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Jon Bitner

Jon Bitner

Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites beyond Digital Trends, including The Wall Street Journal, Metacritic, GameSpot, and Slickdeals. He holds a degree in Biology and previously worked as a Medical Editor.

When not playing video games, he can be found running, reading, or checking out the latest series on Netflix.

The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door

The Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock can be controlled with nothing more than the palm of your hand.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Eureka J20 vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which robot is the better floor cleaner?

The Eureka J20 and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra employ two very different methods to clean floors, but which is better for your home?
The Cync HD+ Smart Undercabinet Fixtures installed on a cabinet.

The Cync Smart Undercabinet Fixtures bring heaps of functionality to your kitchen

The Cync Smart Undercabinet Fixtures support millions of colors, offer a slim footprint, and can be either hard-wired or plugged into an outlet.
The Blink Moments section of the Blink app.

Blink Moments pulls clips from multiple cameras into one comprehensive video

The new feature Blink Moments compiles footage from multiple cameras into one comprehensive video that can be easily viewed in the Blink app.
The Arlo Security Tag pressed against the Arlo Video Doorbell.

Arlo’s new Security Tag lets you arm/disarm your security system with just a tap

The Arlo Security Tag lets you arm or disarm your security system by simply tapping your video doorbell or keypad hub.
The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi being installed on a door.

Philips launches its first smart lock with Wi-Fi that can be controlled from anywhere

The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi fits over most existing hardware, is surprisingly affordable, and can be controlled remotely via a mobile app.
Quilt TOTW

Quilt wants to change the way you heat and cool your home

Quilt is a ductless mini-split system that gives you impressive control over your heating and cooling needs, while also helping reduce your energy bills.
The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup

The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit now offers Matter support, and the customizable Blinds Collection is also now available to U.S. shoppers.
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?

The Blink Mini 2 is cheaper than the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In, but does that make it a better choice for your smart home?
The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

Are robotic pool cleaners a wise investment, or are they more hassle than they're worth? Here's what to consider before adding one to your pool.
LG C3 OLED

The 6 best TVs for Xbox Series X in 2024

If you need a great companion for your new console, here are the best TVs for Xbox Series X. This includes picks from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more.
The Rachio Smart Hose Timer installed on an outdoor spigot.

How to create a schedule with the Rachio Smart Hose Timer

Rachio now lets users activate mutliple Smart Hose Timers on a single schedule. Here's how to create a schedule with one or more valves.
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus in its dock.

This new robot vacuum competes with rivals nearly twice its price

Available for less than $600, the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is a surprisngly robust robot vacuum capable of handling both carpets and hard floors.
Ikea's Fyrtur smart home blind

Stay cool this summer with these smart home tips and tricks

From installing smart shades to upgrading your thermostat, here are all the ways a smart home can help you stay cool and cut down your energy bills this summer.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat

You'll want to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat if you want to run your own heating and cooling schedule. Here's how it works.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Dreame X40 Ultra vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which is the best premium robot vacuum?

They both carry the term ultra in their name, but which is truly the best robot vacuum -- the Dreame X40 Ultra or Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra? Here's what to know.
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Ecovacs X2 Combo and Ecovacs T30S Combo share a lot of similarities beyond their names, but one offers a bit more value. Here's what to know.
The Yale Keypad Touch installed on wooden siding.

Yale Keypad Touch lets you control the front door with your fingerprints

The Yale Keypad Touch lets you control your front door with your fingerprints. It's compatible with the Approach Lock, as well as several August smart locks.
The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo in its dock.

Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo review: swinging mops make a difference

The Ecovacs T30S uses a swinging mop to better clean your floors, and a bonus handheld vacuum helps tackle other parts of your home.
The Pan-Tilt mounted on a wall.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: Which is the better pan-tilt camera?

Should you pick up the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam or Wyze Cam Pan v3? Here's a look at these two versatile security cameras to help you decide.
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Google Nest Doorbell are two of the most popular video doorbells of 2024. But which is best for your front door?
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Dreame X40 Ultra: Which robot vacuum is best for your smart home?

Both use rotating mops to clean floors and docking stations that wash the robot after each cycle. But which is better, the Ecovacs X2 Combo or Dreame X40 Ultra?
An Amazon Echo Show 8 sits on a wooden desk.

How to use the Echo Show as a security camera

The Amazon Echo Show can be used as a basic home security camera. You’ll just need to enable this home-monitoring feature in the Alexa app. Here’s how.
Caper an Alias in Fortnite.

How to link Fortnite accounts on Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch

Did you know you can link your Fortnite accounts across multiple consoles? Here’s a guide to help you get this cross-play function up and running.
Coway Airmega IconS True HEPA air purifier in home

Is a smart air purifier a wise investment?

If you're worried about seasonal allergies, an air purifier is a good investment. But what about smart air purifiers? Are they a wise upgrade?
best games like animal crossing my time at portia steam

The best games like Animal Crossing

Looking for more games like Animal Crossing? While each of these games offer something new, they share a lot of similarities with Nintendo's bestselling title.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vacuuming.

How to clean the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is easy to clean, but there are a lot of steps to monitor. From brushes and mops to filters and more, here's what you need to know.
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?

Smart locks can replace your hardware or fit over existing deadbolts. Both are viable options, but which is best for you? Here's what you need to know.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on door.

Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: which is the better smart lock?

The Yale Assure Lock 2 and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock are both great options for your front door, but they differ in some key ways. Here's what to know.
A suite of retro games in the Steam Deck library.

The 5 best PlayStation Portal alternatives in 2024

The PlayStation Portal continues to polarize gamers. If you’re wondering what other handheld consoles you could invest in, here’s five devices we’d recommend.
Green OnePlus Pad Android tablet on top of space gray 11-inch M1 iPad Pro 2021.

The 6 best iPad alternatives in 2024

Looking for an alternative to the Apple iPad? These tablets from Microsoft, Samsung, OnePlus, and more are great options.
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

Matter gains support for kitchen appliances, adds new energy-tracking features

The Matter 1.3 update adds support for several kitchen appliances, introduces new energy-tracking features, and improves its entertainment center functionality.
Person adjusting Garmin Forerunner 965 on their wrist.

The 6 best Apple Watch alternatives in 2024

The best Apple Watch alternatives come from big names like Garmin, Samsung, Google, and Withings. Here's a look at six of our favorites.
The Tab 12 on a white surface.

The 6 best Lenovo tablets in 2024

Lenovo makes several tablets, with options for all shoppers. From premium tablets to affordable rigs for students, here's a look at the best Lenovo tablets.