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Latest by John Velasco

simplisafe smart lock review 3 of 10

SimpliSafe Smart Lock Review: Gorgeous, and easy to install

SimpliSafe recently expanded its home security portfolio with its first smart lock. Not only is it one of the easiest smart locks to install, but it's also one of the best-looking devices currently on the market. However, can it match its good looks with useful features? Find out in our review.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen product image.

Snag free ice cream in select cities to celebrate Alexa’s 5th birthday

Amazon's virtual assistant wants you to know that it’s her special day because for a limited time today, you can snag a free scoop of ice cream at participating locations . Just know that the selection is only limited Alexa’s favorite flavor, which happens to be Mint Microchip.
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Amazon teases its Echo Studio ahead of release at a swanky space in NYC

The Amazon Echo Studio is being previewed ahead of its official release in the Big Apple. New Yorkers can experience the incredible audio fidelity of the speaker before everyone else at the Echo Studio installation at Dolby SoHo, located on 477 Broadway.
DJI Mavic Mini held in hand

DJI Mavic Mini: A tiny drone anyone can fly

The DJI Mavic Mini is not only the most affordable, entry-level option in the company's lineup, but it's the first true consumer friendly option for the masses.
Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid angled

Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid Review: It does all the things

The Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid takes the hassle of having to vacuum and mop, especially when it's really efficient in the way its cleans. It's Eufy's most ambitious robot vacuum to date, so it's a first good step in the right direction that should increase its brand recognition.
Virgin Galactic Under Armour Spacesuit model

Virgin Galactic’s spacesuits give you that gym-ready look for spaceflights

Virgin Galactic's spacesuits were designed by Under Armour, and they clearly have a sporty look and feel to them. These sporty spacesuits are meant to be worn by ticket holders for upcoming Virgin Galactic flights. They don't look like your typical astronaut gear -- and that's not a bad thing.
google nest mini hands on features price photos video release date review 3 of 7

Google Nest Mini hands-on review: New name, few changes

Google's new Nest Mini looks a lot like the older Google Home Mini speaker, and that's not the only similarity. Despite the new name, the Nest Mini is only a minor revision of its predecessor, and the focus is still on Google Assistant.
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With Cortana in a coma, Microsoft’s smart home ambitions look bleak

Microsoft’s Surface event on Wednesday showed all of us yet again that there’s always one more thing to get excited about. But there was no mention of Cortana, Microsoft's oft-forgotten voice assistant.
skullcandy crusher anc review 9 of

Skullcandy Crusher ANC hands-on review

Skullycandy matches its penchanrt for massive bass and clean styling with some impressive new features, including noise cancellation, customized sound, and more. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC are looking to compete with the big boys, and they're priced accordingly. But can they hold their own?
Nest Hub Max, using the touchscreen.

The best Google Nest Hub Max tips and tricks to check out

The Google Nest Hub Max is finally here after its introduction at Google I/O earlier this year, which means it’s time to dissect everything you should know about it. These tips and tricks we're going to be diving into will help you become better acquainted with this powerful smart display.
Nest Hub Max, using the touchscreen.

Google Nest Hub vs. Google Nest Hub Max: Which smart display is better?

With the release of the Nest Hub Max, Google adds a new smart display to complement its existing Nest Hub. They may look the same and offer the same tight smart home integrations, but there are actually quite a few things that make them different. It's the battle of the Google Assistant home hubs
3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition wood

3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition Review: Magic pen

The 3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition is being penned as the executive office pen meets 3D printing, with a particular focus on wood creations. Is it the one true 3D-printing pen to rule them all? We tested it out by tackling several projects and activities to uncover what makes it unique!
Nest Hub Max tilted view

Google Nest Hub Max review: The definitive smart display

The Nest Hub Max is meant to be the centerpiece of your home, a singular device that covers security, entertainment, home automation, and virtual assistance. Don’t be fooled if it looks like other smart displays, however. There’s more to Google's latest device than meets the eye.
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab hands-on review

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab hands-on review

The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab draws inspiration from the company’s previous Android slates, with its unique circular hinge. Harnessing the power of Google Assistant and dual JBL hi-fi speakers, it consolidates what we saw with the previous Alexa-enabled offering into one singular device.
marvel dimension of heroes lenovo mirage ar 1 2

Become an Avenger with Lenovo and Marvel’s Dimension of Heroes AR game

Lenovo's latest experience with its Mirage AR headset will place you into the shoes of some of your favorite Marvel superheroes, using new controllers specifically made for this new augmented reality experience that's powered by your smartphone. Don't just watch your favorite Avenger, become one!
The iDevices Instinct on a desk.

iDevices Instinct impressions: A smart wall switch that’s Alexa-powered

With the Instinct, connected home brand iDevices is bringing the virtual assistant experience to a wall switch that’s powered by Amazon Alexa. The iDevices Instinct essentially represents the marriage between an Echo Dot and a standard wall switch that can be found in any home.
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Back to school smart home gadgets under $50 for your dorm

Today’s students are accustomed to a high-tech lifestyle that keeps them connected, which should translate over when they start college for the first time. They're also known to be strapped for cash, so these back to school smart home gadgets under $50 for the dorm are perfectly suited to their needs!
The Eufy RoboVac 15C Max cleaning the floor.

Eufy RoboVac 15C Max review

If you're looking to get your first robot vacuum without breaking the bank, then the Eufy RoboVac 15C MAX is worth considering with its Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa integration, strong cleaning performance, and sleek design.
samsung galaxy home uphill battle coming soon

Is it still coming? The Samsung Galaxy Home has an uphill battle

The absence of the Samsung Galaxy Home during Samsung's Unpacked event for the Note 10 makes you wonder more about the future of this Bixby powered smart speaker. There's stiff competition around, but Samsung says they're continuing to refine and enhance the Galaxy Home prior to launch.
Farmbot Express

Like Roombas for your garden, Farmbot Genesis automates home farming

FarmBot announced two new DIY agricultural robots, each of which aims to help you garden and farm more efficiently. Both the FarmBot Express and Express XL offer more coverage to help you grow even more produce. You could start your own farming business and sell your harvest!