restful nights and relaxing mornings

The Hatch Restore 2 makes it easy to unwind at night and start each day fully rested. It's a bit pricey, but it no doubt deserves a spot on your nightstand.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Apple might launch a HomePod smart display in 2024

Apple might be preparing to launch its first-ever smart display in 2024, with reports indicating a HomePod with a seven-inch touchscreen is in development.
The Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Hatch Restore vs. Hatch Restore 2: what has changed?

The Hatch Restore 2 is an upgraded version of the original Hatch Restore, but what exactly has changed? Here's a comparison of the two unique smart alarms.
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Do you need a subscription to use Hatch Restore 2?

A premium membership option is available for the Hatch Restore and Hatch Restore 2, but here’s what you need to know before subscribing.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers improved battery life and new aspect ratio

Ring is launching the Battery Doorbell Plus on April 5, which features enhanced battery life, a new aspect ratio, and an improved filming resolution.
Ring Video Doorbell installed next to a white entry door.

Ring Alarm, video doorbells will soon lock free features behind a paywall

Ring is making changes to its Ring Protect plans, which will now be required to access previously free features on Ring Alarms, video doorbells, and cameras.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf.

How to connect Matter devices to Amazon Alexa

Connecting Matter devices to Amazon Alexa is a simple process, but there are a few requirements to be aware of. Here's everything you need to know.
A person using the Anker EverFrost.

Anker is launching an iceless cooler that can chill food for 42 hours

The Anker EverFrost will be available in three sizes, all of which offer an iceless design that's built to take you off the beaten path. Here's a closer look.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

How to use Multi-Room Music with Amazon Alexa

Want to play music throughout your entire home? Here's a look at how to use the Multi-Room Music feature available on most Amazon Echo devices.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

The 10 best smart home products not made by Google or Amazon (or their subsidiaries)

Amazon and Google make great smart devices, but they've got stiff competition. Here are the best smart home products outside the Amazon and Google playbooks.
The Arlo Pro 5S installed outside on a wall.

How to add friends to your Arlo account

Adding friends to your Arlo account gives them limited access to your security camera network. Here's how to add friends to or delete them from your account.
Ring Contact Sensor installed on a door.

How to bypass a Ring Sensor

Looking to bypass a Ring Sensor without disabling your entire system? Then you'll need to make use of the Quick Exit feature. Here's how it works.
The Google Nest Hub Smart Display on a nightstand.

How to add a Matter-enabled device to Google Home

Adding a Matter-enabled device to Google Home is a simple process, and it should only take a few minutes from start to finish. Here's how it works.
The Google Nest Audio speaker on a table.

Sonos One vs. Google Nest Audio: which is the best smart speaker?

The Google Nest Audio and Sonos One are among the best smart speakers of 2023. But which is best for you? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera casing

Arlo extends end-of-life support for legacy cameras and doorbells

Arlo announced in January that it was looking to sunset a few legacy products, but the company has since revised its plans. Here's how things now shake out.
The Ikea air quality sensor on a stack of books.

New Ikea air quality sensor arrives just in time for spring

Ikea is launching a new air quality sensor, called Vindstyrka, in April, although we still don't have an exact release date or pricing details.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

What is Arlo Secure, and is it worth it?

While Arlo products will work right out of the box, you can access additional features by signing up for Arlo Secure. Here's what to know about the service.
A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

The best HomeKit hubs of 2023

HomeKit is one of the most popular smart home ecosystems available today. Before setting up your system, take a look at the best HomeKit hubs of 2023.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a countertop.

How to turn off the clock on your Echo Dot

Amazon gives you an easy way to turn off the clock on your Echo Dot, and there's even an option to adjust its brightness. Here's how it works.
The Sonos One smart speaker on a countertop.

How to reset Sonos One smart speaker

Looking to sell your Sonos One? Here's how to perform a factory reset on the Sonos One smart speaker and remove all your sensitive information.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 with a swirl of Viva Magenta on a black background.

Yale Assure Lock 2 is getting a bold new color later this year

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is one of the best smart locks on the market, and later this year it’ll be available in the vibrant Viva Magenta color option.
The Sonos One smart speaker on a countertop.

Sonos One vs. HomePod mini: which smart speaker is best?

The Sonos One and HomePod mini are two of the best smart speakers of 2023. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
Promo art for the vampire shooter Redfall.

Redfall: release date, trailers, gameplay, and more

Redfall is an upcoming Xbox exclusive from the studio behind Prey and Dishonored. Here's everything we know about the mysterious, vampire-slaying co-op shooter.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Pro 5S: which security camera comes out on top?

The Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S are two of the best smart security cameras of 2023. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both products.
Nest Audio on a table.

How to reset Google Nest Audio

If you're looking to sell your Google Nest Audio (or you're running into technical issues), resetting the smart speaker is a great idea. Here's how it works.
New 2021 Homepod Mini colors.

How to reset your HomePod mini

Is your HomePod mini acting funny? Or are you preparing to sell it? Here's how to reset your HomePod mini and restore its factory settings.
Eufy Floodlight Camera 2 Pro turned on and installed on side of building.

Anker finally admits to Eufy security camera issues

Eufy cameras have seen several security issues over the past few months, and Anker has officially come forward to discuss how it's protecting users' privacy.
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

Samsung SmartThings gets Matter support on iOS

Samsung has finally brought Matter support to SmartThings on iOS, so long as both the app and iOS are running the latest software.
Wyze Smart thermostat installed on wall being adjusted.

How to reset the Wyze Thermostat

Whether you're running into technical issues or preparing to sell your smart thermostat, here's how to factory reset your Wyze Thermostat.
New 2021 Homepod Mini colors.

How to fix an orange flashing light on the HomePod mini

If you've encountered a flashing orange light on your HomePod mini, you're not alone. Here's a look at what causes the error and a few ways to fix it.
The Blink Wired Floodlight installed outside.

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera offers heaps of features and an affordable price tag

The Amazon-owned Blink has revealed the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, featuring 2,600 lumens of LED lighting and an affordable $99 price tag.
Apple HomePod second-gen.

Apple HomePod vs. Apple HomePod 2023

The HomePod 2023 makes some big changes compared to its predecessor. Here's how its design, speakers, and smart home capabilities compare to the old model.
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s hidden temperature/humidity sensor

While the newly announced HomePod is stealing all the spotlight, Apple’s existing HomePod Mini just received a significant new update.
Arlo camera installed outside.

Are smart security cameras worth installing?

Installing a smart security camera is a big decision, requiring not just your money, but a good chunk of your time. But are they worth installing in 2023?