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Latest by Patrick Hearn

Astro Robot lifestyle image.

5 home robots you can buy now that are similar to the Amazon Astro

Amazon Astro is the newest smart home robot, but far from the first. These five models predate Astro and are available for purchase right now (for less, too.)
Govee smart LED light strips on floor.

How to connect Alexa to lights

Amazon's Alexa makes it easy to connect your smart lights to your smart assistant for simple, streamlined control. Learn how to do it with these easy steps.
Bright Health Foot Relief

Infrared light therapy gadget touts relief to foot pain sufferers

The Bright Health Foot Relief devices promises pain relief through the use of infrared light targeted just beneath the skin to speed up healing.
glowstone smart mug 2 glows when its hot lifestyle

This smart mug literally glows to let you know how hot it is

The Glowstone Smart Mug 2 begins to glow when your drink reaches its ideal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Astro Robot in kitchen surrounded by a family

I’m convinced Amazon Astro will have superior obstacle avoidance. Here’s why

Astro is Amazon's new home robot. Given what we know, I am convinced it will be better able to dodge obstacles than anything else on the market.
Everything announced at the fall Amazon event.

Amazon fall hardware event: Home robot, flying drone, and new Alexa devices

Amazon's annual September event was filled with several exciting announcements, including an Alexa-powered home robot, new smart display, and much more.
The Ring Always Home Cam and its charging dock.

More than a year later, Ring Always Home Cam goes on sale through invite system

The Ring Always Home Cam will be available through an invitation system. If you're interested, you can sign up today.
amazon fall hardware event everything announced david limp 5

Amazon fall hardware event: Everything announced

Ring video doorbell leader

Here’s what I want to see in the next Ring Video Doorbell

The Ring Video Doorbell is one of the most advanced models available today, but there are still a few features we wish it had.
Echo Dot

Amazon will hold its annual fall event September 28

Amazon's annual fall event will take place on September 28, and the company will likely announce news about products, services, and more.
Wyze Cam Pan v2

The new Wyze Cam Pan v2 lets you set up a custom patrol route

The Wyze Cam Pan v2 constantly pans around your home to keep an eye out for trouble while also listening for the sound of smoke or CO alarms.
The Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder in a bedroom.

Best Alexa settings to update right now

Changing a few settings in your Amazon Echo can turn Alexa from a good smart assistant to a great one. Change these five settings to improve your experience.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) on table.

How to connect IFTTT with Alexa

Combining Alexa with IFTTT streamlines your smart home operation and unlocks brand new ways to use your smart assistant. Learn how to make Applets in Alexa.
Roborock S7 robot vacuum cleaning a rug on a hardwood floor.

Poop’s easy. Dodging wires is the holy grail of robot vacuum obstacle avoidance

Although robot vacuums can avoid poop, they're not quite so good at dodging wires and cables on the floor. This is why.
Echo Dot 4th Gen Clock Model

Here’s what we want to see in the next Amazon Echo smart speaker

If Amazon announces a new smart speaker at its fall event, there are several features we'd like to see included.
Apple Fitness Plus on Apple One.

Apple Fitness+ now lets you work out with your friends

Apple Fitness+ now includes the Group Workouts feature, allowing users to compete against one another in workouts.
iRobot Roomba 692 on a hardwood floor negotiating a mat.

If someone can make a robot that can avoid wires, it’s iRobot. Here’s why.

The newest iRobot Roomba can avoid obstacles, but that comes as no surprise given the company's history and work in the robot vacuum field.
iRobbot Roomba j7+ docked against wall.

The iRobot Roomba j7+ monitors your floors to avoid wires, pet droppings

The new iRobot Roomba j7+ is the smartest Roomba yet, capable of learning specific rooms and avoiding cables and pet waste.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

Apple HomeKit has both the best and worst installation setups. Here’s why.

Apple's HomeKit simultaneously has one of the best and one of the worst installation processes, but it also shows the promise of what smart home could be.
A woman sitting on her couch looking at the Hubspace app on her phone.

Home Depot’s Hubspace smart home line has me both excited and worried

Home Depot is launching Hubspace, a smart home platform built on the ideas of compatibility and ease of use.
Philips Hue and Spotify

Your Philips Hue lights can now sync to the beat of your Spotify music

Philips Hue has partnered with Spotify for a more streamlined, immersive music and light experience.
SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

SimpliSafe adds outdoor camera with 8x zoom to its DIY lineup

The SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera has 8x digital zoom to help you see details even on the very edges of your yard.
Govee StarPal Feature

Govee StarPal Smart Lamp review: The take-it-anywhere portable light source

The Govee StarPal Smart Lamp is a more affordable alternative to ambient lighting with a lot of customization options packed in.
Frustrated man hitting desk with his fist.

Smart home devices shouldn’t have so many little annoyances in the setup process

Every smart device has a different setup process. The entire industry could benefit from standardizing the setup process.
Govee Strip Lights in a Home

Govee RGB Strip Light review: Great features without the high cost

The Govee RGBIC Strip Lights are loaded with features and smart integrations at a price point that sets them far apart from the competition.
Nest Brush

NestBrush is a refillable toothbrush that cleans itself with UV light

The NestBrush is an electric toothbrush that automatically dispenses toothpaste and has a UV-C light to clean the bristles.
Swidget Customizable Outlet

The outlet is over 100 years old, and it needs a redesign for the smart home

The modern outlet in a home has been around for over 100 years old and it needs to change if it's going to keep up with the demands of the smart home.
Abode Cam 2 Mounted on Wall

Abode Cam 2 Review: Compact Camera, Compact Price

The Abode Cam 2 is a compact smart security camera that combines a lot of features with a budget-friendly price point.
sunflower home awareness system labs scene 2

Flying and roving security cams are here, but are we ready for them?

There are now flying, roving, autonomous security cameras. Are they helpful, or are we facing a HAL 9000 situation?
Wyze Cam Spotlight.

Tight budget? Wyze Cam Spotlight is irresistibly priced under $50

The Wyze Cam Spotlight takes full advantage of the Wyze Cam starlight sensor to provide full-color video even in the dead of night.
BodyGuardz 360 Camera in a hotel

BodyGuardz 360 review: Useful utility for on-the-go security

The BodyGuardz 360 is a powerful, portable camera plagued by numerous minor issues, the majority of which could be solved with a software update.
Ikea Starkvind air purifier

Ikea’s Starkvind does double duty as a smart air purifier and side table

Ikea has launched its first air purifier that's built into a side table, combining form and function to improve the air quality in your home.
philips hue outdoor sensor review benefit welcome

5 ways geofencing makes your smart home smarter

Goefencing can add even more convenience and utility to your smart home, as well as improve your home's overall security.
SimpliSafe bast station sitting on a table infant of a mirror.

7 things you didn’t know your home security system could do

Your home security system can do more than just watch for broken windows or open doors. It might even save you money.