John Velasco
Former Digital Trends Contributor
John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some of the reasons why hackers like to hack security cameras, to testing the effectiveness of connected home gym equipment, and even find out if Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can save your life during an emergency, he's seeking out how to find how smart home is making an impact on our lives.
Prior to Digital Trends, John worked for various publications like PhoneArena, Android Authority, and VR Source. He's been covering mobile tech for the better part of the last decade, but is also passionate about how VR/AR/XR are reshaping our world. Outside of tech, John is a big foodie and loves sharing about some of the unique bites he comes across.
And way before diving into tech journalism, he was driving around in a Volkswagon Beetle working with the Geek Squad.
The best smart speakers for 2024
If you're looking to build a smart home, picking up a smart speaker is one of the first things you should do. Here's a look at the best smart speakers of 2024.
The best outdoor security cameras of 2024
Keep your home secure and always be in the know about who and what is on your property by installing one of the best smart outdoor security cameras for 2024.
Get double the length at half the cost on these smart LED strip lights today
You could pay more for smart LED light strips, but you'll be saving a lot with Govee's Black Friday deal that's happening right now.
Growth in the smart home will be fueled by these transformative trends
The smart home continues to grow and encompass a wide field of categories, but here are the transformative trends that will continue to fuel it.
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ review: Quietly gets the job done
Self-emptying robot vacuums are becoming popular, with the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ making some noise with its 2-in-1 functionality and excellent value.
Best gifts for a first-time smart home setup
Don't get bogged down thinking about what to get someone who's just starting a smart home. Here are the gifts for first-time smart home setup.
DJI Mavic 3 Review: A return to flagship territory
It's a long time coming, but the DJI Mavic 3 takes to the skies with a Hasselblad dual-camera system, 5.1K video, and so much more. The king has returned!
FightCamp Review: Learn boxing combos to knock out your workouts
Kick and punch your way to a cardio workout at home that you won't find elsewhere with FightCamp's trackers and professional-grade equipment.
DJI Mavic 3 hands-on review: The long-awaited return of the king
Call it a return to what started it all, but the DJI Mavic 3 is a flagship drone that can fly farther, smarter, and reliably over other consumer drones.
Ring Alarm Pro Review: Peace of mind when you’re in the dark
Whether you're home or not, the Ring Alarm Pro ensures your home's security is intact with its battery and internet backup services.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Review: Getting closer to a tangle-free life
The latest iRobot is smarter than anything else before it. With a camera and iRobot's Genius 3.0 tech, the Roomba j7+ won't get hung up on obstacles as much.
Govee Glide Wall Light Review: Simple on designs, big on light patterns
Got open space on a wall? Then add a bit of flair with some dazzling light patterns using the Govee Glide Wall Light. Best of all, you won't spend a fortune.
Alexa’s controversial drop-in feature could be critical to saving lives
Amazon Alexa's drop-in feature has been controversial ever since it first rolled out, but you'll be surprised how critical it could be in saving lives.
Scary robot vacuum horror stories that’ll make your skin crawl for Halloween
Robot vacuums do amazing work, but they can also do some horrific things. We have a few robot vacuum horror stories that'll make your skin crawl for Halloween.
Google Nest Cam (wired) review: Keeping watch with confidence
Keeping a watchful eye out is important for any security camera. The Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) has you covered so you only get meaningful alerts.
Flying a drone other than DJI made me instantly regret the decision
There are other drone manufacturers out there besides DJI. However, trying one out will make you realize why DJI is hard to beat.
Wyze Light Strip Pro Review: Bang-for-the-buck light shows
Need to spruce up the look of a room? The Wyze Light Strip Pro can display up to 16 colors at a time.
Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Review: Home security on wheels is finally here
Home security is about to change thanks to the Samsung Jet Bot AI+, which patrols the home when you're away.
Robot vacuums give me hope Amazon’s Astro won’t fall down stairs
Reports have alluded to the Amazon Astro falling down stairs early in the development cycle. However, today's robot vacuums give us hope it won't.
5 things we hope the flying Ring Always Home Cam can do
The flying Ring Always Home Cam could change home security going forward. We know little about it, but here's what we hope it could do.
Peloton Bike review: Big on the experience, bigger on the personalities
The Peloton Bike is one of the most popular exercise bikes around. There are reasons for that, with much of it centering around the Peloton experience.
You don’t need a camera for dorm room security. Here’s what to do instead
Dorm residents have a lot to worry about. Not everyone is OK with installing a security camera in their dorm room, but there are other ways to obtain security.
Larq’s PureVis water pitcher erased my fears about drinking water from the tap
There are many reasons why people don't trust the tap water out of their faucets. The Larq PureVis does more than filter water, it purifies it, too.
I tried a so-called wearable air conditioner — and the branding left me cold
It's never fun roasting on those warm, humid summer days. The Torras Coolify is classified as a wearable air conditioner, but it's not exactly what you think.
Google Nest Doorbell (battery) Review: Beauty and brains in one package
The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) competes in a crowded space, but comes with intelligent alerts and a beautiful design to keep your front door safe.
Google Nest Cam (battery) review: The camera for anywhere around the home
Most cameras require a subscription to get access to advanced features. With the Google Nest Cam (battery), you get everything out of the box.
Few standing desks are designed for comfort and convenience
Standing desks offer home workers the option to stand after sitting for a while, but very few of them are ingenuously designed for comfort and convenience.
Govee Lyra Smart Floor Lamp Review: A mesmerizing, futuristic light show
Smart lamps come in different options, but the Govee Lyra has a dazzling light show that can emit several colors simultaneously for a futuristic light show.
Lawn mowing robots are here, but face the same challenges as robot vacuums
We have robots that can mow the lawn, but as much as they present us with convenience, they share the same challenges that robot vacuums faced.
Level Lock review: A continuation of smart meets stylish
The Level Lock is the latest offering in Level's lineup and follows the same recipe of boasting smart functions with a traditional lock design that's modern.
Google has three new Nest Cams, but there’s really only one you should buy
Google just announced three new Nest Cams, but while they seem very similar to one another, there's honestly just one you should buy.
Sleep Number’s beds have more value than the phone in your pocket. Here’s why.
Some people can be easily scared away by the cost of a Sleep Number smart bed, but you really need to look past the price and look at its long-term value.
The best Alexa speakers
Whether it's for the home, or something you want to carry along on a trip, we rounded up the best Alexa speakers for any occasion.
Twinkly Line review: Dazzling light show, short on length
The Twinkly Line not only changes colors but there are special effects to choose from to make this LED light strip dazzling to the eyes.