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Smart Home Guides

A man uses the Xiaomi S1's Amazon Alexa capabilities.

How to update Alexa

Are you interested in getting the latest updates for your Alexa voice assistant? Is there anything you need to update manually? Learn how Alexa updates work.
The Roomba s9+ app.

Ultimate Roomba guide: tips, buying advice, and troubleshooting

iRobot's Roomba robovacs have been around for 20 years, and they're still going strong. Read our ultimate guide to find buying advice, tips, and tricks.
A dog and his human companions surrounding the Petcube Bites 2.

Roundup of pets messing with Google and Alexa

Pets can get caught doing some truly crazy things, and that even includes interacting with smart devices powered by Alexa and Google technology Check it out!
Official glimpse of Nothing Phone 1 with a parrot sitting on top of phone.

Can you train a parrot to use Alexa, and should you?

Can parrots use Alexa voice commands to control Echos or even order items? You may be surprised just what these intelligent birds can get away with -- and how.
iRobot Roomba 692 on a hardwood floor negotiating a mat.

How does a Roomba work on carpet?

Worried about a robot vacuum functioning on the carpet? Here's what to know about models like Roombas working on carpet and if these vacs are up to the task.
The Govee Immersion Kit enhances on-screen content.

How to use smart ambient lighting

You don't need down lights, overhead lamps, and glaring bulbs. Ambient lighting is the warmer, more colorful way to paint a room. Here's how to get started.
The iRobot Roomba S9+ on a hardwood floor with the Roomba Braava robot mop.

Comparing Roomba models: What you need to know

iRobot has a number of different Roomba models with different features and a wide range of prices. Let's look at the popular models and how they're different.
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Smart home tech for your office

If you're working from home, it pays to make your space comfortable. Whether you have a dedicated room or not, these gadgets can make you more productive.
An iPhone on the Home app screen in front of a Vizio Tv.

How to set up HomeKit Secure Video on your devices

Learn how to enable HomeKit Secure Video for you Apple smart home.
Arlo Smart Home Security Kit with An Arlo Pro Camera on fence.

How to protect your smart home from hackers

Are you worried about your smart home getting hacked? While chances are slim, you could have vulnerabilities. Here's how to set up the proper protection.
Woman having glass of wine with Govee Smart LED light bulb on.

How to automatically light up a room when you enter

Smart lights can figure out when you're getting close and automatically turn on. Learn how to make this feature work for you.
Choose More in the Alexa App.

6 settings you should disable on your Echo right now

Alexa comes with a variety of features enabled, but you may not want all of them turned on. Here are the settings you should change ASAP when setting it up.
Gigalumi outdor path light.

The best solar lights of 2022

Whether you're looking to add charm to your garden or additional home security, outdoor solar garden lights are the way to go. Here are five of our favorites.
Eufy bot cleaning.

Eufy vs. Roomba: Which robot vacuum is right for your home?

Eufy's bots and iRobot's Roomba's are both smart floor-cleaning options for your home, but is one better than the other? Let's look at how the vaccums compare.
The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker brews coffee in a yellow mug on a kitchen counter, next to a tub of kitchen utensils.

Cuisinart vs. Keurig: Smart coffee makers compared

Cuisinart and Keurig both have coffee makers that are packed with features and easy to use, but is one better than the other? Let's take a look.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release)on a table with a yoga matt and water bottle.

Why can’t Alexa reach Amazon Music?

Is your Alexa device not connecting with your Amazon Music account? Let's look at what could be happening, and how to get your Amazon tunes playing again ASAP.
Echo Show 5 playing music.

Why does Alexa stop playing music?

Is your Alexa device suddenly refusing to play music? Other users have also run into this issue: Here's what causes the problem and what solutions will fix it.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) sits on a shelf in a kitchen.

Why is my Alexa Echo green?

A flashing, spinning, or solid green light on your Echo device means someone is trying to get a hold of you. Here's how to turn off this incoming notification.
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How to position outdoor lights

Having great lights for your front yard and patio is one thing, but positioning them for maximum coverage is another. Here are some helpful tips.
Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera System 2-cam kit

Comparing security camera subscription plans

Today's security cams frequently include subscription fees to use many features or access video storage. Here's how it works and what you get.
Amazon Echo Studio

How to get sports updates from Alexa

Eager for the latest sports updates? A word to Alexa can get you scores, wins, and more. Here's how to give sports commands and how to personalize your updates.
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Celebrate Fourth of July with these patriotic Alexa skills

Wondering how you can use your smart home to express your patriotism? Use these Alexa skills.
Blink Home System security cameras on a kitchen counter.

How to set up a Blink security system

Learn how to set up a complete Blink home security system step by step from start to finish. It's easier than you might think.
The Blink video doorbell expands Blinks line of smart home devices.

How to set up a Blink doorbell

A step-by-step guide to setting up your Blink Video Doorbell and getting it ready for use.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 beside a door.

How to reset a Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is acting strangely, you may be able to fix it (or prep it for sale) with a full reset. Here's exactly how it works and what to do.
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

Best widgets for the Echo Show 15 for the connected family

The new widget function in the Echo Show 15 has several options that are particularly useful for connected families.
Echo Show 8 on a wooden table.

How to fix Alexa not connecting to the internet

Smart devices that get disconnected from the internet can lose a lot of functionality. Here's how to fix that if it happens to your Echo device.
An Amazon Echo in living room.

The best Alexa commands

Unboxed an Amazon Echo and looking for the best Alexa commands? Learn how you can utilize your new virtual assistant to its full potential with our guide.
The Shark Rocket Cordless Stick Vacuum.

Trouble with your Shark vacuum? Check out our repair guide

From overheating and Wi-Fi issues to suction loss, here are some of the most common Shark traditional and robot vacuum maladies and a few fixes you can try.

How to factory reset a Ring Doorbell

Here's step-by-step on how to factory reset any generation Ring Video Doorbell to fix software issues.
Amazon Echo Plus in home.

What is Alexa Intruder Alert?

You may have seen the memes, but you really can set up an Alexa Intruder Alert with various actions, either as an emergency response or a personal joke.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to install a Nest thermostat

Considering upgrading your home with a smart Nest Thermostat? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right one and exactly how to install it.
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What are smart ovens and smart stoves?

Hearing more about smart ovens and smart stoves and wondering what they can really do for you? Here's what to know before you click the buy button.
Roomba in dock.

How to fix a Roomba that can’t return to its docking base

Is your Roomba struggling to return to its home base to recharge? Here is what may be going wrong and the solutions to help it find its way home again.